Dear
Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
This week we gently resumed the weekday morning Masses at both churches. We have been asked to have a maximum capacity of 50 at each church. I thought, for sure, that we would be turning people away. However, Monday’s Mass had 12 souls attending and Tuesday’s Mass had 14. I think people are appropriately being cautious about attending at this point. It seems wise that we gently and slowly take our time and tread softly on our reopening process.
I suspect we will hear very soon about a plan to softly open for weekend Masses. In anticipation of that reopening, we need to get some things in place
now
. My main concern for a possible and successful reopening is having the necessary volunteers to do several very crucial tasks. If we are unable to get the necessary volunteers it may prohibit our ability to reopen.
We are looking for volunteers for the following areas:
Greeters
:
Along with welcoming people to church they will assist in asking basic health questions, ask people to sign-in and acknowledge their reservation for church attendance (we will have a maximum seating capacity for a while), and assist people to appropriately marked seats in the church. Essentially being a warm, hospitable, and patient person who eagerly welcomes people back to church. We need volunteers under 65 years of age and have no underlying health issues for all four Masses on the weekends. Please contact Sandy Ambrose
amb321@cox.net
or
frgeorge@sjbrh.org
Cleaners
:
We need approximately 4 people after each weekend Mass to assist in sanitizing the church in preparation for the next Mass. It will involve wiping down pews/seats, surfaces, and doorways. We have all the necessary equipment and chemicals to do the job efficiently and safely. We need volunteers for all four weekend Masses under the age of 65 and with no underlying health concerns. Please contact Fr. George
frgeorge@sjbrh.org
or call the parish office at 860-529-8655.
Ushers for funerals
: We are anticipating the need for welcoming and seating people for funerals. Due to the limitations of church capacity and social distancing and the wearing of masks guests will need assistance with understanding those limitations and still feel welcome. An usher can have a very serious and positive impact in welcoming guests to our churches when they are experiencing grief and sorrow. At the same, helping guests to remain safe and sound with the necessary health precautions. Again, the volunteer needs to be under the age of 65 and have no underlying health issues. Please contact Fr. George at
frgeorge@sjbrh.org
or call 860-529-8655.
Finally, we have an
immediate need and hiring of a new part/time custodian/sexton for the parish
. The qualified person will work 20-25 hours per week and have duties that include: cleaning, event preparations, some over-site of maintenance needs of buildings and grounds, minor security issues, etc. For more details contact the parish office for a job description and application at 860-529-8655 or email
frgeorge@sjbrh.org
.
Fr. George Couturier
Do you find yourself in need of a compassionate ear for your grief due to a loss of a loved one from the coronavirus? Send your name, email address and phone number to me via email and I will connect you to a local bereavement minister from the parish:
frgeorge@sjbrh.org
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The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
June 14, 2020
We will livestream the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass using Facebook Live. The recording will also be available afterward on the Parish Facebook page at the link below. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. You can click 'not now' when invited to join Facebook. Click on "Videos" on the left hand side of the Facebook page. On the "Videos" Page, click on the red "live" button to watch the livestream starting at 9:00 AM Sunday. If you visit the "Videos" Page after the mass is over, you can click on the image of the mass to watch the recording.
For a helpful guide to participating in Mass at home and partaking in Spiritual Communion
,
Click Here
.
To join in the singing of the mass hymns view or print the music,
Click Here
.
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Join Father George for Daily Prayer
Fr. George will livestream Evening Prayer on Monday-Friday at 5:00 PM using Facebook Live. The recording will also be available afterward on the Parish Facebook page at the link below. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. You can click 'not now' when invited to join Facebook. Click on "Videos" on the left hand side of the Facebook page. On the "Videos" Page, click on the red "live" button to watch the livestream starting at 5:00 PM. If you visit the "Videos" Page after short prayer time is over, you can click on the most recent image of Fr. George to watch the recording.
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Important Parish Announcements
Parish Office
The parish office (at St. James campus) has reopened for business. We require that you make an appointment to visit the office, wear a mask, socially distance at 6 feet and have no symptoms of the virus. Hours for the near future: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saint Patrick Dinner Refund
The members of St. James Council #10651 of the Knights of Columbus are still trying to refund to you the cost of your Tickets to the dinner. In lieu of a refund, many parishioners have requested that the cost of their tickets be donated to help persons affected by COVID-19. To date we have donated $700.00 and will continue to do so at your request. In either event we wish to hear from you so that we may resolve this matter.
Please provide Name, address AND ticket number(s)( if you still have them) and let us know if you want to donate or a refund. We will send your refund to you as soon as you let us know. Thank you again for your support! Bob Clayton PGK
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Donate to Our Shelters
& Pantries
Now more than ever, the shelters and food pantries that our parish supports need our help. Food or gift certificates can be ordered online (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.) and shipped directly to the organizations. Please contact
with any questions. As always, thank you for kindness and generosity! To learn what items are most needed and the mailing addresses,
Click Here
.
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Sew Good Works Masks
The Sew Good Works Ministry has begun to make masks for parishioners of St. Josephine Bakhita. Masks will be available at St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton. For Adult masks, contact
joy@sjbrh.org
for St. James pickup or
elizabeth@sjbrh.org
for St. Elizabeth Seton pickup. A donation to the Rocky Hill Food Bank is appreciated, but not necessary. Thank you to all who have already offered donations in exchange for masks!
Vivian Orsini, mask maker extraordinaire, will make a mask for your children. Email
vorsini24@aol.com
your child's age and gender. You will be contacted when the mask is ready.
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St. Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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