October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, This weekend’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52) tells us about a young man who was tough, and brave as well. He was blind and wanted to see, but not just the birds, bees, and flowers, and faces of his friends. He wanted to see the inside of things, which was risky, because like all of us, he had some serious things to look at: Was there any point to his life? Did he have anything worth sharing? Could he get back on track after the wrong turns he had made? Was it too late to build a life? Is love worth all the risks and hurts? Bartimaeus had lots of serious stuff to look at on the inside! Many people spend all their lives in the dark, because they are afraid to see. But the blind man stepped boldly into the light, because he knew that Jesus was right: the truth can set us free. The truth about all of us is simultaneously horrifying and exhilarating: we have sinned early and often, but God has given us the power and the opportunity to grow and to change…by grace poured out in abundance. No matter how late it is, we can make a better life…and, therefore, a better world. Trust that and open your soul to the Spirit of Jesus who dwells within us. Whisper the words of the blind man: “I’m ready to see. And I am not afraid. For the One who helps us to see will also give us the heart to do whatever is needed to grow more into His likeness.” Peace and blessings! Fr. George Couturier Join Us for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 27, 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 All Saints Day  Friday, November 1 *** Holy Day of Obligation *** 8:00 AM at St. James and livestreamed Noon at St. James  7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Join Us for Our Annual Memorial Mass Memorial Mass  Thursday, November 7 7:00 PM at St. James and livestreamed We will be celebrating our annual Memorial Mass for those who have had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita since November 2023. All are welcome to pray and support those who are mourning, or be strengthened in the face of their own mourning by joining us in person or online. During the candlelit service, we will be announcing the names of those who had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita in the past year. Other Fun Tidbits Our parish apparel store is open through November 1, 2024 to give everyone the opportunity to purchase winter weather swag. The fall sale will offer long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, and 3/4 zip pullovers all boasting our beautiful parish logo! Click Here to Order Today Give Blood 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 Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give. 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 Learn About Baking for the Holiday Fair Read the Parish Bulletin Visit our Website Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are available to bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners and those recuperating from surgery or illness. Please contact the parish office to request a visit: 860-529-8655. Stay Connected Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill

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