December 5, 2023

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 5, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The Lord is always coming toward us, seeking a home in our lives. Advent mindfully prepares our hearts as a permanent dwelling place for the Lord. The passage from the letter of St. Peter that we will hear this weekend urges us to “conduct ourselves with holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11–12). Time is precious during this year’s short Advent as it competes with the secular frenzy of the season. Stay attuned to the spirit of Advent as you prepare for the coming of our Lord.

Adorn your surroundings with reminders to keep your focus on spiritual preparation. Religious imagery forms us in powerful ways. The practice of setting up a nativity scene at home begins in Advent and continues through the celebration of the Epiphany. St. Francis of Assisi began this custom in 1223 when he celebrated Christmas with his brothers at Greccio with a staging of the stable in Bethlehem that included live animals. This tradition quickly spread, and people began to construct nativity scenes in their homes, churches, and public spaces. You might set up your entire scene all at once, leaving the crib empty for the Christ child to arrive on Christmas Eve. Or set up the scene slowly, placing the figures far from the scene and moving them closer day by day with the Magi arriving on Epiphany with gifts for the child Jesus.

Our parish community will be marking the days through Advent with a variety of prayer opportunities, devotions, and celebrations. You can learn about them below. All are invited to join the journey. We wish you every joy and blessing this Advent Season.

Lisa M. Orchen, M.Div.

Communications Coordinator

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

Holy Day of Obligation

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 8, 2023

8:00 AM at St. James

Noon at St. James

7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton

The Second Sunday

of Advent

December 10, 2023

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at St. James

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Advent to Christmas:

A Service of Music & Light

Friday, December 15 at 7 PM

Saint James Church

The Music Ministry and Lectors of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish invite you to a joyous service of music and short readings highlight the light of Christ in our lives during this season. All are welcome!

Advent Giving Opportunities

Christmas Caroling Caravan

To Bring Our Homebound Cheer

Sunday, December 10

4:30 PM

Meet at Saint 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!

Advent Giving Project

The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit and joy of Christmas. Last year parishioners of our parish made that spirit and joy come alive for so many.

The "Giving Trees" are back again following a "Circle of Life" theme covering infants/children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

This effort is a collaborative one between our Parish Outreach Ministry and our Faith Formation Ministry.

Our Giving Trees are filled with gift tags clearly identified by life chapter and the specific items being requested.

All gifts should be returned unwrapped to either church NO LATER than Sunday, December 17, 2023.

Donations can be dropped off in designated bins at either church location:

St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon-Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00.

St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the Church kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Carl Bach abcb1922@yahoo.com

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. Non-perishable food items and cereal boxes can be dropped off at either church location.

Learn more, Click Here.

Annual Retreat Weekend

Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center

Members of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish and Friends are invited to join us on our annual weekend retreats in 2024. The retreat theme this year, Only Say the Word…, is based on the belief that God can – and will – heal us, and all of creation. Our faith prompts us to ask for and receive that healing in many ways.

When Jesus encounters the centurion in the Gospel of Matthew (8:5-13), he meets a person of deep faith and humility who knows that healing comes from God alone. The centurion proclaims: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” We will reflect together on those powerful words of Jesus in response to the centurion: “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith” (Matthew 8:13). We will ask: where is healing needed, in us and in our world? And how can we, the very Body of Christ, help to bring about that healing with our unique gifts and talents?

The retreat center is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The weekend begins with a buffet dinner from 6-7:30 PM on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass at 10:45 AM followed by a hot brunch at noon.

Offering: $350, more if you can, less if you can't. Please do no allow finances to prevent your decision to attend. Scholarships are available. See Fr. George to inquire.

Women's Retreat Weekend: January 5-7, 2024

Couple's Retreat Weekend: February 9-11, 2024

Men's Retreat Weekend: February 23-25, 2024

Learn more and sign up online: Click Here.