November 25, 2025

Welcome to Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

November 25, 2025

Daly Notes

Can you believe Advent is here? We often miss Advent's power because these weeks are full of Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

It may be tempting for us at the beginning of Advent to say to ourselves, “There are four weeks of Advent. I have plenty of time to get ready for Jesus.” Then, before you know it, those weeks have flown by and we have not prepared our hearts to welcome our God.

Let’s not let that happen this year. Time goes by quickly. Let’s not waste it.

As we start the Advent Season, we want you to prepare your hearts and minds for the hope and joy of the season by attending the Advent events we will be holding here at the Parish.

Please check out the Advent Flyer and the parish webpages for Advent and Christmas are updated as well.

Happy Advent!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

Join Us Next Weekend For
The First Sunday of Advent

November 29, 2025

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

November 30, 2025

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Faith Formation

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Evening of Reflection

Young Adult Women

Advent by Candlelight

Wednesday, December 17

7:00 PM

Saint Elizabeth Seton

As the days get darker and colder in December, join us for a night of warmth to celebrate advent. We will have a night focused on hope, peace, and joy. We will read some scripture and have time for reflection and prayer. All women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are invited to attend. Let us prepare to welcome Christ our Light into the dark places of our hearts and world so we can spread His light to others. RSVP to kblicharz@gmail.com if you are able to attend.

Advent & Christmas Carols

Sunday, December 14 at 4 PM

Saint James Church

This concert is a service of song and Scripture that dates to the late 19th century. In this hour long service, we listen to nine short Scripture readings, which recount the fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each reading is followed by a carol or other song led by our Adult and Youth Choirs that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.

Many make this a part of their annual Christmas celebrations. Make this the Advent that you do something for yourself. Take an hour to nourish your soul. Join us as we sing and read through our faith in a contemplative and joyous service. All are welcome!

We have ordered the wonderful daily meditation books “Blue Books” to assist you on your daily journey through Advent. The books are available in the foyers of both churches. You can also order your own personal copy at the following address: littlebooks.org.

Advent Giving Opportunities

Christmas Caroling Caravan

To Bring Our Homebound Cheer

Sunday, December 21

3:00 PM

Meet at Saint James Church

(eastern side of parking lot)

Small groups will sing 3-4 carols at the homes of elderly and homebound community members and friends. Family groups are encouraged! This a great memory-making event for the carolers and for homebound. Please email Joy at Joy@sjbrh.org to sign up to carol. If you know someone who would appreciate a Christmas visit from our merry band of carolers, email that information to Joy as well. There is a limited number of people we can visit based upon the number of volunteer carolers, so contact Joy ASAP!

Advent Giving Project

The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit and joy of Christmas. The "Giving Trees" are back again this year, seeking to share holiday joy with a number of agencies in need.

Here is a sampling of the organizations and needs:

Residents at Apple Rehab in Rocky Hill: These wonderful men and women have a simple Christmas wish of a new shirt or sweatshirt to help them feel loved and warm this winter. We are collecting Men’s and Women’s Sizes: Medium through 3X.

Solnit Center for Teens in Middletown: would love new colorful socks for women size 9 to 11, men’s socks too, crocs and jibbitz for crocs, stress balls, Lego kits age 12 -18, $10 gift cards Walmart & Dollar Tree.

Friendship Center in New Britain: Families in need asking for PJ’s men, women & children, squishmallows, batman toys, Disney princess, Walmart gift cards.

ImmaCare Homeless Shelter: White socks & $5.00 McDonald’s gift cards.

Retired Missionary Priests & Brothers at Holy Apostle in Cromwell: Gift cards to West Side Market.

New Horizons Family Violence Services & Healthcare for the Homeless Programs: The needs are endless! Women’s PJ’s size M through XXL, winter hats & gloves, children’s hat & glove sets, twin sheet sets, towels, washcloths, laundry detergent, gift cards to CVS & Walmart.

SPECIAL REQUEST: SOCKS, SOCKS & MORE SOCKS. The number one item needed this year is packages of white socks. Maybe find a BOGO deal and pass on the free one!

Your generosity makes a difference! Stay tuned for more details when the Giving Trees go up and thank you for helping us wrap our community in God’s love this Advent and Christmas.

PLEASE RETURN ALL UNWRAPPED GIFTS & GIFT CARDS BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025. BOXES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF BOTH CHURCHES.

Donations can be dropped off in designated bins at either church location:

St. James Church: Father Shea Hall, Mon-Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the masses at 4:00 or 11:00.

St. Elizabeth Seton Church: Bins located near the Church kitchen, Mon - Fri (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) or before the Sunday mass at 9:00.

Questions? Contact Carl Bach abcb1922@yahoo.com

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, December 11, from 1PM-6PM. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org to register to give.

URGENT NEED:

Food & Cereal For Our Local Pantries

We continue to seek food and cereal donations for our monthly delivery to the Rocky Hill and Amazing Grace food pantries. In light of the current increased food needs during our government shutdown, please consider additional food/cereal donations as you are able. Items in demand include: Condiments, Progressive and Chunkie Soups, Coffee (non k cups), Cake Mix and Frosting, Brownie mix, Gravy, Broth, Salt and pepper, Rice. As always, our Rocky Hill food bank and the Amazing Grace food pantry are very appreciative of our generosity. Thank you! Non-perishable food items and cereal boxes can be dropped off at either church location.

Our Holiday Fair was a HUGE Success. We are so grateful for all who planned, all who hosted booths, all who baked, cooked, and served, all who donated, all who attended and spent so generously! Click the image below to get a first glimpse of a gallery of pictures from a fantastic day!

Holiday Fair Pictures

The Saint Elizabeth Seton Choir gifted our community with an evening of favorite church and Broadway pieces, directed by Elizabeth V. Husmer, who retires next year. The entire evening was a wondrous gathering of music, community, faith and gratitude! Here's a few early photos (thank you Bill Betterini) with more to come!

Advent Daily

Mass Schedule

Mon-8:30AM @ Seton

Tues-8:00AM @ St. James

Thur-8:00AM @ St. James

Fri-8:30AM @ Seton

No Mass December 2 5 due to Annual Priest Convocation

Advent

Evening Prayer

Join us for evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!

Advent

Reconciliation Schedule

12.15.25 | 5:30PM @ Seton

12.18.25 | 2:00PM @ St. James

12.22.25 | 5:30PM @ Seton

Christmas Season Liturgy Schedule

12.24.25 ~ Christmas Eve

4 PM at St. James

4 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton

12.24.25 ~ Christmas Eve

9:30 PM Concert, 10 PM Midnight Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton

12.25.25 ~ Christmas Day

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11 AM at St. James

12.27.25 ~ The Holy Family

4 PM Vigil at St. James

12.28.25 ~ The Holy Family

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11 AM at St. James

12.31.25 ~ Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

4 PM Vigil at St. Elizabeth Seton

01.01.26 ~ Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

9 AM at St. James

01.03.26 ~ Epiphany of the Lord

4 PM Vigil at St. James

01.04.25 ~ Epiphany of the Lord

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11 AM at St. James

Parish Visitors

Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are available to bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners and those recuperating from surgery or illness. Please contact the parish office to request a visit: 860-529-8655.