September 15, 2026


Daly Fall Notes

Dear Friends,

Summer vacations are just about over, and the kids are all back in school. This Tuesday is the first day of Fall. Where did the time go?

Next to Christmas itself, Fall is my favorite season of the year. New England in the Fall is beautiful, assuming you don’t mind getting stuck behind tourists going 2 mph looking at a yellow tree.

This weekend, we are blessed to welcome Father George back to Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish.

Our parable this week is one that many people can’t understand or might even be infuriated by. How can this wealthy landowner dare to give those who only worked one hour the same pay as those who worked all day? How is that fair?

It all comes down to one idea. Do we believe that God owes us something?



We often think we have to earn God, but God is trying to give His love away. We seem to prefer the worthiness system, where we earn what we get. But that’s not God’s invitation; God sets a banquet for everyone. All we have to do is accept the invitation.

One of my seminary professors said: God’s love is truly a mystery. The Mystery is unconditionally available, totally free—anytime, anywhere, by anyone!

May we accept this mystery and truly be transformed by God’s love. May we all become what God is calling us to be- loving and generous children of God.



Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Join Us For The 
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

Fall Bakhita Bible Study
”Go In Peace…”

In our times, as in the times of Jesus, violence and conflict seem a stubborn “fact of life”. Then and now, wars, rumors of wars, civil strife and conflicts, social and cultural discord, violent crimes and domestic violence were and are everyday realities.

Disciples of Jesus Christ, reaching back to the Old Testament prophets and strengthened by the Lord’s own teaching words and example, are called to turn away from violence toward peace in our lives and relationships in a reconciling way that speaks to the world around us.

Bakhita Bible Study will be considering these realities and challenges starting on Wednesday October 14 through November 18 at 10:00 AM at the St. James Parish Center and at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. The 7:00 PM evening sessions will be live streamed online for remote participation. There is a $10 book charge. Please preregister by Sunday October 4 by emailing Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com (best) or by calling 860-836-8218 and leaving a message.      

Faith Sharing Group

All are welcome to join the Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month starting on September 15 from 1:00-2:30 PM and the fourth Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 PM beginning September 22. Both meetings will be in person at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church in room B. We focus on prayer, a brief scripture review on the workings of the Holy Spirit, with a continued discernment in open discussion and personal prayer intentions.

We also have a charismatic prayer group that is led by Kristie Bilcharz. This group meets on Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month. For additional information about any of these groups, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 or at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net. I will forward your information to Kristie regarding the charismatic prayer group. 

You are welcome to attend any of these faith sharing groups and feel free to invite friends or family members from our parish or not. 

Camino de Santiago:
In the Footsteps of a Pilgrim

In 2011, the movie “The Way” with Martin Sheen introduced many to Camino de Santiago – The Way of St. James, a trek dating back to the Middle Ages, that stretches 800 km (500 miles) across Spain. Each year, a half million “pilgrims” venture out along one of seven routes, each of which ends at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

But what is this “pilgrimage” – a spiritual journey, a physical journey, or an ordinary walk with strangers? 

For some answers, please join recent “pilgrims” Sr. Patty Moriarty RSM and Deacon Michael & Krystyna Ward for an evening of reflection and storytelling rooted in their “Camino walks” in France, Spain and Portugal.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

DATE: Thursday, October 15, 2026

TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

PLACE: Saint James Parish Center, 767 Elm Street

Sr. Patty Moriarty, RSM, a lifelong member of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas since 1988. Deacon Michael and Krystyna have been members of the parish community for over 40 years and have organized parish pilgrimages to the Holy land, Poland, Italy, Fatima and Lourdes.

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).

HAITI CONCERT: 
’From Broadway to the Met!’
Sunday, November 1, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

You are cordially invited to attend our wonderful FREE vocal concert on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM at St. James. Approximately 50 singers from our parish and beyond will perform repertoire that spans Broadway, sacred, and classical. You’ll hear excerpts from Les Miserables, Wicked, Carousel, Anastasia, La Boheme, Tosca and so much more. Our Adult and Children’s Choirs will be featured alongside professional musical theater and classical soloists. 

I have had the honor of going to Haiti twice, and I am delighted to hear about Saint Josephine Bakhita’s well-established deep connections with Haiti and our sister parish there, St. Ann in Saintard. The need is as great as ever. There will be a free-will donation at the event, followed by a lovely reception!

We hope to see you all there,

Rochelle Bard and the Music Ministry

Support Our Clothing Collection

Support the Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Clothing Collection. We accept clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church (behind the divider). Unfortunately we are no longer able to accept household goods.

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

Stay Connected

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill