July 25, 2023

July 25, 2023 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, I have not been to a movie theater in years. Why? Between a very tight schedule, the pandemic, and the ease of watching films via the internet, I just have fallen away from that entertainment venue. And I was a very avid movie “goer” in my youth…from blockbusters to obscure foreign films. Well, this week I went to the cinemas in Berlin and saw the very popular film “Sound of Freedom.” A truly fine film yet very disturbing, inspiring, and thought-provoking all at once. It was a seemingly accurate retelling of a true story about human trafficking and the tragedy of the growing lack of respect and dignity of human life. The hero wins your admiration by his profound exposition of his values, faith, and courage. Considering our Patron Saint Josephine Bakhita being the Patroness of Human Trafficking, I thought I would strongly recommend this movie for your consideration. Ironically, this past weekend this film broke box office proceeds over Mission Impossible. Imagine that!! This past week we discovered that the air conditioning equipment that cools our Fr. Shea Hall, Faith Formation Office, chapel and upstairs classrooms needs replacement. The unit and all its components are over 35 years old and can no longer be “band-aided.” So, we are in the process of making plans for its replacement as soon as possible. Fortunately, we believe we have enough monetary reserves to cover the cost. I will let you know if we need further financial assistance to cover the cost of this potentially expensive project.  Our repairs due to the lightning strikes at both churches on June 27th are underway. The fire alarm system at St. James has been repaired and some components completely replaced. The fire alarm components and smoke detectors at St. Elizabeth Seton are on order and should be replaced in early August. The phone system at St. Elizabeth has been replaced with a simple new system. The sound system will be repaired in the next week or two. We have insurance with deductibles of $2500 at each campus. We are hoping the insurance company (Catholic Mutual of America) will cover the remainder. Peace and blessings! Fr. George Couturier Enjoy these amazing highlights from Bakhita Bible Camp! Thank you to EVERYONE who collaborated to make this amazing experience happen! Enjoy The Whole Gallery of Pictures Here The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 30, 2023 4:00 PM at Saint James 9 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton 11:00 AM at Saint James   Register NOW for Faith Formation Hello Families! Registration for our Faith Formation Program is happening NOW! Summer is flying by so please get your registration in as soon as you can! By registering now, you help us in planning our classes and recruiting the number of catechists we will need. Registration for all classes will close this year on September 1, 2023. We also need catechists for the upcoming year for grades 4 - 8. If you volunteer as a catechist you will receive free registration for your child/children. You will complete a separate registration form if you volunteer. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at reo@sjbrh.org or call 860-529-1274 to learn more. All our registrations this year will be done online. You can access it by clicking the green button below or scanning the QR Code. Fall classes begin starting the week of Sunday, September 24, 2023. We will have more information coming later about our Fall program. Have a wonderful summer! Peace, Monica, Beth, Carol, Linda, and Lori Click Here to Register for Faith Formation Fifth Annual Golf Outing Friday, September 22, 2023 Timberlin Golf Club 330 Southington Road, Berlin CT Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM Scramble Format Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM Dinner to follow $150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, use of driving range, sleeve of golf balls, lunch and buffet dinner. Cash prizes for first and second place. 50/50 cash raffle. Prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive. Click Here for Golf Outing Brochure & Registration Form Learn More About the Pilgrimage Here Holiday Fair Planning Meeting The Holiday Fair Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, August 1st, at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. If you are interested in planning for this event, join us! Bring your enthusiasm, brilliant ideas and help plan for this joyful annual event! Learn More About Our Holiday Fair Charismatic Prayer Group Our Charismatic Prayer Group gives praise, honor, thanks and love to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our gatherings include Christian music, charismatic prayer, discussion of biblical readings and sharing prayer petitions. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM online. Contact Kristie Witherspoon to learn more: kblicharz@gmail.com. Our Haitian Promise Update Each year we pause with our twin parish in Saintard to celebrate, July 26, the Feast of Saint Anne. As we continue our two decades of mutual support, we recognize how their prayers enrich all of us and our financial contributions ease the burden of poverty in their homeland. Though our last visit with our sisters and brothers was in January 2019, we do our best to reach out for information in the midst of the current unrest on the island. Here are a few we can share.  Despite intermittent safety concerns, students made an effort to finish their studies at St. Anne school Some twin parishes in Haiti are no longer able to conduct Mass due to security concerns.  In May, Saintard provided sanctuary for a priest whose church, 10 miles away, was attacked by armed criminal invaders.  St Patrick/St. Anthony, also twinned in Haiti, is organizing efforts to voice concerns to the U.S. government and the Catholic Church. Last week, Fr. Johnson let us know their current challenges include the need for regular repairs on the school and church.  Also, all their power comes from a gasoline-fueled generator and purchasing gas is now very expensive and difficult. While, they would prefer to install solar power that is not possible at the moment.   Please continue to keep our sisters and brothers at St. Anne in Saintard, Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. Support Our Food Drives 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. Amazing Grace Food Pantry is also in need of paper, plastic and clean grocery bags. Any bags can be left with the cereal collection and will be delivered to Amazing Grace. Thank you for your generosity. Visit Our Marion Garden New plants were added to the Marion Garden at the St. Elizabeth Seton Campus to welcome and encourage God’s flying creature. The Lavender planted last year is gorgeous; the long stemmed flowers of the Gaura look like moths that are a favorite. Bee balm and a short Russian Sage were recently added and are beginning to get some attention. The garden and Mary provide a peaceful place to sit and visit. The Little Library filled with books is on the other side of the garden to enjoy as well. Reminder: bring your water and a hat if you come during the day!! Daily Mass Mon-8:30AM @ Seton Tues-8:00AM @ St. James Thur-8:00AM @ St. James Fri-8:30AM @ Seton Adoration First Thursdays 8:30AM @ St. James Every Thursday 3:00PM @ St. James Reconciliation Fr. George welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton. Parish Visitors Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are available to bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners and those recuperating from surgery or illness. Please contact the parish office to request a visit: 860-529-8655. Read the Parish Bulletin Visit our Website Stay Connected Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill

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