Saint Josephine
Bakhita Parish
November 27, 2021
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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!*
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Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
As we all know there has been a serious concern about the “supply chain” due to the pandemic. There has been a major slow down in deliveries of all products especially from abroad. Recently, I read this interesting and thought-provoking observation on several Facebook posts.
“Christmas is at risk due to supply chain problems. Maybe Christmas does not come from a store…maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
Please know that I am not Ebenezer Scrooge saying "humbug" to the season. But I am startled enough by this thought-provoking quip to step back and ponder the heart and soul of the season of Advent and Christmas. I invite you to do the same. Like many of us, I am easily captured by the commercial and marketing that often lures us away from the heart of the season. Maybe this year we are gently invited to take a deeper look.
This coming weekend begins the Advent Season. The season of Advent (from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming”) is the time of preparation for the birth of Christ. During this season we prepare for three Advents. The first is the coming of Jesus two thousand years ago. The second is the coming of Christ among us now. The third and final advent is the anticipation of Christ coming again at the end of time, gathering God’s beloved people into one embrace and mending with mercy what sin has torn apart.
Advent traditions can bring us closer to Christ and transform our hearts. As you make plans for the month of December, be intentional about keeping Advent in your home. By simply incorporating one or two Advent practices, we can all journey through Advent to Christmas in hope.
Our beloved parish will offer a variety of opportunities for your spiritual enrichment during Advent. We hope and pray that all these opportunities don’t just fill up an already busy schedule. Rather, we hope that these opportunities open a new door to the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ Birth once long ago and gives new meaning and purpose to us in our modern age.
Also, we have ordered the wonderful daily meditation books “Blue Books” to assist you on your daily journey through Advent. The books are available in the foyers of both churches. You can also order your own personal copy at the following address: littlebooks.org.
So, keep your eyes peeled, your ears opened, your hearts and minds open and available to the renewed in-breaking of Jesus. Watch our various avenues of communication to learn more about these opportunities. Our supply chain to Jesus is not broken.
Peace,
Fr. George Couturier
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Prepare Your Home Advent Wreath |
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One of the best known customs for keeping the season of Advent in our homes is the Advent wreath. The wreath is a circular and made of evergreens symbolizing the eternity of God. Christians use the wreath as a sign of great hope that Christ reaches into our time to lead us to the light of everlasting life. The four candles on the wreath mark the progress of the fours weeks of Advent and the growth of light. Get your Advent wreath ready (or make a new one this year) so that we can mark our journey through Advent together, both at Church and in our homes. To learn more about the Advent Wreath and find a blessing prayer, Click Here.
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Advent Mini Day of Reflection
An Advent Experience of Jesus
Sunday, December 5
11 AM - 2 PM
11 AM: Mass at St. James Church
Noon - 2 PM: Light lunch followed by
reflection session at Saint James Parish Center
The most essential and life changing truth of our Catholic faith is the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is the Kerygma and it is our timeless love story with God! Come and find some rest for your soul as you experience the Good News in a new and different way. This is a perfect occasion to ready yourself for the Advent season and enter into Christmas with a renewed heart and with your face turned toward the Lord Jesus. Our guest speaker will be Kelly Henderschedt, Archdiocesan Director of Faith Formation.
Space is limited to the first 25 people. To register to attend, Click Here.
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Fr. George and our parish Directors of Music Ministry will lead Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer online through Advent.
Morning Prayer: Streamed on Facebook at 5:00 AM and available after
Evening Prayer: Streamed on Facebook at 5:00 PM and available after
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On Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. during Advent, Fr. George will lead us in the Joyous Mysteries of the Rosary online. By meditating on the Joyful Mysteries we accompany Mary and Joseph as they learn that Mary will bring the Son of God into the world, and we journey with them through Christ’s birth and into his childhood.
Advent Rosary: Streamed on Facebook Wednesdays
at 5:30 PM and available after
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Advent Giving Opportunities |
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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.
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Granola Bars, Crackers, Cookies (single serving packages)
- Breakfast Cereal
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Men’s T-shirts & Boxer Briefs (size L, XL, XXL)
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Advent Music Opportunities |
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Sunday, December 12 at 6 PM
Saint James Church
Imagine the scene. Silence. Church lights dim. In the sanctuary, dozens of candles flicker near icons. In pews, worshipers hold their own candles, long and slim, then light each others’ one by one until the church is alive with even more candlelight. They chant together, slowly repeating a single line over and over as they rise and carry candles toward the altar, adding their own flames to the ones already burning.
Returning to pews, worshipers then sit in silence just beholding this magical scene: small flames around the altar like a sunburst in shadowy darkness. There is no other light. There is no sound save the occasional cough. And nothing moves, save the flames, which dance.
This is a Taizé prayer service. Join us at Saint James Church on Sunday, December 12 to experience this moving form of prayer.
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Second Annual Virtual Caroling Event
Join Members of the Music Ministry in
singing your favorite Christmas Carols
Sunday, December 19 at 7:00 PM
streamed on Facebook
We especially encourage families with children to participate in this precious tradition of singing these rich and wonderful songs about the birth of Christ and some popular Christmas season songs too. Watch the e-newsletter for downloadable lyrics to use for your at-home sing-along!
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Join Dynamic Catholic for the Best Advent Ever |
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What Draws You To The Light?
There are things that draw you toward the light. And there are things that draw you into the darkness.
So much of the world wants to draw you into the darkness of worry, fear, procrastination, negative self-talk, toxic relationships…the list goes on.
This Advent, discover and choose the things that draw you to the light! Get inspiring daily video reflections sent straight to your inbox—for free. Sign up for Best Advent Ever with Dynamic Catholic, Click Here. |
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Daily Mass Schedule
Monday: 8:30am-St. Elizabeth Seton
Tuesday: 8:00am-St. James
Thursday: 8:00am-St. James
Friday: 8:30am-St. Elizabeth Seton
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Reconciliation
Fr. George invites all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Monday evenings at 6:00pm
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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