Diocese of Providence

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023

TWENTY-NINETH FRIDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Your Weekly Catholic Roundup of News & Inspiration

Top News

Photo: Jennifer Barton

Incorrupt saints can teach many lessons to the faithful

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC


By Jennifer Barton, Correspondent

PROVIDENCE — What could draw thousands of people to a remote town of about 1,500 in northwestern Missouri in the middle of the summer? For numerous Catholics this year, it was to view the body of a nun who most had never heard about before. Exhumed in May, four years after her death, Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB, foundress of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, was discovered preserved from decay. She may be the first African-American woman identified as incorrupt.

Read More

Rhode Island Catholic News Coverage of The War in Israel

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC


Executive Editor Rick Snizek is traveling throughout Israel and the West Bank to witness firsthand the impact of the war on the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities. Follow his Editor’s Notebook reports on our website, www.thericatholic.com, as well as on our social media, and look for extended. 

Read More

Photo: Rick Snizek


As synod winds down, members urged to sow patience

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE


The assembly of the Synod of Bishops ends with Mass Oct. 29, but it marks the beginning of preparations for the second assembly in October 2024. Synod members will have work to do over the next 11 months.

Read More

Seahawks Offensive Tackle Loves The Game, But Catholic Faith Is His ‘Focal Point’

OSV NEWS


By Jean Parietti

SEATTLE — In his second year as an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, Abraham “Abe” Lucas is living his childhood dream. Even so, it’s faith, not football, that’s the most important thing for this self-described “hard-core Catholic.”


“It’s my focal point, it drives everything that I do — my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Lucas, who grew up near Everett. “It’s my purpose.”


Read More


"Work with Us": Website to apply for a job at the Vatican

VATICAN NEWS


The Vatican Secretariat for the Economy launches a new webpage to accept job applications for laypeople who wish to apply for vacant positions at the Holy See.

Read More

Upcoming Events


FINAL DAYS!

The Haunted Labyrinth

Fri., Sat., and Sun. in October through Halloween night

Rejoice in Hope Youth Center, 804 Dyer Avenue, Cranston


This all-indoors, family-oriented haunted house is open rain or shine! The Haunted Labyrinth is run entirely by adult and youth volunteers. It started many years ago with the goal of encouraging leadership and ministry while providing a scary and fun attraction to the public.


The Haunted Labyrinth is the major fundraiser for the Rejoice in Hope Youth Center, Cranston, a part of the Catholic Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Providence. This non-profit organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of RI youth.


Learn more




Carion Wind Quintet

A RI Chamber Music Concert

Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Prov.


The prize-winning Danish-Latvian ensemble brings a truly unique and innovative chamber music experience to audiences. CARION fascinates with its carefully choreographed and dramatized performances of classical and modern works, making music on stage visible, thus adding a new dimension to traditional concert events.


Click here for the evening's program, tickets, and more




Rhode Island Catholic Women’s Conference

Saturday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

Advance registration required


Join us for prayer, fellowship, and faith-inspiring talks! The day includes:

  • Holy Mass with Bishop Richard G. Henning, Main Celebrant
  • Dynamic speakers Kendra Von Esh and Wendy Rodriguez Mejia
  • Confessions
  • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Live music ministry with Liz Cotrupi Pfunder
  • Vendors
  • Delicious coffee an' and lunch


Infants in arms are welcome.


Learn more/Register here




Six Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood

An evening with ValLimar Jansen

Monday, November 6 at 7 p.m.

St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., Providence


Celebrate Black Catholic History month and the Feast of All Saints 

with accomplished Catholic speaker, artist and performer ValLimar Jansen, to learn about six black Catholics who are on the road to sainthood. Hosted by St. Patrick Church and the diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry.


Learn more




The Visit of the Apostle of the Impossible: Tour of the Relics of Saint Jude the Apostle

Coming to the Diocese of Providence November 9-10


Thu., Nov. 9 - St. Augustine, 20 Old Rd., Providence 


Fri., Nov. 10 - Immaculate Conception, 111 High St., Westerly


Learn more




"Frassati"

A discernment group for young men ages 17-28

Tues., November 14 at 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence


Are you discerning the priesthood? Or do you know a young man discerning the priesthood? The Vocations Office is hosting "Frassati," a discernment group for young men ages 17-28 every second Tuesday of the month starting November 14.


This is an evening of prayer and fraternity for high school and college-aged men who are discerning God's will. 


