June 30, 2026

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Summer News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

June 30, 2026

Daly Summer Notes

Dear Friends,

Summer is here and the time is right… for a few summer projects. If we are going to do any repairs, replacements, or construction, summertime is definitely the time to do it. I also think it’s fun for people who have been away during the summer months, to return and find improvements and upgrades. Here’s an overview of what we’re up to in the summer of 2026:

At the Saint Elizabeth Seton Campus, we recently completed work on the parking lot. We seal coated the entire lot to create a protective layer against weather and traffic wear. After sealing the lot, we restriped it. Also, we cleared the empty space in the back to add an additional fifty spots. Please use this area rather than parking on the grass.

At the Saint James Campus, we have been dealing with issues with our HVAC system. Our energy bills have been steadily rising, and some rooms are always too hot or too cold. Inconsistent temperatures are often a sign that something is wrong with the HVAC system. After kicking the project down the road for a few years, it is time to address it. We have contracted with USA Mechanical. They will begin work on Monday, July 13, 2026. The work could take three weeks but I’m hopeful it will be a little quicker. During this time there will be no a/c in Fr. Shea Hall, Faith formation office and the upstairs classrooms. While the work will not impact daily Mass, funerals will need to be moved to Saint Elizabeth Seton.

In August, we will be repairing the floor in the worship space at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church. This will mean that our Masses we will need to be moved to Saint James for a few days. We will keep you posted on the exact dates.

Wishing you a summer full of good books, great weather, and zero stress.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Join Us For The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2026

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:30 AM at St. James

Click Here To Register for Faith Formation

Click Here To Register for Bakhita Bible Camp

Click Here to Volunteer for Bakhita Bible Camp

Other Fun Tidbits

Eighth Annual Knights of Columbus

Golf Outing

Friday, September 25, 2026

Timberlin Golf Club, Berlin CT

Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM

Scramble Format ~ Shotgun Start at 12:00 PM ~ Buffet Dinner to follow

$175 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, lunch and buffet dinner, cash prizes, raffle prizes.

$35 dinner only

For more information, contact Mike DiBattisto (860-713-9070) or Mike Lombardo (860-869-2231).

Learn More Here

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!

Support Our Toiletry Collection

We collect unused travel-size toiletries at both St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton to donate to the shelters and agencies we support. Save the toiletries from your hotel stays and travels and drop them off to be shared! There are collection bins in the foyers of both churches.

Saint Elizabeth Seton Campus Garden

Update & Request for Help

Before I retired in March as Music Director at the Saint Elizabeth Seton Campus, I was fortunate to find a great team to care for one of my responsibilities: the interior liturgical environment and plants.

Mick Cooney, the assistant custodian at Saint Elizabeth’s and I have prepared and cared for the exterior gardens and flowerpots for several years. We would like to continue to do this work while training teams to care for specific areas going forward. Our lawn service does not provide that service at either campus. Consider giving a little time occasionally to keep our church looking good until winter comes.

Pick a small area to consider tending:

1.The Marion Garden: Weed occasionally, trim dead flowers and shrub overgrowth. Some of these are not yearly jobs. The statue of Mary may need cleaning from time to time. [Checking every 2 weeks to a month is all that is needed. More if you love it!]

2.The Gazebo: Weed occasionally, cut grasses in Spring, dead head spent flowers. [ Once a month – more if you love it!]

3.Upper Porch: Plant any flowers you wish and dead head as needed to keep them looking good! Annuals need more attention. Keep them hydrated!! Choose someone to share the job and the time with.]

4.Patio: Same as porch care. A few people sharing this ministry will make it easy and a pleasure. Give them attention and water.

The only criteria: Love of plants, trees, flowers, creation! If guidance is needed, I am ready to help. We have received lovely comments about our gardens – let’s keep it going.

Contact information: Elizabeth V. Husmer – elizabeth@sbjrh.org