All Diocesan Articles

The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Rev. Victor Chaker, who died on February 3, 2026, at Bayview Nursing Home in Waterford, Connecticut, at the age of 91. Born September 15, 1934, in Port Said, Egypt, Father Chaker pursued advanced studies in science and engineering before answering God’s call to the priesthood later in life. Father Chaker studied at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Norwich on May 31, 2003, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. He served the faithful of St. Mary Parish in C...

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The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in New London is inviting the faithful and the broader community to help launch Irish Heritage Month with a special “Green Mass” in honor of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Diocese of Norwich. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as celebrant. Regional Irish American organizations are invited to participate, and Bishop Reidy will then lead them in the Norwich Irish Parade&nb...

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”   On a frigid evening, the Catholic community of the University of Connecticut at Storrs gave Bishop of Norwich Richard F. Reidy a warm welcome at the annual Young Adult Mass held on Sunday, February 1.  It was the bishop’s first time celebrating the Norwich diocese’s Young Adult Mass, and the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel on the UConn campus was almost filled to capacity for the occasion.  In his homily, Bishop Reidy acknowledged the challenges we all fac...

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   On Monday-January 19, families from across the diocese gathered at the Rose Garden Ice Arena in Norwich for Ice Skating with Bishop Richard Reidy, an afternoon filled with laughter, fellowship, and winter fun. More than 150 adults and young people attended, transforming the rink into a joyful scene of community and connection as people of all ages took to the ice together. Skaters of every skill level were welcomed and encouraged. Those new to ice skating especially enjoyed using skating “seals,” which helped learners stay upright while buildi...

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A portrait of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979), New York, 1964. | Credit: Bachrach/Getty Images   The Holy See informed the Diocese of Peoria that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to the diocese. The Holy See has officially informed Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to an announcement from the diocese. “The next step in ...

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Despite bitter winter temperatures outside, warmth and energy filled Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 7, as families and young people from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered for Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy. Braving the cold weather to attend, participants were rewarded with an afternoon of movement, encouragement, and joyful connection— both on the climbing walls and off. Hosted at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, the event invited climbers of all experience levels to challenge themselves in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Fro...

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