Rhode Island Catholic

Data from the National Catholic Educational Association shows Catholic school enrollment nationally rose a historic 3.8% in the 2021-2022 school year, the first uptick in two decades. Quick returns to in-person learning, along with efforts to provide social support for families during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred many parents to consider Catholic education for their children. Rhode Island’s Catholic schools report an enrollment increase of 2.8%.

Catholic school enrollments rise nationally in wake of COVID-19

By Cole DeSantisRhode Island Catholic CorrespondentPROVIDENCE — As the Church celebrates another Catholic Schools Week, we are afforded an opportunity to reflect on how recent events have … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/19/23

Getting to Know Rhode Island's Catholic School Educators: Haley Rogers M.Ed.

In 2023, Rhode Island Catholic will bring readers Q&As from the great educators from all around our schools in the Diocese of Providence, and we think you’ll enjoy getting to know what … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 1/19/23

Diocese of Providence launches 2023 Catholic Appeal

PROVIDENCE — Noting the words of St. Paul, “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” (II Cor 5:7), Bishop Thomas J. Tobin this week launched the 2023 Catholic Charity Appeal in the … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 1/12/23

Father David Mary Engo speaks at St. Pius V Church in Providence. From December 5-7, the diocesan Eucharistic Revival hosted a Eucharistic Advent Mission offered by Father Engo, a Franciscan friar and national preacher.

Spiritual profoundness of the Eucharist explored through mission presentation

PROVIDENCE — Father David Mary Engo, O.F.M., delivered an Advent mission at St. Pius V Parish in Providence centering on the theme of the Eucharist. The Dec. 5 presentation was one of the … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/12/23

Pope Francis presides over the funeral Mass of Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Jan. 5, 2023. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Pope Benedict XVI (1927 - 2022): 'A simple, humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord' is laid to rest

(OSV News) — “Lord, I love you.” For many who knew him or studied his works, Pope Benedict XVI’s final words before his death Dec. 31 encapsulated the message of his papacy, … more

By Maria Wiering, OSV News | 1/12/23

Father Raymond Tetrault

PROVIDENCE — Surrounded by his close friends, his brother priests, and members of Rhode Island’s Latino community, Father Raymond Tetrault, 87, died on January 3, 2023, two days shy of … more

1/12/23

St. Madeleine Sophie Parish, Tiverton to merge into St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Little Compton

PROVIDENCE — Two neighboring parishes which have long collaborated and shared a pastor, staff, programs, and resources will now be formally combined. After consulting the diocesan College of … more

1/12/23

Holy Mass of Reception welcoming Bishop Richard G. Henning as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence

PROVIDENCE — All are invited to a Holy Mass of Reception to welcome Bishop Richard G. Henning as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter … more

1/12/23

Assignments 01.12.23

At his own initiative, and with the support of the Diocese of Providence, Father Derek J. Puleo has petitioned for and has received a dispensation from all the obligations associated with the sacred … more

1/12/23

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field Nov 24, 2022. Catholics are rejoicing in answered prayers after Hamlin was released from the hospital Jan. 9 after the Buffalo Bills safety nearly lost his life from cardiac arrest in a Jan. 2 NFL game.

The Power of Prayer Recognized

Prayer suddenly became acceptable in the public square in the aftermath of the horrific injury suffered by Buffalo Bills’ defensive back Damar Hamlin on January 2, which took place in front of … more

1/12/23

‘God’s Rottweiler’: Insult or Compliment?

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest in Rome last Thursday, following a simple but beautiful funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Before he was elected Pope in 2005, Benedict (then … more

1/12/23

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his talk during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 20, 2011. Pope Benedict died Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95 in his residence at the Vatican.

Cherishing Pope Benedict’s humility, truth and gentleness

An old pastor once told me that many priests enjoy a special relationship with the man serving as Pope when they were in the seminary. At least in the contemporary period, it is true that precisely … more

By Father Ryan Connors | 1/12/23

Appreciating Jesus on a deeply personal level

Many readers were no doubt taught as children to proclaim silently “My Lord and My God!” when the sacred host was elevated at the consecration of the Mass. This pious devotion has been … more

1/12/23

Father Raymond Tetrault left behind a legacy of colorful paintings. Beginning with religious scenes from the Bible, Father Raymond later painted portraits that reflected injustices he perceived in society. Pictured: A self portrait of Father Raymond

Father Tetrault remembered for his support of Latino community, creating art to reflect society

PROVIDENCE — Father Raymond Tetrault is being remembered for his strong support of the Hispanic community and for his talents as an artistFather Raymond, as he was known, died on January 3, … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 1/12/23

On Jan. 5, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin celebrated Holy Mass at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence, to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who returned home to the Lord December 31, 2022. “As we come to this Holy Eucharist, we thank God — solemnly and profoundly — for the life and ministry of Pope Benedict… May our Blessed Mother accompany him on his heavenly pilgrimage and may he rest in peace,” said Bishop Tobin.

Pope Benedict XVI remembered in Memorial Mass

PROVIDENCE — On January 5, hours after Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Peter’s Square and the casket containing his body brought down to the crypt below the … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 1/12/23

Rhode Island priest concelebrates Pope's funeral

Tens of thousands of people were present in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Jan. 5. Following the funeral Mass, Father Mark Gadoury, associate pastor of St. … more

1/12/23

A special birthday celebration for St. Thérèse of Lisieux

By Silvia Aldredge, Special to Rhode Island CatholicNASONVILLE — St. Thérèse Church and Shrine of the Little Flower, a mission of Our Lady of Good Help Parish, celebrated the … more

By Silvia Aldredge, Special to Rhode Island Catholic | 1/12/23

Special Event Listings for 01.12.23

The Visitation of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of GuadalupePROVIDENCE — The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be visiting the diocese in various parishes throughout Rhode … more

1/12/23

Wear The Gospel On Your Sleeve

I have a framed, printed blessing hanging in my home, a gift from a religious sister in Ohio many years ago. It begins with these words: “May you be steadfast on your journey, powered by the … more

1/12/23

The body of Pope Benedict XVI lies in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing at the Vatican Jan. 2, 2023.

Tens of thousands pay last respects to Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Basilica

VATICAN CITY — Tens of thousands of people streamed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their last respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI.While Rome authorities had predicted between … more

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service | 1/5/23