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January 16, 2024
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
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Come Follow Me!
This Sunday’s gospel (Mark 1:14-15) is short but packed with a punch! “Come follow me.” Jesus encounters Simon and Andrew and his invitation to them commands their attention. It is an invitation to come with him to discover the secret to real joy that never ends. With their “rubbing shoulders” with Jesus they will be immersed in the words an action that calls them to love God with their whole hearts, and to love neighbor as themselves.
Simple words, full of hope, but fraught with danger if we tamper with their meaning. But as you know so well, every generation seems bent on tampering. For example, who can forget the crazy words from the seventies: “Love is never having to say you are sorry!” Wrong! Love is more than warm fuzzies and then doing as you please.
To love is to act, not just emote. It wants what is best for another, and it acts to make it happen. How many kind letters have been written in our heads but never mailed? How many noble deeds have been thought about but never done? Too many (at least for me, anyway).
To love is to choose, but choosing wisely means looking beyond the surface for our neighbors’ real needs and then sorting through our own complex motives.
I guess the bottom line for us (as it was for Simon and Andrew and companions) is to not put our love on hold, waiting for the perfect time that may never come. That may be the awesome invitation of Jesus to every generation, “Come follow me”!
Peace and blessings!
Fr. George Couturier
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The Third Sunday
in Ordinary Time
January 21, 2024
4:00 PM Vigil at Saint James
9:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton
& livestreamed
11:00 AM at Saint James
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Evening Prayer for Candlemas
&
Blessing of Throats
Friday, February 2
7:00 PM at Saint Elizabeth Seton
& livestreamed
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Candlemas is a lesser known Feast of the Church. As was the custom, the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph - the Presentation of the Lord. According to Mosaic law, mothers must also appear for a purification rite 40 days after childbirth. This Feast celebrates both. The day after is the Feast of Saint Blaise, so our liturgy on February 2 will end with the Blessing of Throats. Bring a candle that is designated as a Christ Candle for your home that will be blessed during the service. | |
New Year ~ New You
Our SJB Shop Will Be Open Until Jan 18, 2024!
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The Pastoral Council of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish is excited to announce the opening of our parish store featuring high quality apparel branded with our beautiful parish logo. Our parish store will open several times a year, allowing parishioners and friends of the community to place orders. The apparel and accessories available will change with the seasons and in response to feedback from the community.
This offering is meant to be a ‘fun-raiser’ rather than a ‘fund-raiser.’ It is our hope that we can share the good news of our vibrant parish through sporting our brand out and about in the community.
Our store opening sale is offering short and long-sleeved T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, quarter-zip sweatshirts, full-zip sweatshirts, long sleeve polos, and a canvas shopping bag.
You can choose to have items shipped directly to your home address for a fee or pick up your purchases after mass in mid-February (no fee).
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Time Is Running Out To Shop
Place Your Orders by Jan 18, 2024!
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The Faith Formation Team wishes everyone, especially our Faith Formation Families, a blessed and happy New Year!
We are excited to enter into a new year of classes, sacramental celebrations and other special events together.
God bless you all!
Monica, Carol, Linda, Lori and Beth
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish is excited to offer a new opportunity for parents of children age birth to five, in our community. Nurturing Seedlings is designed to provide parents the support, encouragement and skills needed to nurture the spiritual life of their young children. The ministry also aims to build community among parents who are in the midst of raising babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Current research has found strong connections between spirituality and emotional well-being in children. Children who are solidly grounded in an affirming faith build up resiliency and are more likely to respond effectively when challenged by stressors. Children who are raised with a closeness to Jesus and grow up within a parish family feel more secure in their identity as a child of God. They will develop a spiritual compass for decision making.
The opportunity begins this winter under the leadership of Lori and Ken Gosselin. Learn more about how you can get involved by clicking the button below!
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This Lent, Deacon Michael will be leading a series for adults called:
Wisdom for Everyday: How to Help Faith and Life Come Together
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What we profess on Sunday is for the life we face on Monday and the rest of the week. This connection is central to living our faith. Our faith has its demands, as does everyday life. Bringing them together with focus and balance can be a challenge.
In our Catholic tradition those living in monasteries and cloisters have been living this challenge for over 15 centuries. They can offer us some wisdom that can make faith and life come together more fruitfully. Their lives may look different, but the challenges are familiar ones, and their thinking has much to offer us today.
Deacon Michael will be offering a five session Lenten series of reading and reflection on how the practical wisdom of our monastic brothers and sisters can help us to live our faith each day…looking into matters such as nature of authority, our attitudes, prayer life, commitments and possessions, serving others and being “religious.”
The series will meet on Wednesdays from February 21 through March 20. Sessions will meet in person at 10:00 AM at Saint James Parish Center and at 7:00 PM in Classrooms A&B at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. Remote online access to the evening sessions may be available…tell Deacon Michael if you are interested.
There is a fee of $15 to cover printed materials to be distributed at the initial session on February 21. Deacon Michael has a supply of materials directly available on a first come basis. Registration required by email to Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com or by calling the Office at 860-529-8655.
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Easter comes early this year, March 31, so this is a good time for young singers to join a Youth Choir at either of the two parish campuses. Singers learn more about their Church, its rituals, music and teamwork. Youth Choir is a ministry.
Mrs. Elizabeth Husmer rehearses with boys and girls on Thursdays after school, 4:15-5:30 PM, at St. Elizabeth Seton. Preparation for regular masses, Easter and learning to play hand chimes are goals.
Mrs. Joy O’Sullivan’s choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at St. James Church after the 11:00 AM mass. That choir sings on the first Sunday of each month at the 11:00 AM mass and for holidays.
Register with either Director of Music:
Elizabeth Husmer – elizabeth@sjbrh.org
Joy O’Sullivan – joy@sjbrh.org
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We’re FREEZIN' FOR A REASON!
Special Olympics Connecticut provides opportunities to more than 10,000 athletes and Unified Sports® partners to train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports and participate in four annual state games.
Join the Knights of Columbus in our fundraising efforts to support the mission of Special Olympics Connecticut! There are two ways to join in on our fun: join our team, helps us to raise funds, and plunge with us in person! Or you can join our team, help our team to raise funds, and "plunge with us" virtually!
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Take Time For A Retreat this Winter!
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.
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: March 1-3, 2024
rescheduled due to the January snowstorm
Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 9-11, 2024
Men's Retreat Weekend: February 23-25, 2024
Learn more and sign up online: Click Here.
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Daily Mass
Mon-8:30AM @ Seton
Tues-8:00AM @ St. James
Thur-8:00AM @ St. James
Fri-8:30AM @ Seton
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Evening Prayer
Fr. George leads evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!
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Reconciliation
Fr. George welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton.
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Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council welcomes your feedback, questions and concerns. Please contact us via email:
parishcouncil@sjbrh.org.
Learn more, Click Here.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill | | | | |
