Rhode Island Catholic

Police officers arrive at the Covenant School on the grounds of Covenant Presbyterian Church, after reports of a shooting in Nashville, Tenn., March 27, 2023. At least six staff members were killed, including three children, police reported.

Diocesan officials call mass shooting at Nashville Presbyterian school 'sad, shocking,' urge prayers for victims, families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Officials of the Nashville Diocese called news of a morning mass shooting and loss of life at a private Christian school in the city heartbreaking and “deeply sad and … more

By Katie Peterson, OSV News | 3/30/23

Father Ron Cloutier gives Communion through a slot to an inmate in solitary confinement at a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison in this undated photo.

Rhode Island Senate bill seeks to reform solitary confinement practices

PROVIDENCE — On Tuesday, March 21, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee met to discuss SB0617, known as the Solitary Confinement Reform Act. Proposed in the Senate on March 7, the bill … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/30/23

Assignments for 03.30.23

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

3/30/23

Michael Gaffney

WARWICK — Michael J. Gaffney, 73, passed away on March 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Deborah (Masson) Gaffney for 52 years. He was born in Providence, … more

3/30/23

Father Charles P. Quinn

WOONSOCKET — Father Charles P. Quinn, 82, pastor emeritus of St. Eugene Parish in Chepachet, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket. Born in Providence, Rhode … more

3/30/23

Father Daniel Lapolla, C.S.

PROVIDENCE — Father Daniel Lapolla, C.S., died on January 5, 2023. He was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on September 26, 1942, the son of Daniel Lapolla and Helen M. Lapolla (nee Tinkham). As a … more

3/30/23

It’s Holy Week And We’re On Retreat

There’s a reason it’s called “Holy Week” and that’s because in these days we will enter into the deepest mysteries of the Christian Faith. In this week we will observe … more

3/30/23

Special Event Listings for 03.30.23

Updated Cemetery Mass for Holy Week PAWTUCKET — A Mass for Holy Week has been updated by the Office of Catholic Cemeteries. Mass will be celebrated for Saint Francis Cemetery on Wednesday, … more

3/30/23

Our Lady of Good Help parishioner Beverly Munyon has written her first book “The Boy of Many Miracles” a memoir of her grandson.

Local author pens book on her spiritual growth through grandson’s affliction, God’s miracles

BURRILLVILLE — Before the birth of her grandson, Beverly Munyon prayed for a healthy child, never imagining the difficulties in store for their family when that prayer did not come true. When … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/30/23

Silvio Cuellar leads the music ministry in song during Bishop Richard G. Henning’s welcome Mass in Spanish on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence.

Longtime editor of El Catolico de Rhode Island, Hispanic Ministry coordinator, taking job at national level with Catholic Relief Services

PROVIDENCE — Silvio Cuellar, who has served in the Diocese of Providence for nearly 25 years as the longtime editor of El Catolico de Rhode Island, the Spanish language version of Rhode Island … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 3/30/23

Young athletes showcase skills and sportsmanship on the court

The Catholic Athletic League hosted the 2023 basketball championship over the weekends of March 11 - 12 and March 18-19 at area Catholic high schools. Hundreds of young athletes took part in … more

3/30/23

Why I am Pro-life

“Those that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety” (Benjamin Franklin). This was said by one of America’s founding … more

By Grace Jelinek | 3/30/23

Holding the Line on Brain Death

How do we determine that someone has died? The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA), which has been an important part of the medical and legal landscape in the U.S. for more than 40 years, … more

3/30/23

Reflecting on the selfless example and charity of St. Cyprian

St. Cyprian was born into a rich pagan Carthaginian family in North Africa, probably about the year 200 A.D. Before his conversion, he was a leading member of a legal fraternity in Carthage and a … more

3/30/23

Human beings deserve love, care and compassion until their last breath

TO THE EDITOR: Political consultant Kate Coyne-McCoy wrote in a recent Boston Globe commentary, “To ease suffering for terminally ill patients, Rhode Island should legalize medically … more

3/30/23

We must not legalize physician-assisted suicide

TO THE EDITOR: In March 1996, an overwhelming majority of Rhode Island legislators voted to ban physician assisted suicide (PAS). Only one senator voted in favor of it. Yet today, “right … more

3/30/23

Physician-assisted suicide does not equate to providing compassionate care

TO THE EDITOR: On Wednesday, March 22, “Lila Manfield-Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act” (HB 5210) was considered in the state Legislature. Many will attempt to influence you and … more

3/30/23

Members of the media report outside of Pope Francis' room in Rome's Gemelli hospital March 30, 2023. The pope was admitted to the hospital March 29 due to a breathing difficulty and was diagnosed with a "respiratory infection," according to the Vatican.

Pope 'steadily improving' from respiratory infection, Vatican says

ROME (CNS) -- After spending the night in the hospital, Pope Francis is "steadily improving" from a respiratory infection and continuing his planned course of treatment, the Vatican press office … more

By Justin McLellan, Catholic News Service | 3/30/23

Pope returns to Gemelli hospital for tests, Vatican says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis went to Rome's Gemelli hospital March 29 for "some previously planned tests," the Vatican press office said, providing no further details. However, a Vatican … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 3/29/23

Statute of limitations bill heard in House of Representatives

PROVIDENCE — The House Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 16, to discuss R.I. House Bill No. 5510, sponsored by State Representative Carol Hagan McEntee (District 33-Narragansett, South … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/23/23