September 20, 2022

Spiritual refreshment for our weary souls
September 20, 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Greetings and blessings!

Frequently each week, lately, folks come to me saying they are so weary and frustrated by the issues of the day, the culture that is at odds with itself, with the deep divisions among people, the overwhelming impact of news of world and national and church events. I am often lost for words and just listen deeply and encourage prayer. My words often sound, to me, cheap and inadequate.

Recently, I came across a fascinating blurb on a Facebook site I often read by Dr. Robert J. Wicks. He has given me permission to share this Facebook post with all of you. The post is entitled: SPIRITUAL EXHAUSTION…SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT:

Many people who informally consult with me are not simply physically exhausted---rest can cure that---but are actually spiritually depleted. In addition to the instant negative news via the internet and television, the burdens of their own personal and professional responsibilities keep draining their spirit. The result: a vague sense of hopelessness that is only occasionally interrupted by some fun times.

Spiritual refreshment is needed by all of us if we are to live our life and share it more fully with others. Consequently, there are some initial steps that can be taken to nourish the soul. For instance:

  1. At least a few moments each day in silence and solitude---not to brood over life but to breathe deeply with God at your side.
  2. Time spent with positive friends who reflect the loving face of the gift of life.
  3. Cease speaking negatively about public figures or people you know personally because this is often not ventilation or speaking about injustices but instead unconscious re-contamination of your spirit by yourself. If psychological acid comes out of your mouth, it is your own mouth that will be burned by it.
  4. Short walks in the early morning of late evening when it is cool enough to do so provides oxygen exchange which will physically support efforts in spiritual refreshment.
  5. Reflecting on people, events, and things you are grateful for in life. Most people when asked if they are grateful say they are or express guilt that they are not grateful enough. Neither is helpful. Gratitude is one of the parents of happiness.
  6. Read about positive role models in life and how they dealt with adversity…for example Nelson Mandela.

There are many other initial steps we can take. These are but some. The bottom line though is that we need to ne aware of the importance of our own spiritual refreshment…because we, too, have a future to build.

Dr. Wicks is the author of The Simple Care of a Hopeful heart; Night Call: Embracing Compassion and Hope in a Troubled World and Prayers for Uncertain Times. He is a clinical psychologist and writer about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. He is Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland. He is recipient of the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the papacy for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

I wish you and yours continued Blessings!!
 
Fr. George
Our 5th Annual Parish Picnic was a great success! Our community was truly blessed to share mass, lunch and time with family and friends on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Thanks to the team of leaders whose organization and leadership made the day run so smoothly. Thanks, also, to the parish staff, who went above and beyond to support the effort behind the scenes. Thanks to the vendors who provided us with many of the resources needed, including West Side Market, Coca Cola, Sam's Club, and InTents. Thank you to the band, The Second Chance, for wonderful music. And thank you to the many volunteers, without whom we wouldn't have been able to hold an event of this scale.
Gratefully,
The Parish Picnic Planning Team

Thank you to everyone who donated to the pasta/sauce collection at the picnic. Over 810 pounds of pasta and sauce was collected and delivered to Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown on Monday morning. Amazing Grace provides food for over 1000 families per month. Your donation is very much appreciated!!!
Gratefully,
The Parish Food Pantry Collection Team
The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 25, 2022

4 PM Vigil - St. James
9 AM - St. Elizabeth Seton & livestreamed
11 AM - St. James & livestreamed

*Masks are strongly encouraged in our worship spaces!*
Faith Formation Updates
Kick-off Celebration
Sunday, October 2
We look forward to kicking off our Faith Formation year on Sunday, October 2. All parish families enrolled in our faith formation programs are invited to attend the 9:00 AM Mass at Saint Elizabeth Seton or the 11:00 AM Mass at Saint James. There will be a special blessing for the children and their families as well as hospitality after the masses.
Adult Spirituality Opportunities
Contemplative Dialogue
New Series Beginning on October 3
Come and join fellow parishioners for this seven week series that will be held on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00pm beginning on October 3rd. We will be reading The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. Each week, participants will read a chapter and reflect on it in silence. There is then a sharing period when members may choose to share how certain parts of the readings were meaningful and relevant in their lives. Everyone is asked to listen to each other’s sharing respectfully. To listen deeply is to cultivate inner silence. These sessions will be held on Zoom. If you would like to participate, please sign up on the sheets located in the foyers of both churches by September 17 to allow sufficient time to order and receive books before our initial session. Please contact Maryann Lonergan at 860-604-2807 or mca0711@sbcglobal.net with any questions.
Fall Bible Study:
The Book of Job: A Good Man Asks Why
The tension between joy and suffering is inherent to our lives. The book of Job helps us work through one of the most difficult questions that confronts us in life: Why do bad things happen to good people?

This fall Saint Josephine Bakhita Adult Bible Study will be offering a 6-part read and reflect series on the Book of Job that will help us to understand suffering, justice, and love in a new light.

The series begins on Wednesday October 12th. Two identical sessions are offered each subsequent Wednesday, one at 10:00 AM at St. James Church Parish Center, 767 Elm Street in Rocky Hill, and one at 7:00pm ONLINE.

Participation details can be found here.

All are welcome. No special knowledge of Scripture is required.

Pre-registration is requested by Tuesday September 27th. $8 fee for materials.

Please register by signing up via email at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com or by calling and leaving a message at 860-529-3222 Ext. 14.
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 will 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 or by phone at 860-529-3222, x14. Leave a message and he will get back to you.
Outreach Opportunities
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.
Parish Visitors
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.
Around the Archdiocese
Support the HOPES Collection
September 24-25, 2022
Daily Mass Schedule
Monday: 8:30am-St. Elizabeth Seton
Tuesday: 8:00am-St. James
Thursday: 8:00am-St. James
Friday: 8:30am-St. Elizabeth Seton
Reconciliation
Fr. George welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton.
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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.
The Parish Pastoral Council welcomes your feedback, questions and concerns and will respond as appropriate. Please contact the Council via email by sending a message to parishcouncil@sjbrh.org. Learn more, Click here.
Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Lisa Orchen