A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
For our first Sunday of Lent, during the Holy Season of Lent, we hear about Jesus being tempted by the devil. It is a familiar reading. We have all heard it before. But it can always bring additional fresh insight — in that it involves that age-old struggle between good and evil, with the added dimension that, in this case, it is the Ultimate Good, Jesus himself, and the ultimate evil of the devil himself.
And what does this age-old struggle between good and evil have to do with our own lives? The first thing that comes to mind is that there is no doubt that we face temptation. All of us, at various times, have felt a strong pull toward sin. Everyone faces internal struggles, there is no getting around this. But, because of Jesus’ example, we know that we too can say “no” to temptation. Remember, to experience temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus, who is sinless, was tempted. In order for it to become sin, we must know that something is wrong and then willfully do it anyway. We are called to resist sin and the potential sin has to to hurt others as well as ourselves. If we resist sin, we are brought closer to God. If we give into sin, we drift further away from God.
And what did Jesus do, when the devil presented him with temptation? Jesus resorted to scripture. Yes, scripture, the holy word of God! Jesus used the Word of God to combat temptation. The more we become familiar with Scripture by reading the Bible, the more courage and strength we will have to face temptations in our own lives.
St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians ends this way: Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In holding the shield of faith before us, our faith in God becomes a shield that nothing can penetrate. As a shield protects a knight in battle, let your faith be strong enough to guard you against the challenges and temptations that you face.
In donning the helmet of salvation, we remember the price that Jesus paid for us to be saved. As we travel through this Lenten Season, we remember that Jesus’ journey led him to the Jesus’ crucifixion, before he rose from the dead.
A shield and a helmet are for protection, defense. Our spiritual offense is a sword. The sword of the Spirit, our weapon, St. Paul says is the Word of God, Scripture. Use this, as Jesus did when He was tempted. He used scripture to refute the devil’s arguments.
Sincerely yours, as a fellow soldier in our common battle against temptation,
Fr Henry
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Health and Safety Come First!!!
As I shared with you in a recent newsletter, so I share again, as I write these words on Thursday morning Feb 18, looking at the forecast for snow to continue through Friday afternoon and possibly into Friday evening.
Be Safe! Make the prudent decision! When it is snowing, please know that even if the main roads are being plowed, we still may not have cleared our parking lots. During any snowstorm, please give us ample time after the last snow flake has fallen to have the parking lot and walkways cleared and salted.
We do not want anybody to slip and fall as you attempt to negotiate on foot through any snow and over any ice, from your car to the church building.
If it does indeed snow late into the day Friday Feb 19, please stay home rather than coming to the Church to attend Stations and Adoration.
As a priest I whole-heartedly encourage you to come to Church, except when it is snowing hard, when it might be a safety risk.
Fr Henry
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10 Minutes of Prayer a Day |
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Matthew Kelly, in his book ‘I Heard God Laugh,’ speaks about things in our lives that we burden ourselves with that create an obstacle between us and God. Lent is the perfect time to take an inventory of our lives to determine what extra ‘stuff’ we carry around.
Weekly Reflection Questions:
· What burdens do I carry around each day?
· What is one thing that I can do without during this season of Lent?
Kelly’s quote for the week: “We need so little. We need so much less than we think we do.”
Visit our St. Jude Online Bulletin Board to add your thoughts and reflections about Lent. Password is Jude
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'Let Us Enter the Upper Room with the Lord' - Diocese of ...
My dear friends in Christ, for the last year, we have faced an unprecedented time that has dramatically changed every aspect of life, in ways known and unknown. One can say that we have lived a time of spiritual twilight, when we experienced a...
Read more
www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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What Does The Holy Father Pope Francis Ask Of Me, As A Pastor and Confessor?
During our Holy Father’s recent homily at his Ash Wednesday mass, “the pope again reminded confessors that they must be like the father in the story of the prodigal son and not use ‘a whip,’ but open their arms in a welcoming embrace.”
His words echo what Pope Benedict asked of me (and all priest confessors) in his “Apostolic Penitentiary,” decreed in March 2010. “The confessional as a place in which to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but also a place in which the faithful may find compassion, advice and comfort, feel that they are loved and understood by God and experience the presence of Divine Mercy.” In his words later that same year, in September 2010, Pope Benedict went on to speak of the importance of mercy as represented in the parable of the prodigal son.
