January 27, 2026

Winter News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

January 27, 2026

Daly Notes

Friends,

Jesus’ words usually leave us feeling uncomfortable. Just think about today’s Gospel and the Beatitudes. When we hear them, it’s easy to tune out a little. They can sound so demanding that we often decide Jesus can’t really mean this for people like us. Or we tell ourselves the Beatitudes are meant for saints, not regular people juggling jobs, families, and stress.

But that’s simply not true. The Gospel tells us Jesus was speaking to the disciples and to the crowds. In other words, Jesus was speaking to everyone. And that includes us.

The Beatitudes describe the kind of heart Jesus wants to form in each of us. They are attitudes and ways of living that open us up to the blessings God wants to give us. And those blessings are not only for someday in heaven, but here and now. They are real possibilities for people who have been changed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation.

This is why Jesus says,” Come, follow me!”

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

The Fourth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

February 1, 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

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.

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:

Couples Retreat: February 13-15, 2026

Men’s Retreat: February 20-22, 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

Ongoing Clothing Collection

Our Parish Clothing Collection is ongoing. We accept clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church (behind the divider). Unfortunately we are no longer able to accept household goods.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who donated used clothing items and blankets during the course of 2025. Our Clothing Ministry sorted and delivered the following donations to two outreach providers in Hartford and Meridan: 210 bags and 10 boxes of clothing, 22 coats and 70 blankets!