Beatification of Fulton Sheen: A Day When There Were No Words, Just Pure Joy! By Father Richard D. Breton Jr. Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Diocese of Norwich Every once in a while, God allows us to experience a moment that touches the soul so deeply that words seem inadequate. The beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on September 24, 2026, was one of those moments for me. As I sat inside the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, surrounded by thousands of Catholics, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the gift of ...

Read More

Bishop Richard Reidy encouraged athletes to compete well, value their teammates and remember that the greatest race is the life of faith. Athletes, families and sports fans gathered at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich Sunday afternoon for the Diocese of Norwich’s Athletes for Christ Mass, celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy. The Sept. 27 Mass was created by the Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry as an opportunity to bring together two important parts of many people’s lives — faith and sports. Athletes of all ages had been invited to at...

Read More

Your voice matters. Let it be heard.   Beginning in January, a donation to an eligible scholarship-granting organization could help more students access the education that their families choose and that they deserve. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit can help fund tuition assistance, tutoring, and other educational expenses for public and private school students—but only if the Governor opts in. These are supplemental, private funds that do not replace federal, state, or local funding. This week, the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference ...

Read More

The Holy Tunic will travel almost four miles from Argenteuil, France, to the pope’s youth vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.   For the first time, a pope will witness an exposition of the Holy Tunic, the garment worn by Christ during his passion, which is preserved in the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Argenteuil, France. The special relic is put on display during regular expositions every 50 years, as well as on extraordinary occasions — the most recent being in 2023 — but it has never before been brought before a pope. Pope Leo XIV...

Read More

A Peaceful Witness for Life The Diocese of Norwich began its 2026 observance of 40 Days for Life with a Vigil Mass on September 22 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, opening 40 days of prayer, fasting and peaceful witness for the protection of unborn life. In his homily, Bishop Richard F. Reidy called Catholics to continue building a “culture of life,” in which every person, born and unborn, is recognized as a unique gift from God. Bishop Reidy acknowledged that unexpected pregnancies can bring fear, uncertainty, sacrifice and even abandonment....

Read More

According to Pope Leo, the message of Gaudium et Spes on “the growing interdependence of men” is especially urgent today. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the diversity of the world’s peoples “must not be considered as a danger or a threat, but rather as a resource for enrichment and growth.” He also criticized confrontational attitudes that, at times, “degenerate into violence.” “Conflict, which at times degenerates into violence, is the result of the power of sin and the way it conditions...

Read More

September 22nd through November 1st  Praying for a change of mothers’ hearts and for an end to the taking of innocent lives. 40 Days For Life is a string of nearly 6,500 local campaigns throughout the world -with over 1,000,000 people taking a peaceful, prayerful approach by standing up for the dignity of all human life – praying outside Planned Parenthood facilities and speaking up about this injustice - with our families, friends, neighbors, and communities.  It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in carrying out of His Plan to...

Read More

This Sunday, Sept. 20, Catholics across the United States will celebrate Catechetical Sunday, a day set aside to recognize those who dedicate themselves to teaching and sharing the Catholic faith. This year’s theme, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor,” comes from Luke 4:18 and reflects the mission entrusted not only to catechists, but to the entire Church. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility each of us receives th...

Read More

The World Mission Rosary: Praying With the Heart of the Church By Fr. Richard D. Breton, Jr. Diocesan Director The Pontifical Mission Societies One of the great treasures given to the missionary Church is the World Mission Rosary, a devotion especially dear to Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. In 1951, while serving as National Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Archbishop Sheen introduced this special Rosary to encourage Catholics to lift their eyes beyond their own communities and embrace the needs of the entire world in prayer. Archb...

Read More

Church Fairs, Bazaars & Holiday Events Use the Handy List Below to See Where Church Fairs, Bazaars and Special Seasonal Events Are Being Held Throughout the Diocese. You Can Also Add Events to Your Google Calendar from Ours.        Saturday, September 19, 8:30 AM – 3 PM Sunday, September 20, 9 AM – Noon Harvest Festival Christ the King Church, Old Lyme Enjoy a rummage sale, silent auction and plant sale. Saturday also features baked goods, food, live music and games. Many rummage sale items will be ha...

Read More