June 25, 2024

June 25, 2024 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, This weekend’s Gospel Mark 5:25-43 tells us that Jesus once accompanied a synagogue official to the bedside of his little girl who was very ill. But on the way they were met by someone from the house who said, “she is dead! Nothing can change that; so, don’t waste your time.” Those words should sound familiar, because at times we have all spoken them deep in our hearts: “it is over, and nothing can change that.” We have let disappointments and fear of further pain kill our hopes, shrink our expectations, and blind us to life’s possibilities. But Jesus was not turned away so easily. He said, “Fear is useless! What is needed is trust. The child is not dead; she is only asleep.” I believe Jesus is speaking to us as well, reassuring us that the parts of us that seem dead and beyond help are not dead at all. They are just asleep. But the Lord can awaken them and give them a second chance, if only we will work with him—if only we will let go of the fears and let his life flow into us and raise us up. 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. 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 Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul June 30, 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 Bakhita Bible Camp is happening all week! Our inter-generational camp is full of faith, food and fun diving into God's friendship! Please pray for everyone leading and attending this fantastic annual celebration! View Bible Camp Pictures 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. 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. Lap Quilts for Nursing Homes and Emergency Room Patients Outdoor Places to Pray at Saint Josephine Bakhita Now that the warm weather has arrived, consider taking your preferred prayer style to a quiet place on the grounds of either church campus. Saint James campus offers several outdoor spots: the Labyrinth behind the church/next to the parish center as well as the benches between the two buildings. Other prayerful spots include the statue of Christ behind the center as well as on the tree covered lawns near the church. At Saint Elizabeth Seton campus, a garden devoted to Mary is a good spot for prayer and lies across from the church with benches (and has a lending library, too!). A sheltered gazebo sits in a shaded spot opposite the rectory. Benches on the church porch during the week offer quiet as well. Inside or outside of either campus, there are peaceful places to pray. Visit our church properties and spend time with our Lord. Read the Parish Bulletin Visit our Website 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. Stay Connected Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill

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