June 18, 2024

Summer Happenings at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

June 18, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This weekend’s Gospel (Mk 4:35-41) about the storm reminds me that storms come into every life. Some are life threatening, others are tempests in a teapot…(how is that for an old fashion turn of a phrase?). Large and small, they hit our families, our friendships, our bodies, our bank accounts, and much more. And when we think we have seen them all, another new one comes along!

So, what are we to do when storms strike? Some try to out-run the storms, but that just delays the agony. Some pretend there is no storm, but that does not stop them from getting battered. Some give in to fear or bitterness or helplessness.

So, I ask again, what are we to do when our storms strike? First, we face them, take their measure, and then take them to the Lord (as well as some wise advice from others too). That seems to be what the apostles did in this weekend’s Gospel. Like them, we are not sailing alone. Jesus is in the boat with us.

There is a second thing to consider in facing a storm, and that is to watch for the gift that is lurking somewhere within the storm. Often hidden somewhere in the storm is a gift intended especially intended for us—some new freedom, or new understanding, or new strength. It is there, but we must look for it, name it, embrace it, and claim it as our own. So, when the storms come take God’s hand and look inside the dark cloud, because God awaits and has a potential surprise gift there just for you and me! Amen!

Reminder: next week is our annual Bakhita Bible Camp for the young ones of our parish. May they experience the goodness of God. And a special prayer of gratitude to all our leaders assisting our young ones by sharing their time, talent and faith.

Also, please remember that the weekend of June 29-30 is our annual Mission Cooperative Appeal. This year we will be visited by the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu an indigenous Congregation of Catholic Sisters serving the people of Northern Uganda (East Africa). They will speak of their ministry and ask for your prayers and financial support.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us For The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 23, 2024

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

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.

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.