Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

That John the Baptist appears in the desert is problematic. Sure, it is the fulfillment of prophecy. John the Baptist’s appearance in the desert was seen as a direct fulfillment of Old … more

12/11/25

Special Events for 12.11.25

Festival of Lessons & Carols WARWICK — Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope invites you to come celebrate the anticipation of Our Lord’s incarnation. Join us to hear the Chesterton … more

12/11/25

The One Reason to Rejoice Always

This weekend the Church will celebrate “Gaudete Sunday.” It’s the Sunday when we light the third candle—the rose one—on our Advent wreaths, signifying that the season is … more

12/11/25

An Unflinching Call to Serve the Poor

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (English edition) is a 904 page volume that sits on many a rectory office shelf with very few pages wrinkled from frequent use. The tome’s understandable … more

12/11/25

We cannot deny that all of us are made in the image and likeness of God

TO THE EDITOR: The present administration continues to round up and imprison immigrants in a manner that is both violent and cruel. The violence and related killing are taking place on the seas … more

Father Thomas O’Neill, Senior Priest | 12/11/25

Saint Raphael Academy’s First Athletics Hall of Fame Awards in January

PAWTUCKET — Coming off its centennial anniversary celebration, Saint Raphael Academy will host its first Athletics Hall of Fame on January 10, 2026. The Athletics Hall of Fame is a new … more

12/11/25

Providence College and MGH Institute of Health Professions Launch Direct Nursing Pathway

PROVIDENCE — Providence College School of Nursing and Health Sciences (PCSNHS) and the Mass General Brigham Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) announced a new partnership that creates a … more

12/11/25

From left, Immigration and Refugee Services Case Manager Thomas Dedah, Office Manager Nancy Gonzalez, Case Manager Genesis Rosado, and Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry James Jahnz present Father Jared Costanza, pastor of Christ the King parish, Kingston, with one of the first ever ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ awards for the parish’s strong efforts in helping to make the transition to life in the U.S. easier for refugees resettling in Rhode Island.

Parishes honored for assisting refugees with 'Welcoming the Stranger' awards

PROVIDENCE — For the past six years, since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christ the King Parish in Kingston has been at the forefront of assisting immigrants who’ve come to … more

BY RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/11/25

On Saturday, Nov. 29 Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., installed Father Richard A. Narciso as the new pastor at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Johnston.

Celebrating new beginnings at Our Lady of Grace, as new pastor is installed

12/11/25

Why authentic friendships outshine AI companions

There is beauty and value to friendships. Friends offer support in trials, increase happiness and reduce stress. Some friendships are temporary while others endure a lifetime. As human beings, we are … more

By Sister Nancy Usselmann | 12/4/25

Ukraine’s Religious Leaders and Munich 2.0

Prior to the “Revolution of Dignity” that began on the Maidan, Kyiv’s Independence Square, in late 2013 and eventually gave birth to the country that has amazed the world with its … more

12/4/25

Discerning God’s Will in Our Modern World

The ancient Jews were certainly justified in fostering high expectations for their kings. The people of Israel had suffered greatly under foreign kings and had been equally disappointed in some of … more

12/4/25

A huge turnout as Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the thriving Christ the King Parish in Kingston. The parish of Christ the King in Kingston, RI, was founded on November 14, 1950. The founding community consisted of about 100 families. At left, a few founding parishioners raise their hands. Bottom, from left, Father Jared Costanza, pastor, shared his heartfelt gratitude during the anniversary Mass, specifically celebrating the unwavering spirit parishioners and the dedicated service of clergy. Bishop Lewandowski delivers an impassioned homily. The bishop smiles with longtime parishioner Margaret Riley, 101.

Vibrant Christ the King Parish Rings in 75 Years with Bishop, $40K Donation to St. Martin de Porres

KINGSTON — Seventy-five years ago, a small parish was built out of necessity in the shadow of the University of Rhode Island campus. Today, it’s one of the most vibrant Catholic … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/4/25

Polish Roots: St. Carlo Acutis Honored in Providence

Providence’s St. Adalbert Parish recently hosted a celebration for the newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis. The event was particularly meaningful to the Polish-American parish because Carlo was … more

12/4/25

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski kicked off the 2025–26 Keep the Heat On campaign at the Chancery with representatives from OASIS International and Conexión Latina in attendance. As part of the launch, Bishop Lewandowski presented $2,500 donations to each organization to support their clients who need heating assistance. So far this year, approximately $30,000 in assistance has already been provided through Keep the Heat On, helping over 100 households stay warm.

Keep the Heat On provides grants to help those facing language and cultural barriers

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., kicked off the 21st season of the Keep the Heat On diocesan heating assistance program on November 25, by presenting grants for $2,500 each to … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/4/25

St. Anthony Church in West Warwick marked its centennial, honoring the Portuguese founders who risked their homes to build the church. Bottom, from left, the congregation listens as Bishop Lewandowski delivers his homily. Longtime St. Anthony parishioners Roberta Rybka and Bill Rogers in front of traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles that adorn the interior of their West Warwick church. The bishop is joined by clergy as the concelebrate the 100th anniversary Mass.

West Warwick's St. Anthony Marks Centennial, Honoring Founders' Faith and Portuguese Culture

WEST WARWICK — How much do you love your church? Consider for a moment how attached you may have grown to it, a byproduct of all the fond moments you’ve experienced and cherished memories … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/4/25

Special Event Listings for 12.04.25

St. John Baptist Bazaar PAWTUCKET — St. John Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave. (Bullock St. entrance), will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and … more

12/4/25

The Diocese of Providence welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Creamer, MBA, CFE as the new Director of Compliance, effective January 5, 2026. Lt. Col. Creamer, currently the Deputy Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, brings over 29 years of law enforcement experience to the role.

Bishop Appoints RISP Lt. Col. Robert A. Creamer to Lead Diocese of Providence Compliance Office

PROVIDENCE—Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Creamer, MBA, CFE as the Diocese of Providence’s Director of … more

12/4/25

Father Michael J. Leckie

HOPE VALLEY — Father Michael J. Leckie, 76, of Deep River, Conn., died November 15 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was born in Providence, son of the late Arthur and Theresa (Doris) Leckie. He … more

12/4/25

Special Event Listings for 11.27.25

The Joy of Advent: Heart of Worship Event EAST PROVIDENCE — “The Joy of Advent,” a Heart of Worship Event, will be held at Saint Brendan Church on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The … more

11/27/25