November 12, 2024

Fall News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

November 12, 2024

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Sometimes, as this weekend’s Gospel says (MK 13:24-32), the stars seem to fall out of the sky and the sun ceases to shine. It can happen to a whole country. Or it can happen to one of us: health, wealth, friendship, job, everything suddenly snatched away or slowly fading away.

So, what are we to do when these “end of the world” moments come into our lives? Maybe, our first instinct is to shut our eyes, numb our hearts and pretend the pain or sadness is not there. Of course this does not work, so after a while we probably wander down another road, the road of bitterness, anger and finally despair. But this too is a dead end.

Eventually we ask, is there nowhere for us to turn, nowhere else to look for an answer? And then we hear the possible answer echoing in the gospel reading for this weekend: “When you see these things happening, know that he is near, even at the door.”

The Lord is always near, always knocking at our door, but so often we fail to notice, fail to hear, because our lives are so full of noise, activity or thoughts (some of it good) things that can insulate us from seeing and hearing God.

God is speaking maybe whispering saying, “I know this feels like the end of the world. And it seems as though all that is bad is triumphing and all that is good is dying or dead. And that you yourself will be destroyed. But be patient and walk with me. I did not make you for destruction. I made you for life with me now and forever.”

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Join Us for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 17, 2024

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Join Us for the Rocky Hill Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 26

7:00 PM at Rocky Hill

Congregational Church

805 Old Main Street

Join Us Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 28

8:00 AM at St. James

and livestreamed

Click Here to RSVP and To Volunteer to Help

Other Fun Tidbits

Thanksgiving Food Baskets &

Grocery Store Gift Certificates

Create a Thanksgiving Food Basket for a household of 4-6 people to donate to Rocky Hill Human Services and deliver to either church the weekend of November 23-24.

Donate gift certificates to local grocery stores to compliment the Food Baskets and enable families to buy turkeys and perishable foods.

Please indicate your intention to donate a basket by signing up in either Church Foyer. Learn all about where to donate and how to build your basket, Click Here.

Amazing Grace Food Pantry Ministry Needs Your Help!

Our Amazing Grace food pantry ministry is in need of volunteers to retrieve and deliver our parish contributions. As a volunteer, you would be paired with 1-2 other volunteers. The ministry requires approximately 2 hours, only 2-3 times each year. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Denise Mazzamurro at:neeceemae@sbcglobal.net.

Annual Holiday Fair

Bake Sale & Cookie Walk

Donations of baked goods and cookies are needed for our annual Holiday Fair. We have many talented bakers in our parish and each year they donate delicious homemade baked goods for our very popular Holiday Fair Bake Sale & Cookie Walk. We can never have too much! Every last crumb sells! Please sign up to donate one or more items.

Click Here To Volunteer To Bake For The Cookie Walk

Click Here To Volunteer To Bake For The Bake Sale

Volunteers Needed!

Planning for our annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We need lots of volunteers to help make it all happen! Click the button below or scan the QR Code to sign up to help! If you prefer to talk to someone about volunteering, call Kathy Alexander at 860-563-5859.

Click Here to Volunteer at the Holiday Fair

Early Access to Holiday Fair Items

Knit, crochet and Sew Good Works has Holiday Fair items available again this year for early purchase, or to order. Returning items include Irish knit sweaters, table runners, quilts and more. (Some items are limited and may not be available by the fair.) Great Gift ideas! For more information or to make an appointment, contact Vivian Orsini at vorsini24@aol.com, or text 860-906-7433 and leave a message.

Click Here for a List of Pre-sale Items

Learn How To Register Here

Candy Collection

Everyone Loves a Sweet Treat!

The Faith Formation Confirmation Program is collecting candy as part of their annual Christmas project servicing various organizations. Chocolate is always an unexpected and welcoming surprise that all will appreciate receiving! If you find candy on sale, please consider purchasing an extra bag or two and donate to our collection. Students can bring the candy to class any time before December 9, 2024. We will gladly accept candy from your Trick or Treat Bags or leftover candy bowls. Thank you for bringing some “sweet” joy to others this Christmas Season.

Looking Towards Advent

Advent Bible Study

This Advent, Deacon Michael will be leading a three session Bible Study called: Advent Anticipation - Meditating on the Gospel Christmas Story. The focus will be on the Gospels that tell the story of the Angel Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary, the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth, and the Birth of the Lord. We will be reading through these accounts together and consider their meaning to us today.

There is no text or fee for this series. Registration is required for:

reproduction of materials for our meetings together
forwarding of reading materials for each session and
access to the on-line option described below.

The series runs on Wednesdays: December 4, 11, 18. Two identical sessions are offered each week at 10:00 AM at Saint James Parish Center and then again at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. It will be possible to join the 7:00 PM evening session online as well, via Google Meet (please indicate interest at registration to help us plan).

Consider joining others in person or online for this three week reflection on the deeper Christian meaning of the Nativity. To register please email Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com.

Annual Retreat Weekends

Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center

Members & Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish are invited to join together on our annual weekend retreats in 2025. The retreat theme this year is In my Love, Abide. We invite you to come and explore the depths of a life of prayer and learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ, the true vine.

The retreat center is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The weekend begins with a buffet dinner on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass. The retreat offers conferences, workshops, wonderful musical liturgies, time for contemplation or quiet walks in a clean, comfortable setting with private rooms & great food.

Parish Contacts are Kathleen Quintana at 860 680-3195 or Bob Manzi at 860 502-5097

Learn more and sign up online at: holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats

Requested Offering: $350, but they emphasize more if you can, less if you can't. Couples weekend requested offering is $575. Please do not allow finances to prevent your decision to attend. Scholarships grants are available. See Fr. George or our parish contacts.

Need a Christmas gift idea? Certificates in any amount are also available from the retreat office and will be available after all masses at St. Josephine Bakhita on Dec 7 & 8.

Women's Retreat Weekend: January 3-5, 2025

Men's Retreat Weekend: February 21-23, 2025

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 14-16, 202

(includes Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner)