January 3, 2023

Join Us for Epiphany at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

Christmas

Season Liturgy

Schedule

Epiphany

Saturday, January 7

4:00 PM at St. James

Sunday, January 8

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton**

11:00 AM at St. James**

** denotes Mass will also be livestreamed

Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Greetings, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

I have taken a break writing this column for the season of Advent. Thank you to Lisa Orchen, our Communications Director, for filling in the gap, brilliantly, for me.

Due to the generosity of a donor, we were able to provide a gift to many in the parish, on the last Sunday of Advent, with a brilliantly inspiring simple book called “Holy Moments: A Handbook for the Rest of Your Life” by Matthew Kelly from Dynamic Catholic. Matthew defines Holy Moments as follows: “…is a single moment in which you open yourself to God. You make yourself available to Him. You set aside personal preference and self-interest, and for one moment you do what you prayerfully believe God is calling you to do.” (page 23)

How appropriate is the definition considering this weekend is the great Feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany comes from a Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. (Also known as Three Kings Day, or Little Christmas, etc.).

However, I suspect that we the people of faith often have epiphanies or holy moments that manifest the wisdom and presence of Christ. I would like to share a few small but significant holy moments I have had recently:

With the announcement of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I poignantly remembered the powerful writings of Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) during my seminary days. Words and insights that helped me better prepare for the priesthood. And when he became Pope, I now realize how extraordinary the role of leader is in forming the hearts, minds, and spirits of people in faith and life. May he rest in the embrace of our loving God.

I had another holy moment when I saw the awesome dedication and hard work of the many volunteers that put on another very successful Holiday Fair. It was not just a fundraiser (by the way: raising about $15,500) it was, more importantly, a morale booster and community builder for the parish. Bravo!

Then another major holy moment in the Advent Season that was rich with spiritual, charitable, and sacramental actions and opportunities that inspired and prepared many for the heart of the Nativity of the Lord. The holy moment also includes a million expressions of gratitude to the folks who made the Advent season happen: the hard working and creative parish staff, the myriad of volunteers and ministries that enriched the entire season by their generosity and time. One volunteer shared that this has been the most generous giving of gifts for those in need, in recent memory, in the parish. Thank you!!

And the greatest holy moment was seeing the many folks entering both churches with Christmas hope and wishes of peace. The entire Christmas weekend renewed my zeal to keep the message alive in my heart…to set up a “manger” in my soul for the birth of the Christ Child. To incarnate in our very being the permanent residence of the Christ…the Prince of Peace. The Prince of Peace that influences all our choices, thoughts, desires, and actions…so that we become a Holy Moment for another.

I wish you and yours continued Blessings!!

Fr. George

In his Christmas homily, Fr. George invited all of us to reflect on the significance of the manger in the here and now. As we journey through this final week of the Christmas Season, we can ponder how we welcome and glorify Jesus, born anew in the manger of our lives. Enjoy this compilation of the manger scenes displayed in our church spaces and shared by fellow parishioners throughout Advent as a source of inspiration. How is the birth of the infant Jesus, once laid in a manger in Bethlehem, the source of our life, our faith and our joy?

Watch time: 1 min, 30 sec

Saint Josephine Bakhita Nativity Scenes 2022

The Christmas Season at Saint Josephine Bakhita - Click Here

Bless Your Home

Household on Epiphany

For a lovely blessing prayer,

Click Here

Giving Opportunities

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

We continue to seek 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.

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.

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 Wednesday, January 11, from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.

Stay tuned for more news on the amazing and generous reach our parish community has had through our Advent Giving Trees!

Other Tidbits

Annual Women's Retreat Weekend

Women of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish and Friends are invited to join us on our annual weekend retreat, January 6-8, 2023. Let us find, together, "A Missing Peace" for which we all long. Through our prayer together, presentations, and shared discussions, we can come closer to understanding how to achieve the peace that Jesus meant for us to have, and equally important, the peace that is meant for us to share in our families and in our world.

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.

Registration forms can be found in the foyers of both churches or sign up online: Click Here.

Retrouvaille Weekend

The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples

facing difficult challenges in their relationship. Give your marriage a weekend to rediscover your love. Join us January 20-22, 2023. Call 203-710-6207 for more information.