February 24, 2026

Welcome to Lent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

February 24, 2026

Daly Lenten Notes

Happy Lent! I often look at Lent as a kind of spring training for the spiritual life. It is a time for renewal and deepening our relationship with God. As we continue on our Lenten journey, we keep asking the simple question: how am I doing?

This year, consider doing something that will help you grow spiritually.

+ PRAY – Add daily Scripture or the Rosary.

+ FAST – Sacrifice a comfort to grow in discipline.

+ GIVE – Serve others with your time, talents, or treasure.

Here are some ideas:

Attend daily Mass
Fast from complaining- focus on gratitude
No music in the car
Volunteer
Limit Social Media/Electronics
Pray during your commute
Follow a Lent devotional on one of the many Catholic apps, (i.e. Dynamic Catholic, or Hallow)

How is God inviting you to go out of your comfort zone and try something different and challenging? That is the most important question we can ask ourselves today.

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.

Yours In Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Click Here to See All We Have Planned for Lent

Parish OCIA

Please pray for the members of our community in the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) who are preparing to be received into the Catholic Church this coming Easter Vigil.

On the First Sunday of Lent those in the OCIA participated in the Rite of Sending and then traveled to the Cathedral of Saint Joseph to participate in the Rite of Election and Continuing Conversion.

March 1, 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

Team Bakhita Wins Big in the Souper Bowl of Caring!

The temperatures outside may have been freezing, but the warm hearts of our Confirmation families and parishioners could have melted mountains of snow on Super Bowl Sunday.

As totals of food items and soup pot donations were being counted, the anticipation grew. What we witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary — a powerful reminder of what happens when we come together and put our faith into action.

Thanks to your generosity, over $6,000 was collected in the soup pots held by our Confirmation candidates. These funds will provide hot meals for the homeless and help restock pantry shelves that were in desperate need of refilling.

The friendly competition between the two Confirmation classes was the closest in recent memory! The Spring Confirmation class edged out a victory by just 6 points. But truly, the real winners are those who will benefit from all the items donated.

The Confirmation candidates, their families & teachers donated an incredible 2,012 grocery items, including:

507 boxes of pasta
172 cans of fruit
242 packages of cookies
160 jars of peanut butter & jelly
216 boxes of cereal
450 cans of soup
265 cans of tuna

When we contacted the Catholic Worker House, who had especially requested children’s cereal, they told us every child who attends their Saturday morning program will now go home with a box of cereal.

Imagine that. A simple box of cereal becoming a treasured gift.

You have touched countless lives through your generosity. May God bless each of you for the difference you are making in the lives of so many.

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Faith Sharing Group

All are welcome to join the Saint Josephine Bakhita Faith Sharing Group. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. We meet in person, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, from 10:30 AM -12:00. March’s Discussion will focus on the Beatitudes of Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; and Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. We conclude with various types of prayer petitions. We meet on the third Tuesdays of the month from now to June 17, 2026. We also have a Charismatic Prayer Group that is led by Kristie Bilcharz. This group meets on Zoom on the first Tuesdays of the month. And, there is also the Awakening Retreat on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM -5:00 PM. This will be at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, registration for this will be posted by the end of March. If you have questions about both groups and the Awakening Retreat, 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.

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 most of the Music Ministry. 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 Huge Thank You from Elizabeth Husmer! 🎶

Sunday, February 8, was a joyful day for me, seeing so many of you at my retirement reception. Thank you for coming! Thank you for the cards, gifts, and abundant well wishes.

I am sad to be leaving this amazing community—our choir, the Steinway piano, and the beautiful, humble building lovingly created by the Saint Elizabeth Seton architect and community—but I am ready for this change. I have always felt your goodness and appreciation at Mass, but on Sunday afternoon, the joy I have felt from you was put into words. I am grateful to all who prepared the wonderful party and to all of you for being in my life. The Holy Spirit has gifted me in so many ways.

Ministries in Good Hands

There are ministries at the Saint Elizabeth Campus that I have collaborated with which are in good hands and always welcome more volunteers:

Linen Ministry: Led by Cindy DeRosa with four women working to keep the altar linens laundered.

First Sunday Coffee & Donuts: Led by Lori Andrada with three alternating teams preparing coffee and serving treats after the 9:00 AM Mass.

Music Ministry: Led by Rochelle Bard starting the First Sunday of Lent.

Sunday Morning Early Childhood Classes: Led by Lori Gosselin and Elizabeth Cook. Assisting them when the children come to Mass to do their prayerful gestures has been a treasure—another piece of this fulfilling work!

Opportunities to Serve

As Joy has done at St. James, I have decorated the church with the liturgical seasons as a guide. Planning and caring for plants inside and out, including the Marian Garden, is always labor-intensive but a great joy. Please consider taking on leadership for one of these projects and/or volunteering to help. If you are interested but need more information and encouragement, email me at elizabeth@sjbrh.org and we'll talk. You'll learn more about your church in the process!

A Gentle Reminder

One request as I depart: please keep in mind that solo pieces sung by the choir are intended to be part of our worship, not performance. We appreciate your appreciation, but let us keep the prayer at the center and hold your applause!

Keep Christ in your hearts!

Elizabeth V. Husmer

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.