July 4, 2023

Summer News From Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

July 4, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

As you may already know, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Christopher J. Coyne (presently bishop of Burlington Vermont Diocese) as the “coadjutor” Archbishop of Hartford. He will succeed Archbishop Blair as Archbishop of Hartford when in 2024 Archbishop Blair resigns at the age of 75. Unlike an auxiliary bishop, the coadjutor archbishop has the right of succession, meaning that he automatically becomes the new bishop when the diocesan bishop retires, resigns, or dies.

This appointment of Bishop Coyne is a wise decision in my mind. It will give ample time for a smoother transition. I call upon your prayers for both bishops. Gratitude for Archbishop Blair's time with us and gratitude and prayers of support for the new coadjutor Archbishop Coyne.

In this weekend’s scripture readings, we hear some wisdom about the qualities of leadership and discipleship: gentleness and humility. The prophet Zechariah (First Reading) we hear of the joyful news that the messianic King is coming. He portrays him, not as a proud warrior, but as a humble and gentle leader. Our new Archbishop is not Jesus, of course, but the qualities of leadership described by Zechariah are wise qualities for anyone that is called to discipleship or Christian leadership in the Church.

Then we hear from Jesus (Matthew’s Gospel) speaking to his disciples, “Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” It is an invitation for ALL disciple, including bishops, to take on gentleness and humility as a banner on the heart, the mind and soul. To make it a way of life and leadership. Certainly, people over the ages may scoff or even laugh at this call for such virtues…especially in a world of excessive competition and aggression. May we and our bishops follow the difficult call to be like Jesus.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Thank You

Jim Gothers & Randy Martini!

In late spring, long time parishioner Jim Gothers decided that the hand carved entrance doors at the Saint Elizabeth Seton Campus were looking sadly weather beaten and in need of attention. After a chat with Father George, he started an almost two week project of stripping the old finish and sanding the doors by hand. Removing the old finish proved to be very challenging, but Jim was determined. Our custodian, Randy Martini, continued the sanding work and finished the doors with a rich, mahogany stain and varnish. They both worked on the brass door handles and back plates. After a month of work, they returned these handsome and irreplaceable doors to their original beauty! Many thanks to Jim Gothers and Randy Martini for their dedication and hours of work to restore the beautiful entrance doors at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church.

The 14th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

July 9, 2023

4:00 PM at Saint James

9 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at Saint James

Faith Formation Registration

Early Bird Discount

Hello Families!

As you launch into vacation mode for your children, why not take care of Registration for Faith Formation classes for the Fall now and take advantage of our EARLY DISCOUNT!

Also, be the first to sign up for your choice of day and times for classes!

All our registrations this year will be done online. You can access it by clicking the green button below or scanning the QR Code.

The early registration deadline is JULY 14, 2023.

Get your forms in early to take advantage of this discount. Your early response helps us tremendously in planning for the Fall.

Fall classes begin starting the week of Sunday, September 24, 2023. We will have more information coming later about our Fall program.

If you have any questions, please contact us at reo@sjbrh.org or call 860-529-1274

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

GIVE BLOOD

Give Blood! The American Red Cross needs you! The next blood drive hosted at our Parish Center at St. James Church is scheduled for Thursday, July 6 from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to register to give.

It is important that when you give to any charitable organization, you are confident that the funds received are being used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports the ministries and programs indicated in the 2023 Appeal literature! Please visit the Appeal website to learn more and make your gift today. All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found here. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.