Last week, I spoke about the goal of the Christian life and the whole goal of the Church - the Universal Call to Holiness. But what does it look like, practically speaking? How are we to live it out? I like to call these the "disciplines of discipleship" - the four elements of our life that should be present as we continue our daily walk with the Lord Jesus:
First, prayer. We can have an intimate, personal, daily relationship with Jesus! An adult Catholic needs to be praying at least fifteen minutes each day. How do we pray? There are so many ways - we can read Scripture and meditate on it, we can pray the Rosary, we can listen to spiritual music, we can visit the church, we can take a walk out in nature, we can simply sit and speak with Jesus from our heart. How we pray is up to us, but the fact that we pray is a non-negotiable. As St. Alphonsus Liguori said, "If you pray, you will be saved; if you do not pray, you will be lost." We cannot have a relationship with someone if we never speak with them - and our relationship with God must take first priority in our life!
Second, virtue. We must seek to live our life like Jesus - full of purity, courage, humility, self-sacrifice, honesty, chastity, kindness...in a word, we must conform our life to Him. This is not easy, and it takes practice. We will fail in virtue every day, but that is where repentance and the Sacrament of Confession comes in! Every day, we seek to make some small progress in virtue, so that at the end of the day we have become more like Christ and start to radiate His characteristics.
Third, we serve others. Life isn't about us - but all too often, we try to make it revolve around us! Our needs, our wants, our desires...but we weren't made to live for ourselves. Rather, we were made to live for God and for others. So when we wake up in the morning, instead of asking, "What do I want to do today?", a true disciple asks, "God, what do YOU want me to do today? How can I best serve You and my family and friends and those in need?" Even small things like doing the dishes or making dinner for your family is a profound act of love!
Fourth, we offer our lives to the Lord. Everything we do can become a "living sacrifice" for Him. Going to work, playing sports, studying, sharing a meal - everything can become holy as soon as we lift it up to God. In the beginning of each day, we can make a "morning offering" - a small prayer that offers our entire day to God - something like, "Lord, take this day and make it holy - I offer you my works, leisure, joys, sorrows, relationships, thoughts, and everything I am and everything I do. Use it for Your glory." Then, even those mundane parts of daily life become a way in which God can sanctify us!
My friends, the goal of this parish - the goal of my ministry - the goal of the whole Christian life is to become saints. God will make us saints, as long as we cooperate with His grace. Seek to develop those four pillars of discipleship and be amazed at Him working in and through you!
~fj
|
|
|
|
Are you being called to a deeper understanding of Faith and Truth? Come follow us in the footsteps of St Dominic though prayer, study, community and apostate. Our Lady of Fatima, affiliate chapter at St Theresa Church is growing! Please join us for an Informal Inquiry Meeting on Thursday, August 26th at 7pm.
St. Theresa School, 55 Rosemond Terrace, Trumbull in the school gym. For more information, call, text or email Michelle Rowe: 203-218-6882 orapronobis20@gmail.com
Thank you.
|
|
Archdiocese of Hartford
CATHOLIC BIBLICAL SCHOOL
Now with distance learning options!
Jesus is uniquely present to his followers today not only through the Eucharist, but also through an informed and prayerful reading of the Bible. The Catholic Biblical School (CBS) invites adults into a personal encounter with our Lord in Sacred Scripture. Virtual classes have real-time and expert instructors and begin shortly after Labor Day. A “satellite” class will meet at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport and at a parish site in Stamford for simultaneous hybrid learning.
|
|
Happy (Meteorological) Summer St. Jude's Community. I am so excited that the sun is beginning to shine, restrictions have been lifted, and this ministry can begin to take the shape we have prayed for over the last 14 months. Below please find the dates and times for our summer youth group meetings:
Sunday, August 1st 6:00 pm - 7:30pm in the Parish Hall
Sunday, August 22nd 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall
Also! Be on the lookout for additional opportunities for the youth to get involved with our parish. (There is sure to be something fun popping up in August for our elementary students).