And these words echo what Pope St John Paul II asked of all priest confessors in his “Letter of the Holy Father to Priests” of March 2002. The sacrament of reconciliation is to bring “the penitent into contact with the merciful heart of God through the friendly face of a priest.” The priest should provide to the penitent “listening, counsel, comfort and forgiveness.” “All who receive sacramental absolution ought to be able to feel the warmth of this personal attention. They should experience the intensity of the fatherly forgiveness offered to the prodigal son. They should be able to hear that warm and friendly voice of Jesus that spoke to sinners, calling them to new life.”
Please know that I have taken to heart the consistent message of our current and two most recent Holy Father’s and what they ask of me as a priest confessor. In particular, since each of them saw a connection between confession and the parable of the prodigal son (Luke: 11-32), I have spent much time meditating on that brief Gospel passage, as well as reading the many commentaries — one of the best being Henri Nouwen, “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” for those of you who have the time to read this most excellent spiritual book.
And please note that I have taken to heart how the current and two former Holy Fathers have asked that priest confessors be compassionate.
Believe me, having experienced the compassionate forgiveness that the Lord has shown me owing to my past sins, I intend to be a vehicle of the that same compassionate forgiveness that the Lord wishes to show you.
Let us do all we can to see that you have the opportunity to experience the Lord’s loving and compassionate forgiveness. For those of you who do not feel comfortable coming to the church, I will come to you (and social distance with masks on in your front yard, if that is your wish). I was at High Meadows recently hearing confessions.
Sincerely yours in the Love of Christ,
Fr Henry
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Ambassador Formational Program |
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The Diocese is sponsoring a spiritual and ministerial formation program. Please send an email to Fr Henry as soon as possible if you might be interested in becoming an Ambassador, and you would like additional information. Please note that in order to enroll in the program you must fully complete the application process by the week of February 22, 2021.
A wonderful opportunity to undergo spiritual and ministerial formation so that you can become a Prayer Warrior in our parish!
Please click on the image to the right to view/download a pdf file!
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St. Jude 2021 Lenten Information |
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Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross
Please join us at Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent.
Stations of the Cross 7:00 - 7:30 pm
Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 - 8:00 pm
You may also pray the USCCB Scriptural Stations of the Cross with Fr. Henry on YouTube at
The text of the USCCB Scriptural Stations of the Cross may be viewed at
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Lenten Confessions
In an effort to work out a way to hear everyone’s Lenten confession, and in compiling your more than one hundred responses to the confession time/date survey, we see overwhelmingly that you would prefer to make your lenten confession between 2 and 3pm on Saturday afternoons during Lent.
Priority will be given to those who contact Fr Henry in advance, with a date and time for Saturdays during Lent. You will get to come to the front of the line if you preregistered for a time and date. Hint, hint, hint!!!
So Fr Henry will be in the confessional for St Jude parishioners, Saturdays February 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27, from 2pm to 3pm. (He will not be hearing confessions on Holy Saturday April 3.) Please come during that first hour. This will be our personal St Jude Parishioners’ time. Fr Henry will also be in the confessional on those same Saturdays from 3-3:30pm as usual, but please note that we get a lot of people from other parishes during that time.
For those few who asked for other dates and times during the week (Sunday evenings at 7:30pm, Tuesday March 30 at 7:30pm, Wednesday, March 31 at 6pm), and those others who would like Fr Henry to come to your homes to hear your confessions, please contact him directly to schedule a private day and time, either in the day chapel of the church or at your home.
All in an effort to see that everybody has an opportunity to make their Lenten confession.
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St. Jude to offer Relics of the Passion Service March 7
MONROE- St. John XXIII Council 5987 of the Knights of Columbus will be hosting The Relics of the Passion at St. Jude Parish on Sunday March 7 at 2 pm. The service will take place in the church located at 707 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, Conn.
Read more
www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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For those who have not yet taken advantage of our Parish’s amazing subscription to Formed.org, or are sometimes overwhelmed with the incredible amount of offerings, we’ve gathered a few Lent suggestions for you!
