Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Fathers Connors, Murphy, prepare for seminary appointments at home, abroad

PROVIDENCE — No man becomes a strong, well-equipped and effective priest on his own. The years of seminary are more than years of study, difficult as that may be, but years of forming … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 2/1/24

Catholic Schools forming the future saints of the Church

In 1506, construction began on a magnificent new basilica which would serve as the center for Catholics all around the world. Like the previous basilica, it would be built over the bones of our first … more

1/25/24

Helping our children hear God’s call toward their purposes and heaven’s

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question our young people frequently hear, and probably find annoying. No more so, however, than the adults who hear, “What are you … more

By Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, OSV News | 1/25/24

‘Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!’

The Christmas season offers many depictions of the infant Jesus nestled at his mother’s breast, dozing in his straw bedding, gazed upon by humble shepherds and splendid kings. The seasons of … more

1/25/24

Franciscan University Will Launch Ph.D. in Sacred Theology Program in Fall 2024

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville is set to launch its PhD in Sacred Theology Program in fall 2024. With recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission and Ohio … more

1/25/24

Catholic University of America selects diocese to participate in new school accreditation program

PROVIDENCE — The Catholic University of America has selected the Diocese of Providence to participate in a pilot accreditation program it has begun to assess Catholic schools across the … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 1/25/24

Phil Desrosiers, music teacher and bandleader at Sacred Heart School in East Providence leads the young musicians during a recent practice.

Sacred Heart students showcase their musical gifts

1/25/24

‘Truly a Wonderful Experience:’ Bishop Henning Visits St. Rose of Lima School

WARWICK — On Wednesday, Jan. 17, the St. Rose of Lima School community in Warwick welcomed Bishop Richard G. Henning for a memorable visit. It was a special opportunity for the students to get … more

1/25/24

Portsmouth Abbey School recently hosted international recording artist Ryan Tremblay for a Christian concert with students, faculty and staff. To the audience’s surprise, the Abbey Singers student choir had the honor of accompanying Tremblay on stage for his new single, “Glow in the Dark,” a song about hope and light.

Local Christian musician, now in Nashville, performs at Portsmouth Abbey

PORTSMOUTH — Christian rock musician Ryan Tremblay recently performed a concert for the students and faculty of Portsmouth Abbey School. Tremblay, a Rhode Island native and lifelong Catholic, … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/25/24

Catholic schools educate and form the whole person

In November, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with Governor Daniel McKee and his staff concerning his Learn365RI initiative. The Governor explained his deep concern for the young people of … more

1/25/24

Special Event Listings for 01.25.24

Pax Christi to host ‘Building a World Without Nuclear Weapons’ ONLINE — Pax Christi Massachusetts in association with Pax Christi USA presents “Building a World Without … more

1/25/24

Pro-life demonstrators carry a banner past the U.S. Supreme Court during the annual March for Life in Washington Jan. 20, 2023, for the first time since the high court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion decision June 24, 2022. The March for Life's theme for the 2024 event will be "Pro-Life: With Every Woman, For Every Child," the group's president announced Nov. 14, 2023.

With Roe overturned, where does the pro-life movement go from here?

PROVIDENCE — “Abortion presents a profound moral question. The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion. Roe and Casey arrogated … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/18/24

“Contextual” theology and Fiducia Supplicans

In the apostolic letter Ad Theologiam Promovendam (To Promote Theology), issued by Pope Francis on Nov. 1, 2023, the Church was urged to do theology contextually: as the motu proprio put it, theology … more

1/18/24

Commitment and service are the hallmarks of every Christian generation

When my college class graduated from Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick Neck, in 1962, the motto chosen as the theme for the yearbook was “Commitment is written in words of … more

1/18/24

Father Dufour installed as pastor of St. Theresa, St. Christopher parishes

Bishop Richard G. Henning installed Father Phillip Dufour as pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Tiverton on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. On Sunday, Jan. 7, Bishop Henning also installed Father Dufour as … more

1/18/24

State Police make Christmas Bright

The R.I. State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, for the fourth consecutive year, purchased gifts to help a family in need at Christmas. The family, including four children, was … more

1/18/24

Assignments 01.18.24

PAROCHIAL VICAR Reverend Nuno Miguel da Silva Rodrigues, CSSp, to Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony Parish, West Warwick, and Parochial Vicar, St. Francis Xavier Parish, East Providence, effective … more

1/18/24

St. Agnes’ courageous witness is a gift for Christian believers

The popular Ridley Scott film, “Gladiator,” attracted a great deal of attention back in the year 2000 when it was released. The ads for the film had a dramatic voiceover about “a … more

1/18/24

Special Event Listings for 01.18.24

The Visitation of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe DIOCESE-WIDE — The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be visiting the diocese in various parishes throughout Rhode … more

1/18/24

Office of Life and Family Ministry Coordinator Lisa Cooley reminds those gathered in prayer outside a local abortion clinic that the mission of the 40-day campaign is to bring together the Body of Christ in a spirit of unity through prayer, fasting and peaceful activities to change hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life. Cooley was recently honored for her faith-filled work by Rhode Island Right to Life.

Pro-life warrior Lisa Cooley honored by Rhode Island Right to Life

PROVIDENCE — When Lisa Cooley learned that she was Rhode Island Right to Life’s 2023 Proudly Pro-Life awardee, she was stunned. “It was totally unexpected. I feel like I’m … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/18/24