For more information, contact Father Ryan Simas, 401-331-1316 or

fathersimas@gmail.com.


More




You’re Invited! 

Catholic Near East Welfare Association Reception

Sun., November 18 after the 5 p.m. Mass

Lower Cathedral Hall, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Cathedral Square, Providence


Following the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, November 18, Bishop Richard G. Henning will host a reception in the lower Cathedral Hall. The reception will feature a presentation by representatives from Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). CNEWA rushes humanitarian aid to displaced families; provides health care to the most vulnerable; assists victims of human trafficking, and supports the education and formation of priests, religious sisters and lay leaders in the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Their team will take questions from the audience and Bishop Henning will also share a reflection about the importance of their work. Light refreshments will be served. To attend, call or email Tim McCaig at 401-865-6851 or tmccaig@dioceseofprovidence.org.


More




Herci Marsden's COPPELIA

Performed by the State Ballet of Rhode Island

Fri. and Sat., November 24 and 25

43 Dave Gavitt Way, McVinney Auditorium, Providence


Join us an enchanting performance as you are transported to the magical world of "Coppelia," one of the greatest comic ballets of the 19th century. Originally choreographed in 1870, "Coppelia" holds a special place in the history of ballet as it was the first to incorporate traditional dances and music, including national dances from Act I like the Czárdás (Hungarian) and the Mazurka (Polish).


This timeless ballet holds a special connection to Rhode Island as it was first performed by State Ballet of RI in 1962 in Providence. During that memorable performance, founding prima ballerina Herci Marsden graced the stage in the role of Swanhilda!



More




Save the Date for Giving Tuesday!

Consider supporting the Diocese of Providence 'Keep the Heat On' heat assistance program

The program of last resort to those in need, now entering it's 19th season of helping RI households stay warm


The Diocese of Providence Keep the Heat On heating assistance campaign is a program that helps struggling families with heating assistance who have exhausted all other public and private means to keep their families warm during the Rhode Island winter. Since 2005, your generous support has provided more than $4.1 million in assistance to more than 17,174 Rhode Island households in need.


If you would like to help local families this winter on Giving Tuesday, November 28, please send tax-deductible donations to: Keep the Heat On, One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903 or visit HeatRI.com to make a secure credit card donation. 


If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please visit the web site, HeatRI.com, or call 401-421-7833, ext. 207 for additional information.


Learn more




Young Adult Evangelization Kickoff Event!

Holy Hour with Bishop Henning

Friday, December 1 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence


If you are in your 20s or 30s, join us for First Friday devotion with Bishop Henning.


We will have a Eucharistic Holy Hour with recitation of the Holy Rosary, and the sacrament of Confession will also be available. Join us afterward for food and fellowship in the lower Cathedral.


For more information, please contact the Office of Family, Youth, and Young Adult Evangelization at 401-278-4505/dsousa@dpvd.org.


Learn more




Cathedral Advent Day of Recollection 

Saturday, December 2

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. concluding with the 5 p.m. Mass

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

Advance registration required


This special Advent Retreat Day will include:

  • Reflections - Sacred Scripture
  • Adoration
  • Recitation of the Holy Rosary
  • Confessions
  • Solemn Vespers - Evening prayer
  • Holy Mass at 5 p.m. 


The day features speakers Rev. Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Cathedral Rector, and Sister Elizabeth Castro, HMSP. Our theme will be: "The coming of Jesus at Christmas and the Mercy of God"


Learn more




Novena a Nuestras Sra. de Guadalupe/Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

El 2 de diciembre/Beginning Saturday, December 2


El 2 de diciembre empezaremos con la Novena a Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe, donde el Sr. Obispo Richard Henning estará visitando distintas parroquias durante la Novena, las fechas están en el flyer adjunto. 


On December 2, we will begin with the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, where Bishop Richard G. Henning will be visiting nine different parishes in the Diocese of Providence during the Novena. Find all dates and locations below.


Horario y más/Schedule and more




Misa Diocesana Guadalupana/Guadalupana Diocesan Mass

Martes 12 de diciembre 7:00 p.m./Tuesday, December 12, 7:00 p.m.


La Misa diocesana Guadalupana se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de diciembre a las 7:00 am en la Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, el Obispo de la Diócesis de Providence, Richard G. Henning ser el Celebrante y el Homilsta. Comenzaremos con el rezo del Rosario a las 5:30 pm y habrá confesiones y una serenata a la Virgen previo a la Misa. ¡Pasa la voz, invita a un familiar o amistad!


