All Diocesan Articles

Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., 76, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1949, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 2023, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish in Danielson, Connecticut, where he ministered until his passing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. James Church in Danielson at 11:00 a.m. The main celebrant will be Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Calling hours will be held at St. James Church on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:...

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Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love.  And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

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A local Scout’s commitment to serving others is making a remarkable impact— and there is still one final opportunity to help!   Anthony DePaola, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13 in Colchester, launched a food drive benefiting Catholic Charities of Norwich as his Eagle Scout service project. His ambitious goal is to collect one ton (2,000 pounds) of non-perishable food to help support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout eastern Connecticut. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of parishioners and community members, the p...

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Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS, 100, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. Born Fleurette Patricia Marie Blais on March 17, 1926, in Lewiston, Maine, she was the daughter of Joseph Stanislas Blais and Marie Stella Goulette Blais. At 19, she attended the Boston Ritter School of Floral Design in preparation to manage her family’s flower shop. In 1961, she entered the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and was known as Sr. Marie Stella. Sr. Patricia began teaching first grade in Burlington, Vermont, w...

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Godʼs "divine love gives meaning to the life of every person and, far from ending with death, invites us to a new fullness in eternity,” the pope said. Pope Leo XIV assured his prayers “for all parents who suffer the loss of a child, especially a baby,” on the occasion of the upcoming Day for Life, which will be celebrated in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland this coming Sunday, June 21. In a message signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope said he is praying that these parents “find consolation and peace ...

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June 22, 2026 The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, has announced the following clergy appointments for the Diocese of Norwich. These appointments are made in response to the pastoral needs of the Diocese and are effective on the dates indicated below.   Reverend Lawrence Barile, from Parochial Vicar, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Putnam, Pomfret, Quinebaug, and North Grosvenordale, to Administrator, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Putnam, Pomfret, Quinebaug, and North Grosvenordale. Effective: July 1, 2026. Reverend Richard Breton, from P...

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