January 20, 2026

Winter News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

January 20, 2026

Daly Notes

Friends,

The Christian life is about learning how to embrace the journey that God has in store for us. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is walking on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and approaches Simon and Andrew while they are fishing. Right there and then Jesus calls them to follow Him. He doesn’t give them time to think it over or discuss it with their families. He simply says, “Come after me.” Jesus called them, and immediately they left everything and followed him. Saying “yes” to Jesus made all the difference.

The same is true for us. God has a plan for our lives. It is an adventure which is greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves. To realize it, we have to give up everything. That is what Jesus is calling us to today and every day of our lives - to put God’s will at the center of our lives. Then we will be transformed in ways we could never have imagined.

We would do well to ask God for the grace to respond as immediately and wholeheartedly, as Simon, Andrew, James, and John.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

The Third Sunday

in Ordinary Time

January 25, 2026

4:00 PM Vigil at Saint James

9:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

& livestreamed

11:00 AM at Saint James

Evening Prayer for Candlemas

Blessing of Throats

Sunday, February 1

6:30 PM at Saint Elizabeth Seton

Candlemas is a lesser known Feast of the Church. As was the custom, the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph - the Presentation of the Lord. According to Mosaic law, mothers must also appear for a purification rite 40 days after childbirth. This Feast celebrates both. Our liturgy will end with the Blessing of Throats in anticipation of the Feast of Saint Blaise on February 3. Bring a candle that is designated as a Christ Candle for your home that will be blessed during the service.

The Soup Pots Are Coming Back!

As excitement builds for Super Bowl Sunday on February 8, our Confirmation Candidates are gearing up for their own friendly competition — the Souper Bowl of Caring! Two Confirmation classes will go head-to-head to see who can collect the most donations to support local food pantries and provide meals for our homeless neighbors.

You can get in the game too! Confirmation candidates will be holding soup pots after all Masses on February 7 & 8, 2026. A donation of $1 or more can help make a real difference. Thanks to your generosity in the past, we have helped feed so many in our community.

“Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl, help us to remember those without even a bowl of soup to eat.”

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.

Hospitality Ministry

We all have happily experienced being welcomed into someone's home with a greeting, food and catching up with friends/family. Parishes that have greeters with smiles and 'welcomes' are the most vibrant.

For many years, the welcome at the entrances of both St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton has been an important ministry. Beside the greetings, these ministers pass out bulletins, programs, check for seating, give directions and information.

Hospitality is another branch of our Welcome Ministries. At least once a month, hospitality means donuts or baked goods and coffee after mass. Joy O'Sullivan has made sure that bakers are enlisted to bring their specialties for all to enjoy after the 11:00 mass. She also sets up the night before.

An anonymous parishioner at St. Elizabeth's buys donuts and muffins for all to enjoy after the 9:00 mass and a hospitality coordinator plans the alternating teams that set up, serve and clean up.

With gratitude, we thank all who give their time and smiles to this ministry!

Consider becoming a Welcome Minister! Share a bit of your time and, perhaps, your baking skills! To learn more or volunteer, contact Elizabeth Husmer at elizabeth@sjbrh.org or Joy O'Sullivan at joy@sjbrh.org.

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.