January 7, 2025

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish News

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Happy New Year!!

First, a word of gratitude to Lisa Orchen who profoundly provided our messages each week during Advent up to Epiphany. I hope you were as inspired as I was!

Second, a word of gratitude to the entire staff, the multitude of volunteers and the graciousness of all parishioners during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. It was an amazing and uplifting sacred time.

Third, a word or two about this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I can only imagine how Jesus may have struggled and prayed a long time, prior to his Baptism by John, before he could see his mission clearly. But when he saw it, he definitely asked John to Baptize him. It had nothing to do with being washed clean; Jesus had no sins. However, Jesus was putting himself shoulder-to-shoulder with all of us sinner, who do need to be washed clean. Jesus was holding out his hand to everyone, in solidarity, who had ever got lost in the dark.

Because of Jesus’ struggle, discernment, prayer and ultimate Baptism Jesus was listening to the Spirit deep within and kept no part of his life off limits. He became profoundly wise and compassionate, able to heal and forgive, and ready to face whatever might come.

I suspect that is where we would all like to end up, knowing where God wants us to go and being willing to do whatever it takes to get there. The key is to watch the “signs of the time,” watch where God’s gifts are pointing us. But that is not so easy, because the world keeps changing, and so do we. So, there is no permanent answer to the question: what does God want of me? Just today’s answer. We will have to listen again tomorrow.

Peace and Blessings,

Fr. George Couturier

The Baptism of the Lord

January 12, 2025

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Happy New Year To All Our Faith Formation Families!

God, thank you for a new year.

May everyone in our family

be willing to begin anew

with a clean slate.

We know that you are always

ready to forgive us.

Help us to be willing

to forgive ourselves

and to forgive one another.

As we begin a new year,

remind us of our truest values

and our deepest desires.

Help us to live in the goodness

that comes from doing

what you want us to do.

Help us to put aside anxiety

about the future and the past,

so that we might live in peace

with you now, one day at a time.

Amen.

Loyola Press

Explore these resources to help celebrate the New Year

and grow as a family in love and faith!

We look forward to continuing

the journey with your family in 2025!

New Year's Resolutions for a Catholic Family

Our Happy Jar and New Year's Fresh Start

The Faith Formation Team ~ Monica, Carol, Linda, Lori & Beth

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.

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

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 14-16, 2025

(includes Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner)

Easter Youth Choir

at St. Elizabeth Seton Campus

Our wonderful singers welcome more children interested in singing at the Easter Morning mass on April 20, 2025. Now is the time to start learning more about singing and the music of the church. Our singers are in 3-8 grade. This choir will sing at one mass a month as well. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. We will resume rehearsals on January 15, 2025 after our Christmas break. Contact Elizabeth Husmer at elizabeth@sjbrh.org to register or just come to the first rehearsal on January 15 to join!

Awakening Retreat Follow-Up

The November 16, 2024 Awakening retreat was a huge success. You are invited to our follow up meeting on January 11, 2025, at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church site from 9:00-10:30 AM. We will be meeting in the meeting rooms behind the music area. This will be a review of the retreat with a focus of keeping the Holy Spirit as an active component of your everyday life. Even though this is intended for people who attended or wanted to attend, all are welcome. For additional information, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net.

Toiletry Collection

We collect unused travel-size toiletries at both St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton to donate to the shelters and agencies we support. Save the toiletries from your hotel stays and travels and drop them off to be shared! There are collection bins in the foyers of both churches.

An easy way to get more involved with the church in the new year is to become a greeter. Simply smile and greet people as they arrive and pass out bulletins after Mass. Greeters are needed at the 4:00PM Saturday vigil and the 11:00AM Sunday Mass, both at St. James. You can greet as often or as little as works for you. Please email ruschau@aol.com if you would like to join this important ministry.

Weather Cancellation of Daily Mass

Daily Mass at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish is cancelled if the Rocky Hill School System cancels or has a delayed opening due to inclement weather. If the weather is questionable, please check Channel 3 for the most up to date information about mass cancellation. It is sometimes necessary to cancel mass even if Rocky Hill Schools are in session because of delays in getting our parking lots plowed and sidewalks cleared.

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 later this January under the leadership of Lori and Ken Gosselin. Learn more about how you can get involved by clicking the button below!

Learn More About Nurturing Seedlings Here