Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Bishop's Column: There is a Season

Posted on April 07, 2020 in: News, Reflections

Bishop's Column: There is a Season

April 2020 Four County Catholic

There Is A Season

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, There was a song that I recall from my youth called Turn, Turn, Turn. The lyric will be familiar to you — To every thing, turn, turn, turn there is a season, turn, turn, turn and a time to every purpose under heaven. I realize today that the lyrics were inspired by Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. Its message speaks to the public health crisis we are living through together. A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep... We are living in unprecedented times. As the song tells us and we know all too well, every thing has its time. It is a time for faith, a time for renewal, and yes, a time, paradoxically, for community and communion — even as we are forced to keep our distance. In the last few weeks, we have all heard the phrases and understand the meaning of “social distancing” and “flattening the curve.” Our healthcare experts, government officials and news media have repeated these terms and told us, that this is the way to counteract the spread of the virus. I have acted upon this, as have other Bishops, by suspending all public Masses and postponing other diocesan events for a while. I am reminded of two other phrases, “Be not afraid” and “Do not worry”. Jesus, the Great Healer, spoke these words on more than one occasion. We would do well to include these in our vocabulary as we practice social distancing, hand washing and all the other recommendations that the experts tell us will help flatten the curve. Pope Francis on March 27 graced us with a moving and extraordinary Urbi et Orbi meditation and blessing in response to the coronavirus pandemic. He likened our current plight to that of the disciples in the Gospel, who, while in a boat with Jesus, were frightened by an unexpected and turbulent storm. Pope Francis said, “We have realized that we are in the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.” Pope Francis went on to say that God is “calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing . . . a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is the time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.” I have been impressed with those who, in spite of this pandemic, talk of a time for kindness, a time for grace and a time for generosity. A time to assess what is important in our lives — a time to realize we are blessed with the opportunity to look inward to our faith and to our values. A time to put our faith into action. A time to look after the vulnerable. It is a blessing; it is all grace. This has sparked a time of creativity and the embrace of technology to help us practice our faith. I am grateful for the number of priests, deacons and lay people who are stepping up to make available online, devotions such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross, as well as, celebrating private Masses for anyone with a smartphone or a computer to see. As you go through the next weeks and months, I encourage you to look for the stories, the many, many wonderful stories of people putting their faith into action during this time of crisis. People stepping forward with heroic acts of service to others. The Holy Father asks us, “How many people every day are exercising patience and offering hope, taking care to sow not panic but a shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday gestures, how to face up to and navigate a crisis by adjusting their routines, lifting their gaze and fostering prayer. How many are praying, offering and interceding for the good of all. Prayer and quiet service: these are victorious weapons.” As we move forward in the next weeks and months may we see the love of Christ in every sacrifice and act of generosity during this crisis – a crisis that will pass — and make us all the stronger and more appreciative of our love for each other in our shared love of our Savior and Redeemer. Now is the time to invite Jesus into the boats of our lives and welcome His Easter message of hope. Sincerely yours in the healing power of Christ,

Michael R. Cote
Bishop of Norwich

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

EWTN News Explains: When Does Easter Officially End?

Posted on April 08, 2026 in: News

642

EWTN News Explains: When Does Easter Officially End?

Easter lasts for a total of 50 days, from Easter Sunday until the feast of Pentecost. Catholics recognize Easter — when Jesus Christ rose from the dead after sacrificing his life for all of humanity — as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. But, as it turns out, they can continue saying “Happy Easter” into May or, in some years, into June. Easter lasts for a total of 50 days, from Easter Sunday until the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, Mary, and the first followers of C...

Read More

'The Light of Christ': Easter Vigil a Celebration of His Resurrection

Posted on April 09, 2026 in: News, Lent

452

'The Light of Christ': Easter Vigil a Celebration of His Resurrection

Illuminated by the glow of the Paschal candle, Bishop Richard Reidy commenced The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) to start the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Holy Saturday, April 4th. "Sanctify this fire, we pray, and grant that, by these Paschal celebrations, we may be so inflamed with Heavenly desires, that with minds made pure, we may attain festivities of unending splendor through Christ, Our Lord," the bishop intoned before blessing the Paschal candle. Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lighted candle down t...

Read More

Grace Awaits! Don’t Miss Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on April 08, 2026 in: News

448

Grace Awaits! Don’t Miss Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday: A Day of Extraordinary Grace On Sunday, April 12, Divine Mercy Sunday draws the faithful into the boundless mercy of God and His desire to bring every soul back to Himself. Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the Second Sunday of Easter, emphasizing that Christ’s victory over sin and death is inseparable from His mercy. Through St. Faustina, Jesus revealed His deep longing to pour out graces upon souls, especially those who trust in His mercy. The Church teaches that extraordinary graces are available on this day. Those who go to Confession with...

Read More

Work That Changes Lives- Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring

Posted on April 09, 2026 in: News, Outreach to Haiti

440

Work That Changes Lives- Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring

Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring: U.S. Education Coordinator A meaningful part-time opportunity to support Catholic education and strengthen lives in Haiti. Outreach to Haiti is seeking a part-time U.S. Education Coordinator to oversee the U.S.-based work of its Education Program from the Norwich office. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Connecticut staff, and the Education Director in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to help support students, sponsors, and the mission of the program. Responsibilities include sponsor corresponde...

Read More

Raffle Alert: A Month of Prizes, A Mission of Hope

Posted on April 09, 2026 in: News

361

Raffle Alert: A Month of Prizes, A Mission of Hope

Raffle Alert: It’s Back and Bigger Than Ever! St. Vincent de Paul Place is turning the month of May into a daily celebration with 31 incredible prizes and 31 chances to win. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community friends, one amazing prize will be raffled off every day at 2 p.m. This exciting fundraiser is more than just a chance to win. It is also a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who need help most. Why It Matters As benefits continue to shrink, more seniors, individuals, and working families are struggling with...

Read More

Strengthen Your Faith with Brothers in Christ

Posted on April 08, 2026 in: News

261

Strengthen Your Faith with Brothers in Christ

Brothers in Christ Invites Men to Virtual Fellowship Meeting Men looking to grow in faith and fellowship are invited to take part in monthly gatherings of Brothers in Christ. Brothers in Christ is a monthly gathering for men who come together to share their faith, reflect on personal experiences, and engage in meaningful discussion. Virtual fellowship meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m., offering an opportunity for men to deepen their relationship with Christ while building fellowship with one another. Men ...

Read More