A Message from Father Henry
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Every year on the Church’s calendar, on September 29, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Angels appear in scripture and are mentioned the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). These holy beings help us and we benefit from their help. “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition” (CCC 328). The word ‘angel’ comes from the Latin angelus; Greek aggelos; and from the Hebrew for "one going" or "one sent”. In the Bible, they appear as messengers sent by God to us.
The Catholic Church believes there is a link among believers, angels, and the God who made us all. “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’ Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (CCC 336).
Each one of us has a Guardian Angel who watches over us and protects us. The church encourages the faithful to pray to and thank their guardian angels daily. Many saints trusted steadfastly in their guardian angels, including St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio and St. John Paul. Padre Pio, a Capuchin Franciscan who died in 1968, was granted the vision of not only his own guardian angel but also those of others.
In particular of the three archangels:
Michael appears in Daniel’s vision as “the great prince” who defends Israel against its enemies. And, in the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s armies to final victory over the forces of evil.
Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel’s visions, announcing Michael’s role in God’s plan. His best-known appearance is to Mary, to announce her favor with God to bear the Messiah.
Raphael’s activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit’s son which results in Tobiah’s marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit’s blindness, and the restoration of the family fortune.
Let us pray this prayer to our Guardian Angels each day:
Angel of God, My guardian Dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day
To light and guard,
To rule and guide,
Amen
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September Online Edition Now Available - Diocese of...
Click here to read our September online edition of this month's Fairfield County Catholic!
Read more
www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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St Jude Parish Financial status
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Vin Pescosolido, Finance Committee chair
Fiscal 2019-2020 Financial Summary:
As you would expect, 2019-2020 proved to be a very challenging year for most parishes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the offertory was lower than budget by about $48,000 for the year, it was still about 93% of what we anticipated due to the continued generosity of our parishioners during the time when virtually everything was shutdown. Thank you once again.
We more than offset the shortfall in offertory revenue by drastically reducing costs, especially for Compensation and Benefits as well as for Maintenance and Repairs.
We also took full advantage of the Covid-19 stimulus program thereby increasing our Cash Reserves during the year.
While we ended the year strong and our financial position is good, we must remain diligent in our expense control efforts as these results could deteriorate rapidly should we experience a reduction in our offertory.
Fiscal 2020-2021 YTD Results:
Through the first 2 months of the fiscal year, offertory income was about 2% lower than last year. However, total income of $163,000 was 5% better than budget driven by the parish raffle ($17,000) and the highly successful Movie Night fundraiser ($13,000). Expenses are running $12,000 lower than planned which is good but all of this is due to lower repairs and maintenance expenses which we most likely will incur later in the year. As a result, through the first 2 months of the year, Operating Income was $25,000. Not a bad start for the year.
Anyone interested in obtaining the 2019-2020 Fiscal Report or our 2020-2021 Quarterly Financial Reports can do so by contacting Amy Hermanns, amyhermanns@stjuderc.com, 203-261-6404. Please note that the first quarterly report for this year will be available in mid-October.
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In October 2018, during Fr Henry’s first year as Pastor, Buildings and Grounds received the St Augustine Award for their service in maintaining the upkeep of the various buildings as well as the entire grounds that make up our St Jude Parish community.
During the following October, the Finance Council received the St Augustine Award for their service in prudently caring for the financial assets of the St Jude Parish community.
This year the award goes to Vic and Patty Eng for their numerous contributions to the St Jude Parish community over the past few decades.
Beginning in 1974, when they first joined St Jude parish one month after the founding of the parish, Vic and Patty Eng have given tirelessly of their time and talent to the parish. Over the past 46 years, Patty and Vic have been involved in a number of parish activities and organizations. Vic was a Chairman of the Parish Advisory Council and a member of the Finance Committee during the planning and construction period of the new church. He also served as the Chairman of the St. Jude School Advisory Board. Patty served as a Co-President of the Home School Association and taught in the Religious Ed and Confirmation Programs. Patty also taught in the Vacation Bible School. Together, they were initial members of the Christian Family Movement group in the parish for a number of years and they have been Ministers of the Eucharist for the last 40 years. Most recently, Patty was on the Steering Committee planning and celebrating the Dinner Dance for the thirtieth anniversary of the church building. Vic has been promoting St. Jude’s digital and media communications outreach program, in particular, the twice-weekly email newsletter, New Beginnings. They are very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the St. Jude community in so many ways over the years.
Please join me in congratulating Vic and Patty on this award!!
Fr. Henry
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St Jude Novena
Tuesday October 20 - Wednesday October 28
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Your Word alone, Lord is our Hope!
Now more than ever before, we need our annual Novena to St. Jude as a welcome opportunity to come together in prayer as one Body of Christ and to seek his intercession as our patron saint of Hopeless Causes during these challenging times.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing are required at all Masses, and we will be unable to provide refreshments. Sign up for Mass is required in the event of Covid-tracing requirements and can be done by clicking on the following link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054BA5AE2EA20-stjude8
Our Novena Masses will be live-streamed as well and can be viewed on our website. www.stjuderc.org.
