July 2, 2024

Summer Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

July 2, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This week we celebrate the American holiday of Independence Day. On July 4^th we celebrate not only the heroes of our nation, but all the people who day by day have given us life and try to sustain deep and meaningful freedom. We stand on their shoulders and try to imitate that heroism.

They have given us their gifts—freely. And now it is our turn: our turn to give our gifts to others, even as we have received; our turn to build up those who are to come after us; and it is our turn to make ourselves open to the prodding’s of the Spirit who calls us to be great—like Jesus.

Jesus was great due to his family of origin: their love, their encouragement, their prayers, their traditions, their foundation in faith. But there was something more, something that made Jesus very special: it was the power that came from the bond with our Father. Because Jesus was entirely open to God the Father. Real true freedom founded in relationship with our God.

Therefore, we have good reason to give thanks. So let us give thanks as Jesus did—not by words alone but by deeds! If we are truly bonded to our Father, our deeds and our lives will be very great indeed! Real freedom and greatness is founded in our relationship with God and lived out in the heroic lives of real people.

FYI…I will be away on vacation July 8-12 and there will be no weekday morning Masses nor confessions on that Monday evening.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 7, 2024

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Scuba Bakhita Bible Camp

A Wonderful Success

It's a wrap! What a great time we had the week of Bible Camp! We learned so much every day with our four stations of music, games, imagination station, and faith stories! We had wonderful snacks that went along with our theme of the day, made new friends, but mostly learned all about God and how much God loves each and every one of us! We wrapped up our week with a beautiful Mass and a big pizza party with all of our family and friends!

We want to give tremendous thanks to our camp coordinator, Lisa Torneo, all of our adult volunteers, all 30 of our teen volunteers, and of course our wonderful campers! Everyone one had a fun time and learned so much and experienced the love of God every day!

Be sure to check out our wonderful gallery of pictures! Can't wait until next year!!!!

Enjoy the Gallery of Bible Camp Pictures Here

Other Fun Tidbits

Sixth Annual Knights of

Columbus Golf Outing

Friday, September 20, 2024

Timberlin Golf Club, Berlin CT

Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM

Scramble Format ~ Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM ~ Buffet Dinner to follow

$150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, lunch and buffet dinner, cash prizes, raffle prizes.

$55 dinner only

For more information, contact Mike DiBattisto (860-713-9070) or Mike Lombardo (860-869-2231).

Learn More Here

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

Food insecurity rises in the summer time! 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.

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, July 10, from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.

Knit, Crochet & Sew Good Works

Seeking Fabric Donations

Our group continues strongly and since our beginning in 2001, we have made 30,000 plus items which have been distributed to those in need – primarily locally but also statewide, nationally and internationally for special program requests. One of our current projects is making lap quilts for nursing home residents and emergency room patients. We could use donations of fabric – but only cotton, flannel and fleece. If you can help, you can leave your donations at the St. James campus in the donation area in the front entrance of the Church in the drop off area for clothing donations. Also they can be brought to Fr. Shea hall on Wed afternoons when our group meets from 1:00-3:00PM. If you would like to join us in our work you would be most welcome. For any questions, please call Sandy Rokosz at 860-666-7884.