Advent

To Prepare Your Heart for the Coming of the Lord You are warmly invited to the Festival of Lessons and Carols on December 22 at 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. This traditional service combines scripture readings that recount God’s plan of salvation—from humanity’s fall to the birth of Christ—with choral music, organ accompaniment, and carol singing by the assembly. The evening will include performances by: Norwich Diocesan Choir, featuring selections from Handel's Messiah. Cathedral Choir, Bells of Saint Patrick, Schola,...

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To Prepare Your Heart for the Coming of the Lord Advent, the season of anticipation and preparation, is enriched by hymns that evoke a longing for Christ’s coming. These sacred songs not only stir our hearts but also connect us to centuries of Christian tradition. Among the most beloved is the hauntingly beautiful O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a hymn whose history and meaning illuminate the spirit of Advent. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The origins of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel trace back to the 8th or 9th century, when the Church used the "O Antiphons" du...

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Mariachi music resounded joyfully through the sacred space of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, as faithful from across the Diocese gathered to honor and celebrate the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This cherished tradition brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting them in a vibrant expression of devotion to the Mother of the Americas. The Most Reverend Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, presided over the Mass and delivered a deeply moving homily that resonated w...

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We are all given special talents and gifts from God. One of my special gifts is the ability to rest. I can sit down and fall asleep faster than anyone. At night, my head barely touches the pillow, and I am at rest. I see this as a sign of God’s love. Being able to rest allows us to receive God and receiving Him gives us true rest. As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” We all need time to rest in our lives. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. That is why Sunday sho...

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, the season of Advent beckons Catholic families to prepare their hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In this busy world, where commercialism often overshadows the true meaning of Christmas, there is no better time to turn to the Holy Family as an inspiring example of how to embrace the spirit of the season. At the heart of the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem was humility. Mary and Joseph embarked on a long and arduous journey while Mary was pregnant, and they ultimately found refuge ...

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Beyond the glittering lights and festive decorations, the holy season of Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, there are numerous activities that families can engage in to make this season more meaningful and spiritually enriching.   Advent wreath lighting A beautiful tradition during Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a new candle is lit, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Our family gathers around the wreath in the ev...

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With the first Sunday of Advent, a new liturgical year began in the Catholic Church, with the readings corresponding to Cycle C of odd-numbered years. What does this liturgical practice entail? The beginning and end of the liturgical year The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains on its website that the liturgical year is made up of six times or seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, the paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. The conference notes that the new 2025 liturgical calendar began with the first Sunday of Advent on Dec. 1,...

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Holiday Greetings from the Communications Office As we enter the 2024 Advent season, we reflect on the beauty and significance of the Nativity scene, or Christmas crèche—a cherished tradition that began over 800 years ago. In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi brought the Nativity to life in Greccio, Italy, offering the faithful a moving depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ. This tradition endures as a profound symbol of faith, humility, and the boundless love of God. To celebrate the Advent season, we are, once again, creating a photo gallery of Christmas crèches fr...

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This December, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford welcomes the community to the Festival of Trees and Traditions: 50th Anniversary Golden Holiday Event, a cherished celebration of artistry and holiday spirit running from December 5–15, 2024. This year’s festival features a dazzling array of festive trees and wreaths, each uniquely designed and generously donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses throughout the region. The Diocese of Norwich is proud to contribute two special trees this year, showcasing the spirit of giving and creati...

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Jesus, although you are God, you hid yourself in Mary's womb to come into the world. May we see you hiding in everyone we encounter and grow in our ability to recognize ourselves as one family. In this season of joyful hope, help us believe in the possibility of a more charitable world that will overcome polarization and brokenness. Give us the grace to patiently listen to others as we wait in joyful hope for your coming. Transform our minds and our hearts to see our neighbors and our world as you do. Set aflame our hearts to tirelessly bring about y...

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