December 3, 2024

Advent Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 3, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The Lord is always coming toward us, seeking a home in our lives. Advent provides us with a gift of time to mindfully prepare our hearts as a permanent dwelling place for Him. The Apostle Paul urges the community at Philippi and all of us, to “be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Phil 1:10) John the Baptist traveled far and wide imploring all who would listen to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” (Luke 3:4)

Time is precious during these brief weeks as Advent competes with the constant onslaught of the secular holiday frenzy. Stay tuned in to Advent time as you prepare your home and heart for the coming of our Lord.

A tangible Advent tradition is to adorn your surroundings with reminders of the coming of Christ. Religious imagery forms us in powerful ways. The practice of setting up a nativity scene at home can begin in Advent and continue through the celebration of Epiphany. Saint Francis of Assisi began the custom of nativity scenes when he celebrated Christmas with his brothers at Greccio in 1223 with a Bethlehem scene that included live animals. This tradition quickly spread, and people began to construct their own nativity scenes in homes, churches and public spaces. You might set up your entire scene all at once, leaving the crib empty for the Christ Child to arrive on Christmas Eve. Or set up the scene slowly, placing the figures far from the scene and moving them closer day by day with the three kings arriving on Epiphany bearing gifts for the child Jesus.

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 Second Sunday of Advent

December 8, 2024

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Faith Formation

Click Here To RSVP for the Pageant and Pizza Party

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Saint Josephine Bakhita Bible Study~ Advent 2024

This Advent, Deacon Michael will be leading a three session Bible Study called: Advent Anticipation - Meditating on the Gospel Christmas Story. The focus will be on the Gospels that tell the story of the Angel Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary, the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth, and the Birth of the Lord. We will be reading through these accounts together and consider their meaning to us today.

There is no text or fee for this series. Registration is required for:

reproduction of materials for our meetings together
forwarding of reading materials for each session and
access to the on-line option described below.

The series runs on Wednesdays: December 4, 11, 18. Two identical sessions are offered each week at 10:00 AM at Saint James Parish Center and then again at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. It will be possible to join the 7:00 PM evening session online as well, via Google Meet (please indicate interest at registration to help us plan).

Consider joining others in person or online for this three week reflection on the deeper Christian meaning of the Nativity. To register please email Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com.

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!

We have ordered the wonderful daily meditation books “Blue Books” to assist you on your daily journey through Advent. The books are available in the foyers of both churches. You can also order your own personal copy at the following address: littlebooks.org.

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 are 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.

Candy Collection

Everyone Loves a Sweet Treat!

The Faith Formation Confirmation Program is collecting candy as part of their annual Christmas project servicing various organizations. Chocolate is always an unexpected and welcoming surprise that all will appreciate receiving! If you find candy on sale, please consider purchasing an extra bag or two and donate to our collection. Students can bring the candy to class any time before December 9, 2024. We will gladly accept candy from your Trick or Treat Bags or leftover candy bowls. Thank you for bringing some “sweet” joy to others this Christmas Season.

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

Mondays | 6:00PM @ Seton

12.19.24 | 6:00PM @ Seton

12.20.24 | 6:00PM @ St. James

Annual Retreat Weekends

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.

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.

Need a Christmas gift idea? Certificates in any amount are also available from the retreat office and will be available after all masses at St. Josephine Bakhita on Dec 7 & 8.

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

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

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 14-16, 202

(includes Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner)