August 6, 2024

Summer Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

August 6, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This weekend we hear the fascinating story of the greatest prophet, Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-8). In the story, Elijah went on a one-day journey into the desert. When he came to the broom tree, he sat underneath. There, he prayed for death by saying, “This is enough, O Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Then, Elijah lay down and fell asleep.

God, however, had other plans for him. Instead of taking his life, God sent an angel to Elijah with a hearth cake and a jug of water. The angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. This Elijah did. After the snack, he lay back down. The angel came a second time, touched him, and ordered him to eat some more, for the journey he would take would be too long to go without nourishment. So, Elijah got up, ate and drank, and now strengthened, walked the forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.

This story is often seen as a precursor to the stories about the Eucharist in the New Testament. Like the Eucharist, the food and drink from God was enough to heal Elijah and renew his missionary journey as a prophet. This story of Elijah gives us “food for thought and meditation” about our own understanding of the Eucharist today.

First, the stresses and strains of life get everyone down at times. Having “down times” is nothing to be ashamed of, for it is part of the human condition. Second, sometimes we need encouragement on our life journey, especially in the rough patches of life. Each of us can help one another: a friendly word, a smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement can often be sufficient. And third, like the hearth cakes and jug of water that the angel brought Elijah, the Eucharist has healing power. As Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.

And so, this week, as we continue our life journey, it would be a good idea to reflect on how we encourage others. What is the role of Holy Communion in our lives?

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 11, 2024

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Thursday

August 15, 2024

8:00 AM at St. James

and livestreamed

12:00 PM at St. James

7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton

REGISTRATION FOR

STUDENT FAITH FORMATION CLASSES IS NOW OPEN!

HELLO FAMILIES!

We have two forms this year, one for children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade and one for children in Grades 2-10.

If you are a catechist/teacher please contact the office for a separate form as your registration fee will be waived.

We are still in need of catechists for grades 4 - 7, no experience necessary and teaching support provided. If you volunteer to teach, the registration fee is waived! If you need more information, please contact Monica Piombino at monica@sjbrh.org.

Please click the appropriate button below to access our online registration forms and sign up your child/children for classes.

As a special bonus if you get in your registration early, we are offering a $20 discount for those families who register before AUGUST 18, 2024. Just remember to put in the special discount code below when registering to take advantage of the discount.

Discount Codes For Early Registration:

Pre-K, K, and Grade 1 Discount Code: ECDISCOUNT

Grades 2 - 10 Discount Code: FFREG2024

In grades 2-7 we have offered some options for days and times for classes. Please note that it may not be possible to give you the option you choose in every case based on class size and catechist availability.

This year all grade 8 students will be meeting once a month on Sunday from 5:30-7:00 pm at St James.

Please contact the faith formation office at reo@sjbrh.org or by calling 860-529-1274 with any questions.

Enjoy the rest of your summer! We look forward to sharing faith with you and your children for another exciting year of faith formation!

Remember to sign up before August 18, 2024 to receive the discount!

Peace,

Monica Piombino, Faith Formation Director

Monica@sjbrh.org

860-529-1274

PreK, K, and Gr. 1 Registration

Grade 2 - 10 Registration

Click Here To Let Us Know You Are Attending The Picnic

HELP MAKE OUR ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC FUN FOR EVERYONE!

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

Click Here to Volunteer at Our Parish Picnic

Other Fun Tidbits

Sixth Annual Knights of

Columbus Golf Outing

Friday, September 20, 2024

Timberlin Golf Club, Berlin CT

Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM

Scramble Format ~ Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM ~ Buffet Dinner to follow

$150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, lunch and buffet dinner, cash prizes, raffle prizes.

$55 dinner only

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

Learn More About Our Golf Tournament Here

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

Food insecurity rises in the summer time! We continue to seek food and cereal donations 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.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross has launched a Severe Blood Shortage Appeal. All eligible donors are encouraged to schedule appointments now. The next drive hosted at our Parish Center at St. James Church is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.