January 13, 2026

Winter News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

January 13, 2026

Daly Notes

Friends,

Next Tuesday, January 20, 2026, we will find out which former player or players have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will be officially announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026. I always find these announcements to be an exciting time. I’m hoping to hear Dustin Pedroia and Eli Manning names announced.

I find the announcements of new saints even more exciting. Saints are examples and companions on our faith journey. God calls all of us to be saints. Being a saint is not like being in some kind of Hall of Fame for holiness. It is about who we already are and who we are challenged to be. That brings us to this weekend’s gospel. Once again, we hear from John the Baptist who played such an essential role in the Advent and Christmas seasons. John is a great model of what the Christian life is about. John’s whole life was centered on Jesus.

That is what we are about too. It is not about us. Rather, it is about Jesus. It is taking the focus off ourselves and our plans and putting it onto Jesus and His mission. It is a process of making our lives about nothing else than knowing Jesus and making Him known to others. And it is expressed so well in our responsorial psalm, “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”

O Lord, I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Welcome to Ordinary Time

We transition from the Christmas Season to Ordinary Time on our Liturgical Calendar. Ordinary Time is anything but "ordinary." When referring to Ordinary Time, the word "ordinary" means counted time. This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Sunday after that is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, and so on until we enter the Season of Lent begins on February 18. The liturgical color for the season is green as seen in the vestments Fr. Shawn and Deacon Mike wear for Sunday Mass.

Prayer for Ordinary Time

God of Eternity,

As I walk the path of Ordinary Time,

help me to count the

many ways you are present:

In the comings and goings of family,

friends, coworkers and neighbors;

In the sounds of winter and

the beauty of your magnificent creation;

In the daily routines and responsibilities

that make up the rhythm of my days.

Make all time extraordinary

as I seek to become

more attuned to your presence.

Amen.

The Second Sunday

in Ordinary Time

January 18, 2026

4:00 PM Vigil at Saint James

9:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

& livestreamed

11:00 AM at Saint James

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.

Monthly 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.

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.

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.

Join members of our parish community on retreat this year:

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

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

Wedding Anniversary Mass

February 7, 2026

On Sat., Feb. 7, 2026, The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of Hartford, will honor couples celebrating milestone marriage anniversaries: first and five-year increments from 5 to 60 years, and every year beyond 60 years, during 2025 – 2026.

The Marriage Anniversary Mass is in conjunction with with National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14), and will be at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford at 4 p.m. Registration is requested and closes January 21. (Snow date if necessary - February 28).

Questions? Contact Valerie St. Jean, Associate Director of Adult & Family Life Ministries via email or 860-541-6491 ext. 2678.