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Upcoming 11th Step Retreat for Men Offers Spiritual Grounding Ahead of the Holiday Season
Men's Recovery Ministry Upcoming 11th Step Retreat for Men Offers Spiritual Grounding Ahead of the Holiday Season Participants in recovery are invited to join Fr. Tom Hoar, SSE, for a specialized weekend retreat focused on personal growth, reflection, and lasting stability. Navigating the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year can present unique obstacles for individuals in recovery. To help maintain balance and intentional grounding before the busy holiday schedule begins, a special upcoming program offers a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and est...

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A Veterans Day Prayer

Posted on November 10, 2026 in: News, Reflections

A Veterans Day Prayer
The Return “The Return,” an emotional depiction of a World War I soldier kneeling before a crucifix inside the Church of the Holy Innocents on West 37th and Broadway in lower Manhattan built in 1866. Both the crucifix and the church are still in place today. God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and have laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who se...

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Clergy Appointments

Posted on November 10, 2026 in: News, Vocations

Clergy Appointments
November 5, 2026 Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich   CLERGY APPOINTMENT   Reverend Arul Sahayam Joseph, new to Diocese, to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish-St. Mary, Coventry; St. Thomas Aquinas, Storrs. Effective:  November 2, 2026.                                                                 &nb...

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End of Life Ministry Offers Free Cremation Boxes
The Evangelization & Discipleship Ministry includes the End of Life Ministry, which facilitates the production of cremation boxes made by retired carpenters, cabinet makers and shop teachers in our diocese. These retired craftsmen are using their gift and talents (and donating their time and treasure) to craft a cremation box that is available to anyone in need of one, free of charge. Some boxes come unpainted and unstatined which allows a person or family to personalize it themselves. Other boxes are stained a dark mahogoney or painted brown for a “class...

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Diocese of Norwich Celebrates 40 Years of Hope and Service with Outreach to Haiti
NORWICH — The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick church hall, marking four decades of providing critical aid, healthcare, and educational support to communities in Haiti. A Blessing and Message from Bishop Reidy Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Executive Director Sandra Chipanta speaking at the 40th Anniversary Celebration. The event began with a blessing and message from Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, who recognized the ministry's essential wo...

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Remembering Judith Hughes: A Life of Faith and Service
Judith (Judy) Hughes — Funeral arrangements are included at the end of this tribute. — It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Judith (Judy) Hughes, whose nearly five decades of faithful service and dedication to spiritual renewal touched countless lives throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Judy began her ministry in the late 1970s working alongside Father Ray Introvigne at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Norwich. She later became associate director and, in 1994, was appointed co-director. Together, they led parish missions, retreats...

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Pope Leo Welcomes Bob Dylan to the Vatican

Posted on November 05, 2026 in: News

Pope Leo Welcomes Bob Dylan to the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV and Bob Dylan conversing at the Vatican on Nov. 4, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV welcomed legendary American singer-songwriter and 2016 Nobel Prize in literature laureate Bob Dylan to the Vatican on Wednesday, Nov. 4. During the meeting, for which Dylan wore a black-hooded jacket, the Holy Father presented him with a rosary, while the 85-year-old singer gifted the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, “Chronicles: Volume One,” according to Vatican News. Dylan is in Rome for a Thursday, Nov. 5, concert at the Palazzo dello Spor...

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In Memoriam: Father Edward J. Wisneski

Posted on November 04, 2026 in: News

In Memoriam: Father Edward J. Wisneski
The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Reverend Edward J. Wisneski, a retired priest of the Diocese, who died Friday, October 30, 2026, at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham. He was 86 years old. Father Wisneski was born December 7, 1939, in Middletown, Connecticut. He attended St. John School and Middletown High School before continuing his education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and Fairfield University. He pursued his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied philosophy and theology. He was ...

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St. Edmund's Medal of Honor Celebration Recognizes Outstanding Service
  Attendees had a wonderful evening at this year's St. Edmund's Medal of Honor Celebration! On Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, they gathered at Enders Island to recognize extraordinary individuals whose lives reflect the grace, virtue, and spirit of service exemplified by St. Edmund. The celebration recognized an outstanding group of recipients: Eric and Mina Roussell, Leonard and Barbara DiBella, Patricia Casey, and the Society of St. Edmund. The celebration was an opportunity to honor those whose dedication, generosity, and commitment to serving others...

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Red, White & Blue Mass is November 15th at the Cathedral of St. Patrick
Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate a special Red, White & Blue Mass on Sunday, November 15, at 9:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich to honor the service women and men of our nation. Service members and veterans process behind the cross. The Mass will honor those who serve for their selfless dedication to God and country, recognize their sacrifices and those of their families, and commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s Mass is also held in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. All Are Welcome ...

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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294