December 9, 2025

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

December 9, 2025

Daly Advent Notes

My Friends,

A few years ago, I came across an article that reported that of the 75% of Catholics who don’t practice the faith regularly, many of them still come on Christmas, Easter, and Ash Wednesday.

With this in mind, we need to help to make the experience joyful and welcoming for them. Surveys show that what often keeps them is a wonderful experience of community, when they feel welcomed and invited to become part of something larger than themselves. That’s why I’m asking all of you to go out of your way to welcome people at Mass on Christmas. It’s not just the job of those in hospitality ministry passing out bulletins and warmly greeting people. If you see someone new, go up to them and say, “Hi, I’m John. I just wanted to wish you and your family a great Christmas and to thank you for coming to worship God with us.”

Imagine if someone had three different parishioners say that to them. It would begin to create a mood. This is, of course, something we’re called to do not just on Christmas, but especially on Christmas.

Thank you for all that you do to make this such a special parish.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

Join Us Next Weekend For
The Third Sunday of Advent

December 13, 2025

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

December 14, 2025

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Faith Formation

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Advent & Christmas Carols

Sunday, December 14 at 4 PM

Saint James Church

This concert is a service of song and Scripture that dates to the late 19th century. In this hour long service, we listen to nine short Scripture readings, which recount the fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each reading is followed by a carol or other song led by our Adult and Youth Choirs that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.

Many make this a part of their annual Christmas celebrations. Make this the Advent that you do something for yourself. Take an hour to nourish your soul. Join us as we sing and read through our faith in a contemplative and joyous service. All are welcome!

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

Advent Giving Opportunities

Christmas Caroling Caravan

To Bring Our Homebound Cheer

Sunday, December 21

3:00 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. The "Giving Trees" are back again this year, seeking to share holiday joy with a number of agencies in need.

Here is a sampling of the organizations and needs:

Residents at Apple Rehab in Rocky Hill: These wonderful men and women have a simple Christmas wish of a new shirt or sweatshirt to help them feel loved and warm this winter. We are collecting Men’s and Women’s Sizes: Medium through 3X.

Solnit Center for Teens in Middletown: would love new colorful socks for women size 9 to 11, men’s socks too, crocs and jibbitz for crocs, stress balls, Lego kits age 12 -18, $10 gift cards Walmart & Dollar Tree.

Friendship Center in New Britain: Families in need asking for PJ’s men, women & children, squishmallows, batman toys, Disney princess, Walmart gift cards.

ImmaCare Homeless Shelter: White socks & $5.00 McDonald’s gift cards.

Retired Missionary Priests & Brothers at Holy Apostle in Cromwell: Gift cards to West Side Market.

New Horizons Family Violence Services & Healthcare for the Homeless Programs: The needs are endless! Women’s PJ’s size M through XXL, winter hats & gloves, children’s hat & glove sets, twin sheet sets, towels, washcloths, laundry detergent, gift cards to CVS & Walmart.

SPECIAL REQUEST: SOCKS, SOCKS & MORE SOCKS. The number one item needed this year is packages of white socks. Maybe find a BOGO deal and pass on the free one!

Your generosity makes a difference! Stay tuned for more details when the Giving Trees go up and thank you for helping us wrap our community in God’s love this Advent and Christmas.

PLEASE RETURN ALL UNWRAPPED GIFTS & GIFT CARDS BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025. BOXES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF BOTH CHURCHES.

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

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.

The Saint Elizabeth Seton Choir gifted our community with an evening of favorite church and Broadway pieces, directed by Elizabeth V. Husmer, who retires next year. The entire evening was a wondrous gathering of music, community, faith and gratitude! Enjoy this beautiful gallery of photos, thanks to Bill Betterini!

Concert Photo Gallery