September 8, 2026

Dear Friends,

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance. Sirach 27:30

None of us enjoys feeling angry. We might even be afraid of our anger. Maybe in the past we expressed anger and we were punished for it. Or we might have shown our anger in a way that hurt someone we loved.

If we look around, we can find plenty of reasons to feel angry. The world is not what we wish it would be. But we do not have to be a victim of our own anger. By practicing forgiveness, we can be released from the chains of resentment and bitterness. By working for justice and peace, we can bring society closer to what God intends it to be – a place of love and harmony. It all begins with the incredible gift of mercy God offers us. God has forgiven us. Now we must go and treat others with the same mercy we have received.



Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

HELP MAKE OUR ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC FUN FOR EVERYONE!

We need bakers, food servers, activity leaders and more. Check out all the opportunities to work a shift for our annual parish picnic. Many hands make light work!

Join Us For The 
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish is excited to bring an experience for parents of children birth to five, to our community called Nurturing Seedlings. This opportunity is designed to help young parents receive the support, encouragement and skills to help children develop spiritually. It also will give you the chance to build community with other parents who are in the midst of raising babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 

Current research has found strong connections between spirituality and emotional well-being in children. Children who are solidly grounded in an affirming faith build up resiliency and are more likely to respond effectively when challenged by stressors. Children who are raised with a closeness to Jesus and grow up within a parish family will feel secure in their identity as a child of God. They will develop a spiritual compass for decision making.

We will be launching the next cycle of this experience on September 12, 2026. You may have already received a letter in the mail about this opportunity. 

No matter where you are on your own spiritual journey, even if you’re just beginning, this experience can benefit your young child and your whole family.

For more information or to register, please contact Ken and Lori Gosselin at lgosselin@snet.net or by calling 860-803-7989.

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.      

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 starting on September 15 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.

Other Fun Tidbits

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

Dear Parishioners,

You are cordially invited to attend our wonderful FREE vocal concert on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM at St. James. Approximately 50 singers from our parish and beyond will perform repertoire that spans Broadway, sacred, and classical. You’ll hear excerpts from Les Miserables, Wicked, Carousel, Anastasia, La Boheme, Tosca and so much more. Our Adult and Children’s Choirs will be featured alongside professional musical theater and classical soloists. 

I have had the honor of going to Haiti twice, and I am delighted to hear about Saint Josephine Bakhita’s well-established deep connections with Haiti and our sister parish there, St. Ann in Saintard. The need is as great as ever. There will be a free-will donation at the event, followed by a lovely reception!

We hope to see you all there,

Rochelle Bard and the Music Ministry

Ongoing Food Collection

Support our ongoing food and cereal collections 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.

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