The diocesan Guadalupana Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, will be the Celebrant and Homilist. We will begin with the Holy Rosary at 5:30 pm and there will be confessions and a serenade to the Virgin prior to the Mass. Spread the word, and invite a family member or friend!


Horario y más/Schedule and more



Find All Events

See a full calendar of upcoming events around the Diocese of Providence in the Rhode Island Catholic "Around the Diocese" 


See More Events



Grow in Faith

From wordonfilre.org

On the Death of Pets and Persons: Euthanasia

MARK BRADFORD

I keep up with news related to disability by using Google Alerts. If you’ve never used them, they’re a great way to make sure you know about any new article that appears online related to a topic you are interested in. Google sends me a digest each day of articles that are relevant to the topics I have requested.


One of the topics I have asked to be alerted about is euthanasia. I oppose using that word since it attempts to sanitize something horrifically evil with a timbre of compassion. Its Greek root, euthanatos, literally means good or easy death. Nevertheless, it has found its way into the way our language expresses the act of killing people who ask to die. It is a word whose application has tragically jumped from the animal kingdom to humans.

Read More

Image: Sts. Simon and Jude(Taddeo), © Musei Vaticani/St. John Paul II, Basilica of Saint Paul Ourside-the-Walls, vaticannews.va 

Saints of the Week:

Sts. Simon and Jude (Taddeo), Apostles

October 28


Two Saints and two Apostles of Christ, according to tradition both martyrs of the Gospel in Mesopotamia. The Church remembers Saint Simon, known as the “Zealot” and Saint Jude Thaddeus.  

Read More

St. John Paul II, Pope

October 22


This great Pope tirelessly proclaimed the love of Christ, the “Redeemer of man,” and shepherded the Church into the third Christian millennium. His feast day is celebrated on October 22, the anniversary of the inaugural Mass in 1978 at which he cried out to the world, “Be not afraid!”  

Read More

Solemnity of All Saints

November 1


The Solemnity of All Saints began in the East in the 4th century, and then spread elsewhere, being observed on different dates: on 13 May in Rome, on 1 November in England and Ireland beginning in the 8th century. It was the latter date that was adopted in Rome as well, beginning in the 9th century. The solemnity falls toward the end of the liturgical year, when the Church fixes its gaze on the last things. It is, therefore, fitting that the thought of those who have already crossed over the gates of Heaven should find a place in their hearts.  

Read More

Image: vaticannews.va website

Bishop Henning's latest column in Rhode Island Catholic

‘Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord…’

There are things in this world that are worse than death. Chief among them is the loss of one we hold dear. If we are fortunate, we love someone enough that we would risk or even give our lives to save them. At our best, we human beings are capable of loving another more than ourselves, more than life itself.

Read More
Video: Pope Francis

Pope: War is always a defeat


Pope Francis again appeals for peace in the Holy Land.


Click to Watch

Get even more spiritual content & news

Follow the Diocese of Providence on your favorite apps

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube  Web

Employment Opportunities

Experience the joy and benefits of combining faith with work and find your next job in the Diocese of Providence. Apply for these career opportunities today:

Additional News

Photo: Diocesan Cemeteries

Mausoleum of SS. Peter & Paul one of the nation’s finest final resting places

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC


By Anthony Carpinello, Director, Diocesan Cemeteries

The faithful in the Diocese of Providence have one of the finest and most beautiful mausoleums available of any across the nation to consider when choosing a final resting place.


Rhode Island is a state where the majority of its population is Catholic, so the diocese has more than 125 churches and 32 cemeteries. And even though Rhode Island is the smallest state in our country, our diocese of the 15th largest in the country.


Read More »

Photo: Rick Snizek

St. Robert Bellarmine Parish marks 60th Anniversary

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC


By Rick Snizek, Executive Editor

JOHNSTON — In 1963, Bishop Russell J. McVinney tasked Father James Joseph Cooney to embark on a mission to establish a new Catholic parish in the city. Father Cooney took his mission very seriously, going door-to-door, encouraging residents to help him form a new parish.


Read More »

For Your Consideration

Find more information, resources, news and more at:

Diocese of Providence
Rhode Island Catholic
Find a Catholic Parish
The Diocesan Response to the Abuse Crisis
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
Find Help: Catholic Social Services of Rhode Island

This email is funded in part by your annual support to the Catholic Communications Campaign.

Thank you for your generous support of our efforts to spread the Goods News and make disciples.