Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Advent and the Call to Prepare for Christ’s Arrival

The season of Advent in the Roman Catholic calendar anticipates the coming of Christ from three different perspectives: Christ’s physical birth in Bethlehem; the daily sacramental and spiritual … more

11/27/25

Catholic Mom’s Favorite Family Christmas Traditions

Christmas is almost here! If your children are like our children, once the “ber” months roll around they are constantly asking how close we are to Christmas. I admit, I get almost as … more

11/27/25

The Essence of Gift Giving

In the hustle and bustle of Christmas a pivotal and timely work to consider is Josef Pieper’s “Leisure: The Basis of Culture.” Pieper argues that the key to the moral and spiritual … more

11/27/25

Service is the Secret Ingredient: Above, left, Sister Mary Agnes and Lucky the Leprechaun at the Old Grist Mill Tavern during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at The Old Grist Mill in Seekonk in March 2022. The Old Grist Mill Tavern has hosted the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser for The Little Sisters of the Poor of Pawtucket for more than a decade. What began as a small dinner at Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket has grown into an all-day affair at the restaurant. Former proprietor Greg Esmay, current owner Karl Pelletier, pictured above, right, and the Old Grist Mill staff, along with a multitude of collaborative vendors, dedicated volunteers, and generous benefactors, all have contributed to its success and raise funds in support of the Little Sisters’ mission. The Old Grist Mill dates back to 1745 when the building itself was actually being used as a grist mill.

Little Sisters of the Poor Set the Standard for Giving

SEEKONK, Mass. — While rosaries and prayer books still make fantastic Christmas gifts, shopping Catholic during this time of year doesn’t have to be limited to retail. Maybe you’re … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/25/25

St. Martin de Porres staff and volunteers hold hands during a group prayer at the start of a recent food bank Friday. In addition to food, clothing and other household items are available to needy residents who come to St. Martin de Porres on Cranston Street in Providence each Friday morning.

This Advent season, give gifts of time at Catholic food banks

PROVIDENCE — They begin every Friday here with the Rosary. Many arrive more than an hour ahead of time, and once enough are assembled, they start praying. Were this a church, the activity might … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/25/25

Christmas Appeal: Strengthen the Vital Ministry of Rhode Island Catholic

In a world hungry for all kinds of information, news, media, and gossip, Catholic communications must be different. Dedicated to sharing hope, telling stories of goodness, and creating spaces of … more

11/25/25

Following the legacy of his grandfather, Michael Rielly continues the decades-long tradition of bringing Christmas joy—completely free of charge—to all children. Michael Rielly, pictured here with guests from the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island.

The Spirit of St. Nicholas: How two generations of Bristol Santas bring Christmas joy to children with disabilities

BRISTOL — Cutting through the commercial clutter and frantic holiday scheduling, a decades-long Christmas tradition serves as a living testament to the spirit of selfless giving embodied by St. … more

By Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 11/25/25

George Wiley Center staff and community volunteers create packages on Nov. 13 for distribution the next day, when recipients also learned how to lower their utility costs.

U.S. Bishops' CCHD collection provides crucial support to local anti-poverty agencies

CENTRAL FALLS / PAWTUCKET — With her husband detained due to his immigration status, a local mother suddenly found herself solely responsible for covering nearly $4,000 in monthly expenses to … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 11/20/25

La Salle Academy President Donald Kavanagh and Msgr. Kenney.

Msgr. Albert Kenney, Vicar General and Former La Salle Chaplain, inducted into the La Salle Academy Hall of Fame

A crowd of 500 recently gathered to celebrate La Salle Academy’s nine Hall of Fame inductees, including Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of … more

11/20/25

Tim McCaig to Lead Catholic Foundation, Melissa Behm named Director of Development and Charity Appeal

PROVIDENCE—Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, has appointed Timothy McCaig as Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island (CFRI) as well as … more

11/20/25

I am Thankful to be Catholic

While watching the canonization of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for being Catholic. I even briefly wrote about it in my … more

11/20/25

100 Years of the Kingship of Christ

This year marks the 100th anniversary since Pope Pius XI closed the Holy Year 1925 with the addition to the Sacred Liturgy of a special observance to honor the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The … more

11/20/25

Bishop’s story of ‘Walter’ shows Catholic values require a humane and reasonable approach to immigration

TO THE EDITOR: It was so encouraging to read Bishop Bruce’s column “A Prayer for Walter” [October 2]. Bishop Bruce clearly articulates the positive contributions immigrants … more

Ann L. Sullivan, Portsmouth | 11/20/25

Appreciating the splendor of the Blessed Sacrament During Mass

TO THE EDITOR: For 60 years, the “Novus Ordo” has allowed us to gaze upon the bread and wine and the Sacred Species themselves at Eucharist, without obstruction. But over the last … more

Father Gerald Harbour, Father Joseph Creedon; Father Farrell McLaughlin, Senior Priests | 11/20/25

Encouraging greater support for the less fortunate

TO THE EDITOR: I’m writing in regard to Father Thomas O’Neil’s recent letter in Rhode Island Catholic which expresses the way that I have been feeling about events in our … more

Helen M. Stachowiak, Warwick | 11/20/25

Always Give Thanks

In one week, our national consciousness will remind us to give thanks as we celebrate a distinctly American holiday. We spent our childhood scribbling on paper turkeys the things for which we are … more

11/20/25

Honduran migrant Luis Acosta carries 5-year-old Angel Jesus through the Suchiate River near Tapachula, Mexico, Oct. 29, 2018.

Bishops issue pastoral message on immigration

By OSV News BALTIMORE — Immigration took center stage once more at the U.S. bishops’ fall plenary assembly in Baltimore. On Nov. 12, during the half day that was the second public … more

BY OSV News | 11/20/25

Local clergy and religious, teachers and administrators from local Catholic schools, and diocesan representatives gather with teachers, students and families of the Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope at the Crowne Plaza for their third annual gala.

'Forming Saints': Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope Gala Highlights Growth and Mission

WARWICK — The Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope held its third annual gala at the Crowne Plaza. Together with the teachers, faculty, board members, and students and their families, the … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/20/25

Special Event Listings for 11.20.25

Little Sisters of the Poor Turkey Drop PAWTUCKET — The Little Sisters of the Poor will hold their annual Turkey Drop at the Jeanne Jugan Residence, 964 Main St., from now to Sunday, Nov. 23. … more

11/20/25

New Chapters Begin: New Pastors Installed to Guide and Serve

In three joyous celebrations, the Diocese of Providence celebrated the ceremonial installation of three new shepherds, (from left) Father John Soares as pastor of St. Vianney Parish in … more

11/20/25