April 18, 2023

News From Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

April 18, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The Gospel story this coming Sunday recounts Jesus meeting his disciples on the road to Emmaus. Just as Jesus drew near and walked with the disciples, Jesus continually draws near and accompanies us on our path of life. Sometimes we see him right away and welcome his company. Other times, like the two disciples, our eyes are prevented from recognizing his presence. Nevertheless, Jesus persists in making himself known to us.

The disciples’ response to Jesus is “Stay with us” (Luke 24:29). And he does, just not in the way they expect. First, he unpacks the Scriptures with them. Next, as he did at the Last Supper, he gives his real presence in the bread they share when they sit down at the table to eat together. So it is with us, every time we gather around our community table, the altar, Jesus stays with us. He becomes truly present under the appearance of bread and wine. We receive him into our very bodies, hearts, and souls.

As we journey through these Easter days, aglow with joy, God unceasingly pleads with us to “remain close.” That can be done through keeping up the spiritual disciplines practiced throughout Lent. We can also remain close through being fully present at the celebration of the Eucharist, where Jesus draws near to us and invites us to spiritual union: communion.

We continue to bask in the joy of Easter. Our photo gallery of Holy Week is now loaded up with pictures of all our celebrations, especially the Easter Vigil. Special thanks go out to parishioner, Bill Betterini, for so generously and skillfully serving as our photographer on Holy Saturday.

Enjoy this gallery of pictures from the Easter Weekend

Third Sunday of Easter

April 23, 2023

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at St. James

Eldercare Healthcare Informational Panel

On Tuesday, April 18 from 6:00-7:30 PM, St. Josephine Bakhita will host an Eldercare/Healthcare Panel to share information on a variety of resources available to caregivers and older adults. Industry professionals, which will include Father George and members of our parish, will speak on home care & hospice, private duty in-home assistance, skilled nursing, Estate Planning, Medicare wellness benefits, dementia resources and spiritual counseling. Following the speaker panel, there will be an opportunity for questions and answers. The event will be held at St. James Parish Hall located at 767 Elm Street. Complimentary pizza will be provided. Please sign up in advance so we have a head count. Call our parish office at 860-529-8655 or email frgeorge@sjbrh.org.

Click Here to Sign Up for the Earth Day Celebration

Centering Prayer Workshop

Join us for a Centering Prayer Workshop on May 1 & May 2 from 6:30-8:30 PM on Zoom. Mike Smoolca, Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach at Holy Family Monastery and Fran Mastro will present this two-part workshop. We will discuss the basics of Centering Prayer and practice it as a group, deepening our relationship with God. Sign up in the foyer at St. Elizabeth Seton or St. James Church. Any question call Fran at (860)810-2403 or Email at fmed6@icloud.com.

Evening of Reflection for Couples

Join us for an evening of reflection for couples led by Lil and Rick Baruffi on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:00PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. The focus of the evening will be on navigating communication and conflict in our relationships. Learn more and sign up HERE.

Eucharist: Meal, Sacrifice, Presence

May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13

Saint James Parish Center

7:00 P.M.

Our Catholic Christian faith sees the Eucharist as central to the nature of our lives as disciples. There is so much that the various dimensions of this rich and beautiful sacrament seeks to communicate to us.

For so many of us that last structured learning we had on the Eucharist was in childhood. Updating our “software” on this critical sacrament may help us to deepen and refocus our faith and spiritual lives.

This May and June Deacon Michael will lead a six-part series on the Eucharist using Bishop Robert Barron’s study program “Eucharist: Sacred Meal, Sacrifice Real Presence.”

The series will be held on May 9, 16, 23, 30, and June 6, 13 at 7:00 at the Saint James Church Parish Center 767 Elm Street. There is a $10 fee for materials. Please register via email at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com (BEST!!!) or by leaving a message at 860-529-3222 Ext 14.

The sessions are free and open to all members of the parish community and friends.

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service. In addition to assisting the under served of our communities, your gift helps those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our faith.

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2023 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please prayerfully consider a gift today. Please know that every dollar of your gift will have a positive impact in someone’s life.

All donations are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found here. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Donate to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal