Rhode Island Catholic

After “Dobbs,” Congress must come together to protect life

WASHINGTON (USCCB) — Since the release of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Congress has been taking up legislative proposals that are … more

8/11/22

Since June, more than 300 new faces have been stopping by the historic St. Mary’s Church in Newport each week. This increased traffic is all thanks to the parish’s new Ambassadors Club. Thanks to the presence of passionate and dedicated volunteers, these ambassadors of the faith help to keep their church doors open throughout the week for tourists, curious locals and other parishioners by spending an hour or two each day greeting visitors who come to pray and to learn more about this holy and historic landmark in the City by the Sea.

Inspired new program welcomes locals and tourists to R.I.’s oldest parish

NEWPORT — On a Monday afternoon in Newport, a warm sea breeze fluttered two large flags emblazoned with the word “Open” in large letters outside of St. Mary’s Church, formally … more

BY Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 8/11/22

Catholic School Sweethearts

On Saturday, July 16, Ally Thomas and Colton King returned to Wakefield to take their wedding photos in the place they first met, the middle school at Monsignor Clarke School, South Kingstown. It was … more

8/11/22

Sixth-grader Amani Migwi won first place for Rhode Island in SIFMA Foundation’s Spring 2022 National InvestWrite Competition. Migwi is pictured here with St. Margaret School principal Lee Ann Nunes.

Portfolio Prodigy Wins SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite Competition

RUMFORD — We could all learn something from sixth-grader Amani Migwi. At only 11 years old, this portfolio prodigy from Rumford has developed an investment strategy primed for long-term … more

8/11/22

Families in the Star Kids program are able to choose the educational environment that best suits their child, including 18 Catholic schools throughout the Dioceses of Providence and Fall River. This sampling of young scholars from All Saints Academy in Middletown includes two sets of siblings — showing the effect that Star Kid support can have on an entire family.

A Bright Future is in their Stars

MIDDLETOWN — As a child, Chuck Weeden loved school.To be fair, though, he would have loved just about anywhere that wasn’t home.“My mother struggled with alcoholism and drug … more

By DANIEL J. Holmes, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/28/22

R.I. Catholic Conference: Governor’s sanctuary state order ‘shameful’

PROVIDENCE — Indicating that 70% of Rhode Islanders support abortion rights, Gov. Daniel McKee signed into effect an executive order on July 5 declaring Rhode Island to be a sanctuary state for … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/28/22

Sisters of the Cross and Passion honored by parish for their 'love of God and neighbor'

The Sisters of the Cross and Passion, who staffed several educational institutions in the diocese, including the former St. Bernard School, were the recipients of the first annual St. Bernard Award, … more

7/28/22

Pope Francis prays at the Ermineskin Cree Nation Cemetery before meeting with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities at Maskwacis, Alberta, July 25, 2022.

Returning moccasins, Pope Francis apologizes for church role in residential schools

The first step of Pope Francis’ “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada involved him returning two pairs of children’s moccasins. The little shoes were not among the Indigenous … more

7/28/22

Deacon Ray Batalon

PAWTUCKET — Deacon Raymond Batalon, 95, passed on June 24, 2022 at the Veterans Hospital. He was the husband of the late Therese (Philibert) Batalon. He was born in North Providence, R.I., to … more

7/28/22

Philip Brennan Toole

SEEKONK — Philip Brennan Toole, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his grateful family on Sunday, July 3. Born in Pawtucket, in 1931, Phil was the son of Frank and Clare (Coughlin) Toole. … more

7/28/22

A teenager prays during a pro-life youth Mass at Capital One Arena in Washington.

Getting teens excited about Mass

My cradle Catholic parents instilled in me the importance of going to Mass religiously (no pun intended) but were never able to articulate why we went, answering only “because we are Catholic … more

By Mark Hart, Catholic News Service | 7/28/22

Special Event Listings for 07.28.22

Jesus Saviour Church to hold summer bazaarNEWPORT — Jesus Saviour Church will hold its annual summer bazaar on the Vernon Avenue grounds Thursday, July 28; Friday, July 29; and Saturday, July … more

7/28/22

In this photo from Father Henry Zinno’s Instagram account, the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bristol holds up a stuffed heart in the cardiac unit of Mount Sinai Hospital. He is joined by his nephews, Kevin and Danny.

Local priest vlogs his way through cardiac surgery

BRISTOL — “How can you mend a broken heart?”In 1971, this question provided the Bee Gees with their first #1 single in the United States. Now, the same query is at the heart (so to … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/28/22

The Tragic Death of Austin Simon

In an act of self-defense, convenience store clerk Jose Alba fatally stabbed 35-year-old Austin Simon on July 1, after Simon violently attacked the 61-year-old Alba behind the counter of the Harlem … more

7/28/22

Devout Christians?

The lame attempts of certain pro-choice politicians to justify baby-killing in America often border on the delusional. Case in point: Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent statement that … more

7/28/22

Keep the Eucharist at the center of your life

Another servant of God canonized this past Spring was Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916). He was an heir, a soldier, a roué, a geographer, a monk and a hermit. St. Charles is an … more

7/28/22

St. Luke Knights to Seminarian: 'Bon Voyage, and Be Sure of Many Prayers'

Diocese of Providence Seminarian Nathan Ledoux receives a going-away gift from the Knights of Columbus council at St. Luke’s Church in Barrington. After serving the parish for the summer, … more

7/28/22

Abortion, contraception, euthanasia among bills considered by Legislature this year

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island General Assembly wrapped up its 2022 Session on June 23, after debating or passing several bills of particular interest to Catholics, including three pertaining to … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/14/22

Rhode Island Catholic, El Católico win 23 national Catholic Press awards

PORTLAND, Ore. — Rhode Island Catholic and its Spanish language publication, El Católico de Rhode Island, as well as the Diocesan Office of Communications and Public Relations were … more

7/14/22

A Wish Come True: Elmhurst Boys raise $20,000 to help children with life threatening illnesses

WARWICK — On June 4, The Elmhurst Boys of St. Pius V Church, Providence, held their seventh annual charity golf tournament to benefit “A Wish Come True” in Rhode Island. A Wish Come … more

7/14/22