August 13, 2024

Summer Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

August 13, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This weekend’s Gospel, John 6:51-58, reminds me that real change is always difficult. And facing up to what we really need to change is even harder. That is why the Eucharist is so important to us. The Eucharist is our power source: food for our spirit. It gives us energy for the sometimes-tough road we are on, and it keeps us going. But, even more important, it is medicine for our spirit, the ultimate heart medicine.

When taken as directed, it has the power to cure what is sick in us, and to heal what is wounded. But it is not magic. We must take it as directed. That means we must receive the Lord, not just into our hands or on our lips, but all the way into our inmost being. And doing that takes close attention, inner quiet, and a great deal of trust.

That is why, we here at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, make every effort to bring Eucharist to our many parishioners who are not able to leave their home, their senior residence or their nursing facility. Due to our very committed and faith-filled Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, we can fulfill that awesome obligation and privilege to bring Jesus to many who need that special and real presence of Jesus.

One of our volunteer Eucharistic Ministers, Roseann Dandurand, has served in that capacity at Mapleview Health and Rehab Center for over 20 years. Roseann will be stepping away from this ministry in the very near future. On behalf of the entire parish, I want to express sincerest gratitude to Roseann for her commitment and faith shared with so many. She brings Jesus the healer to these folks and a warm heart.

We would like to continue this ministry by finding a replacement of one or two parishioners who would desire to visit at Mapleview once or twice a month. You would be trained and commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Please contact Fr. George ASAP at frgeorge@sjbrh.org or call 860-529-8655.

Finally, I will be away from the parish from August 25-31, 2024.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

Join Us for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 18, 2024

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

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

Summer Clothing Collection

Our Parish Summer Clothing Collection continues through the coming weeks. We accept warm weather 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.

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.

Prayer Shawls Available For Gifting

Our parish prayer shawl ministry groups keep a large inventory of lovingly crafted and blessed prayer shawls on hand in women’s, men’s and children’s colors and patterns. Shawls are knitted and crocheted with; each stitch carries the prayers of our parish community for the recipient. If you know someone who is struggling in any way, is ill, grieving or in need of spiritual support, consider gifting them with a prayer shawl from our faith community. Shawls are also created with happy occasions in mind such as for baptisms, weddings, Sacraments and celebrations. Contact Betty Catelli at catellib64@gmail.com, Laura Pentland at lbpent57@gmail.com or Elizabeth Husmer at Elizabeth@sjbrh.org to request a shawl for gifting.