August 20, 2024

Summer Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

August 20, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

We have looked in many places for that special something, and we have often been disappointed. That desire to be the best, have the best, look the best, and move with the best can absorb our attention in life. But underneath all that restless searching is a longing for something more, something that will fill our hearts full and not leave us disappointed when we get it.

In this weekend’s Gospel (John 6:60-69) we see that Peter was right when Jesus asked him if he too was going to leave, like some of the other disciples. Peter said, “To whom would I go, Lord? You have the words of everlasting life.” And not just the words, but the very essence of life.

Walking side by side with the Lord, like Peter, is the only thing that can give our days the purpose and the joy we desire. Walking consciously with the Lord, like Peter, through the minutes and the hours can bring to the most trivial of tasks and the simplest encounters a satisfaction and a peacefulness that nothing else can bring. Walking with the Lord, like Peter, in faith through the hard times and the sad times can mean the difference between a slow and lingering spiritual death and a life that is still worth living.

Peter was right: Our Lord is the only one who can give us life. We know that. We gather here in Church because we believe that. Let us not forget that truth when things turn upside down.

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

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 25, 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.

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!

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.

Giving Garden Ministry

Calling all gardeners or would-be gardeners! Our Giving Garden Ministry (church garden) -- which has been growing hundreds of pounds of vegetables for the St. Vincent DePaul soup kitchen in Middletown since 2017 -- could use your help.

About a dozen people plant, weed, harvest and otherwise maintain the organic garden (no synthetic chemicals or fertilizers), but we could use more volunteers from high school age through retirees. You will learn by doing and with gardening hints from our ‘garden bible.'

No need to commit for every week. We plant seedlings indoors in winter, prep and plant in May and harvest from late spring through early fall. Find your calling & come once a week if you’re able.

Feel free to visit the garden, facing Brook Street, on the campus of St. Elizabeth Seton anytime or come meet with volunteers most Mondays about 5:00PM.

Later this fall, we’ll need to prepare for next season, adding mulch, border stone and repairing fencing.

If you would like to join this awesome team, contact Bob Manzi at manzirj@sbcglobal.net.

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, September 4, 2024 from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.