August 31, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
This past weekend Joy O’Sullivan graciously and eloquently announced that Sunday September 26th our parish will be having a modified special community celebration. There will be Mass at 11:00am on the lawn of St. James Campus followed by a boxed lunch and some simple entertainment. My job is to work on the weather, but the event needs the generous help of many volunteers. Sign-ups for volunteers will be held once again this coming weekend after all the Masses. Actual sign-ups to attend the Mass and lunch will be coming the following weekends, through the website and below in this newsletter. (We will be doing this to get an accurate head count for meals and set-ups…by the way there will be no charge to defray the costs of the event.)
Yes, it happens to be my 40th anniversary of priesthood on this same Sunday. However, I have asked that the celebration be one about the service that so many give to parish and church…and not just about my anniversary.
Especially, over the past two years, we have been blessed by so many serving folks. People who have helped to keep our parish vibrant and focused on moving ahead even in the face of the constraints of the pandemic. So, this will be a celebration of the generosity given by some many and so often and in so many ways. So, think about attending and celebrate yourselves!!
Related to this theme of service…. every year The Archbishop awards the Saint Joseph Medal of Honor to a deserving individual or couple who have extended great generosity in giving service to a parish. This year I am very happy announce that our parish recipients are Sandy and Neil Ambrose. Both Sandy and Neil have abundantly given of their time and talent in a variety of ways to the life of our parish: leadership, various ministries, and enthusiastic participation to name just a few. They will be awarded the Medal of Honor on Sunday October 17th at 11:00am Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
An area of service that needs your help and consideration is in the Religious Formation/Education programs of our parish…especially catechists/teachers. We are trying to gear up for another year that will include face-to-face instruction as well as online opportunities. We are seriously in need of volunteers to assist. Please contact Monica Piombino at her office 860-529-1274 or email her at monica@sjbrh.org. Please help us pass on the faith to the next generation!!
Finally, just a simple update on the Forward With Faith Campaign. We continue to get some gifts or pledges from you. This past week we have reached the mark of $962,422.20. Some have asked if it is too late to participate in the campaign. No, it is not too late. If you are so moved to make a pledge or one time gift you can obtain a pledge/gift envelope from me after any Mass. Again, this will benefit our parish in so many ways: evangelization, expansion of ministry programs and capital improvements. Also, it will benefit the Archdiocese and its vital programs in education, charitable services, and evangelization.
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 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 20th 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
