December 12, 2023

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 12, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Infused with a spirit of joy, the Scriptures for this coming Gaudete Sunday remind us to ready ourselves with hope and gratitude.

The “O” Antiphons offer a beautiful way to heighten our attention to Christ’s coming in this last week of Advent. They are sung or recited to introduce the canticle of Mary (the Magnificat) at evening prayer from December 17 to December 23, the octave before Christmas. Based on Isaiah’s prophecies, the antiphons echo ancient titles given to the long-awaited messiah.

O Sapientia (O Wisdom) Isaiah 11:2–3; 28:29.

O Adonai (O Lord) Isaiah 11:4–5; 33:22.

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) Isaiah 1:1; 11:10.

O Clavis David (O Key of David) Isaiah 9:6; 22:22.

O Oriens (O Rising Sun) Isaiah 9:1.

O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) Isaiah 9:5; 2:4.

O Emmanuel (God with us) Isaiah 7:14.

Daily reflection on the “O” Antiphons helps us prepare the manger of our hearts to welcome the infant. The Christ child is Wisdom itself; he is our Lord; he descends from the Root of Jesse; he is the Radiant Dawn, the King of Nations, he is truly Emmanuel, God-with-us.

The first antiphon is offered on Sunday, December 17. It invites us to recall that the prophet Isaiah ascribed the quality of wisdom to the messiah, saying, “Wonderful is his counsel and great his wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29). This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, the incarnation of divine wisdom, transmitted through the power of his words, and poured out in his daily living with us.

As we race through these busy last days of Advent, allow yourself to pause each day to reflect upon the coming of the Christ child as promised by the prophet Isaiah so long ago.

Lisa M. Orchen, M.Div.

Communications Coordinator

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

The Third Sunday

of Advent

December 17, 2023

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at St. James

Children's Christmas Pageant 2023

Our Children's Christmas Pageant was a celebration of faith, joy and community! Thank you to all who helped plan and create and all the children who participated. Enjoy a full gallery of pictures taken by Bill Betterini, Click Here.

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Advent to Christmas:

A Service of Music & Light

Friday, December 15 at 7 PM

Saint James Church

The Music Ministry and Lectors of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish invite you to a joyous service of music and short readings highlight the light of Christ in our lives during this season. All are welcome!

Give the Gift of a Retreat this Christmas!

Members of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish and Friends are invited to join us on our annual weekend retreats in 2024. The retreat theme this year, Only Say the Word…, is based on the belief that God can – and will – heal us, and all of creation. Our faith prompts us to ask for and receive that healing in many ways.

When Jesus encounters the centurion in the Gospel of Matthew (8:5-13), he meets a person of deep faith and humility who knows that healing comes from God alone. The centurion proclaims: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” We will reflect together on those powerful words of Jesus in response to the centurion: “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith” (Matthew 8:13). We will ask: where is healing needed, in us and in our world? And how can we, the very Body of Christ, help to bring about that healing with our unique gifts and talents?

The retreat center is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The weekend begins with a buffet dinner from 6-7:30 PM on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass at 10:45 AM followed by a hot brunch at noon.

Offering: $350, more if you can, less if you can't. Please do no allow finances to prevent your decision to attend. Scholarships are available. See Fr. George to inquire.

Women's Retreat Weekend: January 5-7, 2024

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 9-11, 2024

Men's Retreat Weekend: February 23-25, 2024

Learn more and sign up online: Click Here.

Advent Giving Opportunities

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" will be back again this year, again following a "Circle of Life" theme covering infants/children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

This effort will be a collaborative one between our Parish Outreach Ministry and our Faith Formation Ministry.

Our Giving Trees will be filled with gift tags clearly identified by life chapter and the specific items being requested.

All gifts should be returned unwrapped to either church NO LATER than Sunday, December 17, 2023.

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

Holiday Greetings from Haiti

The students at our twin parish school, St. Ann in Saintard, Haiti, along with Fr. Vil Johnson have sent beautiful holiday greetings to all of us at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish! Let us continue to hold our sister community close to our hearts in prayer this Advent!