News - February 2023 RSS Feed

Reverend Roger A. Houle, 71, Pastor Emeritus of St. Joseph Parish, North Scituate, died Monday, February 27, 2023. Calling Hours will be on Thursday, March 2, from 3 - 7pm, in St. Joseph Church, Danielson Pike, North Scituate, followed by a Mass of Christ the High Priest. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father’s soul will be offered on Friday, March 3, at 10am, at St. Joseph Church, North Scituate. ​​​​​​​Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.  

Lea ahora: Boletín digital de la Diócesis de Providencia en Español 24 de Febrero del 2023

WARWICK — “What prevails here today, and always, is the promise made to them then, the one hundred beautiful souls that left us, that we pray to be at peace with the good Lord, who lent them to us as great and cherished gifts. May they rest safe in His peace, and may you and I keep our promise to them, to never forget, until we meet again.”

Perhaps you saw the national news story about a group of Catholic school students who were “kicked-out” of the Smithsonian Museum for wearing hats that said “Rosary Pro-Life.” The students explained to the security guards that the hats were being used to identify their large group and to keep it together. They were expelled, nonetheless. We applaud the students for the calm and respectful way they responded to this confrontation and also for their commitment to life – they had just attended the March for Life.

On October 17, 2021, the Church began a two-year process called the Synod on Synodality. One goal of the synod is to listen to the voices of the people of God. It directs us “to hear the voices of other people in their local context… including people of other faith traditions.”

If you received the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Ash Wednesday you may have noticed the priest said something slightly different.

‘No one knows or loves the Diocese of Providence more than Bishop Evans,’ says Bishop Tobin. Read more in Rhode Island Catholic...

Taxpayer dollars should NOT pay for abortion. The majority of Americans agree with this - both Democrats and Republicans. For over 45 years, the Hyde amendment and similar laws have protected taxpayers from being forced to pay for elective abortion. The Hyde amendment has been signed into law every year since 1976, whether Congress and the White House were led by Republicans or Democrats. The Hyde Amendment has saved over 2.4 million babies and mothers in difficult circumstances from the tragedy of abortion. A strong majority of Americans, including women and men across a range of income levels and racial diversity, support the Hyde Amendment and laws that prevent government-funded abortion. We urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to ensure that the Hyde Amendment and all similar life-saving appropriations riders remain in place. Do not force Americans to subsidize the taking of innocent life. Oppose any bill, including any appropriations bill, that expands taxpayer funding of abortion. Add your name to the petition!

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, is calling upon the patronage of St. Dymphna, a seventh-century martyr, to guide his task force that is hoping to combat a 21st-century epidemic: the mental health of the nation’s young people. The Diocesan Task Force on Youth Wellness is developing a menu of available services that parishes, clergy, schools, parents and youth can turn to for help. (Adobe Stock photo)

WEST WARWICK — Twenty years ago, Rhode Island experienced one of its greatest tragedies. The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, during a concert by rock band Great White, leaving 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. For those who lived through it or lost a loved one, healing from the horrific scars, both physical and emotional, takes time. For some, no amount of time will be enough.

As Lent approaches on Ash Wednesday (February 22), be reminded that the following Lenten Regulations apply:

At the Chrism Mass almost four years ago, the Most Reverend Robert C. Evans concluded his homily to the priests of Providence with these sobering words: “Perhaps, when all is said and done, the most we can hope for is others to have said of us: he was a Catholic priest.” The bishop’s words inspire reflection on the supernatural identity of every priest.

MOULTRIE, Ga./PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Driving through Southwest Georgia, as Rhode Island Catholic did last summer, it takes a little effort to reach the small town of Moultrie, which is located about 20 miles west of I-75, a little more than an hour from the Alabama border. The town of about 14,000 is named after William Moultrie, a military captain and patriot in the American Revolutionary War.

Looking Back at Rhode Island Catholic Coverage ahead of Bishop Evans’ Consecration

From the diocesan office of Priests' Personnel.

'Letters From Home' infuses the classic style of the USO with a witty, modern edge and features high-energy singing and tap dancing performances. 'Letters From Home' is funny and heartfelt, harmonic and uplifting. Having performed 900+ shows across the world (including singing at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy France ​and entertaining Battle of the Bulge veterans in Belgium,) McVinney Auditorium is THE official Rhode Island stop of the 50 States Tour!

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated large areas of central Turkey and northwest Syria. The death toll has surpassed 35,000 and continues to climb. The earthquake is the worst to strike Turkey this century. Later that day, the region experienced a second magnitude 7.7 quake. You can help - - Catholic Relief Services will support emergency relief efforts led by local partners in both Syria and Turkey with Caritas Turkey, Caritas Syria in Aleppo and Lattakia—where extensive damage has been reported—and other local partners. Already in Turkey, Caritas Anatolia, in coordination with authorities, is bringing displaced people to safe, open spaces and distributing hot meals and clothing. Click to donate. Donations may also be made by phone at 877-435-7277 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or by mailing check or money order to: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5200, Harlan, IA 51593-0700.

PROVIDENCE — In the words of the famous Mexican singer Ana Gabriel, “I have no money or anything, the only thing I have is love to give.” These words were spoken in his homily by the new coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Bishop Richard G. Henning, before more than 1,000 faithful, winning the hearts of the Hispanics present at his welcome Mass in Spanish.

I’m thinking of the gentleman who called my office to say that he drove past my house every day, and that he sometimes saw a coyote prowling around, and knew that I walked my little dog in the same area and wanted me and the puppy to be safe. And the lady who sent me a package filled with candy and other treats for my Easter basket after I had written about how much I treasure the Easter basket my mom gave me many years ago.

This diocesan Convocation is for all adults in order to grow in knowledge and practice of their Catholic faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. It is for parents who are the first teachers of their children in the faith. It is for catechists, teachers, and youth ministers who hand on the faith to adults, children, and teens. And it is for anyone who wishes to learn skills for sharing the faith to others. The day includes a variety of enriching breakout sessions, exhibits, lunch, Confessions, and Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard Henning. Visit the website to purchase tickets, sign up for event updates, view the schedule of the day and more.