Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Discerning God’s Will in Our Modern World

The ancient Jews were certainly justified in fostering high expectations for their kings. The people of Israel had suffered greatly under foreign kings and had been equally disappointed in some of … more

12/4/25

A huge turnout as Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the thriving Christ the King Parish in Kingston. The parish of Christ the King in Kingston, RI, was founded on November 14, 1950. The founding community consisted of about 100 families. At left, a few founding parishioners raise their hands. Bottom, from left, Father Jared Costanza, pastor, shared his heartfelt gratitude during the anniversary Mass, specifically celebrating the unwavering spirit parishioners and the dedicated service of clergy. Bishop Lewandowski delivers an impassioned homily. The bishop smiles with longtime parishioner Margaret Riley, 101.

Vibrant Christ the King Parish Rings in 75 Years with Bishop, $40K Donation to St. Martin de Porres

KINGSTON — Seventy-five years ago, a small parish was built out of necessity in the shadow of the University of Rhode Island campus. Today, it’s one of the most vibrant Catholic … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/4/25

Polish Roots: St. Carlo Acutis Honored in Providence

Providence’s St. Adalbert Parish recently hosted a celebration for the newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis. The event was particularly meaningful to the Polish-American parish because Carlo was … more

12/4/25

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski kicked off the 2025–26 Keep the Heat On campaign at the Chancery with representatives from OASIS International and Conexión Latina in attendance. As part of the launch, Bishop Lewandowski presented $2,500 donations to each organization to support their clients who need heating assistance. So far this year, approximately $30,000 in assistance has already been provided through Keep the Heat On, helping over 100 households stay warm.

Keep the Heat On provides grants to help those facing language and cultural barriers

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., kicked off the 21st season of the Keep the Heat On diocesan heating assistance program on November 25, by presenting grants for $2,500 each to … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/4/25

St. Anthony Church in West Warwick marked its centennial, honoring the Portuguese founders who risked their homes to build the church. Bottom, from left, the congregation listens as Bishop Lewandowski delivers his homily. Longtime St. Anthony parishioners Roberta Rybka and Bill Rogers in front of traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles that adorn the interior of their West Warwick church. The bishop is joined by clergy as the concelebrate the 100th anniversary Mass.

West Warwick's St. Anthony Marks Centennial, Honoring Founders' Faith and Portuguese Culture

WEST WARWICK — How much do you love your church? Consider for a moment how attached you may have grown to it, a byproduct of all the fond moments you’ve experienced and cherished memories … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/4/25

Special Event Listings for 12.04.25

St. John Baptist Bazaar PAWTUCKET — St. John Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave. (Bullock St. entrance), will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and … more

12/4/25

The Diocese of Providence welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Creamer, MBA, CFE as the new Director of Compliance, effective January 5, 2026. Lt. Col. Creamer, currently the Deputy Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, brings over 29 years of law enforcement experience to the role.

Bishop Appoints RISP Lt. Col. Robert A. Creamer to Lead Diocese of Providence Compliance Office

PROVIDENCE—Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Creamer, MBA, CFE as the Diocese of Providence’s Director of … more

12/4/25

Father Michael J. Leckie

HOPE VALLEY — Father Michael J. Leckie, 76, of Deep River, Conn., died November 15 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was born in Providence, son of the late Arthur and Theresa (Doris) Leckie. He … more

12/4/25

Special Event Listings for 11.27.25

The Joy of Advent: Heart of Worship Event EAST PROVIDENCE — “The Joy of Advent,” a Heart of Worship Event, will be held at Saint Brendan Church on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The … more

11/27/25

Advent and the Call to Prepare for Christ’s Arrival

The season of Advent in the Roman Catholic calendar anticipates the coming of Christ from three different perspectives: Christ’s physical birth in Bethlehem; the daily sacramental and spiritual … more

11/27/25

Catholic Mom’s Favorite Family Christmas Traditions

Christmas is almost here! If your children are like our children, once the “ber” months roll around they are constantly asking how close we are to Christmas. I admit, I get almost as … more

11/27/25

The Essence of Gift Giving

In the hustle and bustle of Christmas a pivotal and timely work to consider is Josef Pieper’s “Leisure: The Basis of Culture.” Pieper argues that the key to the moral and spiritual … more

11/27/25

Service is the Secret Ingredient: Above, left, Sister Mary Agnes and Lucky the Leprechaun at the Old Grist Mill Tavern during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at The Old Grist Mill in Seekonk in March 2022. The Old Grist Mill Tavern has hosted the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser for The Little Sisters of the Poor of Pawtucket for more than a decade. What began as a small dinner at Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket has grown into an all-day affair at the restaurant. Former proprietor Greg Esmay, current owner Karl Pelletier, pictured above, right, and the Old Grist Mill staff, along with a multitude of collaborative vendors, dedicated volunteers, and generous benefactors, all have contributed to its success and raise funds in support of the Little Sisters’ mission. The Old Grist Mill dates back to 1745 when the building itself was actually being used as a grist mill.

Little Sisters of the Poor Set the Standard for Giving

SEEKONK, Mass. — While rosaries and prayer books still make fantastic Christmas gifts, shopping Catholic during this time of year doesn’t have to be limited to retail. Maybe you’re … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/25/25

St. Martin de Porres staff and volunteers hold hands during a group prayer at the start of a recent food bank Friday. In addition to food, clothing and other household items are available to needy residents who come to St. Martin de Porres on Cranston Street in Providence each Friday morning.

This Advent season, give gifts of time at Catholic food banks

PROVIDENCE — They begin every Friday here with the Rosary. Many arrive more than an hour ahead of time, and once enough are assembled, they start praying. Were this a church, the activity might … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/25/25

Christmas Appeal: Strengthen the Vital Ministry of Rhode Island Catholic

In a world hungry for all kinds of information, news, media, and gossip, Catholic communications must be different. Dedicated to sharing hope, telling stories of goodness, and creating spaces of … more

11/25/25

Following the legacy of his grandfather, Michael Rielly continues the decades-long tradition of bringing Christmas joy—completely free of charge—to all children. Michael Rielly, pictured here with guests from the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island.

The Spirit of St. Nicholas: How two generations of Bristol Santas bring Christmas joy to children with disabilities

BRISTOL — Cutting through the commercial clutter and frantic holiday scheduling, a decades-long Christmas tradition serves as a living testament to the spirit of selfless giving embodied by St. … more

By Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 11/25/25

George Wiley Center staff and community volunteers create packages on Nov. 13 for distribution the next day, when recipients also learned how to lower their utility costs.

U.S. Bishops' CCHD collection provides crucial support to local anti-poverty agencies

CENTRAL FALLS / PAWTUCKET — With her husband detained due to his immigration status, a local mother suddenly found herself solely responsible for covering nearly $4,000 in monthly expenses to … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 11/20/25

La Salle Academy President Donald Kavanagh and Msgr. Kenney.

Msgr. Albert Kenney, Vicar General and Former La Salle Chaplain, inducted into the La Salle Academy Hall of Fame

A crowd of 500 recently gathered to celebrate La Salle Academy’s nine Hall of Fame inductees, including Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of … more

11/20/25

Tim McCaig to Lead Catholic Foundation, Melissa Behm named Director of Development and Charity Appeal

PROVIDENCE—Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, has appointed Timothy McCaig as Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island (CFRI) as well as … more

11/20/25

I am Thankful to be Catholic

While watching the canonization of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for being Catholic. I even briefly wrote about it in my … more

11/20/25