The parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Norwich were once (before 1953) part of the Diocese of Hartford. This included St. Andrew’s Parish in Colchester. According to The History of the Diocese of Hartford, written by Rev. James H. O’Donnell and published in 1900, St. Andrew’s Parish then had “three out-missions,” one of which,
St. John’s church, Fitchville [a section of the town of Bozrah], was built by Rev. John Cooney in 1894, and is ten miles from the parochial residence. The population here also is chiefly Irish, and numbers 300 souls. They also receive every Sunday the benefits of the Holy Sacrifice. At the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of St. John’s, the Rev. Michael Sullivan preached the sermon. The church was dedicated by Bishop Tierney, the Rev. John Winters preaching the discourse.
Today, St. John’s is a mission of Sacred Heart Parish in Norwichtown. St. John Roman Catholic Mission is located at 190 Fitchville Road.
Hello ,
I was pleased to come across your post about St John Mission. We are preparing to celebrate the 125th year anniversary of the dedication. In the last sentence of your description you note “Today, St. John’s is a mission of Sacred Heart Parish in Taftville (in the city of Norwich).” The correct information is Sacred Heart parish in Norwichtown. The Sacred Heart in Taftville is a separate parish all together. Thank you
for the history information is a easily accessible place. Have a great day.
Maria,
I have just updated the post. Thanks for the correction!
Dan