May 26, 2026

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Welcome Back to Ordinary Time at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

May 26, 2026

Daly Notes

Dear Friends,

Are you called to walk with families through one of life’s most tender moments?

We are forming a new Funeral Ministry Team — compassionate volunteers who offer a ministry of presence and practical support to grieving families as they prepare for their loved one’s funeral liturgy. Team members help families navigate the planning process: choosing readings, selecting music, and coordinating the participation of readers and gift bearers.

This is a flexible, on-call commitment — no two families are alike, and your gift of time and care will mean more than you know. If you feel drawn to this quiet, meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Fr. Shawn at the parish office: 860.529.8655 or frshawn@sjbrh.org.

Peace and Blessings!

Fr. Shawn

Join Us For The Most Holy Trinity

May 31, 2026

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:30 AM at St. James

Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group

All are welcome to join the Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 10:00-11:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. We will be discussing one of the Beatitude’s regarding: Blessed are the Peace Makers for they will be called children of God. We conclude with various types of prayer petitions. We meet on the third Tuesdays of the month from now to June 16. All our welcomed to join. For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net.

We also have a charismatic prayer group that is led by Kristie Bilcharz. This group meets on zoom on the first Tuesday’s of the month.

The Awakening Retreat will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church.

For additional information about both groups and the Awakening retreat, please contact Michael Lonergan at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net. I will forward your information to Kristie regarding the charismatic prayer group.

Awakening Retreat Registration Form

Other Fun Tidbits

The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Picnic Committee Needs You!

We’re building our Parish Picnic Planning Committee and looking for a few good people to help make this beloved community tradition a success! We’re currently seeking volunteers for three key roles:

Set-Up Coordinator – Help develop the set-up plan and direct set up of tables and chairs on picnic day.
Children & Family Activities Team Lead – Plan the fun for our youngest parishioners and their families!

Committee members attend monthly meetings beginning in May and play a hands-on role directing volunteers on the day of the picnic — Sunday, September 13, 2026. Interested? Reach out to Danielle Hollister at danie7@cox.net or Jennifer Hussey at thehusseys95@att.net for more details. We’d love to have you on the team!

Outdoor Places to Pray

at Saint Josephine Bakhita

Now that the warm weather has arrived, consider taking your preferred prayer style to a quiet place on the grounds of either church campus.

Saint James campus offers several outdoor spots: the Labyrinth behind the church/next to the parish center as well as the benches between the two buildings. Other prayerful spots include the statue of Christ behind the center as well as on the tree covered lawns near the church.

At Saint Elizabeth Seton campus, a garden devoted to Mary is a good spot for prayer and lies across from the church with benches (and has a lending library, too!). A sheltered gazebo sits in a shaded spot opposite the rectory. Benches on the church porch during the week offer quiet as well.

Inside or outside of either campus, there are peaceful places to pray. Visit our church properties and spend time with our Lord.

Ongoing Food Collection

Support our ongoing food and cereal collections for our monthly delivery to the Rocky Hill and Amazing Grace food pantries. Non-perishable food items and cereal boxes can be dropped off at either church location: St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon – Fri (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00. St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the kitchen, Mon – Fri (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.