May 24, 2022

Ascension Thursday, Singers Needed for Our June Concert, Summer Clothing Collection and more...

May 24, 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Greetings and blessings

This past Saturday we were delighted to celebrate the reception of First Holy Eucharist for 29 third graders in our parish. They were excited, charming, and lively participants in the entire Mass. It was a rejuvenating and spirit-lifting time for me as well. I pray, and ask you to do the same, for these young lives as they continue their journey of discovery of the Way, the Truth and the Life of their Lord, Jesus. May they and their families continue to journey together with the Church. A very special word of gratitude to all the catechists and the entire Faith Formation staff for their time and talent in sharing their faith with these young souls. A special shout out to Linda Sidote for her superior coordination of many of the aspects of this important program of preparation.

Fr. David from Holy Family Retreat Center has asked that I encourage at least two teens from our parish to attend an upcoming two-night Teen retreat June 17-19. Starting on that Friday at 7:00 p.m. and ending with a family Mass on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. It is an opportunity for teens to take some time away to explore some personal growth in faith, community building and leadership training. It promises to be a sacred and restful atmosphere to assist teens in understanding of their Catholic Faith. I am willing to provide two scholarships for teens that may want to attend this upcoming weekend. Just call me at 860-529-8655 or email me at frgeorge@sjbrh.org.

Just a reminder of this week’s Holy Day of Obligation on Thursday May 26, The Ascension of the Lord. Our Masses are as follows: 8:00 a.m. at St. James, NOON at St. James and 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton.

I hope and pray that this Easter season, quickly ending, has touched you in some significant way; either in thought, word, or deed. The celebration of Easter is not just an historical event (indeed it is) but more. It is meant to be a living reminder and encounter with a God who continues to live in our church, sacraments, scriptures, and all creatures of God. A God who wants to be our hope, peace, and joy. And a God who lives so vibrantly in each of us that we exude the same, hope, peace, and joy to the world and in all our relationships…another words a Resurrection life!

I wish you and yours continued Easter Blessings!!

Fr George

Ascension of Our Lord

Thursday, May 26, 2022

8:00 AM - St. James & livestreamed

Noon - St. James

7:00 PM - St. Elizabeth Seton

Seventh Sunday of Easter

May 29, 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

Celebrating the Month of May

What a beautiful weekend we just experienced at our parish! We celebrated with 29 children and their family and friends as they received their First Holy Eucharist on Saturday, May 21 at St. James Church. It was a beautiful day and the children were excited and joyful. The next day, Sunday, May 22, we continued our celebration by honoring our Mother Mary with the May Crowning at the 11:00 AM Mass. Lily Antiporda sang a beautiful song to Mary as the children including some of those who just received their First Eucharist the day before, processed down the center aisle and placed a crown on the statue of Mary and flowers at her feet. We would like to thank all of our catechists, musicians, videographers, photographer, and especially all the children who participated in these memorable celebrations! As a parish, we are truly blessed!

View the May Crowning

Singers Needed!

Saint Josephine Bakhita Music Ministry is planning a summer concert on June 26 at 2:00 PM on the St. James lawn. Those who can sing on pitch and attend our Wednesday rehearsals can sing in this fun concert of sacred and secular music.

St. James Choir (a very friendly and fun group of singers) is looking for a few singers (especially sopranos & men) to sing at the 11:00 AM Mass. Summer Choir gathers Sunday mornings at 10:15 AM in the choir loft prior to rehearse.

Contact Joy at 860-529-8655 X10 or joy@sjbrh.org for more information about singing or just to talk music.

Summer Clothing Collection

The Saint Josephine Bakhita 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

Hospitality Sunday is Back!

First Sunday of the Month

Coffee, treats, visiting with friends - old and new - will return on the first Sunday of the month, starting June 5, Pentecost. Parishioners who have volunteered to make this possible will serve treats after the 9:00 AM Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton and after the 11:00 AM Mass at St. James. Consider joining this ministry to keep this great social time going. A few teams of parishioners or families taking turns would keep this commitment feasible going forward. Contact Elizabeth@sjbrh.org or Joy@sjbrh.org to find out how you can help.

Please Donate to the

Archbishop's Annual Appeal

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service to the Lord. Your gift helps to support those cultivating a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Annual Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our Faith.

All donations 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.