Finally, if you are an adult parishioner and would like to volunteer with the youth group please be in touch! The commitment is as much or as little as you would like and we are always looking to grow our group. Email Shannon with any questions: shannon.carey@stjuderc.com
Shannon E.B. Carey
Youth Coordinator
|
|
Summer of Service
All young people grades 6-12 are invited to join us for four days of service projects to benefit the local community in the Bridgeport/Derby area! Our first annual Summer of Service takes place August 19, 20, 23, and 24. We will meet at St. Jude's each day for the 9am Mass, and then head out for a day of service. You can attend one day, multiple days, or all four days of service! A great way to stay busy, get to know fellow young people, and give back to the community - while having a lot of fun in the process! Space is limited - sign up by emailing Fr. Joseph at frgill@diobpt.org. These service days are contingent upon Virtus-trained parents as chaperones - if you are Virtus trained and wish to help, please contact Fr. Joseph for more information!
|
|
Looking for a summer camp for your kids that combines all the fun camp activities with our Catholic Faith? All young St. Jude's parishioners (grades 6-12) are invited to Camp Veritas! Camp Veritas is a week-long sleep-away camp which offers sports, swimming, boating, rock climbing, and all the fun camp activities...along with daily Mass, dynamic speakers, powerful praise music, and an encounter with Jesus Christ. Where else can you play dodgeball with nuns? We have a special discount for all St. Jude's parishioners - only $200 for a week at camp! For more information or to register, visit www.campveritas.com or contact Fr. Joseph at frjosephgill@gmail.com.
|
|
Wednesday August 25 – Saturday August 28
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Parish Grounds at intersection of Routes 111 and 110
Our St. Jude Parish Festival returns! Mark your calendars for four fun filled nights of food, music, rides, games, and togetherness. JMG music will be on stage to spin all your favorite tunes and dance party music. Enjoy the thrill of Stewart Amusement rides and games for the whole family. New this year is Nutmeg Concessions offering delicious food and carnival treats so come hungry! We’ll have hot dogs and hamburgers, fries, pizza, pizza fritta, sausage and peppers and much more. Save room for ice cream, cotton candy, and tons of additional treats. The event will culminate with our Parish Raffle drawing on Saturday night with a first prize of $3,000.00! So gather your family and friends and join in this wonderful Parish tradition where togetherness, fun, laughter, and joy abound. (credit cards accepted)
|
|
Please join your fellow parishioners and consider volunteering a few hours of your time at our Parish Festival. Click on the Sign-up Genius link below and choose a slot or two.
|
|
Thank God our Parish Festival is back!
Your participation is needed for Prayer at our St. Jude Shrine on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between 6:00 and 9:00p.m. Aug. 26, 27 and 28.
Time slots are 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30. You are certainly welcome to take an hour or more as we have done in the past.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us in Prayer and when you choose to attend.
Or by phone: 203-926-1135
May God bless us with good weather as our Parish Community resumes the wonderful activities at our Festival.
Blessings,
Karin Tierney
|
|
Grandparents and the Elderly Weekend Photos |
|
SAVE THE DATES
ASSUMPTION OF MARY INTO HEAVEN
Please join our Parish Family in honoring Our Blessed Mother as we celebrate the OCTAVE of HER ASSUMPTION into HEAVEN.
Sunday, Aug. 15 - 11:30 Mass -
Crowning of Mary in Church
Coffee Social to follow in Hall
Monday-Friday- Aug.16-20 -7:00pm Mass
Refreshments to follow
Sunday, Aug. 22 - 11:30 Mass CELEBRATED BY BISHOP CAGGIANO.
Procession to Crown our Blessed Mother at Mary, Mother of Peace Statue.
Luncheon to follow in the Social Hall.
|
|
ROSARY
Octave of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hosted By
St. John XXIII Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
Monday August 16 Joyful Mysteries
Tuesday August 17 Sorrowful Mysteries
Wednesday August 18 Glorious Mysteries
Thursday August 19 Luminous Mysteries
Friday August 20 Sorrowful Mysteries
Join Us in Prayer in the church
6:30 P.M.
|
|
PRAYER SERVICE
Hosted By
St. John XXIII Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
Blessed Michael McGivney
Prayer Hour.
Celebrate the Beatification our founder of the Knights of Columbus and prayers for his Canonization.
Join Us in Prayer in the church on Thursday August 12 at 7:00 PM
|
|
We all appreciate the beautiful grounds of St Jude Church. Many of us recall the tireless efforts of the Buildings and Grounds Ministry and a host of other volunteers who, under the watchful eye of Monsignor Sabia, developed the land into the beautiful spot it is today. This land is the first sight that people see when they arrive at the church for devotion, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other events.
