After a long break for the coronavirus shutdown and the regular summer slowdown, I’m ready to reclaim my spot in the Rhode Island Catholic and resume writing “The Imitation of Christ.” I ended my last column in March with this question: What are the spiritual lessons of the coronavirus pandemic? Now, six months later, we can begin to answer that question. Read more.

PROVIDENCE — While 2020 has so far been a history-making year in the diocese, as it joins the world in responding to the devastating global novel coronavirus pandemic, officials are looking ahead to next year when it will mark a joyful milestone in its history, as the diocese prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial. Read more.

From Saturday, October 3 through Friday, October 9, the Diocese of Providence will host our own “Rosary Congress” which will consist of 7 days/nights of perpetual Eucharistic adoration and the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Seven parishes in the diocese will host one day of Eucharistic Adoration each and parishioners are invited to sign up to adore the Lord. Click here to download/print flyer.

PROVIDENCE — While the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the ability of churches around the world this year to take up the annual Collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday, Christians living in and around the birthplace of Jesus still rely heavily on the financial help this collection provides. The Collection for the Holy Land, in the words of Paul VI is “not only for the Holy Places but above all for those pastoral, charitable, educational, and social works which the Church supports in the Holy Land for the welfare of their Christian brethren and of the local communities.” For this year, the faithful may now donate to the collection by sending their donation either through their parish, or directly to the Diocese of Providence Fiscal Office, 1 Cathedral Square, Providence, RI, 02903, with the designation Collection for the Holy Land written on the memo line of the check.

Bishop McVinney Regional School, Providence

Mercymount Country Day School, Cumberland

St. Luke School, Barrington

St. Raphael Academy, Pawtucket

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Bristol

Many may not realize that our diocesan priests live independently in retirement. After active ministry, they no longer rely upon their parishes for support. In other words, with retirement the room and board stops. And since they were paid a very modest wage, they receive a minimal Social Security benefit. So, to help retired priests meet everyday needs like food, housing, transportation, and health care, our diocese established the Senior Priest Retirement Fund in the mid-1960's. Learn more.

Rhode Island Catholic newspaper is looking for freelance journalists to assist in covering news and events of the Catholic faith, family and life throughout the Diocese of Providence. Read more.

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If you are financially able, please consider making a donation online by visiting givecentral.org/2020CCA or by texting the word "Appeal" to 401.496.9889. Your gift will immediately make a positive impact in the lives of your neighbors in need.

Click here to see the good work of your Catholic Charities donation in action.

After having moved all publishing to the RI Catholic website as the pandemic began to unfold, the diocesan newspaper has returned to print biweekly!

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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.

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.