September 22, 2026


Daly Fall Notes

Dear Friends,

I am grateful to present our Annual Report, prepared in collaboration with our Finance Board and Parish Council, reflecting my first year as your pastor. This report covers the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. 

The growth and vitality of our parish over the past year have been truly remarkable-thanks to your consistent and generous contributions of time, talent and resources. 

This year, we joyfully welcomed over 132 new families to Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish! Each new member is a testament to how our parish continues to thrive. I am very grateful for what each of you brings to our faith community, helping make it a place people are drawn to and want to be part of. 

Because of your ongoing generosity, we have: 

• Led individuals through their sacraments.
• Expanded ministry programs. 
• Supported community events.
• Maintained and improved our campus grounds.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to deepening our mission and expanding our outreach. We are excited to launch new projects and initiatives that will address the evolving needs of both our parish along with the broader community while staying rooted in Catholic faith and tradition. 

Most importantly, this year reminded us that Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish is not just a place but a people-called, gathered, and sent to share the love of Christ in Rocky Hill and beyond. 

I am honored to serve as your pastor. 

May God continue to bless our parish with faith, hope, and generosity in the year ahead. 



Let me close by saying “Thank You!” Thank you for your generosity, for your contribution of your time and talent, and for your prayers. 

On behalf of our parish staff – I thank you!



Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Dear Parishioners of Saint Josephine Bakhita –

We want to say thank you to everyone for helping us in making this year’s picnic a success! While it may have been raining, spirits were high and many smiles were seen in our parish center! It takes a lot to put the day together and we have been lucky to have had a consistent crew to help us each of the last 5 years. Special recognition and thanks to Erica, Joe, Peggy, Janet, Carl, Jack, Lisa, Agnes, Dave, Tom, Randy, Bill, Tom and of course, both Father George and Father Shawn. This year we would also like to thank Gina, who stepped up as the children’s activities lead role, and put together fun games / crafts for the children of the parish to partake in as well as Steve, who stepped up to help out in the food collection for our food ministry. The bucket was overflowing, so thank you!!

With all of this being said, we would just like to let you know we will be stepping down as the picnic chairs. We stepped into our roles 5 years ago when Bob and Laura left. It was a little overwhelming as they had made it look so seamless. What we found was when you have a great group of people, that work together to make the day a success, it can be done and we would like to think we had a pretty great 5 years! We would be remiss if we did not extend thank you’s to the Knights of Columbus, West Side Market, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, who has donated all of our beverages at the picnics, RH Fire Department for the ice donations, Subway and of course all of the absolutely amazing bakers & volunteers that are part of our parish – you never disappoint- thank you! As the saying goes, it takes a village and we simply appreciate each one of you. Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to be your picnic chairs. Best wishes for a continued success!

Jennifer Hussey & Danielle Hollister

Join Us For The 
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fall Bakhita Bible Study
”Go In Peace…”

In our times, as in the times of Jesus, violence and conflict seem a stubborn “fact of life”. Then and now, wars, rumors of wars, civil strife and conflicts, social and cultural discord, violent crimes and domestic violence were and are everyday realities.

Disciples of Jesus Christ, reaching back to the Old Testament prophets and strengthened by the Lord’s own teaching words and example, are called to turn away from violence toward peace in our lives and relationships in a reconciling way that speaks to the world around us.

Bakhita Bible Study will be considering these realities and challenges starting on Wednesday October 14 through November 18 at 10:00 AM at the St. James Parish Center and at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. The 7:00 PM evening sessions will be live streamed online for remote participation. There is a $10 book charge. Please preregister by Sunday October 4 by emailing Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com (best) or by calling 860-836-8218 and leaving a message.      

Other Fun Tidbits

Faith Sharing Group

All are welcome to join the Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month from 1:00-2:30 PM and the fourth Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 PM beginning September 22. Both meetings will be in person at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church in room B. We focus on prayer, a brief scripture review on the workings of the Holy Spirit, with a continued discernment in open discussion and personal prayer intentions.

