January 6, 2026

The Season of Christmas at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

January 6, 2026

Daly Notes

Friends,

Happy New Year!

We are starting a new ministry at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, an Arts and Environment Committee. We are looking for volunteers to help prepare and decorate our worship space throughout the Liturgical Year. We strive to create an atmosphere that reflects the meaning of each season— from the wonder of Christmas to the sacredness of Holy Week, to the celebration of Easter. Whether you enjoy arranging flowers, hanging seasonal banners, or simply lending a helping hand for larger projects, we would love to have you join us in this creative ministry.

Let’s make our sacred space come alive with beauty, meaning, and community. If you are interested in helping out email FrShawn@sjbrh.org.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Christmas Season Liturgy Schedule

01.10.26 ~ The Baptism of the Lord

4 PM Vigil at St. James

01.11.26 ~ The Baptism of the Lord

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11 AM at St. James

Spirituality Opportunities

Plan a Retreat for 2026

Holy Family Passionist 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.

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

A Note from Deacon Michael to the Men of the Parish

Are you satisfied that you are as free to be the man, son, brother, husband, father or friend you want to be?

Probably at least not fully I’d wager.

Our culture has a very specific view of freedom: that of being free FROM all unbidden constraints and limitations that keep us from doing whatever we want to do, whenever we want, and with whoever we please. Somehow throwing off all these will make us happy, satisfied and fulfilled, and “free”. Yet as we look around we see increasing evidence that a path of such freedom leads to chaos and dysfunction of various stripes - personal and societal. The longer we contemplate this notion of freedom FROM the more sense that its a dead end that will not yield its promise, for us and for those we care about. It’s ultimately empty, more of a distraction than a help.

So what to do?

The Christian notion of freedom is quite different, more freedom TO rather than freedom FROM. It’s about freedom to worship, to commit and sacrifice, and to love– the freedom to take up our life and lay it down for those we love. A free man is a man for others…as was Christ himself. But there are many things that keep us from this, bad habits and attitudes, new and old hurts, disordered distractions and off-target desires. We need to be free FROM these to be free TO live in the love we are created for.

Exodus 90 is a 90-day challenge of prayer, asceticism and fraternity that has helped many, many men live this way of love more freely…through a deeper prayer life and physical discipline, “giving up” that which distracts and detracts…and holding each other accountable in the process. It was conceived of and is driven by younger Catholic laymen who sought to be more free to live in the greater love Christ calls us to. Last year more than 40,000 men nationwide participated.

I went through Exodus 90 in 2025 and plan to do so again in 2026…starting on January 5, 2026 the Feast of the Epiphany. It’s a 90-day journey to Easter, toward a resurrected life of freedom we were created for. I invite you along for the journey. It’s a challenge. It requires commitment and effort, but the fruit that it can yield can be bountiful. Men of all ages and stations in life are welcome!

If you are interested in knowing more…you can shoot the QR on the Exodus 90 posters in the church foyers, go to exodus90.com, watch the video linked HERE, email me at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com or call me at 860-836-8218.

Peace,

Deacon Michael Ward

We collect unused travel-size toiletries at both St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton to donate to the shelters and agencies we support. Save the toiletries from your hotel stays and travels and drop them off to be shared! There are collection bins in the foyers of both churches.

Thank You for Giving So Generously This Advent

Friendship Service Center provides a continuum of services to community members at risk of or experiencing homelessness in central Connecticut. SJB parish adopted 10 specific families allowing for them to enjoy a wonderful Christmas that they otherwise would not have been able to experience.

We also received a remarkable $2900.00 in West Side Market Gift Cards for the retired missionary priests and brothers at St Jude House on the campus Holy Apostle College, will will go a long long way in providing healthy prepared meals for this community of Church ministers.

Thank you to all who so generously gave through our Advent Giving Collection!