Each year, on November 2nd, Catholics observe All Souls Day— a day set aside to remember and pray for our loved ones who have passed away. While we celebrate those already in heaven on All Saints Day, All Souls Day focuses on those who may still be in purgatory, undergoing final purification before entering the fullness of God’s presence. In Catholic tradition, purgatory is a place of hope and mercy. It’s where souls receive the purification needed to be with God, and our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses offered on their behalf can help. This belief is r...

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DONATIONS FOR WADSWORTH CHRISTMAS TREES The Office of Faith Events is seeking donations of new children’s books and new gloves or mittens for their Annual Wadsworth Christmas Trees. These trees will be displayed at Wadsworth Atheneum’s 50th Annual Festival of Trees and Tradition, happening from December 5th to December 15th.    Please drop off books, gloves and mittens at 331 Main St., Norwich (2nd floor of Catholic Charities building). For questions or to arrange pick-ups, call (860) 848-2237 ext. 304. Donations are needed by Friday Nov. 15, 2024...

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October 25, 2024 The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of Norwich, has made the following clergy appointment:   Reverend Jeffrey Ellis, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish to Diocesan Director of Vocations while continuing as Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal Office.                                            ...

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Pope Francis told pilgrims present at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday that the Blessed Virgin Mary does not focus on herself but on her son, Jesus. “Mary is always the mother that brings us to Jesus,” the Holy Father said. “Mary does not only point to herself. She points to Jesus.” Continuing his catechesis on the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Church as Jesus’ bride, Pope Francis invited his listeners to reflect on the Mother of God’s presence and special role among Jesus’ apostles....

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Blessed Carlo Acutis (left) and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati | Credit: Diocese of Assisi/Public domain via Wikimedia Commons   Pope Francis announced Wednesday that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young Catholics beloved for their vibrant faith and witness to holiness, will be canonized during two major jubilee celebrations dedicated to young people. The surprise announcement came at the conclusion of the pope’s weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square as Francis celebrated World Children’s Day.  Vati...

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A recent news report out of Kentucky revealed a slim but pointed risk regarding organ donation, one that underscores a key Church teaching about how the process of gifting one’s organs must play out.  Congressional testimony in September revealed a 2021 incident in which a man named TJ Hoover was declared brain dead and a medical team was assembled to harvest his organs. In the operating room, however, Hoover was found to still be alive. Multiple medical officials quit over what they described as a traumatic experience. “Several of us that were e...

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