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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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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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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As of noon Vatican time on Tuesday, September 3, following the retirement of Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Christopher Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich. There are times in the life of the Church when a diocese lacks a diocesan bishop. During these transitions, the Church appoints an apostolic administrator to temporarily govern the diocese until a new bishop is installed. Canon Law provides specific guidance regarding the role of an Apostolic Administrator and how their pre...

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Before becoming the director of the Office of Faith Events for the diocese, I enjoyed 30 years in Catholic education, three quarters of those years in the nebulous position as director of campus ministry! I not only “lived to tell about it”, but am blessed to have volumes of memories, happy, sad and funny, to show for it. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to accompany the high school students in my care on their spiritual journey. Since Campus Ministry is a subject near and dear to my heart, I would like to introduce you to the directors of high scho...

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  When I was very small, my mother’s sister Patricia died at a very young age. I don’t remember as I was still an infant when her death occurred. What I do remember is that for many years after, my whole family would drive to my grandparents’ church and join with them and my aunts and uncles and cousins on the Saturday closest to “Aunt Pat’s” anniversary for a memorial Mass. It was usually in the lower church, the organist and cantor would sing the Requiem Mass parts, and the priest would wear black (later on white). This would al...

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