February 17, 2026

Welcome to Lent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

February 17, 2026

Daly Notes

The season of Lent (from the Latin meaning "lengthen") is a gift of time to focus on spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. The season begins this Wednesday, on Ash Wednesday, and will conclude at sundown on Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Sacred Paschal Triduum. As daylight in the Northern Hemisphere incrementally lengthens, so does our spiritual focus.

In the days ahead, I encourage you to approach Lent as a sacred journey of return—a time to reorient your life toward God with renewed intentionality. The Scriptures throughout this season invite us to turn our hearts, to listen more deeply, and to receive the transforming grace that God continually offers. These invitations begin gently and grow in urgency, echoing God's persistent desire to draw us closer.

As you embark on your journey through the next forty days, seek to live spiritual practices such as prayer, devotion, fasting, reconciliation, and generosity as gestures of adoration for our beloved. If you have not already done so, reflect on where growth is needed and how you plan to personally embrace Lent as a time for transformation.

Our parish will be offering a myriad of spiritual opportunities to support your journey through Lent—Stations of the Cross, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, daily Mass, and times for quiet prayer in our churches. We hope you will receive our offerings as invitations. Please watch for details in this week's bulletin and upcoming parish communications.

A Note About Our Sunday Mass Schedule

Beginning Palm Sunday, we will be adjusting our Sunday morning Mass time at St. James Church from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This decision was approved unanimously by our Pastoral Council. This change will allow Deacon Michael, Rochelle, and me more time to greet parishioners after the 9:00 AM Mass, travel to St. James, and properly welcome our community there before Mass begins. We believe this extra time for personal connection honors the spirit of hospitality that is at the heart of our parish life.

Welcome to Rochelle Bard!

This weekend we joyfully welcome Rochelle Bard as our new Director of Music Ministry. Please extend your warmest welcome to Rochelle as she begins her ministry with our community. We are blessed by her presence and her gifts.

May this Lent be for you a season of renewal, deep encounter with Christ, and growing love.

In Christ,

Fr. Shawn

February 18, 2026

8:00 AM Mass & Ashes at Saint 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.

Lent starts Februrary 18 - Click Here to See All We Have Planned

February 22, 2026

4:00 PM at Saint James

9:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

& livestreamed

11:00 AM at Saint James

Lent Prayer & Devotions

Create a Prayer Space for Lent at Home

All members of the Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish community are invited to set up a special place for prayer time during the Lenten Season. Use the color purple, a sign of reflection and conversion, on a table or shelf. Include a simple cross and a Bible.

Pray the Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross invite us to use all our senses as we reflect prayerfully and walk intentionally with Jesus through his suffering, death on the cross and resurrection. Here are some of the ways available:

Attend the Stations of the Cross

Friday Evenings

5:30PM at St. James

Lent Bible Study

Wednesdays

February 25 - April 1

10:00AM at St. James

7:00 PM St. Elizabeth Seton

Led by Deacon Michael

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

Learn More About Deacon Michael's Lenten Program Here

Lent Little Black Reflection Books

The Little Black Book has daily Lenten reflections. Pick one up to use as part of your Lenten daily prayer in either church foyer.

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Awakening Retreat

Save the Date: June 6, 2026

The Awakening retreat experience is an opportunity to explore and strengthen your relationship with God, and especially how the Holy Spirit works in your life.

This event is sponsored by the Faith Sharing and Charismatic Prayer Groups of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish.

If you have questions or would like to support the planning of this event, please contact Michael Lonergan at 860-638-7080 or at Mikelonergan53108@sbcglobal.net.

A New Note in Our Song:

Meet Rochelle Bard

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself! I am Rochelle Bard, the new Music Director, also known as 'the new girl'. Our esteemed long-time directors Elizabeth and Joy are officially retiring this week, and they have both been so supportive and encouraging. I am blessed to have two generous women showing me the traditions of both churches, and I wish them happiness and peace in their new-found freedom!

At the time of writing this, I have had the pleasure of meeting about half of the Music Ministry so far. We laughed, shared what we love about music, and dispelled the fears that always come with change. I understand the value of honoring musical traditions and will aim to keep things much the same until we get to know each other and decide how to grow as a ministry.

You will notice a couple of changes right away, however! Because I sing while I play, I will be turning the pianos a bit so that my back isn't facing you. We will also learn a lovely version of the Kyrie together to mark the beginning of Lent and use it throughout the season. The translation of the Kyrie is 'Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy'. We'll practice before Mass to get used to it, and I look forward to hearing you sing!

Speaking of, now is the perfect time to join the Music Ministry if you've ever had that inkling. All ages are welcome, and you don't need any prior singing experience. I am a voice teacher and I love working with all singers on how to use their God-given instrument. Feel free to email me for more information.

Thank you for your already warm welcome. I look forward to hearing what songs resonate with you. Feel free to drop me a note on the piano or speak to me anytime. I look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,

Rochelle Bard

Director of Music Ministry

Click Here to Email Rochelle

🎶 A Standing Ovation for Elizabeth Husmer! 🎶

Thank you to everyone who helped plan, host and attended our beautiful celebration honoring Elizabeth's 30 years of faithful service to St. Josephine Bakhita Parish! From the music to the memories shared, it was an afternoon filled with gratitude, love, and—of course—song.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for three decades of lifting our voices in worship and drawing our hearts closer to God. Your legacy will resonate in our parish for years to come!

Special thanks to Bill Betterini for capturing the afternoon in photos!

Enjoy the Gallery of Retirement Photos Here

Daily Mass

Mon-8:30AM @ Seton

Tues-8:00AM @ St. James

Thur-8:00AM @ St. James

Fri-8:30AM @ Seton

Evening Prayer

Join us for evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!

Reconciliation

Fr. Shawn welcomes all to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings at 5:30 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton.

Lent Almsgiving

Please take home a CRS Rice Bowl located in the vestibules of both churches starting the first weekend in Lent.

Please bring back your rice bowl when churches are open for weekend masses. Kindly return them no later than the weekend after Easter (April 11-12).

Thank you for changing lives this Lent!

Other Fun Tidbits

Celebrate St Patrick's Day With Us!

St Patrick’s Day Dinner

Join the Knights of Columbus for our annual St Patrick’s Day celebration featuring a traditional corned beef dinner with all the fixings and dessert.

Saturday, March 14

4:00 - 7:00 PM

St James Parish Center

Tickets on sale February 14 - March 8. Take out dinners will be available. Adults: $20.00 - Children (under 12): $12.00

Family Special (2 adults & 2 children (under 12): $52.00

Note: NO tickets at the door

For more info call Dave 860-726-3585.

Help The Knights of Columbus Support Special Olympics CT!

Join the Knights of Columbus in our fundraising in support of Special Olympics Connecticut! There are two ways to join in on our fun: join our team, helps us to raise funds, and plunge with us in person! Or you can join our team, help our team to raise funds, and "plunge with us" virtually!

Sponsor Us Here

Palm Crosses for Sale

The Knights of Columbus will be taking orders for Palm Crosses after every Mass at the St. James & St. Elizabeth Seton campuses. Palm crosses will be available for pick up after every mass on Palm Sunday. The cost of the palm crosses is $13. Please contact David Mikol at (860) 726-3585 with any questions.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross has launched a Severe Blood Shortage Appeal. All eligible donors are encouraged to schedule appointments now. The next drive hosted at our Parish Center at St. James Church is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.