December 17, 2024

Advent Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 17, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The Hebrew people eagerly awaited a Messiah, hoping for a great King who would relieve their oppression and restore justice to the land. As foretold in the Hebrew scriptures, and echoed in the words of the angel Gabriel, the Savior would come through the line of King David and thus his house and kingdom would endure forever.

But God’s gift in the giving looks not at all like what was expected. The prophet Micah announces that this Savior will be born in Bethlehem, a place so small and insignificant it was not even recognized as a town. And thus, it was extraordinary that this humble place would be the birthplace of this long-awaited ruler of Israel, “You, Bethlehem…too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

This week, most households will be consumed with hurried preparations for Christmas. Even so, attend to God’s time. Remember to light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath this Sunday, adorn the household nativity scene and play your Advent playlist while cleaning, baking or traveling. Our Advent scriptures, songs and traditions are resplendent with promises. The light will overcome the darkness. Christ is coming. A savior will be born.

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 Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 22, 2024

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Faith Formation

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!

Looking for a Unique, One-of-a-Kind Christmas Gift?

There are several special items from the Holiday Fair Silent Auction still available:

~Italian hand-blown glass bowl ~Set of 4 Oriental wall panels

~Small glass wine decanter ~Tear-drop glass sculpture

~Silver aluminum abstract sculpture ~Oriental vase

~Cherry-themed glass floor urn ~McKenzie Childs ceramic teapot set

~Gold/multi-colored beaded round purse ~Mercy High School sweatshirt-small

~Xavier High School Sports Camp ~Coconuts Tanning Salon Gift Card

Gift Certificate

If you are interested in any of these items, please contact Jo-Ellen Vendetti at 860-878-0432.

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

Gift the Gift of a Retreat

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 for purchase if you would like to gift someone special with a retreat.

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)