November 28, 2023

Welcome to Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish

November 28, 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,

The season of Advent (from the Latin adventus meaning “coming”) is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ. We anticipate three advents: the first is the historical coming of the Christ two thousand years ago; the second, the coming of Christ among us now; and the third advent, the hope of Christ coming again at the end of time.

Advent always begins four Sundays before Christmas. This year, it lands in early December, shortening our Advent season by an entire week.

One of the best-known customs of the season is the Advent wreath. The circle of evergreens symbolizes the eternal character of God’s time and Christ’s reach into our time to lead us to the light of everlasting life. The four candles on the wreath—three violet, one rose—mark our progress through the season. The rose candle is for the Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday after the first word of the entrance antiphon on that day, meaning “rejoice.” The day symbolizes our joy as we draw closer to the birth of Christ. Bless your Advent wreath with the lighting of the first violet candle, and as a prayerful entrance into Advent invoke today’s psalm response: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved” (Psalm 80:4). We have included a blessing prayer for you to use below.

Send a picture and any special details about your household Advent Wreath to communications@sjbrh.org.

Our parish community will be marking the days through Advent with a variety of prayer opportunities, devotions, and celebrations. You can learn about them below. All are invited to join the journey. We wish you every joy and blessing this Advent Season.

Lisa M. Orchen, M.Div.

Communications Coordinator

Advent at Saint Josephine Bakhita at a Glance - Click Here

The First Sunday

of Advent

December 3, 2023

4:00 PM at St. James

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

11:00 AM at St. James

Stay for coffee & conversation after the Sunday morning masses!

Faith Formation

Click Here To RSVP For The Pageant & Pizza Party

Advent Spirituality Opportunities

Saint Josephine Bakhita Bible Study~ Advent 2023

Saint Josephine Bakhita Bible Study will be meeting during Advent to prepare for the great feast of The Nativity of the Lord at Christmas.

We will meet on four Wednesdays on November 29, December 6, 13 and 20, to read through, contemplate and discuss together the readings for the following Sunday. This will help us to focus on the Sunday liturgies during Advent by hearing the Word of God a more deeply.

No prior experience with bible study is required. All are welcome.

There will be a morning session at Saint James Parish Center at 10 AM and an “online” session at 7:00 PM. Each session will last about 75 minutes.

There will not be a separate text that needs to be purchased. The materials for preparation for our sessions together starting on November 29 will be emailed to registered participants each week prior to our meetings in sufficient time to prepare.

Email Deacon Michael at saintjmdeacon@gmail.com to register and receive these emails with the links each week for the materials and the online meeting.

Advent to Christmas:

A Service of Music & Light

Friday, December 15 at 7 PM

Saint James Church

The Music Ministry and Lectors of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish invite you to a joyous service of music and short readings highlight the light of Christ in our lives during this season. 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 10

4:30 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. Last year parishioners of our parish made that spirit and joy come alive for so many.

The "Giving Trees" will be back again this year, again following a "Circle of Life" theme covering infants/children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

This effort will be a collaborative one between our Parish Outreach Ministry and our Faith Formation Ministry.

Our Giving Trees will be filled with gift tags clearly identified by life chapter and the specific items being requested.

All gifts should be returned unwrapped to either church NO LATER than Sunday, December 17, 2023.

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

Food & Cereal

For Our Local Pantries

We collect food and cereal donations 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.

Learn more, Click Here.

Advent Daily

Mass Schedule

Mon-8:30AM @ Seton

Tues-8:00AM @ St. James

Thur-8:00AM @ St. James

Fri-8:30AM @ Seton

Advent

Evening Prayer

Fr. George leads evening prayer Monday - Friday at 5:00 PM on our parish Facebook Page. All are welcome!

Advent

Reconciliation Schedule

Mondays | 6:00PM @ Seton

12.19.23 | 6:00PM @ St James

12.21.23 | 6:00PM @ Seton

Christmas Season Liturgy Schedule

12.24.23 ~ Christmas Eve

4PM at St. James & 4 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton

12.24.23 ~ Christmas Eve

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

12.25.23 ~ Christmas Day

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton & 11 AM at St. James

12.30.23 ~ The Holy Family

4 PM Vigil at St. James

12.31.23 ~ The Holy Family

9 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton & 11 AM at St. James

01.01.24 ~ Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

8:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

01.06.24 ~ Epiphany of the Lord

4 PM Vigil at St. James

01.07.24 ~ 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.