July 13, 2021
So Grateful!
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
You may not be aware, but this month of July marks my 5th anniversary of my assignment to Rocky Hill by Archbishop Blair. The first year, I was assigned to St. Elizabeth Seton Church. The next four years, assigned to the merged churches of St. James and St. Elizabeth Seton now called St. Josephine Bakhita Parish. To be honest with you it has been a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts…but it has also been a rewarding and a most exciting time of my life as a priest. I believe that our coming together only brings us strength and makes us a brighter light of faith in our community.
The general success of our merger, although still challenging at times, is due to the openness and respect of all the parishioners, the staff, the volunteers, the deacons, etc. After these five years in town, I hope you have come to know me by my constant theme of gratitude. One parishioner reminded me that I don’t have to say “thank you” all the time. It is just in my DNA to express my gratitude often and sincerely. I can hear the voice of my mother, Yvette, speaking to me even today, “George, don’t forget to say thank you!!” I’m especially grateful for all the blessings that God has showered on me and this community.
I could go on for pages and pages listing the people, things, and reasons for my gratitude. But I will just point out the most recent reason for my gratitude. It is the awesome openness and generosity that many have shown in supporting the recent Bishops Foundation Campaign, “Forward With Faith.” As of this past week we have reached 94% of our shared goal of $875,000. Indeed, our future, as a parish, and the future of the mission and ministry of the entire Archdiocese will be a bit more secure due to this generosity. I strongly believe we will meet our goal and exceed it in the weeks ahead.
I always hesitate and shy away from saying that our future depends on financial support. For our true strength is in our personal and communal faith and spiritual lives. Of course, that is true! But, like you, I have a very practical side that realizes that our mission and ministry depend on good, honest, and solid stewardship of time, talent, and TREASURE.
I would like to encourage you, once again if you have not already done so, to consider and participate in the FORWARD WITH FAITH campaign that we embarked on for the sake of our parish and the Archdiocese of Hartford. It is a very real and concrete way of supporting our mission and ministry. Your substantial sacrificial gift or pledge will secure the continued forward movement of our parish. I am sincerely asking for your help and am very grateful to those who have already made the financial commitment. This past week brought us to 94% of our parish goal. Thank you!!
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. George Couturier
Pastor
