Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings on all who read these remarks. Just a few items of interest for your information and consideration:
This weekend Archbishop Blair along with other Vatican officials will celebrate the Beatification of the Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney. The Mass will be held at our Cathedral of Saint Joseph and viewed by many on local TV stations and EWTN. I am certain you can also view the Mass posted on the website for the Archdiocese of Hartford. We are especially proud that Blessed Fr. McGivney represents the long and rich history of our diocese and the Founders of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven. The next step in the process will lead, we hope, to his canonization as a Saint. Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney pray for us. To learn more about viewing the Beatification, Click Here.
Another glorious season of our parish vegetable garden has come to an end. The volunteers from throughout the parish created, nurtured and maintained the garden over the spring and summer months with an outstanding dedication. The fruits of their labor assisted the local soup kitchens and shelters with fresh produce throughout these months. We are ever-so-grateful for their hard work and commitment. What a blessing!
It has been over 8 months since the beginning of our long journey with covid-19. And now the Fall and Winter months are looming. Mental health issues related to our pandemic precautions have affected many lives in so many ways. It is especially challenging for people with depression and other mental health concerns. As a church, we are concerned about the welfare of all folks. We need to, more than ever, be a sanctuary of peace and calm. Here are a few resources for those who may need assistance for themselves or for loved ones. NAMI “The National Alliance on Mental Illness” has a 24 hour helpline (M-F 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ET) at 800-950-6264. Also Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford offers some services call 860-527-1124.
Finally, a prayer for elections I discovered from Newsletter of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Lord God, as the election approaches,
We seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
One and equal in dignity,
Especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders
Who bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ
and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Peace,
Fr. George Couturier
