November 23, 2021

Thanksgiving Wishes, Advent Begins, Lots of Giving Opportunities and more...

Saint Josephine

Bakhita Parish

November 23, 2021

In Everything Give Thanks

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

At this time of year as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and enter into the Advent season, members of our extended parish staff gathered reflections on the meaning of giving thanks and the many things, big and small, we have to be thankful for. Hopefully this will inspire you to do your own reflection on Thankfulness!

I am thankful for so many things, not only wonderful family and friends, a roof over my head, food to eat and my health but also all the everyday wonders that I often take for granted. I give thanks for: sipping coffee and watching the birds in the bird feeder outside my kitchen window every morning; the comings and goings of all the people in and out of the faith formation office sharing stories, hugs, smiles, and laughter; everyone on the faith formation team who dedicate themselves to ministering to all our parishioners especially the children and teens; the energy and smiles of the children in the faith formation classes; the gorgeous sunsets especially this time of year; the welcome respite as I lay my head on my pillow at the end of the day.

-Monica P.

My 5 years as pastor in Rocky Hill, my forty years of priesthood, for the awesome outpouring of support and prayers for my 40^th anniversary and people who so generously planned and executed the parish celebration, for the staff especially during the past two years during the Pandemic and especially for the awesome love of the Lord in all ways and times.

-Fr George

In addition to the usual things (which I am supremely grateful for): health, family, most excellent job with excellent co-workers, home and hearth, I am grateful for crunching pine cones, a beautiful sunset, Aldi chocolate, a really good cup of coffee (and my husband making that really good cup of coffee), audio books that magically appear on my phone, crossword puzzles, LOTS of travel, nature, and a million other things.

-Joy O.

I am grateful for thirty-seven years of marriage, the grace of living to see my grandchildren, being part of our faith community since 1985 and the chance to help people see something new in their faith.

-Deacon Michael

I am deeply grateful for thirty-three years of being part of the Catholic community of Rocky Hill, twenty years of marriage, eighteen years of parenthood, the angels who have helped me care for my mom for the past few years and the gift of faith which sustains me every day.

-Lisa O.

I am especially thankful to have finally seen my two daughters, grandsons, and son in law who live in England after a long 2 ½ years of COVID separation.

-Elizabeth H.

I am thankful for the abundant blessings God has provided to me and my family: our home, our health, our extended family and friends, our faith community, our jobs, our meals and the opportunities to share our faith with those around us.

-Lori G.

I am grateful to God for giving me the faith and strength to get through life’s challenging days, my third grade students who lift and fill me up every time I see them, the wisdom, grit, and compassion God has instilled in me, and I am grateful to be grateful!

-Leslie E.

For me, COVID was a time of great testing, reflection, learning and ultimately gratitude. May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

-Beth

I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to help the young members of our parish to find their way into God's love. I am grateful to all the positive people around me to help me be successful in all things that I try to do.

-Linda S.

I am grateful for our faith formation team and catechists who are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. They inspire me to bring the joy of our faith to our students and families. I am grateful for the amazing teens we have in our Confirmation program whose presence and trust helps my faith continue to grow. Most of all, I am grateful to be able to gather as a community of followers even with COVID restrictions and pray for peace and health for all. On a personal note, my heart is bursting with love as I welcomed my second grandson to this world in October. I feel blessed beyond words.

-Carol R.

I am thankful for: my many years of good health; my wife and 2 daughters, truly a wonderful family; the opportunity to live in the safe, attractive and friendly town of Rocky Hill; the 46 years of uninterrupted professional employment, which I truly enjoyed; the opportunity to have traveled throughout the U.S. and to experience its many natural beauties.

-Tom D.

I have much to be thankful for and I use a gratitude journal to help remind me of that. I am thankful for my health, my job, the people in my support system who are truly angels in disguise.

-Gisele

I am thankful for my family and feel blessed we have remained healthy through this difficult year.

-Carrie

I am thankful for the blessing of God’s presence in my life every day. I am forever grateful for God’s guidance …his plan is always greater than anything I could ever imagine. Miracles do happen…believe and you will see…I am thankful for God’s miracles in my life.

-Pam

Happy Thanksgiving From All of Us To All of You!

Thanksgiving Day Mass

Thursday, November 25

8 AM at St. James Church

*Masks strongly encouraged!*

Join us in person or attend via

livestream on Facebook

For the Worship Aid, Click Here.

Thanksgiving Prayer

Father in Heaven,

Creator of all,

source of all goodness and love,

please look kindly upon us

and receive our heartfelt gratitude

in this time of giving thanks.

Thank you for all the graces and blessings

you have bestowed upon us,

spiritual and temporal:

our faith and religious heritage,

our food and shelter,

our health, the love we have for one another,

our family and friends.

In Your infinite generosity,

please grant us

continued graces and blessing

throughout the coming year.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

First Sunday of Advent

November 27-28, 2021

4 PM Vigil - St. James

9 AM - St. Elizabeth Seton & livestreamed

11 AM - St. James & livestreamed

*Masks strongly encouraged!*

All members of the Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish community are invited to join in the faith activity for the months of October & November called The Thankful Pumpkin. To see all the Thankful Pumkins submitted by parishioners, Click Here.

Advent Giving Opportunities

Advent Giving Project

Our Advent Giving Project will provide local shelters with items that are in high demand. Please consider picking up extras of the following items to donate to our collection. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those served by our local agencies.

Granola Bars, Crackers, Cookies (single serving packages)
Breakfast Cereal
Men’s T-shirts & Boxer Briefs (size L, XL, XXL)
Deodorant & Bar Soap (full size)

Donations can be dropped off at either church location:

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

St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the Church kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Carl Bach abcb1922@yahoo.com, Sandy Ambrose amb321@cox.net or Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com

Volunteers Needed To Help Afghan Refugees

With the ending of the war in Afghanistan there are many Afghan people facing the threats to life and limb. Many people who helped our US military. They are now seeking our help, a place of refuge.

The Sacred Scriptures remind us:

“I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Mt 25:35

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.” Eph. 2:19

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2

The Churches of Glastonbury are planning to sponsor an Afghan family and are requesting some volunteers from our parish to assist them in this act of Mercy. For more information, please contact either Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org or Fr. George at frgeorge@sjbrh.org.

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

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:

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 located near the kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Sandy Ambrose amb321@cox.net or Carl Bach abcb1922@yahoo.com

Winter Clothing

Collection

The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Winter Clothing Collection started Monday, November 8. We accept Winter Clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church. Please note, we are no longer able to accept household goods.

Questions? Contact Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com

Sweet Feet Repeat

Last year our Confirmation classes collected candy and new socks as part of their Sweet Feet Project. They filled men, women and children’s socks with candy and delivered them to numerous agencies as a special gift for Christmas. The project was huge success, and we would like to “repeat” it again this year but need lots of donated candy and socks. From now until the beginning of December, drop new socks and candy in the boxes labeled Sweet Feet Project located in the foyers of both churches. Thank you for making Christmas a little “sweeter” for others.

Thank You to all who generously donated to our Thanksgiving Food Basket Collection! The Baskets and Gift Card donations were amazing! We are so happy to help Rocky Hill Social Services!

Thank You To All Who Planned, Created, Baked, Volunteered & Attended the Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Holiday Fair. It was a smashing success and so much fun! Enjoy this recap of a wonderful day!