News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

Saint Josephine

Bakhita Parish

July 20, 2021

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

This past week I was blessed to take a few days away and enter the world of the arts and some rest and relaxation. Monday evening, I was able to attend Tanglewood (the summer home of the Boston Symphony) at Lenox, MA. Because it was raining (of course) I had to buy a ticket for inside the Shed (rather than outside on the lawn…where I always preferred to be seated when I was a teen and young adult).

The Shed experience was awesome and stirring. The first piece was by the prolific and famous American composer Aaron Copeland….Appalachian Spring a ballet written for the great choreographer Martha Graham in 1943. One of the major themes in the composition is a set of variations of the marvelous Shaker Hymn “Simple Gifts.” The hymn happens to be one of my very favorites for its text and tune. For some reason or other, beyond my total comprehension, the hymn encapsulates the heart of the simple life that Christ calls us too. This particular evening it was more moving than ever especially due to the birds that could be heard at dusk outside the shed. The shed is just a roof with no outside walls…. open to the air and the sounds of nature. It was an orchestration that somehow came from heaven and the singing of the birds made it even more poignant.

Living in a world that can often be too full of the complexities of culture, politics, religion, relationships, etc. it is refreshing to be reminded of the power and the truth of a simpler life. A life that does not run away from the complexities... but rather, addresses the complexities with a more truthful and fulfilling anecdote. The way, the truth, and the life of Jesus Christ. I wish you and yours every peace that comes from God alone.

I would like to encourage you, once again if you have not already done so, to consider and participate in the FORWARD WITH FAITH campaign that we embarked on for the sake of our parish and the Archdiocese of Hartford. It is a very real and concrete way of supporting our mission and ministry. Your substantial sacrificial gift or pledge will secure the continued forward movement of our parish. I am sincerely asking for your help and am very grateful to those who have already made the financial sacrifice and commitment. This past week brought us to 96% of our parish goal. Thank you!!

Peace and Blessings,

Fr. George Couturier

Pastor

Great news! We are now at 96% of our goal. Help us to the finish line! Make your pledge TODAY to the Forward with Faith Campaign to help us address important needs in our parish and within the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Use this Pledge Form, Click here.

Seventeenth Sun in Ordinary Time

July 24-25, 2021

4 PM Vigil, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Reservations to Attend Mass No Longer Required

Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish will livestream the 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Sunday Mass using Facebook Live. The livestream of the Mass can also be viewed on the front page of our website. The recordings remain available on the Parish Facebook page.

Parish Facebook Page

Parish Website

For the Sunday Music, Click Here For the Sunday Readings, Click Here

Pray Every Day Virtually With Fr. George

Fr. George will livestream Evening Prayer on Monday-Friday at 5:00 PM using Facebook Live and the Parish website. The recordings remain available afterward on the Parish Facebook page. All are welcome!

Parish Facebook Page

Parish Website

Registration for our faith formation classes grades Pre K-10 including the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is now available online. You must be registered in the parish in order to register your child for Faith Formation. For more information or questions, please contact the Faith Formation office at reo@sjbrh.org or 860-529-1274.

Calling all Sewers, Knitters & Crocheters

The Saint Josephine Bakita Parish Knit, Crochet, Sew & Pray Ministries have resumed in person gatherings.

The Knit, Crochet & Sew Good Works Ministry meets every Wednesday in Fr. Shea Hall at St. James Church from 1pm – 4pm. The sewers will meet inside Fr. Shea Hall and the knitters and crocheters will meet outside in the shade (weather permitting).

Contact: Sandy Rokosz at sandyrokosz7@hotmail.com

The Morning Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the forth Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 9am. (June 28, July 26, Aug 23, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29)

Contact: Betty Catelli at catellib64@gmail.com

The Evening Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the first Monday of each month at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 7pm. (July 12, Aug 2, Sept 13, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6)

Contact: Laura Pentland at lbpent57@gmail.com

We are open to anyone who has the skills to sew, knit or crochet or who would like to learn how. Whether you knit or crochet quickly or slowly, your help is welcome to fulfill the mission of spreading God’s love through our craft. It is our hope that those who receive our crafts will feel the love that goes into making each and every one of them. Our time together begins and ends with prayer and all creations are prayed over and blessed prior to being gifted.

Need a prayer shawl or lap blanket for yourself or someone else? Please contact Laura Pentland, Betty Catelli or Sandy Rokosz.

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Read the Parish Bulletin

St. Josephine Bakhita Parish

767 Elm Street

Rocky Hill, CT 06067