Rhode Island Catholic

Annie Smith, NCEA vice president of data and research, said eighth graders pre-COVID-19 were about 5% better in math and 6% better in reading — the new numbers, based on testing conducted in 2021, showed a wider separation between the two. Catholic schools’ scores have pretty much bounced back to the levels they had achieved prior to the coronavirus pandemic’s onset in March 2020. The only area that is still not up to snuff is eighth-grade math, which is still five points behind pre-pandemic levels. Even so, said NCEA president Lincoln Snyder, those numbers are 15 points ahead of the comparable figures reported by public schools.

NCEA reports quicker academic recovery from pandemic for Catholic schools

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The National Catholic Educational Association says Catholic schools have recovered more quickly from the pandemic than its public school counterparts.The successes, according … more

By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service | 11/17/22

Marie C. Sauriol

NORTH PROVIDENCE — Marie C. Sauriol, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at home. She was the wife of the late Alexander J. Sauriol Jr. Born in Providence, she was the … more

11/17/22

Emma Jane Woodhouse

CRANSTON — Emma Jane Woodhouse, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2022.Born December 11, 1932 in Elmira, New York, to Roy and Viola Smith, Jane lived for many years in New Canaan, … more

11/17/22

Plan For The Future: Invest In Jesus

Watching the stock market these days can drive you crazy. I suppose that’s always true, but especially now when the market is so depressed and volatile. And if you have any investments, and … more

11/17/22

Special Event Listings for 11.17.22

Save the Date: Eucharistic Revival Advent EventPROVIDENCE — From December 5-7, the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival will be hosting a Eucharistic Advent Mission offered by Father David Mary Engo, a … more

11/17/22

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass to open the listening process that leads up to the assembly of the world Synod of Bishops in 2023, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in this Oct. 10, 2021, file photo. On Oct. 2, 2022, Pope Francis heard syntheses from the listening phase of the 2023 synod.

Vatican prepares for next phase of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality

PROVIDENCE — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has welcomed the Vatican’s release of the document that will guide the next phase of the global Synod called for by Pope Francis.The … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 11/17/22

A Veteran’s Day prayer service was held on November 9 in St. Rocco Church in Johnston. Students from St. Rocco School read poems that they wrote, carried photos of loved ones, sang patriotic songs, and prayed for all veterans.

Rhode Island Catholic students honor local heroes at Veteran's Day events

11/17/22

Regardless of Elections, Christ is our King

As the liturgical year ends the Church draws our attention to the reality of Christ’s kingship. At every Mass we pray the “Our Father.” In that prayer we pray for God’s … more

11/17/22

Incremental Steps to Limit Abortion the Way Forward for Now

In the last election abortion was on the ballot in several states. In many cases pro-life legislation failed to pass. For example, in Kentucky, which consistently votes Republican, an amendment to … more

11/17/22

Unity through the Eucharist

The Gospel accounts of SS. Matthew, Mark, and Luke as well as a Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians all relate the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday in words that today are echoed … more

11/17/22

Every person has a deep inner need for a place to call home

One of the unique gospel stories is that of the tax collector called Zacchaeus, a short guy who became intrigued by Jesus. When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming to Jericho, he climbed a tree to … more

11/17/22

In his previous assignment as a U.S. Army chaplain at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Father Luke Willenberg wishes a group of female soldiers in Basic Training Godspeed as they climb aboard a Chinook helicopter for a flight.

Saluting an Army chaplain's service to God and Country

PROVIDENCE — As much as Father Lukasz J. Willenberg misses being part of a regular parish family back home in the Diocese of Providence, where he served as assistant pastor at St. Luke Church … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 11/10/22

Olivia Marcoux, at left, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church and a student at Mount Saint Charles Academy, was one of two selected to deliver a message about the concerns of youth in the United States in a face-to-face visit with Pope Francis on October 12 in Rome.

Rhode Island teen honored to speak with Pope Francis about the concerns of youth in America

PROVIDENCE — With 11 other youths from around the United States, 16-year-old Olivia Marcoux of Rhode Island recently found herself with a grand view of Saint Peter’s Basilica, surrounded … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 11/10/22

Father Damian Marie Day, O. P., (Joseph Michael Day), son of Liz and Fred Day of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and valedictorian of Providence College’s Class of 2015, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest with the Dominican Order on May 21 at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. by Archbishop Augustine Di Noia, O.P.

Carrying the Torch: Providence College Experiences Surge in Dominican Vocation

PROVIDENCE — It might not seem noteworthy at first to suggest that Providence College has been producing a lot of Friars lately — the school has been graduating them by the classful ever … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/10/22

The Office of Faith Formation’s 2022 Women’s Conference featured presentations by Pat Gohn, pictured, a national Catholic speaker, author, podcaster, and editor of “Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions;” as well as Sister Josemaría Pence, O.P., Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia of Nashville, Tennessee, and principal of St. Pius V School, Providence.

Annual Women’s Conference focuses on Christ’s presence in the Eucharist

PROVIDENCE — On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Office of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Providence organized its annual Rhode Island Catholic Women’s Conference. The theme for the event was … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/10/22

How We Honor The Faithful Departed

One of the endearing qualities of Catholics is that we have great reverence and affection for our loved ones who have died. This is true throughout the year but especially in November, the month … more

11/10/22

Faithful Friends are Beyond Price

The Book of Sirach chronicles various types of friends. The inspired author notes, “There are friends when it suits them; but they will not be around in time of trouble … [but] faithful … more

11/10/22

All Leaders – Including Politicians – Must Speak the Truth

A striking image confronts every priest who exits the sacristy of St. Peter’s Basilica before celebrating Mass. Roncalli’s “Altar of the Lie” depicts an authoritative St. … more

11/10/22

Apocalypses have always been portrayed as a contrast between present evil and future glory

The 45 books in the Old Testament and the 27 books in the New Testament include works of poetry, history, letters, narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, even novels, and of course the Gospels. The … more

11/10/22

Special Event Listings for 11.10.22

Mass for Veterans Day CRANSTON — Mass for Veterans Day will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 11, at 12:05 p.m., at Saint Paul Church, One Saint Paul Place. The Mass, celebrated by Father Thomas … more

11/10/22