September 19, 2023

Fall News From Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

September 19, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Once again, a word of congratulations and gratitude to the planning team for our annual parish picnic. Despite the crazy weather, they miraculously pulled off an outstanding time of prayer and fun for the entire parish community. We probably had the largest attendance in the history of the merged churches. Once again, thank you!

This past weekend we remembered all our catechists at our Masses on Catechetical Sunday. Please pray for these dedicated volunteers sharing their faith, love, and knowledge with our young ones. In one sense we are all catechists (teachers and models) of faith for our young ones. We especially pray for all parents in their role as the primary teachers of the faith with their children. Living examples of prayer, virtue, and dedication to their children not only in body and mind…but also in faith and religion.

Once again, a reminder that paving of the parking lot (east side) at Saint James will begin on Thursday September 21, for approximately one to two weeks in duration (depending on the weather). Please be reminded to use much caution and use the entrances and exits at Fr. Shea Circle or on the west side of the property. Also, in October we will be replacing the aged and worn AC unit for the rear sections of the Saint James Church (Fr. Shea Hall, the Religious Formation Office, second floor classrooms and Chapel). The unit after 35 years is beyond repair. FYI, the total cost is around $200,000. Please help us by continuing to support the upkeep of our facilities with your committed financial support.

You are all cordially invited to the MASS OF WELCOME for His Excellency The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne (Coadjutor Archbishop of Hartford) on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Our parish will be providing a coach to the Cathedral leaving St. James parking lot at Noon that day (returning about 5:00 PM) The coach will have approximately 20 seats, first come, first served. Call Father George with your reservation (no cost). Leave your name and a good phone number. Be in touch with Fr. George at frgeorge@sjbrh.org or 860-529-8655 ext. 11.

Peace and blessings!

Fr. George Couturier

Mass of Welcome

Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne

October 9, 2023

2:00 PM (1:30 PM Procession)

Cathedral of Saint Joseph

SJB Parish Bus departs St. James Parking Lot at 12:30 PM.

Contact Fr. George to reserve a seat at frgeorge@sjbrh.org.

The 25th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

September 24, 2023

4:00 PM at Saint James

9 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at Saint James

Fifth Annual Golf Outing

Friday, September 22, 2023

Timberlin Golf Club

330 Southington Road, Berlin CT

Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM

Scramble Format

Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM

Dinner to follow

$150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, use of driving range, sleeve of golf balls, lunch and buffet dinner.

Cash prizes for first and second place. 50/50 cash raffle. Prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive.

Click Here for Golf Outing Brochure & Registration Form

Faith Formation registration is now closed for this year. If you have not yet registered, you must contact the Faith Formation office directly to request a space for your child.

Families are being notified this week as to what class date and time you have been assigned.

Students in grades K-8 will receive a schedule that will begin the week of September 24, 2023. Confirmation Year Two (Grade 10 ) began on Sunday, September 17^,2023. Families will receive the completed calendar for the year at the parent orientation meetings to be held later this month.

If you have any questions, please contact the Faith Formation office, 860-529-1274.

Blessing of Animals

Feast of St. Francis

Wednesday, October 4

6:00 PM

St. Elizabeth Seton Patio

All are welcome!

Feast Day of St. Francis

of Assisi Film Night

Wednesday October 4

7:00 PM

St. James Parish Center

St. Francis of Assisi is among the best known and most readily recognizable saints of the Catholic faith. Join Deacon Michael on the Feast Day of Saint Francis to view a one hour film on the life and significance of Saint Francis. A discussion of the film will follow. All are welcome!

Learn More Here

Surrounded by Love

Teachings of St. Francis of Assisi Study Series

Wednesdays

October 11, 18, 25 & Nov 8

St. James Parish Center at 10:00 AM

or

Online via Google Meet at 7:00 PM

Deacon Michael will be leading a 4 part series on the teachings of Francis, considering just how they might challenge us today in living our own faith here and now.

To frame our consideration we will be reading through and discussing the short book “Surrounded by Love: Seven Teachings from Saint Francis” by Murray Bodo, OFM. This accessible and lyrical book will help us connect with Francis in a way that can help us live our faith with deeper authenticity and joy.

Email Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com to register.

Scan the QR Code or Click Here to Learn More

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’re here to help you get “caught up”!

So..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 860-563-5151. Leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

Annual Holiday Fair

Planning for our annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We are seeking a volunteer to take on the role of Advertising Assistant this year. We have loads of other volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteer by clicking HERE or contact Holiday Fair Chairperson, Jo-Ellen Vendetti at SJBholidayfair@gmail.com..m.

Learn About All The Ways You Can Help At Our Holiday Fair

Only a few spots left! Act Now!

Learn More About the Pilgrimage Here

Daily Mass

Mon-8:30AM @ Seton

Tues-8:00AM @ St. James

Thur-8:00AM @ St. James

Fri-8:30AM @ Seton

Evening Prayer

Fr. George leads evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!

Rosary

Tues & Thurs

8:30AM @ St. James

Saturdays

3:20PM @ St. James

2024 Mass Intention Scheduling

Its time to schedule your Mass Intentions! This year we are making updates and changes to our scheduling process and adding 2 new ways to remember your loved ones. We are excited to introduce to our parish another avenue of intention by the lighting of a special 5-day Vigil candle. Also, we will be bringing back the ringing of our beautiful carillon bells

at St. James with an option of a song (list provided), toll (in memory of) or peal (in honor of).

Due to Mass Intentions being so popular we need to limit each household to 2 Mass intentions for the year so that everyone in our parish community has an opportunity to reserve a mass.

MOTHER’S AND FATHER’S DAY MASS INTENTIONS:

Due to the popularity of these dates we will no longer schedule individual names but together as a parish will celebrate All of our Mothers and Fathers together as one.

HERE’S WHAT YO U NEED TO DO:

Call the office anytime NOW between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and we will make a phone/office appointment for you on one of the following dates:

OCTOBER 3RD, OCTOBER 4TH, OCTOBER 5TH,

OCTOBER 10TH, OCTOBER 11TH OR OCTOBER 12TH

SCHEDULED TIMES WILL BE BETWEEN

10:00 AM & 2:00 PM

On your scheduled day and time YOU may call the office or stop by the Rectory Office at Saint James and we will put your request in the calendar book. Limit 2 per family.

Payment will be due within 2 weeks of your appointment to hold your dates. If you call in a

reservation, you can mail a check to the office or leave your payment in an envelope by using the slot in the Rectory office door. Make checks payable to Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish.

The Office Phone is 860-529-8655.

Thank you,

Carrie & Pam

Parish Administrative Assistants

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. Additionally, we need volunteers to deliver the food to Amazing Grace.

Learn more, Click Here.

Text to Give

Support our parish in a convenient, simple and secure way. Simply text an amount to (860) 821-7962 followed by the word ‘text’ and your transaction will be processed through your OSV Online Giving account. If your mobile phone number is not recognized the first time you Text-to-Give, you can associate your number with your OSV Online Giving account or follow the steps to create an account.

Learn more, Click Here.