October 10, 2023

Fall News From Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

October 10, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This weekend’s scripture readings invite me to ponder a very human dilemma. Sometimes it takes a major shift inside our heads to make things work. And that is what Jesus is asking us to do in this weekend’s Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14): shift our way of thinking, in a big way. Like the folks in the gospel, we have all been invited to the grand banquet called “life,” and our host is God. Unfortunately, however, too many of us are missing the main course, because we are distracted by the hors d’oeuvres, the little stuff around the edges, which is always kind of tempting, rarely can ever fill us up properly.

So, what is life’s “main course?” It is called “communion,” and it means being a wholehearted member of God’s family, with no split loyalties and nothing held back.

Jesus gives us a look at the exact opposite of this in the gospel: the man who just shows up for some free food but does not bother to put on one of the free wedding garments that are available at the door, because he is not planning on staying long. Too much of life is lived that way, disengaged, on the periphery, with one eye on the exit all the time. Where is the joy in that?

God has something much better in mind for us when he invited us into this life. And if we can shift the way we habitually look at the world, we will be able to see where real life and joy are waiting for us. First, in a solid, deep-rooted connectedness to the Lord. That deep connection to the Lord will ground everything else in our life and will give us the inner resources to become world-class friends to one another, friends who know how to give life and how to receive it, faithful friends who have staying power for the long haul.

Everything else in life pales into insignificance when compared to that abiding connection with God and God’s people, that bonding that fills our hearts and brings us peace. So why feed our souls junk food? Why settle for lives that are throwaways? Instead, step up to the Lord’s table, find out what the main course of life tastes like, and never be hungry again.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

The 28th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

October 8, 2023

4:00 PM at Saint James

9 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at Saint James

Faith Formation classes for children in grades Kindergarten through Grade 10 have begun. We are very excited to be welcoming our students back and look forward to an energizing and action-packed year of learning about their faith and serving their community through all the ministries in our parish.

The next session of classes will be held the week beginning Sunday, October 15, for students in Grades 1-8 and Confirmation Year 1.

Please check your child’s individual schedule for specific date, time, and place for classes. Any questions, please email monica@sjbrh.org.

Monica Piombino

Director of Faith Formation

Visit Our Faith Formation Webpage

Interested in Becoming Catholic? We Can Help!

Times such as those we are living through now often prompt people to examine what we believe, how we make sense of the world and examine just what we live by, and why, and where “this all seems to be going.” Christian faith as offered in and through the Catholic Church brings 20 centuries of belief and wisdom to bear on these very questions.

Entering the Catholic Church through Baptism at Easter after exploration and instruction in the faith is the typical path for those entering the Catholic Church as adults. We are presently planning the process for those who may wish to enter the Church at Easter in the spring of 2024.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in exploring this possibility with us, we are certainly happy and eager to help. Anyone interested should contact Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org (best) or by phone at 860-529-3222, x14.

Learn About Becoming A Catholic Here

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.

Learn About Baking For Our Holiday Fair

Annual Holiday Fair

Tea Cup Raffle

We are seeking new or gently used items for our Teacup Raffle. Bins will be placed at the entrances of both Churches. Any questions, feel free to call Kathy Alexander at 860-563-5859.

Inviting all Sewers, Knitters & Crocheters

The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Knit, Crochet, Sew & Pray Ministries serve our community in generous ways.

The Knit, Crochet & Sew Good Works Ministry meets every Wednesday in Fr. Shea Hall at St. James Church from 1pm – 4pm.

Contact: Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com

The Morning Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the forth Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 9am.

Contact: Betty Catelli at catellib64@gmail.com

The Evening Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the first Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 6:45pm.

Contact: Laura Pentland at lbpent57@gmail.com

We are open to anyone who has the skills to sew, knit or crochet or who would like to learn how. Whether you knit or crochet quickly or slowly, your help is welcome to fulfill the mission of spreading God’s love through our craft. It is our hope that those who receive our crafts will feel the love that goes into making each and every one of them. Our time together begins and ends with prayer and all creations are prayed over and blessed prior to being gifted. Learn more here..

Learn More Here