Divine Mercy Parish - Diocese of Norwich

04/28/2026

04/16/2026

A Special Year of Grace – the Jubilee of St. Francis!

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence.

Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions - sacramental confession (within 20 days), Holy Communion (preferably at Mass during the visit), and prayer for the intentions of the pope – and by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world.

The decree also requires visitors to pray an Our Father and the Creed while seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Franciscan saints for global charity, harmony and peace. One must also have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin.

The elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God.

Check with individual designated churches for any special Jubilee programming, Confession times and events throughout the year.

Franciscan conventual churches and places of worship dedicated to St. Francis in the Diocese of Norwich:

Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe; 199 Colonel Brown Rd., Griswold; 860-376-6840
www.figuadalupe.com

St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell; 860-635-5590
www.stjohn-cromwell.org

St. Francis of Assisi Church; 67 West Town St., Lebanon; 860-642-6711
www.stfrancisofassisilebanonct.org

St. Francis of Assisi Church; 10 Elm St., Middletown; 860-347-4684
www.stfrancisofassisi.com

St. Pius X Church and Friary; 310 Westfield St., Middletown; 860-347-4441
www.saintpius.org

St. Francis Chapel; 2 Central Ave. (cor. Crescent Ave), Niantic (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
860-739-9722 /// www.saintagnescathlicchurch.com

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03/27/2026

From FR. Bob -- In case there's any confusion caused by today's article in the New London Day (Friday, March 27) --- We are OPPOSED to ANY repurposing of St. John Church or it's campus, and we are NOT selling anything. Period.

02/24/2026

A Gentle Reminder

Our Parish collects food items for various ministries (St. Vincent de Paul Place, New London Soup Kitchen, KoC 40 Cans for Lent, and others throughout the year).

Please remember that food items with expiration dates that have expired are not accepted or used by these ministries.

Please remember to check labels. It is not a sin to discard expired food items, just as it is not a sin to throw away spoiled food.

Thank you and God bless you for your compassion and generosity!

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11/18/2025

Holy Family’s 75th anniversary season 2025 to 2026
Pilgrims of Hope
Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center - West Hartford, CT

We invite you to join us this year at Holy Family for your annual retreat as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary of ministry. Together, as part of God’s beloved creation, we can pursue that blessed goal – life with God as beloved companions and pilgrims of hope.

Faith is a journey! Last year, just months before his passing, Pope Francis called for a jubilee year, and he announced the theme would be Pilgrims of Hope. As “pilgrims of hope,” we must be willing to take risks, to make the effort to understand God’s call, and to grow in our faith. The pilgrim doesn’t travel aimlessly but allows God to be the North Star, leading us to discover that God is at the heart of our journey.

For more information visit holyfamilyretreat.org or call us at 860-760-9705 - or call Fred DeWick, Divine Mercy Parish promoter, 860-859-0090.
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06/03/2025

Attention all Catholic Men 18 and older!

Divine Mercy Parish Knights of Columbus (Council 8903) is welcoming new members!

All men from St. John the Evangelist, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of the Lakes churches are invited and welcome to join our Parish's Knights of Columbus Council!

Membership Requirements: Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

Our Principles:
All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:

Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Fraternity – Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 75.6 million service hours in 2019, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Brother Knight for the Church and our Divine Mercy Parish - contact:
George Horan [email protected]

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06/03/2025

Become a Faith Formation Teacher or Aide !!!
Are you passionate about sharing your faith? We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our faith formation team. Your role would involve one hour, two to three times a month teaching the children in our Divine Mercy Parish our faith.

We’d also love to have you join as an Aide, if you prefer. You would assist the teacher with helping with kids’ activities.

We begin our classes in mid-to-late September through the first week of May (following school calendars).

Faith formation is essential for individuals to grow in their understanding and relationship with God. It helps us to live out our faith in a meaningful way and to share the Good News with others. We are grateful for the dedicated teachers who make this possible sharing their time and talents with our youth.

Please consider joining our team of teachers for either the upper grades or elementary classes.

For more information please contact:
Joyce Sinay at 860-326-8529 or [email protected].

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11/05/2024

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!

The music ministry is in search of those in our parishes who want to share their musical talents.

We are looking for parishioners to join the choir and also the folk group. If you cannot commit weekly, perhaps you’d like to become a Cantor - one who proclaims the Psalm and leads the congregational hymns.

We are also searching for Instrumentalists (brass, woodwind and string players) to enhance our liturgies, especially during the Christmas and Easter season, but also throughout the church year.

Please contact Laura Cochran (choir) [email protected] or Susan Hollo (folk group) [email protected] For more information.

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NEW LONDON MEAL CENTER

The Divine Mercy Parish Guild is looking for a few women or men to help at the New London Meal Center every first Wednesday of the month from 2pm – 6pm to prepare and serve an evening meal.

For more information please contact: Amy Morris 860-437-0041

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04/26/2022

Our Divine Mercy Parish Information

Holy Hours -
(OLL) - Every Friday following 8:00 am Mass.
(SJE) - Every Wednesday at 11:00 am. (The Legion of Mary will be reciting the Scriptural Rosary on the 1st Wednesday and the "Divine Mercy Adoration Companion" will be recited on all other Wednesdays).
(OLPH) - First Fridays after 7:30 am Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration - (OLL) - First Friday of every month from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Churches open for Prayer Time for the Faithful -
(OLL) – Monday – Friday open 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
(OLPH) – Monday – Friday open 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
(SJE) – Monday – Friday open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Parish Prayer Line - Please contact: Janet Bucko at 860-537-1752, Jean Farr at 860-859-1189 or Louise at 860-848-8560 to request prayer. These parishioners will contact others for prayer.

The Legion of Mary - Meets weekly: (OLL) Wednesday at 8:30 am in the church - All are welcome!

The Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - At OLL on Mondays, after the 7:00 pm Mass

The Rosary - At OLPH - every Tuesday at 1:00 pm. Please join us to pray for 1 hour for world peace. /// At OLL, the Legion of Mary leads the Rosary prior to 8:00 am Sunday Mass. The Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary lead the Rosary prior to 5:00 pm Saturday Mass beginning at 4:25 pm

The Knitting Cluster - The Knitting Cluster meets the second Saturday each month from 9:00 am - 11:00 am in the OLPH Hall. Prayer Shawls are available by contacting the rectory. We've also been making pocket sized prayer squares, a project initiated by the diocesan office. We’ve delivered upwards of 1500 to them!

Second Saturday Films - Journey for Life Ministries
Movies/Presentations every second Saturday of the month in the OLPH Hall. Questions? Call Brian 860-961-7609.

Father Mark’s Honey - Local honey is available at the Parish Office, located at St. John Church, during regular business hours. Two-pound jars are $13.00- and one-pound jars are $7.00.