Information from the Diocese of Providence
during the COVID-19 Crisis
February 5, 2021
The Imitation of Christ: Which One Do You Feed?
From Bishop Tobin
Perhaps you’ve heard the parable of the Native American grandfather who was walking with his teenage grandson who, like many young men, was struggling to discern his purpose in life and the values that would guide him.

Catholic Medical Society physicians: Getting COVID-19 vaccine the least people can do to protect nation from pandemic
PROVIDENCE — Dr. Tim Flanigan received the first of two COVID-19 vaccine doses just before Christmas. After receiving his second dose in mid-January, Flanigan had a sore arm and a minor headache that went away with a little Ibuprofen.

“Those are common side effects for vaccines,” said Flanigan, a professor of medicine at the Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University who also works in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Miriam and Rhode Island Hospitals.

Getting to Know Your Seminarians: Matthew Boni
The Seminarian Education is supported by the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal
Get to know a little more about the men you are praying for as they continue to prepare for the priesthood.

Faithful stand up for life at annual Respect Life Mass
From the Office of Life & Family
PROVIDENCE — Fifteen years ago, Iris Luzon found herself pregnant and seriously considering an abortion. But she said her grandmother’s prayers and fervent Catholic faith inspired her to choose life for her unborn daughter.
“The pro-life cause is very important to me,” said Luzon, whose daughter is now 15. Luzon and her husband, Juan, both wore black “Pro-Life” long-sleeved T-shirts at the annual Respect Life Mass, held Jan. 23 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul.

Our 40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign kicks off
Ash Wednesday, February 17
From the Office of Life & Family
The mission of the 40 Days for Life campaign is to bring together the Body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activities as we seek God’s favor in turning hearts and minds from a culture of death to a Culture of Life, thus bringing an end to abortion.

Can't join us? Pray outside of an abortion facility…pray at church…pray at work…pray in the car…pray at home!

‘Creative courage’ Will Guide Us in This New Year
Guest Editorial
Thank God we’ve finally left 2020 behind! For many of us, V-day — when we roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated — will likely be the biggest event of 2021. In 2020 we learned to embrace “the adventure of living one day at a time” rather than counting on ‘best-laid plans.’ We maintained constant vigilance and drafted policies and procedures for every likely scenario — even as circumstances changed every day. I have found solace in the basics of our Catholic faith, even when the sacraments have been out of reach. Resting with Jesus, Mary and Joseph at the manger during the Christmas season — even as we were forced to go back into lockdown — helped me to find meaning in the midst of our trials.

Vatican modifies distribution of ashes for Ash Wednesday
The health situation caused by Covid-19 continues to forces changes on daily life, which are also reflected in the Church’s sphere.

Ahead of the beginning of Lent, on Wednesday, 17 February, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has published a note detailing how Catholic priests are to distribute ashes.


Pope: Violence against women displays cowardice, degrades all of humanity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Abuses and violence against women are “acts of cowardice and a degradation of all humanity,” Pope Francis said.

“We must not look the other way. Let us pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded by all,” he said.

Pope: Liturgy is essential
Pope Francis said that a Christian life of prayer is rooted in the liturgy
In case you missed it!
The Diocese on Social Media
More great photos from our Catholic Schools
Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School, Cranston - PreK-8
Electrical houses by 4th grade

St. Patrick Academy, Providence - 9-12
The Academy's Jesus Band performs at every Friday Mass

St. Teresa School, Pawtucket - PreK-8

St. Rose of Lima School, Warwick - PreK-8
Twin Day! 
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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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
**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
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Sincerely yours in Christ,

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