December 16, 2025

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 16, 2025

Daly Advent Notes

My Friends,

How many prophecies about Jesus do you think are in the Old Testament? Fifty? One hundred? Maybe one hundred and fifty? Well, scripture scholars have counted as many as three hundred Old Testament prophecies that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Some put the number as high as 350.

In this weekend’s gospel, we read the angel’s proclamation to Joseph that Mary’s child is the Son of God. Saint Luke introduces this story with the words This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. The title “Christ” is the Greek translation of “Messiah” which has a long history in the Old Testament. It literally means “anointed one.”

Jesus is the Messiah, the one promised by God. The name “Jesus” means that He would save us from our sins. He is Emmanuel, “God with us.” Let’s not be afraid to welcome Jesus into our homes and into our hearts.

As we celebrate this Christmas, I want to wish you and your loved ones a season of joy and light.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

Join Us Next Weekend
The Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 20, 2025

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

December 21, 2025

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Faith Formation

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Faith Sharing Groups

All are welcome to join the St. Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, December 16, from 10:30-12:00 noon at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. This meeting will be a holiday celebration where we will be sharing about our favorite Christmas traditions, feel free to bring an example. At this meeting we will be sharing our favorite Holiday snack or non-alcoholic beverage. As always, we will engage in discussions regarding how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives, and conclude with various types of prayer petitions.

Additionally, we have a charismatic prayer group that is led by Kristie Bilcharz. This group meets on zoom on the first Tuesday of the Month. For additional information about both groups, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 or at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net who will forward your information to Kristie regarding the charismatic prayer group.

Evening of Reflection

Young Adult Women

Advent by Candlelight

Wednesday, December 17

7:00 PM

Saint Elizabeth Seton

As the days get darker and colder in December, join us for a night of warmth to celebrate advent. We will have a night focused on hope, peace, and joy. We will read some scripture and have time for reflection and prayer. All women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are invited to attend. Let us prepare to welcome Christ our Light into the dark places of our hearts and world so we can spread His light to others. RSVP to kblicharz@gmail.com if you are able to attend.

The Gift of a Retreat

Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center

West Hartford, CT

We invite you to join us this year at Holy Family for your annual retreat as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary of ministry. Together, as part of God’s beloved creation, we can pursue that blessed goal – life with God as beloved companions and pilgrims of hope.

Faith is a journey! Last year, just months before his passing, Pope Francis called for a jubilee year, and he announced the theme would be Pilgrims of Hope.

As “pilgrims of hope,” we must be willing to take risks, to make the effort to understand God’s call, and to grow in our faith. The pilgrim doesn’t travel aimlessly but allows God to be the North Star, leading us to discover that God is at the heart of our journey.

Considering giving a Holy Family Retreat to a loved one as a Christmas gift - one size truly fits all! Reach out to Holy Family via the contact info below and they will help you with a Gift Certificate.

Women’s Retreat: January 9-11, 2026

Men’s Retreat: February 20-22, 2026

Couples Retreat: February 13-15, 2026

For more information visit holyfamilyretreat.org or call us at 860.760.9705.

Parish Promoters:

Bob Manzi (860) 502-5097 manzirj@sbcglobal.net

Kathleen Quintana (860) 680-3195 kathleen_quintana@snet.net

A Note from Deacon Michael to the Men of the Parish

Are you satisfied that you are as free to be the man, son, brother, husband, father or friend you want to be?

Probably at least not fully I’d wager.

Our culture has a very specific view of freedom: that of being free FROM all unbidden constraints and limitations that keep us from doing whatever we want to do, whenever we want, and with whoever we please. Somehow throwing off all these will make us happy, satisfied and fulfilled, and “free”. Yet as we look around we see increasing evidence that a path of such freedom leads to chaos and dysfunction of various stripes - personal and societal. The longer we contemplate this notion of freedom FROM the more sense that its a dead end that will not yield its promise, for us and for those we care about. It’s ultimately empty, more of a distraction than a help.

So what to do?

The Christian notion of freedom is quite different, more freedom TO rather than freedom FROM. It’s about freedom to worship, to commit and sacrifice, and to love– the freedom to take up our life and lay it down for those we love. A free man is a man for others…as was Christ himself. But there are many things that keep us from this, bad habits and attitudes, new and old hurts, disordered distractions and off-target desires. We need to be free FROM these to be free TO live in the love we are created for.

Exodus 90 is a 90-day challenge of prayer, asceticism and fraternity that has helped many, many men live this way of love more freely…through a deeper prayer life and physical discipline, “giving up” that which distracts and detracts…and holding each other accountable in the process. It was conceived of and is driven by younger Catholic laymen who sought to be more free to live in the greater love Christ calls us to. Last year more than 40,000 men nationwide participated.

I went through Exodus 90 in 2025 and plan to do so again in 2026…starting on January 5, 2026 the Feast of the Epiphany. It’s a 90-day journey to Easter, toward a resurrected life of freedom we were created for. I invite you along for the journey. It’s a challenge. It requires commitment and effort, but the fruit that it can yield can be bountiful. Men of all ages and stations in life are welcome!

If you are interested in knowing more…you can shoot the QR on the Exodus 90 posters in the church foyers, go to exodus90.com, watch the video linked HERE, email me at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com or call me at 860-836-8218.

Peace,

Deacon Michael Ward

Advent Giving Opportunities

Christmas Caroling Caravan

To Bring Our Homebound Cheer

Sunday, December 21

3:00 PM

Meet at St. James Church

(eastern side of parking lot)

Small groups will sing 3-4 carols at the homes of elderly and homebound community members and friends. Family groups are encouraged! This a great memory-making event for the carolers and for homebound. Please email Joy at Joy@sjbrh.org to sign up to carol. If you know someone who would appreciate a Christmas visit from our merry band of carolers, email that information to Joy as well. There is a limited number of people we can visit based upon the number of volunteer carolers, so contact Joy ASAP!

URGENT NEED:

Food & Cereal For Our Local Pantries

We continue to seek food and cereal donations for our monthly delivery to the Rocky Hill and Amazing Grace food pantries. In light of the current increased food needs during our government shutdown, please consider additional food/cereal donations as you are able. Items in demand include: Condiments, Progressive and Chunkie Soups, Coffee (non k cups), Cake Mix and Frosting, Brownie mix, Gravy, Broth, Salt and pepper, Rice. As always, our Rocky Hill food bank and the Amazing Grace food pantry are very appreciative of our generosity. Thank you! Non-perishable food items and cereal boxes can be dropped off at either church location.

Apple Rehab & Nursing Home - DELIVERED!

Once again, our parish came together in a beautiful way to support the residents of Apple Rehab and Nursing Home. This year, Apple Rehab requested 125 shirts in various sizes. Thanks to your generous donations - and the tireless efforts of an amazing group of parish volunteers - all the gifts were sorted, wrapped and delivered on December 16. Once a month our Confirmation students visit Apple Rehab and bring cheer to those living there. Thank you to everyone who so generously donated, bringing warmth and joy to others during this holy season!

Singing Advent and Celebrating Joy

Our annual celebration of Advent and Christmas Carols was extra special this year - thanks to the dedication of the St. James Music Ministry led by their devoted director, Joy O'Sullivan. As Joy is planning to retire early next year, this year's service was extra special and included some appreciation surprises for Joy to thank her for her faithful leadership over the decades! Thanks to Tom Dzimian for taking the beautiful photos.