December 10, 2024

Advent Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 10, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called "Gaudete Sunday." The Latin word "gaudete" means "rejoice." The scriptures are flush with encouragement to prepare for the coming of the Lord with joy, hope and gratitude. We light the pink candle on our Advent wreath to remind us of this invitation to be joyful.

Many popular Advent customs foster prayerful rejoicing. The music ministry of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish is hosting a beautiful Festival of Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 PM at St. James Church. Everyone is welcome to attend, pray and sing with joy.

However you do it, enter into joy. Sing, even if you think your voice worthy only of the shower stall. And if your heart aches and joy is nowhere to be found, in quiet contemplation, let creation do the singing for you:

A rhapsody of praise to Mystery

resounds, reverberates

inviting disparate, lonely mortals

to kinship with the Author of the universe.

whose hand emblazoned in the stars

is also writ in breath and bone and sinew.

But do not miss the nearer grace:

the universe within a seed,

a child’s laugh,

a sunlit wave,

our DNA.

Creation’s glorious music moves

in rhythms sensed, not seen,

as restless atoms join to sing

the Maker’s hymn to Love enfleshed,

our joy, Jesus, the Christ.

by Suzanne Gagné Bregman

Inspired by a poem by Donald H. Knapp

Our parish community will be marking the days through Advent with a variety of prayer opportunities, devotions, and celebrations. You can learn about them below. All are invited to join the journey. We wish you every joy and blessing this Advent Season.

Lisa M. Orchen, M.Div.

Communications Coordinator

Text by Lisa M. Orchen, M.Div., edited by Suzanne Gagne Bregman, M.A., used with permission.

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

The Third Sunday of Advent

December 15, 2024

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Our Children's Christmas Pageant and Celebration was a beautiful gathering of faith, family and fun! Thank you to all who planned, participated and attended. Tom Dzimian captured fantastic photos of the special day.

Enjoy a Gallery of Pageant Photos Here

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Festival of Lessons & Carols

Sunday, December 15 at 4 PM

Saint James Church

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this hour long service, we listen to nine short scripture readings, “lessons,” which recount the fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song led by our Adult and Children’s Choirs that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.

Many made this a part of their annual holiday celebrations. Make this the Advent that you do something for yourself. Take an hour to nourish your soul. Join us as we sing and read through our faith in a contemplative and joyous service. All are welcome!

Advent Giving Opportunities

Christmas Caroling Caravan

To Bring Our Homebound Cheer

Sunday, December 22

3:00 PM

Meet at Saint James Church

(eastern side of parking lot)

Small groups will sing 3-4 carols at the homes of elderly and homebound community members and friends. Family groups are encouraged! This a great memory-making event for the carolers and for homebound. Please email Joy at Joy@sjbrh.org to sign up to carol. If you know someone who would appreciate a Christmas visit from our merry band of carolers, email that information to Joy as well. There is a limited number of people we can visit based upon the number of volunteer carolers, so contact Joy ASAP!

Advent Giving Project

The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit and joy of Christmas. Last year parishioners of our parish made that spirit and joy come alive for so many.

The "Giving Trees" are back this year,following a "Family to Family" theme covering infants/children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

This effort is a collaborative one between our Parish Outreach Ministry and our Faith Formation Ministry for the benefit of the Solnit Center, Friendship Service Center, Apple Rehab & Oasis Center for Children.

Our Giving Trees will be filled with gift tags clearly identified with specific items being requested.

All gifts should be returned unwrapped, with the tag attached, to either church NO LATER than Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Donations can be dropped off in designated bins at either church location:

St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon-Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00.

St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the Church kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Carl Bach abcb1922@yahoo.com

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, December 12, from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

We collect 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.

Learn more, Click Here.

Advent Daily

Mass Schedule

Mon-8:30AM @ Seton

Tues-8:00AM @ St. James

Thur-8:00AM @ St. James

Fri-8:30AM @ Seton

Advent

Evening Prayer

Fr. George leads evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!

Advent

Reconciliation Schedule

Mondays | 6:00PM @ Seton

12.19.24 | 6:00PM @ Seton

12.20.24 | 6:00PM @ St. James

Give the Gift of a Retreat to

Holy Family Retreat Center

Members & Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish are invited to join together on our annual weekend retreats in 2025. The retreat theme this year is In my Love, Abide. We invite you to come and explore the depths of a life of prayer and learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ, the true vine.

The retreat center is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The weekend begins with a buffet dinner on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass. The retreat offers conferences, workshops, wonderful musical liturgies, time for contemplation or quiet walks in a clean, comfortable setting with private rooms & great food.

Parish Contacts are Kathleen Quintana at 860 680-3195 or Bob Manzi at 860 502-5097. Kathleen and Bob have gift certificates if anyone would like to purchase one as a special holiday gift!

Learn more and sign up online at: holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats

Requested Offering: $350, but they emphasize more if you can, less if you can't. Couples weekend requested offering is $575. Please do not allow finances to prevent your decision to attend. Scholarships grants are available. See Fr. George or our parish contacts.

Women's Retreat Weekend: January 3-5, 2025

Men's Retreat Weekend: February 21-23, 2025

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 14-16, 2025

(includes Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner)