A Blessed Day

On September 5th, Michael Cote, the bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, celebrating the opening of JPII with a beautiful mass at St. Mary Church.  I cannot remember the last time I attended mass where a bishop was the celebrant (either my confirmation (in 1991) or Lee's confirmation in 2005), and the pomp and circumstance was wonderful.  Emily was blessed by the bishop and Elizabeth received communion from him.  He also made a wonderful speech at the end of the mass, thanking the parents for their faith and commitment to Catholic education in Middlesex County and promising us that the uncertainty is over, that there will be Catholic elementary school in Middlesex County for years to come.  To read a wonderful article about our new school, click here.

Bishop Cote, with the pastors from St. John and St. Mary, on either side. 

The homily. 

Enjoying the serenade from the children. 

Blessing a portrait of our patron, Blessed John Paul II. 

The girls, along with their father, were a bit fascinated by the various "hats" worn by the bishop during mass. 

Emily, shaking hands with Bishop Cote. 

Elizabeth, being greeted by the bishop.