September 1, 2026

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Welcome to Fall from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

September 1, 2026

Dear Friends,


Nobody likes to have their faults pointed out. But, if we want to excel, we would do well to seek out people who we respect and ask them how we are doing, to mentor us. The truth is that many of us never really figure out who we really are and what our lives are really all about.


Jesus has answers for us but many people, for a number of reasons, want to “go it alone.” Theirs is a “me and God” religion and they will tell you that their relationship with God is nobody else’s business. The danger is that they make God over into their own image and likeness. When it comes to God, there’s no “we” in their lives. That is why our Church is all about belonging. When it comes to living out life with others there will almost certainly be problems. That was the case in early Christian communities. And it is still the case today.


Criticism is important for our growth, criticism however that is motivated out of care and concern. Coaches often criticize their players. Teachers, good teachers, will tell their students how they can improve. Anyone who wants to excel and grow actually welcomes and even seeks out criticism. It all has to be done in a spirit of love. Building up and never tearing down.


Yours in Christ,


Fr. Shawn

HELP MAKE OUR ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC FUN FOR EVERYONE!

We need bakers, food servers, activity leaders and more. Check out all the opportunities to work a shift for our annual parish picnic. Many hands make light work!

Join Us For The 
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 6, 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 Parish is excited to bring an experience for parents of children birth to five, to our community called Nurturing Seedlings. This opportunity is designed to help young parents receive the support, encouragement and skills to help children develop spiritually. It also will give you the chance to build community with other parents who are in the midst of raising babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 

 

Current research has found strong connections between spirituality and emotional well-being in children. Children who are solidly grounded in an affirming faith build up resiliency and are more likely to respond effectively when challenged by stressors. Children who are raised with a closeness to Jesus and grow up within a parish family will feel secure in their identity as a child of God. They will develop a spiritual compass for decision making.

 

We will be launching the next cycle of this experience on September 12, 2026. You may have already received a letter in the mail about this opportunity. 

 

No matter where you are on your own spiritual journey, even if you’re just beginning, this experience can benefit your young child and your whole family.

 

For more information or to register, please contact Ken and Lori Gosselin at lgosselin@snet.net or by calling 860-803-7989.

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).


gardening-items.jpg

Giving Garden Ministry

We are so honored and grateful! The Office of Radio and Television of the Archdiocese of Hartford featured our very own Giving Garden Ministry in a beautiful story for Crossroads Magazine — and it is absolutely worth a watch. For a decade our dedicated team of parishioner volunteers has been growing fresh vegetables and delivering them to the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Middletown. Last year alone they donated 749 pounds of produce. Watch the video story at the link below (3.5 min viewing time).

 © ORTV, Inc. All rights reserved.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross asks for our support during this time of extreme blood supply shortage. The next drive hosted at our Parish Center at St. James Church is scheduled for Today, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 1PM-6PM. All eligible donors are encouraged to donate. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.


Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

Rectory Office

on the campus of St. James Church


767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill

860-529-8655

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill