February 10, 2026

Winter News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

February 10, 2026

Daly Notes

Friends,

I am delighted to announce that Rochelle Bard will be joining Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish as our new Director of Music beginning February 21, 2026.

Rochelle has been a music director for 27 years at various Catholic Churches, ranging from an Irish parish north of Boston, to a traditional military chapel, to a contemporary youth ensemble at San Jose State University. Her most recent assignment was in West Hartford at St. Thomas & St. Timothy Parish (5 years as a merged Parish, and 8 years prior at St. Timothy). Rochelle successfully merged the Music Ministries at both parishes into one flourishing program.

Rochelle is a pianist, organist, singer, teacher, and conductor. As a teacher of voice and piano, she has worked previously at Hartt and UConn and currently has a private studio as well as teaches musical theater at the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in Worcester, MA. Rochelle grew up playing the piano and accompanying her sister before finding her own voice. After earning a degree in Biology premed at the College of the Holy Cross, she went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory. In 2014, her alma mater Holy Cross awarded her an honorary Doctorate in Music. Rochelle has also performed frequently as a professional soprano, including being a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

As we grew acquainted with Rochelle through our interview process, it became clear that working with cantors and church choirs in the church is her greatest passion. Another calling for Rochelle is helping families who are grieving the loss of a loved one to plan a beautiful and personal Funeral Mass. During covid, she created www.Catholicfuneralmusic.com to assist families in choosing music from the comfort of home.

Rochelle looks forward to collaborating with our talented singers and instrumentalists in our parish music ministry already, and welcoming new singers and instrumentalists!

Please join me in welcoming Rochelle to our faith community.

At the same time, we welcome Rochelle to our community, we also enter the season of Lent, beginning this coming Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Lent offers us numerous pathways to respond to God’s invitation to love. Some of these pathways are traditional, such as attending daily mass, seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation, committing to fasting, praying the Stations of the Cross, etc. Other pathways are more personal, such as trying a new form of daily prayer, working to heal a broken relationship, committing to a specific work of mercy, or avoiding an unhealthy habit. When these Lenten practices are lived with intention and commitment, they bring us closer to God and transform our hearts along the way.

These few days leading up to Ash Wednesday offer us time to prayerfully consider how we will respond to God's invitation to return with our whole hearts.

Our parish will be offering numerous opportunities for prayer, devotion, and sacrificial giving. We would do well to welcome this season of preparation and repentance as an opportunity to deepen our faith and grow as a community.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Check Out All We Have Planned for Lent Here

The Sixth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

February 15, 2026

4:00 PM Vigil at Saint James

9:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

& livestreamed

11:00 AM at Saint James

February 18, 2026

8:00 AM Mass & Ashes at St. Elizabeth Seton

& livestreamed

12:00 PM Distribution of Ashes at St. James

4:00 PM Distribution of Ashes at St. James

7:00 PM Distribution of Ashes at St. Elizabeth Seton

On Ash Wednesday, Eucharistic ministers are available to visit and bring ashes to those who are homebound. If interested, please call the office at 860-529-8655.

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Faith Sharing Group

All are welcome to join the Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our next meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month starting on January 20, 2026, from 10:30-12:00 noon at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church. January’s discussion will focus on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit regarding Self Control, Modesty and Chastity as it applies to overall care of self, others and living in God’s will 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. I will forward your information to Kristie regarding the charismatic prayer group.

Plan A Retreat

Holy Family 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.

The couples retreat is scheduled for next weekend, February 13-25, 2026. Our world and lives these days more than ever, need the power of Hope to keep us going. The couples weekend includes a gala 3 hour Valentine dinner on Saturday evening with wine & music. Currently at least 4 couples from our community are registered to attend. It is not too late to sign up!

The men's retreat weekend is February 20-22, 2026 and over 10 gents from our community are already signed up. We have gift certificates to assist with the financial cost, if there is a need. The weekend program includes a private room, all meals and snacks, inspirational talks and great music.

For more information contact our parish promoters or 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

Lent Bible Study:
The Tragic and Triumphant Cross

The cross is prominently displayed at both Saint James and Saint Elizabeth Seton churches as a focal point in the place where we all pray together so often. The cross is both a feared and contemptible instrument of punishment and the symbol of humanity's greatest hope. In turning this tool of torture into his followers' proudest boast, Jesus produced the most dramatic reversal the world has ever experienced. Worn around our necks, hung in our homes, carried in procession, and set on mountaintops, the cross speaks to what we believe about Jesus and about how we understand our lives in relationship to him. During Lent we will plumb the depths of Scripture to contemplate both its horrible and glorious significance for our faith.

This Lent Deacon Michael will lead a six-part series on The Tragic and Triumphant Cross.

Registration is required for ordering of required book ($10 book fee payable at the first session)

The series begins on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Two identical sessions are offered each week at 10:00 AM at Saint James Parish Center and then again at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. It will be possible to join the 7:00 PM evening session online as well, via Google Meet (please indicate interest at registration to help us plan).

To register please email Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com.

Learn More Here

The Knights Will Take

the Penguins Plunge Again!

February 21, 2026

For the last several years members of our Knights of Columbus Council have committed to Special Olympics Annual Penguin Plunge. A chilling adventure to say the least! Might you want to “Dip Your Toe Too"?

Our “Penguins in the Knights” of Columbus Council 10651 are seeking young and old Penguin Participants” (Wet ones) and “Team Sponsors”! (Warm ones)!

Last year, only Willie and Mike became “BRIEFLY” wet, yet we all raised over $2,000 for their charity’s works. Wet or dry, you can help and we will welcome your support!

Click Here To Support The Knights Plunge

Food Collection

Support our ongoing food and cereal collections 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: St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00. St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.