Information from the Diocese of Providence
during the COVID-19 Crisis
January 29, 2021
Diocese of Providence launches 2021 Catholic Charity Appeal
PROVIDENCE — The 2021 Catholic Charity Appeal is officially underway in the Diocese of Providence.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has reached out to those who have donated in the past, asking that they — in these especially difficult times — be as generous as they possibly can be once again this year, reminding donors of Pope Francis’ message that “charity is the high road of the journey of faith.”

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic … I am proud to say that the charitable work of the Church — the mission that Jesus has entrusted to us — continues unabated every day throughout the Diocese of Providence. The needs of our brothers and sisters, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, remain, and in fact have increased, and thus we are all called to action now, as much as ever. Our compassion is an expression of faith and a proclamation of hope for our troubled times,” Bishop Tobin wrote in a letter sent to prospective donors in recent days.

Bishop Tobin’s Catholic Schools Week Message
To Our Catholic School Community:

As the Diocese of Providence joins in the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, I extend my greetings to all those who are dedicated to the mission of our Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Providence – pastors, administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and supporters.

Catholic school students drawing closer to Jesus despite challenging times
PROVIDENCE — Catholic schools in Rhode Island and elsewhere in the United States have weathered dozens of challenges over the centuries.

Anti-Catholic bigotry. Dramatic drops in vocations from Religious Orders with teaching charisms. Financial crises. Demographic shifts that led to decreased enrollments and half-empty school buildings. And now, a global pandemic.

EDITORIAL: Appreciation for Catholic Schools
Catholic Schools Week was first introduced by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) in 1974. It is an annual event which typically takes place on the last Sunday in January. The purpose of this week is to emphasize the value and necessity of Catholic education to families and young people, as well as how it contributes to the Church, the community and to our nation.

Looking for information on Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Providence?
Find it here!
Click here to find Catholic Elementary Schools & Admissions Events in the Diocese of Providence as well as information on our Catholic Secondary Schools.
The Strength That You Find
From Bishop Tobin
This past Christmas, one of the cards I received included a printed letter that came from longtime friends, folks I’ve known for nearly fifty years. I had met the family in a parish where I served, and I had assisted them during an especially difficult time in their lives. They’ve kept in touch with me at Christmas ever since.

Pope: Failure to remember Holocaust will lead world down same path
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Remembering the Holocaust and its victims is not only an act of solidarity but also serves as a warning to humanity that such horrors could happen again, Pope Francis said.
Before concluding his weekly general audience Jan. 27, the pope marked the observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day by calling on the world to “remember the Shoah” and to “be aware of how this path of death began, this path of extermination, of brutality.”

Archbishop criticizes Biden, hopes for change from courts at vigil Mass
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities called President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion “religiously and ethically incoherent” during his homily at the opening Mass of the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 28.

Biden “proudly professes to be a devout Catholic even as he promises to codify Roe v. Wade, seeks to force American taxpayers to fund abortions … and desires to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide contraceptives and abortifacients in their employee health plans,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas.

General Assembly may consider vital issues for local Catholics this session
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island General Assembly’s 2021 legislative year will occur in unusual circumstances because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, the next several months could still bring movement on several vital issues for Catholics in Rhode Island.

Statement on the upcoming Catholic Athletic League Basketball Season
After a successful fall season, every effort was made in planning to provide a CAL basketball season in alignment with all R I Department of Health guidance. Due to the recent RIDOH recommendations, the CAL Board has determined that the league is unable to proceed with this sport for the winter while confidently ensuring the health and safety of all participants. It is a great disappointment for all involved as basketball has been offered by our diocese for the last 85 consecutive years. Planning is still underway for our spring volleyball and soccer programs which we are hopeful the league will be able to sponsor under CAL auspices. 


Pope: The Gospel, always with us
In case you missed it!
The Diocese on Social Media
More great photos from our Catholic Schools
Mercymount Country Day School, Cumberland - PreSchool-8
Art Class
St. Mary School, Cranston - PreK-8
Snow day

St. Luke School, Barrington - PreK-8
Grade 5 is learning about engineering and space,
including rocket design, and force and motion

All Saints STEAM Academy, Middletown - PreK-8
Kindergarten is learning Scratch Jr, a visual programming language designed to teach programming skills and concepts by making coding fun! 
BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival
First ever *Virtual* World Tour!
This year, bring the adventure home! 
For the first time ever, travel to breathtaking destinations, embark on daring expeditions, and celebrate some of the most remarkable outdoor achievements, all from the comforts of your living room. So, fluff up your couch cushions, grab a snack of choice, and make sure you have good internet connection!

The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary circumstances around the world and many of our live World Tour screenings have been postponed or canceled. While we can’t replicate the experience of seeing the Banff films on the big screen of your local theatre, surrounded by friends and your community, these curated programs of amazing outdoor films will inspire you to live life to the fullest... however that looks these days!

Please visit https://mcvinneyauditorium.com or call 802-222-0122 for more information about the online programs and how you can support your local screening.

*Scroll down the BANFF webpage to see all film festival viewing options*
Unable to attend Holy Mass?
Learn how to Make a Spiritual Communion
March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Rev. Jeremy J. Rodrigues, S.T.L., Administrative Secretary to the Bishop & Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Diocese of Providence, recorded videos for the faithful explaining "How to Make a Spiritual Communion."

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Learn more -
Click here to see the good work of your Catholic Charities donation in action.
The Rhode Island Catholic
After having moved all publishing to the RI Catholic website as the pandemic began to unfold, the diocesan newspaper has returned to print!


Find the Catholic online:
Live-streamed and pre-recorded Masses
jesus-stained-glass.jpg
**Please consult parish websites, bulletins, and social media often for the most up-to-date Mass times as we slowly move to resume public worship. Be reminded that some parishes may continue with live-streaming liturgies, Mass times may change, and each parish will have guidelines in place for parishioners.**

Regular Masses
During the COVID-19 Crisis, regular Masses continue to be posted on the diocesan website page dedicated to parish live-streamed/pre-recorded Masses. Find it here.

Special Devotions & Public Worship
As in the past, please consult your parish's bulletin, website, and social media pages for the specifics relative to special devotions, the Rosary, and more. Find parish contact and website information here.
Watch the Sunday 10:00am Mass live from the Cathedral
Stay in touch
Get help, follow the Diocese on social media, and more
Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
Office of Communications
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI
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