Saint Josephine
Bakhita Parish
Fall 2021
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September 14, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
This past weekend we remembered the 20th anniversary of the tragic day of 9/11. I was stuck by two quotes that help me to put those tragic events into some perspective as a Christian:
Cardinal Blasé J. Cupich (Archbishop of Chicago) shared this simple and brief reflection: “Twenty years after the 9/11 terrorist attack, we remember the terrible fear and grief, but above all we remember the acts of kindness, generosity and compassion we witnessed in the wake of unfathomable loss. Let us pray for unity and peace.”
Also, I am reminded of the prayer offered by Pope Benedict XI upon his visit to Ground Zero in 2008:
“O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain. We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here—the heroic first responders: our fire fighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here. We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of still grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope. We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
God of peace, bring peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred. God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives of the lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and the courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all. Amen!”
UPDATE ON COVID-19 (Delta) safety:
For the deepest concern and respect for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Archbishop Blair announced and requested on August 7th, that all those attending Masses and other events be encouraged to resume the wearing of masks due to the rise in the virus infections in our state.
Additionally, the Town of Rocky Hill issued a mandate on Friday August 20th that masks be worn while in indoor public spaces.
I personally think this is a wise and prudent decision.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. George Couturier
Pastor
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Twenty-Fifth Sunday
in Ordinary Time
September 18-19, 2021
4 PM Vigil, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
*Masks Required per Rocky Hill Mandate *
Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish will livestream the 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Sunday Mass using Facebook Live. The livestream of the Mass can also be viewed on the front page of our website. The recordings remain available on the Parish Facebook page.
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Please Join Us!
Celebration of Service:
Faith, Food & Fellowship
In Honor of Fr. George's
40th Anniversary of
Ordination to the Priesthood
&
Our Community Commitment to Service
Sunday, September 26
Saint James Campus
11am Outdoor Mass
Simple Box Lunch & Musical Entertainment
To register to attend the outdoor mass and reserve a box lunch (deadline September 19), click the red button:
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Celebrate Catechetical Sunday
September 19, 2021
Each year the Catholic church in the United States designates the third Sunday in September as “Catechetical Sunday”- a day on which to celebrate and pray for the Church’s mission to teach the gospel to all people.
This year’s theme is “Say the Word and My Soul shall be Healed.” Catechists are called to shine the gift of faith with others while deepening their own. This calling ultimately comes from God whose Holy Spirit inspires and guides them.
On this Sunday, we come together as a Catholic parish community to acknowledge the dedication of our catechists in our parish family. We also honor parents and guardians on this day as they are the first true catechists who continue to share their Catholic faith in their families.
Prayer for Catechists
Loving Father,
we pray today for our catechists.
We thank you for their gift of
ministry in your Church.
Grant them your wisdom
that they may grow in the
understanding and teaching of your Word.
Grant them also your love
that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word
and lead others to love you.
Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them to grant them
wisdom about what is important;
knowledge of the truths of faith;
understanding of their meaning;
right judgement about how to apply them in life;
courage to persevere even in the face of adversity;
reverence before all that is sacred and holy;
and that loving zeal which leads others
to a transforming encounter with your Son.
We pray this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
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Register Now for 2021-2022
Faith Formation
Please register your child now as classes are forming and we will begin classes the week of October 3, 2021. Registration for our faith formation classes grades Pre K-10 including the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is available online.
Catechists are still needed to teach in grades 5-8!
Please prayerfully consider this important ministry to the young people of our Parish. To volunteer or f or more information, please contact the Faith Formation office at reo@sjbrh.org or 860-529-1274.
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Bakhita Bible Study Returns in October
Jesus the Word Made Flesh:
Gospel of John Chapters 1-10
More than we realize most Christians these days look at Jesus Christ through the lens of John’s Gospel, which is a long and deep meditative account of Jesus ministry and vision of his identity.
This first part of John’s gospel presents Jesus as the personal revelation of the unseen God and develops selected words and deeds of Jesus into several great dramas to demonstrate the power and love of God working in him. This study will help you understand the scope of this monumental and unique gospel as well as its personal implications for the lives of disciples today.
Join us for a deep dive into these great dramas that reveal so much about our faith!!!
In light of the evolving COVID pandemic this series will be held “online only” with six sessions starting on Wednesday October 13 at 7:00 PM.
Check the parish website for more information, deadlines, registration and book ordering details: Click Here.
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Maybe You Want To Become A Catholic….
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 “all this seems to be going."
The Catholic Christian faith relates directly to these questions and explores these realities with a wisdom of nearly 2,000 years. If you desire to explore becoming a Catholic, we are certainly happy and eager to help.
Maybe you know someone who may be interested as well. We’re glad to help them out too.
If so….contact Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org (best) or by phone at 860-529-3222 Ext 14 and leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
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Did You Miss Confirmation the First Time Around?
We Can Help With That
It’s never too late. Even if you are way “past the age” or even a little ;-) ...and not yet Confirmed...you can be. You certainly are not alone. It happens for a variety of reasons. We are here to help you get “caught up.”
If you have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to, contact Deacon Michael at dcnmichael@sjbrh.org (best) or by phone at 860-529-3222 Ext 14. Leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
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Support our Local Pantries
Food & Cereal Donations
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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Save The Date!
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Holiday Fair
Saturday, November 20, 2021
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saint James Parish Center
Crafters - Cookie Walk - Silent Auction
Teacup Auction - Homemade Ornaments
Fun Foods to Buy & Enjoy
Admission is Free
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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, Sept. 16 from 1pm-6pm. Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to register to give.
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Have you seen Saint Josephine Bakhita's new Online Giving Platform? If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Gisele Reyngoudt, Parish Business Manager, at 860-529-8655 or email her at gisele@sjbrh.org.
To find out more about Online Giving and how it benefits our church, Click here.
To receive offering envelopes, email or call Gisele.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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