January 17, 2023

January 17, 2023 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, In this upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading, St. Matthew (4:12-23) describes the impact of Jesus’ ministry in this way: “The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light.” This is why Jesus began his public ministry and preaching with the message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” To repent is to humbly admit the darkness in which we are often living, and to open ourselves to the light. We show our repentance by a new way of living. Each of us has areas of darkness in our lives---fear, illness, pain, sin, guilt, loneliness, economic and political stresses, and so on. Society too has its dark areas. Therefore, we need the light of Christ. Though the light comes to us as a friend, it also challenges us by shedding light on what is wrong. It seems to me, more than ever, we need the light of Christ. Thank goodness, the lamp Jesus lit continues to burn, a glowing goodness that illuminates the world. It burns in the lives of his followers. Through Jesus’ followers (us) hope and peace will prevail. The light of Jesus did not come so much to judge, than to save us, to show us how to live, to show us the way to the Father’s Kingdom. Each of us can be sources of light to a darkened world. All of us are called to that great baptismal task. But unless our own lamp is lighting, we won’t be able to enlighten anyone else. My friends, I can testify to the truth that there is great joy in the light. And there is an even greater joy in being a source of light to others. May this community of Saint Josephine Bakhita and each individual in this community shine the light of Christ brightly. Peace and blessings, Fr. George Couturier Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 22, 2023 4 PM Vigil-St. James 9 AM-St. Elizabeth Seton & livestreamed 11 AM-St. James *Masks are strongly recommended in our worship spaces!* Giving Opportunities Food & Cereal Collection We continue to seek food and cereal donations for 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. Winter Clothing Collection The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Winter Clothing Collection continues. We accept Winter Clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church (behind the divider). Absolutely NO household goods. Inviting all Sewers, Knitters & Crocheters The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Knit, Crochet, Sew & Pray Ministries serve our community in generous ways. The Knit, Crochet & Sew Good Works Ministry meets every Wednesday in Fr. Shea Hall at St. James Church from 1pm – 4pm.  Contact: Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com The Morning Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the forth Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 9am.   Contact: Betty Catelli at catellib64@gmail.com The Evening Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the first Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 6:45pm.   Contact: Laura Pentland at lbpent57@gmail.com We are open to anyone who has the skills to sew, knit or crochet or who would like to learn how. Whether you knit or crochet quickly or slowly, your help is welcome to fulfill the mission of spreading God’s love through our craft. It is our hope that those who receive our crafts will feel the love that goes into making each and every one of them. Our time together begins and ends with prayer and all creations are prayed over and blessed prior to being gifted. Learn more here. Pray With Us Daily Mass Mon-8:30AM @ Seton Tues-8:00AM @ St. James Thur-8:00AM @ St. James Fri-8:30AM @ Seton Reconciliation Fr. George welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton. Evening Prayer Fr. George leads evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome! Parish Pastoral Council The Parish Pastoral Council welcomes your feedback, questions and concerns and will respond as appropriate. Please contact the Council via email by sending a message to parishcouncil@sjbrh.org. Learn more, Click Here. Special Collection January 21-22 The Archdiocesan High School Collection is an annual fundraiser which provides vital support to the Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Thanks to your generosity, our Archdiocesan Catholic High Schools receive funds, which are used to procure or upgrade vital educational tools and resources, provide funds for tuition assistance, curricular improvements, marketing and so much more. We thank you for supporting our Archdiocesan Catholic High Schools.  Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish has begun to sponsor events that include hospitality. These events might be held before or after spiritual events like the yearly Memorial Mass, lectures, prayer services, etc. We are in need of folks to set up, serve and clean up food offerings. Sign up in the foyer of either church or contact any of the following if interested in helping us with these community occasions: office@sjbrh.org, joy@sjbrh.org, elizabeth@sjbrh.org. Get Connected. Stay Connected. Read the Parish Bulletin Sign Up for Online Giving Receive this E-newsletter Visit our Parish Website Follow Us

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