Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change. Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things He can change.

The monthly Diocesan Pro-Life Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Saturday, August 7 at 8:30 A.M. Please join our celebrant Rev. Brian Maxwell at Mass as we pray to end abortion and for healing for those who have had an abortion. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood.

Congratulations to Eric and Rachel Ludwig on the baptism of their daughter Emma Catherine.

Dear Parish Family, Saturday morning was a very special time as we celebrated the Memorial Mass for Sister Ida. A beautiful Mass was celebrated by Fr. John, assisted by Deacon Dana, with Toni Cubeta and Mary Shea as Readers. Jeanne, accompanied by Choir members gave us music to smile and celebrate Sr. Ida's life and the Knights of Columbus color guard’s presence leant a special sense of formality. A special guest, Sr. Laura Marie came to enjoy the Mass and remember her long time friend and Sister in Religious Life. Our parish benefited greatly by the presence of these two wonderful Sisters who were always there to advise, assist or guide us through life. Thank you to all Women’s Guild members who helped to make today so special by providing a very special very berry desert- to those who brought berries and pastries or some whipped cream to top off our dessert, to those helping hands that set up, served and cleaned up afterward. It couldn't have been done without you! As a special thank you to Sr. Ida and Sr. Laura Marie, the Guild purchased two new candle holders that are now on either side of the ambo to bring our attention to the Liturgy of the Word. Please take a moment to see them and the beautiful engraving of both Sisters names generously provided by Crouch and Lagana Memorials. They are the Guild's gift to honor both Sisters.

Bishop Cote asks the clergy to REMIND our Catholic Men that the 14th year of the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference is Saturday, September 25, 2021, at New Britain Veterans Memorial Park at Willow Brook Park, New Britain. Purchase tickets online at www.ctcatholicmen.org or at the door and arrive by 8:00 am to register. Posters have been mailed to every parish and all of us encourage you to attend this spiritual conference that concludes with the Vigil Mass. Priests are admitted at no charge and are asked to serve at confession. The ticket price is $45 and includes lunch. All day Adoration and Confession are available. Keynote Speakers are Dr. Ralph Martin and Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC. Speaking also are Dr. Blythe Kaufman, Mr. Gary Zimak, and Reverend Elias Mary Mills, FI.

"In the United States, we celebrate a long history of religious freedom, protected under the First Amendment, passed by Congress September 25, 1789, and ratified on December 15, 1791.....In 2021 this freedom continues to be challenged. A major area of concern is freedom for Catholic institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and child welfare service providers, to carry out their missions with integrity...." [click to read more]

Diocese of Norwich announces new clergy appointments- Click to follow this link to the Diocesan website [https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/All-Diocesan-Articles/ID/5746/Clergy-Appointments]

Congratulations to Daniel and Karen Harding on the baptism of their son Connor John.

The Office of Faith Events is looking at the possibility of starting a chapter of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) in the Diocese of Norwich. We are seeking dedicated young adult Catholics from our diocese who would have a vested interest in starting a local YCP. YCP mission is to challenge, train, and inspire young adults working in various professions to work in witness for Christ. YCP brings together young adults and seasoned business professionals in a variety of programs to foster Catholic identity, encourage community and inspire action. If you are interested, please contact Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or call (860)848-2237 ex. 305.

Congratulations to the Roche family

Thank you to Mark Creighton our Knights of Columbus Grand Knight, brother Knights and Art Johnson who who along with Fr. John helped to install the new statues of Jesus and Mary.

TO: All Clergy FROM: Father Peter Langevin RE: Update to Liturgical Guidelines DATE: 26 May, 2021 In view of the updated guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Executive Order number 12 issued by Governor Lamont effective 18 May, 2021, the use of facemasks indoors, including in the parishes and of the Diocese, is no longer required for those who have been fully vaccinated. Those who have not been fully vaccinated must still wear a cloth facemask covering their nose and mouth. Therefore, the liturgical guidelines distributed prior to the revised recommendations on 7 May and which went into effect on 19 May are to be amended in order to reflect this update. Accordingly, nos. 4, 11, 14, 15, 16, 20, 25, 29, & 35 in particular are to be amended such that masks in each scenario are required for those who are not vaccinated but are optional for those who have been fully vaccinated. As in other sectors, there is no requirement for individuals to prove that they have been vaccinated. Instead, decisions in this regard are left to the individual conscience of each person. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Many from our First Holy Communion class gathered under the guidance of our DRE’s Susan Ferriolo and Jamie Foreman to crown our Blessed Mother and present her with flowers for Mother’s Day and the month of May.

Fr. John had his arms full at Sunday’s baptism of twin sisters

join us for Mass or watch the livestream, Thursday, May 13th- 7:00pm mass-

Come and Join us for a virtual evening of reflection put together just for our special dads! The Fathers’ Evening of Reflection will take place on June 24th at 7-8pm. You are invited to take time for your own personal growth and wellness by joining us for an online retreat created just for dads. Come deepen your relationship with Christ through personal prayer, reflection, and spiritual enrichment. Reflection given by seasoned retreat provider, Don Gould. To register, please email Liza at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or call (860)848-2237 ex. 305.

My dear Parish Family, I would like to make you aware of a very disturbing thing. There is currently a movie playing at local theaters called “The Unholy”. This movie depicts our Blessed Mother Mary tricking people by actually being the devil in disguise. This is shocking and distressing to all who believe and know that Mary is the Mother of God and is being used as a character in a horror movie is offensive. This movie is directly aimed at the beliefs of the Catholic Church and depicting the Vatican and our faith in an unfavorable light. Im calling this to your attention so that you are aware of the current state of religious intolerance. Please share this information with family and friends and fellow parishioners so that we can all pray in reparation to our Blessed Mother for these offenses against Her, Her Son and the Church. God bless you, Fr. John.

You are invited to participate in the livestream of the funeral Mass for Mr. Lombardo. It will be live Saturday, May 1st on the MASS page of this website under the title "Church Events". Click this article title to be directed there or click the "Mass" button in the Navigation bar. Our sincere condolences to all the family and friends.

Ct Foodshare boxes will be distributed in Portland on April 26th starting at 1:00pm in the parking lot of the Senior Center.

Catholic Charities is collecting school supplies and backpacks for children who will be attending summer school. If you can help, please drop off Items such as pens, folders, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, backpacks, rulers, glue sticks and book covers at one of our Catholic Charities locations - 331 Main Street in Norwich, 28 Huntington Street in New London, 151 Broad Street in Middletown, or 88 Jackson Street in Willimantic. For questions or more information, please contact Terri Fontaine at 860-889-8346 extension 263 or email terrifontaine@ccfsn.org .