Formed is an especially great resource to use during Lent to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and learn about the many beautiful aspects of our Catholic Faith!
Here are just a few ideas of NEW content on FORMED this Lent:
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I Thirst: 40 Days with Mother Teresa book discussion with Fr. Daniel Moloney (7-part FORMED Now series)
Living Lent as a Family (4-part FORMED Now series)
St. Joseph (4-part FORMED Now series)
Daily Reflections:
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Want suggestions that are geared toward the liturgical calendar?
Want a suggestion for the Pick of the Week?
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Some other great popular Formed resources that are perfect for Lent include:
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A Bonus!
As an added bonus, we have a raffle for those who sign up for (or use) Formed this Lent.
Send an email to formedteam@gmail.com with something you watched/read/listened to and enjoyed and we will enter you into a raffle to receive the acclaimed book “Consecration to St Joseph” by Fr. Donald Calloway!
To sign up as a new user, visit:
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Mary Beth Rauser will be facilitating a weekly Zoom Discussion Group based on Matthew Kelly’s Best Lent Ever Video Series and Journal.
We will meet Friday mornings from 9:30am to 11am beginning 2/19 and ending 3/26.
As part of the Parish Champion Program through Dynamic Catholic, we have received 40 copies of this year’s Best Lent Ever Journal to use to follow along with the Best Lent Ever video series with Matthew Kelly. If anyone is interested, please contact Mary Beth Rauser at 203-516-1821 or mbrauser@hotmail.com. First priority will go to those participating in the Best Lent Ever Zoom Study Group.
This is a great opportunity to come together and share our faith and discuss with others how God is speaking to us this Lent. Those who register will receive a Best Lent Ever Journal that has a daily question, reflection and space to journal/take notes based on Matthew’s daily videos.
If there is enough interest, Mary Beth is also willing to offer an evening session for those who can’t meet during the morning. Day and time to be determined.
Please contact Mary Beth to register at 203-516-1821 or mbrauser@hotmail.com
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For additional info, please contact:
Parish Pro-life Coordinator:
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Our parish has a gift for you!
We have created Lenten Prayer Bags which will be available after all Masses this weekend, on Ash Wednesday, and after Masses the following weekend (as long as supplies last). It is our hope that the items in the bag will remind you to pray the prayer process daily, and aid you in your prayer journey that we have embarked on as a parish. They may sweeten up your Valentine’s Day too! And for those of you attending Mass virtually, Bernice will have a few in the office if you would like to pick one up.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Mike Piatt, Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Patty Eng, Joseph Bisignano, Sr.,
Jim Tierney, Sr
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.
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Please join us as we pray our Monthly Parish Petition.
Our Intention for February is:
We pray for the repose of the souls of Priests, Religious and all people being murdered because of their Christian faith,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Feb 20 4:00pm Maria Emilia Monteiro
Sun Feb 21 7:30am William and Marjorie Mahoney and
Margaret Gray
Sun Feb 21 9:30am Beverly Roh
Sun Feb 21 11:30am Joyce C. Abbott
Mon Feb 22 9:00am In thanksgiving to St. Jude for favors
received
Tue Feb 23 9:00am Julia DeSousa
Wed Feb 24 9:00am John Chop
Thu Feb 25 9:00am Laura Burns
Sat Feb 27 4:00pm Margaret Baranosky
Sun Feb 28 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Feb 28 9:30am Mary Lou Farina
Sun Feb 28 11:30am The Pinto and DeAndrade families
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.
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Mass Schedule and Registration |
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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 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. The Saturday Mass at 4:00 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am Mass are live streamed.
Pre-registration is required for all weekend
For those of you who do not feel comfortable attending mass inside the church, please watch the Sunday 7:30 am live-streamed Mass. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html ) on your phone or computer and then come to the School parking lot to receive outdoor communion at 8:30 am. Fr Henry will be distributing Communion every Sunday, rain of shine, from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM in the School parking lot.
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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.
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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.
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First Friday Adoration 7- 8 PM |
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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: Valentine's Day, 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.
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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.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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