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Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Blessing of the Animals
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On Sunday , October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. In celebrating, Fr. Henry will be outside the Church on Saturday, October 3rd at 12:30 PM to bless your furry friends. In this Covid environment , we will arrange for you to drive by and Fr. Henry will give a blessing to each pet individually. Fr. Henry will be stationed in the back of the Church at the entrance to the Social Hall and individual cars can drive around the Church and line up and when you get to Fr. Henry you can exit the car if you would like and he will give the blessing or he can bless your pet through the car window. Please remember Covid compliance rules; 6 feet apart and please wear your mask.
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If you are comfortable, Father Henry would like to visit you on the front lawn of your home (wearing facemasks and being Social Distanced). Schedule a visit by emailing me, fr.henry@stjuderc.com or calling the Parish Office (203-261-6404).
Building and Grounds:
Bob Frawley
Accomplishments since the spring have included transplanting, pruning and weeding of the landscape around the church and rectory, power washing of the rectory portico and coordinating the repair of light fixtures and replacement of old technology bulbs with new low energy LED bulbs throughout the church campus.
Mission Committee (Appalachian Christmas Drive):
Carole Donnarumma
Due to Covid restrictions and church protocols, the drive will not take place this year, but plans to return in 2021.
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PRO-LIFE MINISTRY
Please join us for First Friday ADORATION on October 2nd at 7:00 p.m in Church.
As our National Elections approach, we will pray a Pro-Life Rosary for an end to abortion. This Rosary will be livestreamed and available on our Parish website.
40-DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER VIGIL
Wednesday Sept. 23 to Sunday Nov. 1, 2020
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, St. Jude Parish Pro-Life Ministry will not participate in the Vigil this Fall. Individuals wishing to attend, please click the Flyer to the right for registration information or contact Karin Tierney kjt1046@att.net for additional information.
Please continue to pray for an end to abortion and for a Culture for Life in our Country.
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“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30
Please join us in the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ this Friday to adore our God and pray the rosary for pro-life. It will start Friday October 2 at 7PM and will be live streamed.
Could you not watch with me one hour?
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Prayer for Vocations
O Lord, send workers for your harvest, so that the commands of your Only-begotten Son may always be obeyed and his Sacrifice be everywhere renewed.
Look with favor upon your family, the Church, and ever increase Her numbers. Enable Her to lead Her sons and daughters to the holiness to which they are called and to work for the salvation of others.
Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
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The St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is open in the Msgr. John Sabia Social Hall after the 9:30 AM Mass on Sundays and after the 5 PM Mass on Saturday night as well as by appointment Monday - Friday at 9:30 AM.
Gifts for all occasions include: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Wedding, Ordination, baby gifts, bibles, statues, rosaries, medals, auto visors and a variety of cards such as Birthday, Get Well, Weddings and more.
Stop by, browse and find a truly meaningful gift for that special occasion. For information or an appointment please call Fran Cambra 203-261 2573 or the Parish office.
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Please join us as we resume praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for September is:
We pray, that thru the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, our scientists will find a safe and effective vaccine and treatment for COVID 19,
We pray to the Lord
Our petition for October is:
We pray for an end to all abortions, and for respect for all life from conception until natural death,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Wed Sept 30 8:30am Andrew Amalfitano
Thu Oct 1 8:30am Bridget Sullivan
Fri Oct 2 8:30am Hilary Rogers
Sat Oct 3 4:00pm Isabel Dantas – Teixeira and Jose
Dantas
Sun Oct 4 7:30am Deceased members of Gallagher and
Kealy Families
9:30am Margaret Mende
11:30am Dina and Ludovino Vagnini and
Enrico Chiaro
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The parish office is taking Mass Intention requests for 2021. Requests will only be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or by email ( parish.office@stjuderc.com). For more information, please click here.
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Mass Schedule and Registration
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Please take note that starting October 3rd, the Saturday Mass will be held at 4:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm.
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Please note that the upstairs bathroom in main church is available for all weekend masses. Masks should be worn at all times. Social distancing is required at all times. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes before Mass.
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Church Hours for private prayer
Church is open Monday to Friday 8am - 10am for private prayer.
Live-streamed Mass Schedule
Confession Hours
Confessions are required to be outside at 3:00 pm on Saturdays until the bishop gives us permission to go back inside the church, which he has not, and probably will not for some time. Confessions are 3:00 pm outside, behind the church, and also by appointment, calling 203-261-6404, to set up and appointment or emailing.
First Friday Adoration 7- 8 PM
Mass Intentions 2021
The parish office is taking Mass Intention requests for 2021. Requests will only be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or by email ( parish.office@stjuderc.com). For more information, please click here.
Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
It is suggested that you call (203-261-6404) or e-mail (parish.office@stjuderc.com) before coming to the office. Much can be accomplished through a phone call or email, such as requesting masses/mass cards; sacramental records; registering for Baptism; etc.
In the event you do come to the office, we will be following the state protocols:
- A face covering is required
- Social distancing will be followed
- If you are experiencing COVID-19 defined symptoms, or have had contact with someone with the symptoms please do not come to the office.
Signage will be posted on the front door with all directives to be followed when admitted to the office.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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