June 14, 2022

Summer Opportunities Abound! Check Out Everything Going On at Saint Josephine Bakhita

June 14, 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Greetings and blessings!

This past week I received a letter from Archbishop Blair. I would like to share some of the content of his letter and some of the recommendations he gives for our consideration and use.

“As you know, we are expecting the U.S. Supreme Court to issue its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization anytime between now and the end of June. Given the possibility that the Court could use this case to overturn or significantly roll back Roe v. Wade, the need to be prepared for this decision cannot be overstated. Regardless of what happens, there will be a firestorm in the media. We can certainly expect parishioners to be affected in various ways.

Anticipating increased calls for help, we must redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, as well as to offer mercy to those suffering from abortion. And we must certainly better communicate the Church’s pastoral response that already exists. It is sobering that recent communications research tells us that many Catholics do not see this compassionate response, and many are unaware of the Church’s help for those in need. Sadly, they often see the Church as harsh and rigid rather than compassionate and merciful. The parish is a wonderful place to give witness to what is true compassion and mercy.”

The following are specific resources that all parishioners should become familiar with so we can better address the folks who approach us for understanding about our teaching and what we do to help those in need:

Connecticut Catholic Conference website: https://ctcatholic.org

https://walkingwithmoms.com

https://hopeafterabortion.org

https://respectlife.org

https://prayfordobbs.com

Birthright of Greater Hartford: https://birthright.org

I wish you and yours continued Blessings!!

Fr. George

This Sunday's celebration of The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ is a great opportunity to remind you that 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.

The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ

June 19, 2022

4 PM Vigil - St. James

9 AM - St. Elizabeth Seton & livestreamed

11 AM - St. James & livestreamed

*Masks are strongly encouraged in our worship spaces!*

Watch on Facebook

Watch on Our Website

Congratulations To Our Confirmation Candidates

Our Confirmation Candidates celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Let us lift our young people, their sponsors and families up in prayer at this very special moment in their lives.

Watch the celebration: Click here.

Enjoy some pictures from the day: Click here.

Bakhita Bible Camp

Bakhita Bible Camp can no longer accept registration for participants due to limited space requirements. Many thanks to the volunteers who have already signed up! We look forward to a wonderful time in August!

Interested in Becoming Catholic? We Can Help!

Times such as those we are living through now often prompt people to examine what we believe, how we make sense of the world and examine just what we live by, and why, and where “this all seems to be going.” Christian faith as offered in and through the Catholic Church brings 20 centuries of belief and wisdom to bear on these very questions.

Entering the Catholic Church through Baptism at Easter after exploration and instruction in the faith is the typical path for those entering the Catholic Church as adults. We are presently planning the process for those who may wish to enter the Church at Easter in the spring of 2023.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in exploring this possibility with us, we are certainly happy and eager to help. Anyone interested should contact Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org (best) or by phone at 860-529-3222, x14.

Saint Josephine Bakhita Music Ministry Presents

Summer Songs

Join us in celebrating the fifth anniversary of Saint Josephine Bakhita parish with a concert on the St. James lawn under the big pine trees.

Sunday, June 26

5:00 PM

The joint choirs and cantors will be singing some fun spiritual and secular songs we can sing in church. Bring a picnic supper, bag chairs, a blanket, and we will supply dessert!

Singers Needed!

Those who can sing on pitch and attend our Wednesday rehearsals can sing in this fun concert of sacred and secular music. Contact Joy at 860-529-8655 X10 or email at joy@sjbrh.org for more information about singing or just to talk music.

Parish Picnic

Sunday, September 11^th

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

Households who struggle with hunger need our help even more 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. Learn more here.

St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00.

St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins are near the kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Carl Bach at abcb1922@yahoo.com

Summer Clothing Collection

Our Parish Summer Clothing Collection continues through the coming weeks. We accept warm weather clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church (behind the divider). Unfortunately we are no longer able to accept household goods.

St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00.

Questions? Contact Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com