August 22, 2023

August 22, 2023 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, In this week’s Gospel for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus pressed his disciple with a pointed question: “Who do you think I am?” They were not theologians, so they had to respond from their hearts. And so do we, for that is where the real answer lies. Knowing Jesus is very different from knowing about him—any atheist can read the scriptures. Knowing Jesus takes nothing less than a bonding of hearts that changes our inner landscape: his thoughts become our thoughts; his loves become our loves. That is how it is supposed to be between Jesus and us. So, after all our years as Christians, it is fair for him to ask: “Do you know me?” If we do, and his imprint is on our hearts, the evidence will speak for itself. And it will sound something like this: Every morning, when I open my eyes, I am glad to be alive. I am not afraid, because I know the Lord loves me and does not intend to forget me. God has blessed me with everything I need to make a good and responsible life The people around me are thriving, because I deeply care about them even on their worse days I care about the world we live, and I am willing to work for peace, help those in need and work for real justice I am not done yet, but I am getting better, because God is my strength If you know Jesus and carry him in your heart, that is who you really are. And that is who you will see every time you look in the mirror. On another topic:  for those who may be desiring to assist in some concrete way the plight of the Ukrainian Refugees, I offer you this Organization and representative for your consideration: IRIS Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services Svetlana Moskvitch (Outreach Specialist Ukrainian Program—Hartford) smoskvitch@irisct.org 203-562-2095 ext. 323. Peace and blessings! Fr. George Couturier The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 27, 2023 4:00 PM at Saint James 9 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton 11:00 AM at Saint James   Register NOW for Faith Formation Grades K-10th Grade Registration for our Faith Formation Program is happening NOW! Summer is flying by so please get your registration in as soon as you can! By registering now, you help us in planning our classes and recruiting catechists for grades 4-8. Registration for all classes will close this year on September 1, 2023. We especially need catechists for grades 6 and 8. If you have a child in these grades, please consider teaching or co-teaching with another volunteer. We are planning Sunday classes this year which may enable you to volunteer! If you volunteer as a catechist you will receive free registration for your child/children. You will complete a separate registration form if you volunteer. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at reo@sjbrh.org or call 860-529-1274 to learn about being a catechist. It is a wonderful and rewarding opportunity for you to learn more about our faith as well. All our registrations this year will be done online. You can access it by clicking the green button below or scanning the QR Code. Fall classes begin starting the week of Sunday, September 24, 2023. We will have more information coming later about our Fall program. Have a wonderful summer! Monica, Beth, Carol, Linda, and Lori Click Here to Register for Faith Formation Click Here to Let Us Know You are Planning on Attending the Picnic Visit our Website 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! Children’s Choir at St. James First rehearsal is Sunday, August 27 after the 11 AM Mass for those who would like to sing at the Parish Picnic on September 10. Children who are able to read are most welcome. Call Joy at 860-529-8655 x17 or joy@sjbrh.org.  Fifth Annual Golf Outing Friday, September 22, 2023 Timberlin Golf Club 330 Southington Road, Berlin CT Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM Scramble Format Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM Dinner to follow $150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, use of driving range, sleeve of golf balls, lunch and buffet dinner. Cash prizes for first and second place. 50/50 cash raffle. Prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive. Click Here for Golf Outing Brochure & Registration Form Planning for our annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We are seeking a volunteer to take on the role of Advertising Coordinator this year. We are also seeking crafters and vendors for the fair. We offer spaces of 10x10 feet for a cost of $65.00. Does either of these opportunities call out to you? If so, contact Holiday Fair Chairperson, Jo-Ellen Vendetti at SJBholidayfair@gmail.com. Learn More About Our Holiday Fair Learn More About the Pilgrimage Here Charismatic Prayer Group Our Charismatic Prayer Group gives praise, honor, thanks and love to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our gatherings include Christian music, charismatic prayer, discussion of biblical readings and sharing prayer petitions. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM online. Contact Kristie Witherspoon to learn more: kblicharz@gmail.com. Daily Mass Mon-8:30AM @ Seton Tues-8:00AM @ St. James Thur-8:00AM @ St. James Fri-8:30AM @ Seton Adoration First Thursdays 8:30AM @ St. James Every Thursday 3:00PM @ St. James Reconciliation Fr. George welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton. Parish Visitors Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are available to bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners and those recuperating from surgery or illness. Please contact the parish office to request a visit: 860-529-8655. Read the Parish Bulletin Visit our Website Stay Connected Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill

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