Rhode Island Catholic

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, and St. Edward Parish, to merge into St. Anthony Parish, N. Providence

PROVIDENCE — Three neighboring parishes in Providence and North Providence which have been united by combined efforts and a shared pastor since 2013 will now become formally united as a single … more

12/8/22

And Yet, You’re Very Important To God

When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him? (Ps 8:4-5) Psalm 8 is a … more

12/8/22

Special Event Listings for 12.08.22

St. Mary’s on Broadway to host traditional 40 hours devotionPROVIDENCE — Faithful are invited to cover any of the uninterrupted 40 hours of devotion from Dec. 8 — Dec. 10. Sign up … more

12/8/22

In the 97 years since the red brick school building that’s housed both St. Michael School, and now Bishop McVinney School for the past 50 years, there was never a flagpole on grounds. The Knights of Columbus stepped in to change that history, raising the $2,500 needed to install a flagpole on the lawn.

With Knights' help, Bishop McVinney School hoists American flag over campus for first time

PROVIDENCE — For 97 years, the two-story red brick building on Gordon Avenue across from St. Michael Church has served as a place of learning, first as a parish school, and now as the home of … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/8/22

Local members of the Knights of Malta, and interested students met at Providence College to organize the Malta Walk, a charitable event to help the poor of the city of Providence.

Knights of Malta take to the streets in time-honored tradition of Christian charity

PROVIDENCE — On Wednesday, October 16, local members of the Knights of Malta met at Providence College to organize the Malta Walk, a charitable event to help the poor of the city of … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/8/22

Louise “Duce” Dussault, director of Catholic Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Providence, has announced her plans to retire at the end of December 2022. For more than 34 years, Duce has faithfully managed a wide variety of ministries to serve Catholic youth in Rhode Island, including youth centers, the Catholic Athletic League, summer camps, Catholic scouting and more.

Reflecting on the past 34 years in Catholic Youth Ministry, 'Duce' gave it her heart and soul as devoted director

PROVIDENCE — Louise Dussault — widely known as “Duce” — has spent the last 34 years serving the Diocese of Providence as the Director of Catholic Youth Ministry. In … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 12/8/22

On this solemnity, we must remember our responsibility to protect every new life coming into this world

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin in the womb of St. Anne should be both a festive and a reflective celebration for Christians of the 21st century. The young girl Mary … more

12/8/22

The president is elected to serve all the people

TO THE EDITOR: Reading George Weigel’s column [“President Biden, Archbishop Paglia and the Mortification of the Church,” Nov. 10] is like listening to a band that can play only … more

12/8/22

President must be held accountable for his support of abortion rights

TO THE EDITOR: The opinion expressed by George Weigel in “The Catholic Difference” in the November 10th edition of the Rhode Island Catholic is spot on.It is disheartening to faithful … more

12/8/22

Opinion columnist not qualified to make medical judgements on president

TO THE EDITOR: It appears that George Weigel is an authority on geriatric medicine and President Joe Biden. In the November 10th edition of the paper, he denigrates our president, with Mr. … more

12/8/22

Silence is Important, and Detraction is a Crime

Both St. Mark and St. Matthew reveal a curious characteristic of Jesus’s mission in their Gospel narrations. On several occasions, Jesus warns those he heals to keep quiet. For instance, after … more

12/8/22

‘Keep the Heat On’ Needed More than Ever

When Bishop Tobin kicked off the beginning of this year’s “Keep the Heat On” challenge, which he initiated almost 18 years ago upon coming to Providence, he encouraged the students … more

12/8/22

Pope Francis has appointed Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence. The Diocese of Providence held a press conference November 23 with Bishop Tobin and Bishop Henning at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Pope Francis appoints Coadjutor Bishop of Providence Richard G. Henning

PROVIDENCE — On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the day before Thanksgiving, the faithful of the diocese got their first glimpse of the shepherd who will eventually succeed the eighth Bishop of Providence, … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/1/22

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin smiles with the Saint Cecilia Middle School Student Council, Father Stephen Battey, pastor of Saint John Paul II Parish, and principal Kelly Caton during the kickoff of the 2022 ‘Keep the Heat On’ program.

‘Keep the Heat On’ offers hope to Rhode Islanders struggling to heat homes this winter

PROVIDENCE —As the Season of Advent began this past week, so did the 18th season of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” program, which continues to offer great hope … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 12/1/22

Father Ranallo installed as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish

On Sunday, Nov. 20, Father Albert Ranallo was officially installed by Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans as the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Several former pastors of the parish were in … more

12/1/22

Deacon John E. Croy

PROVIDENCE — Rev. Deacon John E. Croy died in Providence on November 18, 2022.Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1936, he was the first child of the late Theodore W. Croy and Katherine (Bell) Croy.Deacon … more

12/1/22

Serving those in most need at Thanksgiving and always

More than 40 guests shared a Thanksgiving meal at the diocesan Emmanuel House Shelter. Staff and volunteers served a traditional meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and … more

12/1/22

On Nov. 21, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with members of the Board of Directors looking on, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin signed a canonical decree approving the creation of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope as a new Catholic high school in the Diocese of Providence. The school, which plans to open next fall, will be located in Warwick.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin signs decree recognizing new Catholic high school in Diocese of Providence

PROVIDENCE — On Monday, Nov. 21, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin signed a canonical decree approving the establishment of the Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, a new Catholic high school for the … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/1/22

Special Event Listings for 12.01.22

‘A Bit of Christmas Music’ event plannedWARREN — St. Thomas the Apostle Church will host Gary James Farias’ “A Bit of Christmas Music” on December 3, from 5:30 - … more

12/1/22

Statement of Bishop Thomas Tobin on the Appointment of Bishop Richard Henning as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Providence

It is very appropriate that we gather today, on the day before Thanksgiving – the day when we pause to recall and to thank Almighty God for all of the gifts and blessings which he has given us. … more

12/1/22