As Christmas approaches and we begin to think about gifts that enrich the spirit, we launch Bound by Faith — an occasional feature highlighting books written by authors within our own Diocese of Norwich. This first installment brings together three inspiring works by local writers whose faith and insight offer the perfect spiritual nourishment for the Advent and Christmas seasons. She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood By Suzanne Bilodeau, Christ the King Parish, Old Lyme — Published by Ascension Press I met author Suzanne Bilodeau at a side...

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  The permanent deacon is an ordained minister who receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is called to a life of service to the People of God in the ministries of the liturgy, the word, and charity. The permanent deacon is called to be a living “image of Christ” (Imago Christi), called to “serve, not to be served.” Diaconate service can only be genuine when it is rooted in humility. Colin D’Amelio is attempting to create a film illustrating the humble heart of a deacon. Colin is the son of Deacon Dan and Kathy D’Amelio, D...

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Thanksgiving is a "beautiful feast" that reminds everyone to be grateful for the gifts they have been given, Pope Leo XIV said. "Say thank you to someone," the pope suggested two days before the U.S. holiday when he met reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo before returning to the Vatican after a day off. Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, was scheduled to spend his Thanksgiving Nov. 27 in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey, the first stops on his first foreign trip as pope. A reporter asked the pope what he was than...

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Use the Handy List Below to See Where All the Best Church Bazaars and Craft Fairs are Being Held Throughout the Diocese. You Can Also Add Events to Your Google Calendar from Ours.        Sunday, November 30 Wreath Making Event Our Lady of Lourdes, Hampton • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM All materials supplied to create your own unique wreath. Not feeling creative? Order one already made. Contact Gloria Burell at (860) 445-9350. Saturday, December 6 Holly Berry Christmas Craft Fair St. Philip Parish Center, Ashford &bul...

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Celebrating the Retirement of Mary Ellen Mahoney After more than 12 years of faithful service, the Diocese of Norwich is celebrating the retirement of Mary Ellen Mahoney, who joined us on March 13, 2013, and quickly became one of the most trusted, steady, and mission-driven members of our diocesan family. Mary Ellen began her work in the Office of Development and, through commitment and leadership, eventually became the Executive Director of the Office of Development, overseeing the full range of diocesan development functions that support our parishes, schools, and m...

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Pope Leo XIV met with leaders of the Catholic Biblical Federation on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the promulgation of the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, "Dei Verbum." And he received one of the first copies of The Catholic American Bible.   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a time when young people spend so much time in "digital environments," members of the Catholic Biblical Federation need to ask how they are fulfilling the Second Vatican Council's mandate to give everyone access to the Bible, Pope ...

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In our very busy world, it’s easy to feel stretched thin or spiritually scattered. This Advent, come renew your heart and rediscover the gifts God longs to give you.   Join us for a three-week Virtual Advent Mission as we reflect on how Patience, Perseverance, and Peace can take root in our lives through prayer and grace. Join us on Tuesdays: December 2, 9, & 16 from 7PM – 8PM.  To register contact Alvania at atejada@norwichdiocese.net or 860-848-2237 ext. 304. Come prepare your heart for Christ this Advent season.     ...

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I love the Advent Season. I love it not just for what it leads to – the joyful celebration of Christ’s birth at Bethlehem. I love Advent for itself: a season of longing, expectation, and hope. I think that, in a way, the entirety of life is like Advent. There is, deep within us, a longing for God and, as Saint Augustine says, our hearts are restless until they rest in God. That longing and restlessness will not be entirely satisfied until we reach Heaven. Until then, in this life, many things compete for our attention. Those things variously attract us, distr...

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*Padre Pio and the Humble Mystery of the Incarnation* For Padre Pio, the heart of December was never noise or celebration—it was wonder. He was profoundly moved by the mystery of the Incarnation, the moment when God chose to enter the world in the smallest and simplest of forms. The humility of the Christ Child touched him deeply. Witnesses often noted that even the mention of the Infant Jesus brought a tenderness to his face and a quiet reverence to his voice. Though Padre Pio did not write extensively about the liturgical days leading up to Christmas, th...

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There are several current job openings for educators in our diocese.  The positions are updated weekly so be sure to bookmark this page in your browser-  NorwichDiocese.org/Employment Here are a few of the positions that were recently posted. Elementary/Middle Full-time Kindergarten Teacher - St. James School Danielson, CT Spanish Teacher — St. James School, Danielson   plus many others All candidates must complete the official professional application to be considered for a teaching position or principal position and submi...

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