All Diocesan Articles

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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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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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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Christmas 2024 My friends, I am pleased to share with you this Christmas pastoral letter as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich. Many of you are regular Mass goers.  Some of you come occasionally, once a month or so.  Some come once or twice a year on the major holidays of Christmas or Easter.  For others, this may be the first time you have been in a church for years or maybe even for the first time. To all of you, I say, “Welcome and merry Christmas.” Whatever your relationship with the Church may be, I invite you to c...

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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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