A beating heart is the life maintaining organ and without this organ our bodies would not be able to function or grow. The same can be said for Dina Bienvenu, one of the leading forces behind the One Heart Ministry – a partnership for people with disabilities, their family members and caregivers. Dina is the women who has hand crafted thousands of pins, keychains, afghans and crafted baby blocks that can be seen throughout the diocese. These items have been donated as raffle baskets at Church craft fairs, bazaars and fundraisers at numerous parishes and schools....

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Norwich, Catholic, Heart

This past Veterans Day, Council 14209 of the Knights of Columbus, at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church at the University of Connecticut, purchased a new ultrasound machine to allow clients to view their unborn baby. Caring Families is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that provides help and support to women who are dealing with pregnancy- related issues. They provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting education, material support such as diapers and cribs, as well as connecting our clients with local community referrals for needs like healthcare, housing and other relevant social...

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Pro-Life

Most of us have been blessed with cherished memories of celebrating Thanksgiving with family, friends and loved ones. While our traditions may vary, sharing love and giving thanks are the foundations which usher in December and the season of gift-giving. Through the birth of God’s only son, we receive renewed gifts of faith, hope, love, and charity. These virtuous gifts are within each of us and are to be used by us, to help others come to know God’s great love for each of us and to keep us on the road to salvation. Faith, hope, love, and charity are the g...

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Haiti, Norwich, Catholic

Americans are some of the most generous people in the world, giving much time and money to those organizations that they best identify with and feel are the worthiest of their support. As the year comes to an end, some of us look back and realize that although we had intended to volunteer our time or make a charitable gift to our favorite organization, the business of daily life prevented us from doing so. While the Annual Catholic Appeal has not yet reached its goal, and the needs of our community are increasing, now would be a good time for each one of us to consider m...

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We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407 If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families Care Line 1-800-842-2288 –OR– State of New York Child Protective Services 1-800-635-1522 Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Serv...

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Sr. Marie Ruth Page, DHS, 103, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT. Born on April 3, 1916 in Chicopee, MA, Marie Ruth Exilda Page she was the daughter of the late Edouard and Amanda (Gelinas) Page. Sr. Marie Ruth entered religious life in Putnam, CT in 1934 and made her religious profession at the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France on September 2, 1937. She was then known as Sr. Edouard de la Croix. Sr. Marie Ruth was a teacher for over 50 years having taught at St. Mary...

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By Andrea Hoisl Every year, as we wrap up our Christmas celebrations, our minds shift to thoughts of the New Year. We contemplate making a resolution we may or may not keep. The thought of a resolution sounds so positive and healthy that we cannot help but get drawn into the idea of changing and obtaining a new outlook on life in the New Year. Resolutions fill us with hope for a better year on numerous levels. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that most people abandon their resolution within two weeks of making it! Our resolve is weakened by busyness, winter temperat...

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Norwich, Catholic, FaithSparks

FCC News Desk New Christmas crèche photos continue to come in to the Communications Office from readers and visitors to the website.  This Christmas season, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter, Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, calling for this “wonderful sign” to be more widely displayed in family homes and public places throughout the world. The photos are featured in a photo gallery on the NorwichDiocese.org/Advent webpage, along with other Advent resources. Please name your photo with your family n...

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advent

Bishop Michael R. Cote shares a childhood memory to remind us that "Christ is the Light of the World". Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas Season. Wishing you and your family have a blessed Christmas! May the light of Christ, shine brightly during this holy season and throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this reflection from Bishop Cote. Click here to read Bishop Cote's Christmas Message as published in the Four County Catholic

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December 2019 Four County Catholic Christmas Message 2019 “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15b My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, Each year as we commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus at Christmas, it is important for us to encounter the mystery and importance of the Lord’s Incarnation with renewed wonder, gratitude and love. In calling to mind that first Christmas, so lovingly evoked by the manger scenes set up in our parishes and homes, it can be ea...

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Bishop, Column