A Path to Grow in Christ’s Love

By Gina Foster

Fall is upon us, and I hope that you all get the opportunity to visit your favorite pumpkin patch or apple orchard, bake an apple pie or sip your favorite spiced tea or coffee.

Autumn brings many new changes for several members of our diocese, whether it’s the start of a new school year, a new career path or perhaps retirement. A path can be defined as the course or direction in which a person or thing is moving.

As “One Faith, One Family” we pray for all the members of our diocese and for our Catholic school students as they continue their path to grow in Christ’s love as the school year begins. Suzanne deJongh, of Sacred Heart Taftville, said, “I love teaching at a school where faith is a focus, and students learn that God is the center of their lives. The small classes instill a family-like feel to our school, and students feel safe, welcomed, and loved.”

Our Diocesan Catholic Elementary Schools continue to work diligently to provide an exceptional education for our students surround- ed by Christ’s love and guidance. They were met with several challenges over the past two years, but our students, teachers and faculty have remained devoted and steadfast.

Our families and students are very appreciative of the quality Catholic education their teachers provide them on a daily basis. This year we will be holding the 12th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner on Nov. 6 at the Saint Clements Castle in Portland. This important dinner honors three individuals who have made a significant contribution to Catholic education: Amy Freeman, teacher, Mercy High School, Middletown, Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft S.C.M.C., principal, Saint John School, Old Saybrook, Reverend Joseph Tito, administrator of Saint Joseph School, Baltic, and Sacred Heart School, Taftville; Pastor, Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Church Baltic, Sacred Heart Church Taftville, and Saint Joseph Church, Occum.

The proceeds from this event help Catholic Elementary School students from the Diocese of Norwich with tuition assistance.

Our ACA donations continue to be extremely important to help all of our ministries carry out their spiritually affirming and life changing missions. Your generosity through the years has been inspiring and very much appreciated. We still need your help to make our goal. To make a contribution to our 2022 ACA “One Faith, One Family,” please go online to www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or call Heather Harris in the Office of Development at 860-886-1928.

If you would like further information about becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets for the 12th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner, please email or call me at gfoster@norwichdiocese. net or 860-886-1928 extension 115. Stay safe and God bless you.

We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in preaching the Gospel, may the Church be a community of solidarity, fraternity and welcome, always living in an atmosphere of synodality.

- Pope Francis