This landscape did not become so beautiful by itself. Lawn mowing is done by contracted workers. All other gardening including weeding, mulch spreading, hedge pruning, and planting flowers and bulbs is done by volunteers.
These days we are grateful to the 6 member Buildings and Grounds for all their hard work and for the 3 other volunteers who have tried to keep the grounds vibrant and attractive. BUT they need help!!! They need your help!
In his encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis stated, “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family”
If you have ever thought about a rewarding way for you and your family to give service to your Church and connect with other members of the parish community this may be your answer. Volunteer hours are flexible depending on your availability and would require no more than a few hours each month. Students needing volunteer hour credit are encouraged to sign up.
|
|
Parish Center available!
We are still marketing our parish center (former school building) with the hope of offsetting operation costs. Please contact the parish office for more information.
|
|
Please remember in your daily prayers:
Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Joseph Bisignano, Sr., Bennett Gulyas, Vincent Daniello, Armando Aversa, Dyana vander Wielen, Kathryn Bicknell, Barbara Filazzola, David Bath, Martha Zenobia, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz
Also remember all healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and the men and women of the parish who are in the military.
If you have anyone that you would like to add to the list, please call the office or email with the name to be added.
|
|
Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for August is:
Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of
Heaven and Earth, may we obtain the joy
of everlasting life,
We pray to the Lord
|
|
Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat July 31 5:00pm Brett Southard
Sun Aug 1 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Aug 1 9:30am Deceased members of the Aulet
Family
Sun Aug 1 11:30am Steven J. Crowley
Mon Aug 2 9:00am For those who are ill, especially
those with COVID
Tue Aug 3 9:00am St. Jude Parishioners
Wed Aug 4 9:00am Deceased of the Parish
Thu Aug 5 9:00am Dominick Julian
Sat Aug 7 5:00pm Raymond A. Ferrara
Sun Aug 8 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Aug 8 9:30am Barbara Ciotti
Sun Aug 8 11:30am Barbara Garrity
The July Tabernacle Candle will be lit in memory of deceased Bonitatibus and Tranzillo family members
The parish office is taking Mass intentions for 2022. Requests will be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or email parish.ofice@stjuderc.com. Our weekend Mass times are Saturday 4:00 pm (October 1 - April 30) or 5:00 pm (May 1 - September 30). Sunday: 7:30 - 9:30 - 11:30. Weekday Masses are 9:00 am.
Information needed at the time of intention request: Your name, phone number, and email address (if available). and Name(s) for intention., The stipend is $15.00 and payable by check or cash.
If the 9:00 am Weekday mass is not listed, an intention has not been requested. Also, there are no public Masses on Friday mornings.
|
|
Monday through Thursday Weekday Masses will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.
The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 5:00 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am Mass are live streamed.
|
|
People can call the parish office to arrange to be added to the sick bound and home communion call list, for a clergy to bring them communion at their homes beginning in July |
|
First Friday Eucharistic Adoration
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30
The time that we spend with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time we will spend on earth. Please join us on the first Friday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
|
|
Children's Rosary First Sundays
We meet at 11 am before the 11:30 Mass by the Blessed Mother statue and follow proper covid protocols. No experience necessary.
|
|
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is located downstairs in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. Many new items for all occasions. Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Rosaries, Bibles, Statues, Medals & more. Variety of cards: Graduation, Birthday, Weddings, Get Well, Sympathy, etc. Come down & browse and find the perfect gift. For more info call: Parish Office - 203-261-6404 or call Fran Cambra - 203-261-2573.
|
|
Confession Hours
Confessions on Saturday afternoon will be in the day chapel at 3:00 pm on Saturdays. Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up and appointment or emailing.
|
The parish office is taking Mass intentions for 2022. Requests will be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or email parish.ofice@stjuderc.com. Our weekend Mass times are Saturday 4:00 pm (October 1 - April 30) or 5:00 pm (May 1 - September 30). Sunday: 7:30 - 9:30 - 11:30.
Weekday Masses are 9:00 am.
Information needed at the time of intention request: Your name, phone number, and email address (if available). and Name(s) for intention., The stipend is $15.00 and payable by check or cash.
|
|
Parish Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
Please 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.
|
|
|
|
St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
