A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
We have a choice. Everyday we can make an effort to develop an attitude of gratitude for all of the blessings God has showered on us. Or we can complain about all of the times that we feel we have been short-changed or slighted. The choice is ours.
The Gospel for Sunday, September 20, shows us that someone who works for only one hour gets the same payment as someone who works for an entire day. It is no wonder that those who worked twelve hours under the hot sun complained to the landowner. But Jesus does not side with the hard workers who toiled for hours. He says, “‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go,” and then, “Are you envious because I am generous?”
Do we identify with those who feel short-changed or slighted? Or do we identify with those who enjoy God’s blessing. We often think about how we would feel if we were the workers who toiled all day, but it might be better to envision ourselves as the ones who came later in the day. How grateful we would be for God’s generosity.
Jesus tells us that our God is both loving and generous. There is no limit to His mercy, forgiveness and compassion. He never gives up on us, but sadly, sometimes we give up on God. You may be familiar with a famous picture of Jesus standing on one side of a door, knocking. This image comes from the passage in the Book of Revelation which says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” If you look closely at the picture you notice that there is no door handle on the side where Jesus is standing. The handle is on our side, it is up to us to open the door and invite Jesus in.
This week, let us take some time to reflect on how God has been generous to us and take note of the many blessings that we have received.
The first reading from Sunday’s mass speaks of how God’s ways and thoughts may be different from our own. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.”
We may not always understand why God does the things He does, but we can be sure that He is a generous and loving. This Sunday’s Gospel affirms that.
It can take some effort to lift ourselves out of a feeling of being short-changed and slighted and adopt an attitude of gratitude. But it is worth the effort.
Sincerely,
Fr Henry
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Brothers as gift, St Francis of Assisi's experience -...
Fraternity for Saint Francis was not an abstract theory, but a concrete gift from God to each and every person. Even today, the "Poverello" of Assisi reminds us that we cannot truly be brothers and sisters if we do not see ourselves as children...
Read more
www.vaticannews.va
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SAVE THE DATES!
Now more than ever before, we need our annual Novena to St. Jude. We can come together in prayer as one St. Jude family to seek his intercession as our patron saint of Hopeless Causes during this Covid-19 pandemic, during this time of political dissension in our country, and for whatever we are personally faced with. Our prayers couldn't be more urgent, and so we are pleased to continue this tradition, beginning on Tuesday, October 20 and continuing through the feast day of St. Jude on Wednesday, October 28th. As in the past, we are inviting clergy from around our Diocese to join our own clergy in prayer and the celebration of the Masses which will be held at 7pm on weeknights, 4pm on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday. The Novena will be livestreamed as well. More details to follow.
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We are continuing to market our parish center, former school building. As you know, in the past we have offset some of the costs of operating the parish center through rental income. Owing to the Coronavirus we have lost our basketball and town clients. So in order to generate some income, we will continue to market the building. If you know of an individual or organization that may be interested, please let us know by contacting us at the parish office 203-261-6404. |
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Hello St. Jude Families!
It is with MUCH excitement that I announce our upcoming fall schedule. It has been a wild few months getting to this point, but I am SO glad we are finally here. Beginning next week each Sunday we will be hosting High School youth group! A middle school program, as well as elementary school aged options are to follow. I appreciate all who have shown us support all ready and I am eager to continue meeting you all as we grow in faith!
Sunday September 20: 3:30pm - 4:00pm - Setting Intentions, Faith Based Goals
Sunday September 27: 3:30pm - 4:00pm - The Basics of Prayer
All meetings will be held outside of the church and follow social distance guidelines. As we progress further into the fall additional updates will be provided.
Adult parish members if you are interested in joining youth ministry as an adult volunteer please reach out to Shannon! All are welcome.
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As the seasons begin to change so do the needs of our pantry. While we remain relatively well stocked on many items we do have some high demand products that require replenishment. At this time we are in need of: potatoes, mayonnaise, rice side dishes and boxed children’s cereal. In the coming weeks we plan to provide suggestions/guidance on items needed for our upcoming Thanksgiving pack in November. Thank you again for your continued support of our mission. God Bless.” |
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2020-21 Faith Formation for Children Update |
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Registration for the 2020-21 Religious Education Year is open. Please register your children promptly. Registration will close on Friday, Sept. 18 and the sessions begin on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Emails have been sent home to grades 2-3 and 8-9 for registration for the 2021 Spring Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. If you did not receive this email, please contact: Donna Lane, Coordinator of Faith Formation at:stjudemonroereligiouseducation@gmail.com
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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
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Mass Intentions for the Week
Sat Sept 19 5:00pm Delmastro and Carlson Families
Sun Sept 20 7:30am Susan Scholler
9:30am Maria Emilia Monteiro
11:30am Eileen Helen Russell
Mon Sept 21 8:30am The Petri Family
Tue Sept 22 8:30am Joseph Duffy
Wed Sept 23 8:30am Dionisio and Rosa Barroso
Thu Sept 24 8:30am Richard Spede
Fri Sept 25 8:30am Frank Kromholz
Sat Sept 26 5:00pm Anthony and Phyllis Aiello
Sun Sept 27 7:30am Mary and Margaret Gallagher
9:30am Pinto and DeAndrade Families
11:30am Ted and Edna Domkowski
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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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