We also have a charismatic prayer group that is led by Kristie Bilcharz. This group meets on Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month. For additional information about any of these groups, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 or at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net. I will forward your information to Kristie regarding the charismatic prayer group. 

You are welcome to attend any of these faith sharing groups and feel free to invite friends or family members from our parish or not. 

Camino de Santiago:
In the Footsteps of a Pilgrim

In 2011, the movie “The Way” with Martin Sheen introduced many to Camino de Santiago – The Way of St. James, a trek dating back to the Middle Ages, that stretches 800 km (500 miles) across Spain. Each year, a half million “pilgrims” venture out along one of seven routes, each of which ends at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

But what is this “pilgrimage” – a spiritual journey, a physical journey, or an ordinary walk with strangers? 

For some answers, please join recent “pilgrims” Sr. Patty Moriarty RSM and Deacon Michael & Krystyna Ward for an evening of reflection and storytelling rooted in their “Camino walks” in France, Spain and Portugal.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

DATE: Thursday, October 15, 2026

TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

PLACE: Saint James Parish Center, 767 Elm Street

Sr. Patty Moriarty, RSM, a lifelong member of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas since 1988. Deacon Michael and Krystyna have been members of the parish community for over 40 years and have organized parish pilgrimages to the Holy land, Poland, Italy, Fatima and Lourdes.

Eighth Annual Knights of Columbus Golf Outing

Friday, September 25, 2026

Timberlin Golf Club, Berlin CT

Lunch/Registration at 11:00AM

Scramble Format ~ Shotgun Start at 12:00 PM ~ Buffet Dinner to follow

$175 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf w/cart, lunch and buffet dinner, cash prizes, raffle prizes.



$35 dinner only

For more information, contact Mike DiBattisto (860-713-9070) or Mike Lombardo (860-869-2231).

HAITI CONCERT: 
’From Broadway to the Met!’
Sunday, November 1, 2026

Good Day & Bon Jour friends of Haiti,

We know the news from Haiti is discouraging, but now more than ever, we need to support them in every way. Start with prayer. Then rejoice that our generous and talented Music Director, Rochelle Bard, is planning a choral program, From Broadway to the Met, on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The benefit concert will begin at 3:00PM at St James Church. The afternoon will feature our own adult and children’s choirs plus notable professional voices. 

So how can you help? We are looking for a few people to plan a simple, post-show reception. Lots of publicity is important, so help us spread the word. Plan to attend and bring a friend! In addition to free-will donations from attendees, we would love to have sponsors.

Our Haitian Promise co-chairs, Barbara Wysocki and Marianne Hogan, are eager to get plans going. You can reach Barbara at 860-563-9015, wysockb@aol.com. Get in touch with Marianne at 860-748-7291, mandbhogan@gmail.com.  Every Sunday we remember our Haitian sisters and brothers. Here’s your chance to help them. 

Barbara and Marianne

Our Haitian Promise Ministry Co-Chairs

2027 Mass Intention Scheduling

It is time to schedule your Mass Intentions! This year will be just like 2026.

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 YOU NEED TO DO:

Call the office anytime between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (860-529-8655) and we will make a phone/office appointment for you on one of the following dates:

November 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

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.

Call the Parish Office with any questions at 860-529-8655.

Carrie & Pam

Parish Administrative Assistants

The Knights of Columbus will be assisting with our first Baby Bottle Drive for Saint Gerard’s Center for Life on October 3 & 4, 2026. Baby Bottles will be distributed after Mass, and collected on October 24 & 25, 2026. We are sponsoring the Baby Bottle Drive for Saint Gerard’s; the only pregnancy help center located in Hartford, serving the greater-Hartford area and beyond. Please fill your baby bottle with coins, cash, and checks (made out to St. Gerard’s Center for Life) for this annual much -needed fundraiser. All the funds support the moms and dads who have made the decision to save their babies from abortion. Thank you for your support! 

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.

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

Rectory Office

on the campus of St. James Church

767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill

860-529-8655

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Stay Connected

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish l The Catholic Community of Rocky Hill