Diocese of Norwich, CT

06/14/2026

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time | June 14, 2026

06/12/2026

The 108 Martyrs of World War II came from different walks of life— priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful— yet they were united by one unwavering truth: even amid hatred, violence, and darkness, they refused to abandon Christ.

Living during one of the most devastating periods in human history, they endured imprisonment, suffering, and death with extraordinary courage and fidelity. Many sacrificed their lives while protecting others, remaining faithful to the Gospel even when doing so carried immense cost.

Their witness reminds us that holiness is often forged in difficult times. Faith is not proven only in moments of peace and comfort, but in the choices we make when fear, suffering, or uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us.

In our own world, where division, anger, and despair can so easily take root, these holy martyrs remind us that love remains stronger than hatred, truth stronger than fear, and hope stronger than darkness.

Today, may the 108 Martyrs of World War II inspire us to live with courage, compassion, and steadfast faith, trusting that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ can never be extinguished.

06/11/2026

A local Scout’s commitment to serving others is already making a meaningful impact— and there is still time to help.

Anthony DePaola, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13 in Colchester, has launched a food drive benefiting Catholic Charities of Norwich as his Eagle Scout service project. His ambitious goal is to collect one ton (2,000 pounds) of non-perishable food to help support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Diocese of Norwich.

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and community members, the first collection day was a tremendous success, resulting in more than 300 pounds of donated food. Encouraged by the response, Anthony remains confident that the community can help him reach his goal.

“There is a real need in our communities, and every donation makes a difference,” Anthony said. “I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed so far and hopeful that we can continue building momentum.”

Those wishing to support the effort still have two opportunities to donate.


FOOD COLLECTION DATES

Sunday, June 14

Sunday, June 21

8:30 a.m. – Noon

St. Andrew Church Hall, Colchester


Donations of non-perishable food items will benefit Catholic Charities, which serves individuals and families throughout eastern Connecticut, providing assistance to those facing difficult circumstances.

Food insecurity often remains hidden, affecting seniors, working families, veterans, and others who may be struggling quietly. Through this project, Anthony hopes not only to collect food, but also to raise awareness of the needs that exist within our own communities.

As the drive continues, every can, box, and bag of food brings the project one step closer to its goal—and helps provide hope to a neighbor in need.

Turn compassion into action. Your support can help bring Anthony closer to his goal, one donation at a time.

https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/All-Diocesan-Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26233/Eagle-Scout-Candidate-Seeks-Community-Support-in-Effort-to-Collect-One-Ton-of-Food-for-Catholic-Charities

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Join Bishop Reidy on a Pilgrimage of Faith

Pilgrimage to the Shrines of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the North American Martyrs Planned for July 14

The Diocese of Norwich invites the faithful to join Bishop Reidy for a special one-day pilgrimage to two of New York’s most beloved Catholic shrines on Tuesday, July 14, the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Pilgrims will travel by deluxe motorcoach to the National Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, where they will have the opportunity to pray, attend Mass, explore the grounds, and learn more about the lives of St. Kateri and the North American Martyrs.

The cost of the pilgrimage is $80 per person and includes deluxe motorcoach transportation and lunch.

Pilgrimage Schedule:

6:45 a.m. – Depart Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry

7:00 a.m. – Depart St. Patrick Cathedral, Norwich

7:20 a.m. – Depart St. Andrew Church, Colchester

10:30 a.m. – Arrive at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, Auriesville

11:00 a.m. – Mass in the Coliseum

12:00 p.m. – Lunch and free time

1:00 p.m. – Ravine Walk, Museum, and Tour Grounds

2:00 p.m. – Depart for the National Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

3:30 p.m. – Visit Shrine, Chapel, Museum, and Gift Store

6:45 p.m. – Return to St. Andrew Church

7:10 p.m. – Return to St. Patrick Cathedral

7:30 p.m. – Return to Our Lady of Lourdes

Those wishing to participate should complete the registration form and submit payment to the Diocese of Norwich Pilgrimage Office.

For more information, contact the Pilgrimage Office at (860) 887-9294 or visit the shrines’ websites for additional details about these historic places of faith.

06/11/2026

St. Barnabas was known as an encourager— someone who saw goodness in others and helped draw it forth. At a time when many were uncertain about St. Paul’s dramatic conversion, Barnabas chose trust over suspicion and became one of the first to welcome and support him.

His life reminds us how deeply powerful encouragement can be. A kind word, a patient heart, or someone willing to believe in us during uncertain seasons can quietly change the course of a life.

In a world where criticism often comes easily, St. Barnabas challenges us to become people who strengthen rather than discourage, who bring peace rather than division, and who help others recognize the gifts God has placed within them.

True encouragement is not shallow flattery. It is the ability to see others through the eyes of Christ, with compassion, hope, and mercy.

Today, may St. Barnabas help us become sources of encouragement and light for those around us, reflecting the steady and uplifting love of God in both our words and actions.

06/10/2026

The witness of St. Getulius and his companions reminds us that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Together, they remained steadfast in Christ during a time of persecution, strengthening one another through courage, loyalty, and shared belief.

There is something deeply powerful about faithful companionship. God often places people in our lives to encourage us, pray for us, and help carry us through difficult seasons. Even the strongest hearts grow weary in isolation.

In today’s world, where division, distraction, and loneliness are so common, these holy martyrs remind us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who lead us closer to God rather than further from Him.

Their lives also challenge us to consider the kind of influence we ourselves are for others. Do our words bring peace? Does our presence strengthen faith, hope, and goodness in those around us?

Today, may St. Getulius and his companions inspire us to walk faithfully beside one another, encouraging each other toward courage, holiness, and trust in Christ.

06/09/2026

On June 7th, following the 10:30 am Mass, Bishop Richard F. Reidy led a Eucharistic Procession around the grounds of the Cathedral. More than two hundred faithful participated in the procession.

06/09/2026

St. Ephrem understood the power of words. A gifted teacher, poet, and theologian, he used beauty, prayer, and sacred writing to help draw hearts closer to God. He recognized that truth is not meant merely to inform the mind, but to transform the soul.

What makes his witness especially meaningful is the humility that shaped his wisdom. Though deeply learned, Ephrem never sought recognition for himself. Instead, he continually pointed others toward the mercy, mystery, and majesty of God.

In a world overflowing with noise, opinions, and endless distraction, St. Ephrem reminds us to be mindful of what fills our hearts and minds. The words we speak, consume, and dwell upon quietly shape the kind of people we become.

Today, may St. Ephrem help us seek wisdom rooted not in pride or self-importance, but in humility, prayer, and a deeper desire to know and love God more fully.

06/08/2026

Saint Medard of Noyon became known not for great worldly power or recognition, but for his compassion, generosity, and deep care for the people entrusted to him. He understood that holiness is often revealed in the quiet ways we serve others, especially those who are vulnerable, forgotten, or struggling.

One of the most enduring stories about Saint Medard tells of an eagle shielding him from rain as a child, an image that reflects the deeper truth of his life: God’s care is often present in ways we do not immediately see.

In a world that can feel hurried and self-focused, Saint Medard reminds us that kindness still matters deeply. A compassionate word, a patient heart, or a small act of generosity may seem ordinary, yet these simple moments often become reflections of God’s love to others.

Today, may Saint Medard help us to live with greater gentleness and attentiveness, trusting that even small acts of goodness can quietly bring light into the lives around us.