October 11, 2022
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
This weekend’s Gospel parable of the unjust judge (Lk. 18:1-8), Jesus strongly encourages his disciples (including us) to pray continually and never to lose heart. The judge, in the Gospel reading, is approached by a widow, representing the powerless ones of every age. It is presumed that she has right on her side as she persistently calls for the judge’s attention. But the judge seems uninterested in the rights of a penniless widow. However, when she persists in her plea, he finally gives in, but only to get rid of her it seems.
To me the message at the heart of this gospel passage is intended for the disciples who are faced with suffering and persecution. If an amoral judge can be moved by the persistent pleading of the faith-filled widow, how much more will God see justice done for all who cry out to Him continually and from the heart.
The only question is: will they be found capable of confident and persevering prayer, or will they throw in the towel and give up, just because their prayer is slowly answered or not answered as they wish?
The non-Christian man of peace Mahatma Gandhi say this of prayer:
I am neither a man of letters nor of science, but I humbly claim to be a man of prayer. It is prayer that has saved my life. Without it I would have lost my reason long ago. If I did not lose my peace of soul, in the midst of my many trials, it is because of the peace that came to me through prayer. One can live several days without food, but not without prayer. Prayer is the key to each morning, and the lock to each evening. It is a sacred alliance between God and us. Let everyone try this experience, and they will find that daily prayer will add something new to their lives, something which cannot be found elsewhere.
I wish you and yours continued Blessings!!
Fr. George
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The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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October 16, 2022
4 PM Vigil - St. James
*Masks are strongly encouraged in our worship spaces!*
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Faith Formation Classes
Have Begun
All families who are formally registered in the parish as well as in Faith formation should be assigned to a class, date, and time. If you have any questions please contact Monica at monica@sjbrh.org.
We wish continued blessings on all of our families as we begin our faith formation year!
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All Saints Day Mass
*** Holy Day of Obligation ***
Tuesday, November 1
7 AM - St. James
7 PM - St. Elizabeth Seton
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All Souls Day Memorial Mass
We Remember
Our Deceased Loved Ones
at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
Wednesday, November 2
We will be celebrating our annual Memorial Mass for those who have had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita since November 2021. All are welcome to pray and support those who are mourning, or be strengthened in the face of their own mourning by watching Mass online. In-person attendance is reserved for those who have received an invitation. During the candlelit service, we will be announcing the names of those who had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita in the past year. However, Facebook offers the ability to comment in real time and add your own loved one’s name and picture in the comment section during the Mass.
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Adult Spirituality Opportunities |
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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 2023.
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.
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Centering Prayer Workshop
Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish welcomes all ages to join in an Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop on Zoom to be held on two consecutive Wednesdays: November 30 and December 7. The Workshops will run from 6:30-8:30 PM led by presenters Fran Mastro and Mike Smoolca (the Contemplative Outreach Coordinator at the Holy Family Retreat Center). Centering Prayer is a way of opening to the presence of God in prayer. We will practice this prayer of letting go and emptying to create a readiness for a new kind of fullness with God. Please sign up in either church by November 21. For more information, please contact Fran Masto at fmed6@icloud.com.
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Outdoor Prayer Locations to Experience this Fall
at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
Saint Elizabeth Seton: The Marian Garden and Gazebo on the Saint Elizabeth Seton campus are peaceful spots that have been spruced up since spring to receive visitors. On balmy days, visitors take their walks around the parking lot, individuals sit for a while, others browse books at the lending library and the Prayer Shawl Ministry might be knitting, crocheting, chatting, and praying over their work as well as for those who will receive those shawls.
Saint James: The Labyrinth at Saint James provides a new experience for those who have never tried this form of prayer. There are many locations on the campus of Saint James to walk, sit, enjoy God’s creation and pray. Walk around to discover a new prayer spot.
On the hot days we experienced this summer, the church buildings provided cool places to pray and meditate. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the peaceful places and beauty of our Saint Bakhita Parish during these autumn months.
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Food & Cereal
For Our Local Pantries
Households who struggle with hunger need our help even more in the summer time. 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. Learn more here.
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ABC Women’s Center
“Baby Bottle Drive”
October 15~30
ABC Women’s Center, located in both Middletown and New Britain, is a faith-based pregnancy resource center. The “Baby Bottle Drive” is an annual fund-raising event and 100% of the donations go directly to ensure the availability and growth of programs and services offered to all their clients free of charge. Since they do not receive any state or government assistance and are solely funded by private donations from individuals, businesses and churches, this event is vital to their ongoing ministry. They offer a variety of life-affirming pregnancy, parenting, and post-abortive support for both women and men. On the weekend of October 15 & 16, we will have baby bottles available for parishioners to take home to fill with their donations (checks are made payable to “ABC Women’s Center). Return the bottle no later than the weekend of October 29 & 30. Our Parish is supporting this event as one more way to participate in the “40 Days of Life” Campaign of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
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The American Red Cross has launched a Severe Blood Shortage Appeal. All eligible donors are encouraged to schedule appointments now. The next drive hosted at our Parish Center at St. James Church is scheduled for Thursday, October 13 from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.
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Holiday Fair ~ Save The Date! |
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Saint Josephine Bakhita
Holiday Fair
Saturday, November 19
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saint James Parish Center
Silent Auction & Teacup Auction
Crafts & Homemade Ornaments
Cookie Walk & Bake Sale
Fun Foods to Buy & Enjoy
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Archdiocese of Hartford
2022 Marriage Anniversary Celebration
On Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 2:00 PM, the annual Archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford for married couples who have observed or will be observing 25th, 50th, 60th, and other special wedding anniversaries in 2022. Learn more and sign up to register here. |
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Looking for a great read? Check out our selections in our Little Free Libraries located on both our church campuses! Take or leave a book! |
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Daily Mass Schedule
PLEASE NOTE - NO DAILY MASS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
October 10 - 14
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Rosary
Our parish community gathers to pray the rosary at St. James Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30am and Saturday afternoons at 3:20pm. All are welcome!
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Great news, we can text now!
Help us to stay connected and keep you up to date with the information you need to know about Faith Formation and Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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