News from the Diocese of Providence

October 29, 2021

About our anniversary year

Beginning September 8, 2021, the Diocese of Providence is celebrating the sesquicentennial of its foundation through a series of events running through June 2022. For more information on our anniversary events, visit dioceseofprovidence.org/150

Surrounded By Our Loving Family

In reading obituaries I often find a statement that John or Mary passed away peacefully, “surrounded by their loving family.” The death may have occurred in a hospital, care facility or private home, but clearly it brings a lot of comfort to the family knowing that their loved one passed away, “surrounded by their loving family.”

One of the great joys of being a Catholic is that in life and death we are always “surrounded by our loving family.” That’s what the Church is. It’s what we mean when we refer to the “Communion of Saints.”

Have you missed any of Bishop's columns? Catch up here!

All Souls Day Masses scheduled in the Diocese of Providence

Tues., Nov. 2 at 12noon

Click image below for locations.

Dioceses across U.S. preparing to observe National Vocation Awareness Week

By Rick Snizek, Executive Editor, RI Catholic

PROVIDENCE — With the U.S. Catholic Church preparing to observe National Vocation Awareness Week from Nov. 7-13, it is an especially important time for the faithful to show their support for all men and women discerning a religious vocation, as well as for those who are already living a life of Christ.

Rosemary Boisclair views this as a special time each year to offer her prayers in support of priests across the Diocese of Providence, especially those who’ve made an indelible impact on her family over the years.

Learn more about Vocations in the Diocese of Providence.

The real presence of Christ?

Toni Guagenti, a Catholic from Virginia, is among the reported large percentage of Catholics who don't believe Christ is actually present in the Eucharist.

Watch below

Defending life entails condemning moral evils while supporting the dignity of men and women

Rhode Island Catholic Editorial

When Gloria Purvis addressed Human Life Guild participants at McVinney Auditorium as a special 150th anniversary speaker, she left many in tears. Forthright and delightfully compelling, Purvis’s defense of the sanctity of human life gained further credibility from her personal witness and unyielding faith in God. Purvis did not mince the Church’s teaching in order to satisfy any kind of ideological camp, whether “conservative” or “liberal.”

Photo: Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor, RI Catholic

March for Life: Unborn must be part of current U.S. debate over inequality

By Jo Ann Zuñiga, Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — It’s a question Jeanne Mancini has already been asked so many times, she has an answer ready to go.

On Dec. 1, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, an appeal by Mississippi to remove a lower court’s injunction on its law banning most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy.

Should the court rule in favor of the state law in a decision to be handed down next year, overturning Roe v. Wade and sending the abortion issue back to the states, will there still be a need for the annual rally and march in Washington?

Click here to register for the National Prayer Event, happening on Thu., Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST (US and Canada), Pray for Dobbs

Learn more about the Respect Life Ministry in our diocese, here.

Pro-life advocates in Richmond, Va., attend the third annual Virginia March for Life rally Sept. 17, 2021. (CNS photo/Zoey Maraist, Catholic Herald)

From Bishop Tobin

In case you missed it!

From our Catholic Schools

Learn more about Catholic Schools in Rhode Island.

The World Language Club celebrated Hispanic Heritage Day and Dia de los Muertos with a pottery class in Mrs. Merritt's class.

Mount Saint Charles Academy, 6-12, Woonsocket

Learn more - mountsaintcharles.org

Preschool Family Pumpkin Painting! Thanks to SPS Room Parents who are organizing safe, fun small gatherings for grades and families!

St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart, PreK-8, Portsmouth

Learn more - saintphilomena.org

150 Acts of Charity

How to recognize someone or how to get involved

About the 150 Acts of Charity

To make a recognition

During our special 150th Anniversary Celebration, Bishop Tobin is recognizing 150 unsung individuals/groups of our diocesan family who have performed new and/or increased volunteer efforts in our diocesan parishes, Catholic schools and organizations and/or in their wider communities during the 150th Diocesan Celebration Year. Recognition will take place individually and in groups throughout the coming year. Learn more and/or make a recognition at dioceseofprovidence.org/150-acts-of-charity.

To get involved

To volunteer or partner with us, please contact Catholic Charities at 401-421-7833 or email 150ActsofCharity@dioceseofprovidence.org.

Final weekend!

Click image below for more!

Holy Mass of Thanksgiving, Sat., Nov. 13

St. Paul Church, Cranston, Fr. Thomas Woodhouse, main celebrant and homilist

National Prayer Event for LIFE

Thu., Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST (US and Canada)

The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case will be heard on Wed., Dec. 1, 2021 by the Supreme Court.

On Thurs., Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST Christians from all different faiths are coming together to pray for the Dobbs case - - this could overturn or weaken Roe v. Wade (the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in all 50 states).

Please join us in prayer!