News - December 2022 RSS Feed

The Diocese of Providence mourns the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and we pray for the peaceful repose of his immortal soul.

The year 2022 has been one for the ages in the Diocese of Providence. In January, the diocese began the second half of its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, celebration, with many large-scale events planned to engage the faithful. On February 16, 150 years to the date that Pope Pius IX signed the papal bull which officially created the Diocese of Providence on Feb. 16, 1872, a copy of that Vatican document was placed on display at the cathedral. It would turn out to be a historic year in other ways also, including the naming of a coadjutor bishop in December to serve alongside Bishop Thomas J. Tobin as he prepares to submit his intention to retire when he turns 75 on April 1, as prescribed under canon law. At the same time, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans, who submitted his letter of retirement in September, when he turned 75.

On Sunday, December 11, the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul held the annual Sounds of the Season concert to raise funds for the Diocese of Providence’s “Keep the Heat On” program.

St. Nicholas — Father Daniel Mahoney, associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church — pays a special visit to the students at the parish school in East Greenwich on Dec. 6.

The diocesan celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe took place on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence...

Bishop Tobin is pleased to share once again this year his favorite column about Christmas.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” (Lk 2:7) Those few words describe the most common of human events – the birth of a child...

From the Smallest State to the Little Town of Bethlehem! RI Catholic Executive Editor Rick Snizek visited Bethlehem, West Bank, on December 10, while attending a Media Summit of invited Christian journalists and professionals from around the world. Click for photos!

Click for the full schedule. Can't make it to the Cathedral for Holy Mass on Christmas? Join Bishop Tobin at 10 a.m. via live stream on the Diocese of Providence YouTube channel, youtube.com/DioceseofProvidenceRI

Rev. Robert F. Hawkins, 74, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke Parish, Barrington, died on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Calling Hours will be in St. Luke Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington, on Tuesday, December 20, from 3 – 7pm, followed by a Mass for Vocations at 7pm. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Wednesday, December 21, at 10am, at St. Luke Church. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.

Lea ahora: Boletín digital de la Diócesis de Providencia en Español 11 de Diciembre del 2022

From the diocesan office of Priests' Personnel.

On the Feast of Saint Nicholas, Dec. 6 the Masse family at Paul Masse Chevrolet in East Providence presented Bishop Thomas J. Tobin with a large donation to benefit vital ministries of the Diocese of Providence. The family donated $250,000 to the Catholic Charity Appeal, which through its many ministries, provides social, educational and spiritual support to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year. A gift of $50,000 was given to the Diocesan Assistance Fund which provides charitable support for a number of causes. And a gift of $50,000 to the “Keep the Heat On” program which helps families and individuals keep their homes warm throughout the winter.

Psalm 8 is a beautiful and soaring tribute to the dignity of man. Even in reflecting upon the grandeur of the universe, the psalmist is awe-struck by the importance of man in God’s plan of creation. “You have made him little less than a god; with glory and honor you crowned him,” he writes.

Father Mark Gadoury, St. Luke Church Associate Pastor, blessed some very special rosary beads for Mason, a kindergarten student at St. Luke’s School in Barrington!

More than 40 guests shared a Thanksgiving meal at the diocesan Emmanuel House Shelter...

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 Providence.

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 these past three decades, she has dedicated herself to responding to the needs of young people and helping to create a space so that their unique gifts could be shared with the larger community. But it is her own unique gifts that have made a lasting impact on those she has encountered in her many years in the diocese.

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 of St. Cecilia School in Pawtucket to recall the blistering winters Rhode Islanders often experience. With the fuel and inflation crises, this year marks an especially crucial time to remember those in need.