Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Witness to Steadfast Faith

Posted on February 18, 2020 in: News

Witness to Steadfast Faith

February 2020 Four County Catholic

Witness to Steadfast Faith

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the many pleasures I have in being your bishop is witnessing the numerous acts of faith demonstrated throughout the diocese.

As Christians, we are people of faith. It is faith that sets us apart in service to others and in reverence to life itself. Through this faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we accomplish amazing works.

Recently, many of you traveled to Washington DC to participate in the March for Life – leaving the comfort of your homes on a cold winter night to journey by bus to stand for life. All in the hope that your presence would be a witness to the world that all life matters. That is faith.

Your patient attendance, year after year, did not go unnoticed. This year history was made, in large part because of this unwavering faith. For the first time since the March for Life began in 1974, the President of the United States stood with you.

Faith, accompanied by perseverance, can accomplish great things.

I witnessed this in another form when, on January 18th, I watched Very Reverend Dennis Perkins unlock the doors of Saint Michael the Archangel church in Pawcatuck. For nearly a decade, the faithful parishioners and friends of the community have worked tirelessly to preserve and rebuild the church, honoring the sacrifices of the generations who came before them.

This building has meant so much, to so many, for so long. It is, as are all churches, a place where we experience our deepest sorrows and our greatest joys. It is a place where we come together as families to become family. One family in faith.

There remains a long-standing faith at Saint Michael’s. The new structure stands on the original foundation set in place over 150 years ago. A strong foundation it is, both physically and spiritually. The faith and love of this community for the Universal Church is apparent in the number of priestly vocations they have raised-up over the years. In a few months, with the ordination of Deacon Michael Bovino to the priesthood, this faith community will have elevated 19 priests for the Church.

When we work to build up the kingdom of God, it is good for us to remember that we do not accomplish it alone. Saint Augustine when he found himself blessing a church said:


“Let us offer our thanksgiving above all to the Lord our God, from Whom every good and perfect gift comes. Let us praise His goodness with our whole hearts. He it was, who inspired in you, His faithful people, the will to build this house of prayer; He stirred up your desire and gave you His help. He awakened enthusiasm among you who at first were unconvinced and guided to a successful conclusion your efforts of goodwill. So, God, who gives to those of good will both the desire and the accomplishment of the things that belong to Him, is the one who began this work, and the one who has brought it to completion.“

Saint Augustine’s words apply to any good we accomplish, whether it is marching in support of life from conception to natural death, feeding the poor, instructing young people or the various other ministries that we, as a diocesan family, support through our prayers, time and charitable contributions. We are able to accomplish so much when we allow the loving hand of God to guide us.

As we approach Lent, may the spirit of sacrifice, so central to this Holy Season, provide us a fitting connection to the giving efforts of all engaged in lifting lives. Please never for a second underestimate the good you do for others.

I pray that God may strengthen your faith this Lent and that you will be a witness of steadfast faith to others. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love,

Michael R. Cote
Bishop of Norwich

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich
Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Monsignor Richard F. Reidy Appointed as Sixth Bishop   NORWICH, CT – The Diocese of Norwich joyfully welcomes the appointment of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as its sixth bishop. Pope Francis made the official announcement today at noon in Rome (6:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Bishop-elect Reidy comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he has served faithfully in various pastoral and administrative roles, most recently as Vicar General. His extensive experience in ...

Read More

Bishop-elect Reidy Pledges Outreach and Healing in First Public Remarks
In his first public appearance as the newly appointed Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Norwich, Monsignor Richard F. Reidy spoke candidly about his unexpected appointment, the challenges facing the diocese, and his commitment to its people. Addressing members of the media at the chancery on Wednesday morning, February 12, Bishop-elect Reidy recounted the moment he received the phone call from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. “He told me the Holy Father would like to appoint me to Norwich,” Bishop-elect Reidy said. “I was...

Read More

Press Release: Joint Statement Regarding Agreement Establishing Compensation Fund
DIOCESE OF NORWICH AND CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS REACH AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FUND FOR SURVIVORS AS DIOCESE SEEKS TO EXIT CHAPTER 11 Joint Statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America Norwich, CT, February 14, 2025– The Diocese of Norwich, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America are pleased to announ...

Read More

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025

Posted on February 25, 2025 in: News, Lent

1313

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025
In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans. “May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter,” the pope said in the message, released Tuesday.  He also quoted St. Paul’s exclamation in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? W...

Read More

A New Chapter Begins: Bishop-Elect Reidy’s First Mass in the Diocese of Norwich
On February 12, 2025, following a press conference at the Chancery, Bishop-Elect Richard F. Reidy celebrated his first Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. Concelebrating the Mass with him were Monsignor Les Janik, Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte, Father Ted Tumicki, Father Peter Langevin, and Father Brian Romanowski. In his opening remarks, Bishop-Elect Reidy expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and his eagerness to serve the people of Norwich after three decades of priestly ministry in Worcester. During his homily, Bishop-Elect Reidy reflected on the ...

Read More

2025 CT March for Life Coming on March 19th
For those who recognize the value of all life, the early months of the year offer many opportunities to publicly declare the sanctity and dignity of every human person. On Jan. 19, Archbishop Coyne was the main celebrant for a Pro-Life Mass & Baby Shower Collection at St. Mary Church in New Haven, part of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Mass provided time for prayer and the chance to donate baby items for the Connecticut Pregnancy Resource Centers. Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish hosted a Mass for Life on Jan. 20 at St. Rober...

Read More

Latest Articles
The Hidden Vocation: The Generous Single Life
Diocese to Host New England Basketball Tournament
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of March
Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent
Share Easter Joy With the Children of St. Vincent de Paul Place
Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Cleanup Reminder
Lent and the Call to Generosity: Serving Christ in Others
24 Hours for the Lord
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294