November 4, 2025

Fall News from Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish!

November 4, 2025

Daly Notes

Dear Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. It is a church building that many of us have never been to, and never even have heard of. What makes it special - so special that we are setting aside a Sunday to celebrate it - is that it is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It was dedicated on this day in 324 A.D. at a time when Christians were finally allowed to practice their faith in Jesus without fear of persecution. It was the first public church built in Rome and so it is considered the mother of all the churches in Rome and throughout the western world. It is an important space where people have gathered to worship and many Christians have had their faith renewed.

This feast day is an important reminder to us, not just of our history, but of our identity. Yes, the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is an important historic event because it is the first Christian church building in Rome. But that building and its dedication point us to a more profound truth, a more profound reason to celebrate. We human beings construct buildings, but the Spirit of God builds up the Church. The Church is first and foremost a people who are gathered by God to believe in Jesus Christ and to be sent out by the Holy Spirit to transform the world.

So, just as Christians have gathered for over two thousand years, we gathered here to hear God’s word and receive Jesus in the Eucharist. This is a sacred space set aside for no other purpose than to worship God and serve others. We have so many wonderful memories here. God has done many great and powerful things within these walls. But these walls cannot contain the work of the Holy Spirit. Our calling is not just to maintain this building, but rather it is to be transformed by worship so that we can serve in love.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Shawn

Join Us For Our Annual Memorial Mass

Thursday, November 6

7:00 PM at St. James

We will be celebrating our annual Memorial Mass for those who have had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita since November 2024. All are welcome to pray and support those who are mourning, or be strengthened in the face of their own mourning. During the candlelit service, we will be announcing the names of those who had funerals at Saint Josephine Bakhita in the past year.

Join Us Next Weekend For

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

November 8, 2025

4:00 PM Vigil at St. James

November 9, 2025

9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton

and livestreamed

11:00 AM at St. James

Join Us For The Rocky Hill Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 25

7:00 PM at

Saint Elizabeth Seton

Join Us Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 27

8:00 AM at Saint James

and livestreamed

Other Fun Tidbits

Thanksgiving Food Baskets &

Grocery Store Gift Certificates

Create a Thanksgiving Food Basket for a household of 4-6 people to donate to Rocky Hill Human Services and deliver to either church the weekend of November 22-23.

Donate gift certificates to local grocery stores to compliment the Food Baskets and enable families to buy turkeys and perishable foods. Bring the gift certificates to mass on November 22-23 or mail them to the Church Office in time for the weekend.

Learn all about where to donate and how to build your basket, Click Here.

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.

Annual Holiday Fair

Bake Sale & Cookie Walk

Donations of baked goods and cookies are needed for our annual Holiday Fair. We have many talented bakers in our parish and each year they donate delicious homemade baked goods for our very popular Holiday Fair Bake Sale & Cookie Walk. We can never have too much! Every last crumb sells! Please sign up to donate one or more items.

Bake for the Bake Sale

Bake for the Cookie Walk

Holiday Fair Volunteers Needed

Planning for our annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We need lots of volunteers to help make it all happen! Click the button below or scan the QR Code to sign up to help! If you prefer to talk to someone about volunteering, call Kathy Alexander at 860-563-5859.

Click Here to Volunteer at the Holiday Fair

Ornament Collection

We are seeking new or gently used holiday ornaments for the Holiday Fair. Collection Bins will be placed at the entrances of both Churches.

Hang a Flyer About the Holiday Fair Where You Live, Work or Gather! Download & Print Flyer By Clicking Here.

How To Get Through the Holidays When You Are Grieving

The holidays can be especially difficult when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Join Karen Carney-Pilkington, RN, LCSW, and Bill Pilkington, MA, STM, Ed.D., at St. Paul Church in Glastonbury (2577 Main Street, Glastonbury) on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 PM for an evening of comfort, understanding, and hope. Karen and Bill are compassionate professionals with deep expertise in death, dying, and bereavement. Together, they’ll lead an interactive presentation and discussion designed to help you—or someone you love—find ways to navigate this tender season with gentleness and care. No RSVP required.