September 7, 2021

Saint Josephine

Bakhita Parish

Fall 2021

September 7, 2021

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

Greetings and blessings!

In the Gospel for the 24^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus asks the disciples what they heard people saying about him. The answers are varied, as you can imagine. People think many things about him. But they all point in one direction, which is that Jesus is a prophet, someone who speaks to God on our behalf, and who speaks to us on God’s behalf. Then Jesus asks them, “But you, who do you say that I am?” and Peter answers for them all, “You are the Messiah, you are the one who has come to save us.”

Did you ever take the time to ask yourself, “Who is Jesus for me?” I think that is what we are being challenged to do today, with this Gospel reading. It is meant to be a challenge for all of us: moms and dads, little children and big children. Can you imagine Jesus standing or sitting in front of you, looking you in the eye and asking, “What do you think of me? Who am I for you?”

The Gospels in general tell us many things about Jesus. He is a prophet, a teacher, a Savior, a healer, etc. Maybe we can say above all Jesus is a lover. It is because he loves so much that he does all these things and never seems to grow tired of doing them.

So, who is Jesus for you? Well, you can take your pick, or you can say he is all of these and more. But I would like to add one more to the list. Did you ever consider Jesus to be a friend? That may very well be my favorite way of thinking of him. Jesus wants to be our friend and he, indeed, is our friend through thick and thin.

There is an old hymn that you don’t usually hear in Catholic churches, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that says pretty much what I have been suggesting. It speaks profound truths simply which is probably the best way to speak them:

“Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do they friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In his arms he will take and shield thee; thou wilt find solace there.”

A word of gratitude to the many who so generously gave to the emergency collection for our brothers and sisters in Haiti…for their recovery efforts after and horrendous earthquake. $11,506. The proceeds have been immediately forwarded to the Archdiocese of Hartford to send to Catholic Relief Services.

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 7^th, 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 20^th 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

Twenty-Fourth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

September 11-12, 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.

Parish Facebook Page

Parish Website

For the Sunday Music, Click Here For the Sunday Readings, Click Here

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 for more information, please contact the Faith Formation office at reo@sjbrh.org or 860-529-1274.

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.

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

Check the parish website for more information, deadlines, registration and book ordering details: Click Here.

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, click the red button:

Click Here to Register to Attend on September 26

Parish Communications

Saint Josephine Bakhita has a number of communications platforms and will be enhancing and expanding them over the coming year including our website, FaceBook Page, YouTube Channel, e-newsletter and bulletin. If you have an event or announcement that you would like communicated to the wider parish, please email of the details to communications@sjbrh.org. For information that you want included in the Parish Bulletin, also email office@sjbrh.org. Include the Name of Event, Date, Time, Location, Contact info (email/phone), Words you would like used to describe the event. We will determine the best platforms, timing and frequency for getting your message out to the parish. We may also edit the information that you send to fit the communications formats.

The deadline for inclusion in the bulletin is Thursday at noon (7 days in advance of digital publication on the parish website, 10 days in advance of paper copy distributed after Sunday Mass). The deadline for inclusion in the e-newsletter is Friday at noon (3 days in advance of publication).

If you have any questions or suggestions as we grow our parish communications, please email Lisa Orchen at communications@sjbrh.org.

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.

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.