Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Christmas greetings and New Year blessings!
At the beginning of Advent, I recommended a spiritual exercise that may assist us in making the Advent season more fulfilling and vibrant. Also, considering the challenges of 2020, I thought this exercise would benefit us on many levels of our lives. I suggested that we consider the simple exercise of keeping a daily Book of Gratitude. At the end of each day, I suggested that we simply jot down the people, situations, events, and lessons learned on that given day that you are grateful. And as we enter the Christmas season look back and see the trends and insights gleaned from those experiences of gratitude.
WOW, I just looked back on my four weeks of gratitude keeping during Advent. And in looking back I discovered the blessings and the hope that emerged from that review. In looking back, I am filled with real joy! As Brother David Steindl-Rast says so eloquently and simply: “The root of joy is gratefulness…it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” In my review, I truly discovered the beauty, the giftedness, the generosity, the wisdom, the insight of this great parish. And it has brought me joy. A joy that overshadows the challenges of the past year. A joy that gives me hope to carry on in the New Year. A joy that invigorates me to do my best. A real Christmas gift!!
As Albert Schweitzer said, “At times our own light goes out and it is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
One more thought or observation…I was, quite frankly, very concerned about the challenges we would face with the Christmas Masses and the restrictions around the covid-19 virus. I was so pleasantly at peace with the outcome, however. Several hundred folks were able to join us face-to-face at our four in person Masses. And well over 2700 viewed our live streamed Masses on Facebook. Not counting the folks that viewed a Mass on our website or on Rocky Hill Community TV. Also, about 1200 folks viewed our Christmas Carol Sing the Sunday before Christmas and about 880 people viewed the 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve concert. Now that is something to be grateful.
Fr. George Couturier
Please note: Due to the precautions about the COVID-19 virus, the Archbishop has suspended the obligation for all Sunday and Holy Day Masses until Ash Wednesday. This includes Christmas and New Year’s Day: Mary, the Mother of God. Our parish will continue to livestream Masses on all these days to both the Parish Facebook Page and the Parish Website. Plan to join our community in prayer and worship virtually during these sacred days.
