What a joy it is to celebrate the season of the Sacraments! Tomorrow, approximately 60 of our young people will be receiving their first Confessions, and the following day they will receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist for the first time. Later this month, approximately 80 of our teens will receive their Confirmation, as Bishop Caggiano will be here to invoke the fire of the Holy Spirit on their lives.
For me, this is an occasion of mixed joy and sorrow. The joy is incredible – these young people have prepared so long and hard for this Sacrament, and many of them have shown so much faith. At our last First Communion class, three of the young second-grade boys decided, on their own, to prepare for the Sacrament by kneeling down in front of the St. Jude statue in the social hall, praying all the prayers that they knew. I was very inspired to see them demonstrate how much they loved the Lord – heedless of everyone else’s opinion, they were willing to kneel in front of the social hall and pray. May we all follow such a radical example!
Right after Pope Benedict was elected pope, he held an audience with children preparing for their First Communions, and took questions from them. He reflected on his own experience:
“I remember my First Communion day very well. It was a lovely Sunday in March 1936, 69 years ago. It was a sunny day, the church looked very beautiful, there was music…but at the heart of my joyful and beautiful memories is this one: I understood that Jesus had entered my heart, He had actually visited me. And with Jesus, God Himself was with me. So on that day I was really filled with great joy because Jesus came to me and I realized that a new stage in my life was beginning. I was 9 years old, and it was henceforth important to stay faithful to that encounter. I promised the Lord as best as I could, ‘I always want to stay with You…but above all, stay with me.’ The day of my First Communion was the beginning of a journey made together.”
And this is the beautiful reality of the Sacraments – they are encounters with Jesus, where He lives in our souls and makes us holy. But here is where the sorrow comes in, a sorrow I share with almost every other parish priest: how little do we understand and appreciate the gift of the Sacraments!
As Catholics, we believe that Sacraments are efficacious of themselves. Thus we can baptize babies and they really do receive grace, even without an explicit act of faith. We can anoint unconscious people near death, because the Sacrament actually works even if a person is unconscious. But the amount of grace we receive is based on our own disposition. When a person eagerly desires to receive the Eucharist; when they have made a personal commitment to follow Christ before Confirmation; when their souls are in the state of grace, then they receive all the transformative power of the Sacrament. But if a person just goes through the motions of a Sacrament and does it because “that’s what’s expected” or because all of their peers are doing it, then they receive the Sacrament but none of its transforming power. In theology we make the distinction between a valid Sacrament and a fruitful Sacrament. “Valid” means that the Sacrament worked (the person was really baptized, or really Confirmed, etc) – “fruitful” means that the Sacrament caused an increase in union with Jesus, which comes from receiving the Sacrament with faith and love.
It always causes grief to realize that these young people, many of them so excited to receive their Sacraments, will not be back next Sunday to put the Sacraments into action in a life of faith. We, as parents/godparents/grandparents/friends have a very important role to play in “stirring up” the faith which makes Sacraments fruitful. A couple ways to do that:
First, pray for the candidate(s) receiving the Sacraments. It is ultimately God’s grace that causes us to hunger for Him.
Second, make sure that when you celebrate a big Sacrament like First Communion or Confirmation, we make a bigger deal about the spiritual reality than about the cake/dress/party. It’s great to receive gifts and have an awesome party to celebrate such a momentous event, but what they have received spiritually is far greater than that. So we must keep the eyes of the candidate fixed on the supernatural reality rather than the window-dressing.
Third, make sure the Sacrament isn’t seen as a graduation, but a beginning. All of us couldn’t wait until we graduated high school or college, but then we realized that all of that learning and knowledge had to be put to use in the real world. In the same way, First Communion should prepare us for our second Communion, and third Communion, etc. Confirmation isn’t the end, but the beginning of a life of holiness and witness to the world of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. This means that after we receive the Sacraments, we continue to form our kids through youth group, Family Ministry events, and growing in faith together as a family.
Fourth, make sure that we reflect hunger for the Sacraments in our own lives! Parents and grandparents, share with your grandkids the excitement YOU feel when you have the blessing to receive Jesus Christ every week in the Blessed Sacrament! Tell your Confirmation candidate about your attempts to witness to Christ in the midst of a world that is often hostile to Him. Our joy in the Sacraments should “rub off” on those preparing to receive them.
I am overjoyed to celebrate these Sacraments with your young people this month of May. What an opportunity for Christ to break through in their lives! More than just a “rite of passage” or an empty ritual, these Sacraments are touchpoints of our union with Jesus Christ. I pray that all of us as a community – especially the parents and those helping students approach the Sacraments – may do everything in our power to bring these Sacraments to full fruitfulness in the lives of our youth!
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Parish Clean-Up - All Hands On Deck!
It's time for "spring cleaning" - going through the clutter and chaos that ends up in closets and corners - and our parish is no different! Please come and help volunteer with both outside and indoor cleaning and organizing of St. Jude's Church, School, and Offices on Saturday, May 7th from 8am until 12noon. Bring work gloves and a good spirit! Great for all ages!
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St. Jude Parish Pastoral Council needs You
Do you want to be on an Advisory panel for Fr. Joseph?
Do you want to be part of the team that works with all the Ministries in our Parish and have the opportunity to share your talents with everyone?
Maybe the Parish Pastoral Council is for you.
The Parish Council consists of a small group of a cross-section of Parishioners that sign up for a 3 year term. The Parish Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month for about an hour to discuss parish plans. If interested, please reach out to Fr. Joseph or Rich Lane at richard.lane2021@gmail.com or call (203) 517-6821.
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St. Jude Columbiettes Spring Trunk Sale – Flea Market
Saturday June 4th from 9 am to 2 pm in the St. Jude Church Parking Lot, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06484
Vendors can reserve a spot for $30 equal to 2 parking spaces. Vendors need to provide their own tables. Event is rain or shine. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes.
Please note all vendors need to be Virtus certified.
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ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS!
Thank you to all who participated in our St. Jude Divine Mercy Art Contest! You can check out all of the beautiful artwork in the church vestibule this weekend!
An age-appropriate Divine Mercy Book Prize will be given to each of the age group winners below! Jesus, we trust in You!
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The Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive
Another successful Spring Needs Drive, The Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive took place this past Saturday, April 23. Donations included furniture, clothing, & household items which were delivered to Goodwill in Monroe & the Salvation Army in Bridgeport. Diapers & wipes were collected for Hopeline along with gift cards & we collected nonperishable foods for our pantry as well as Blessed Sacrament. In addition, we also donated clothes for Blessed Sacrament.During our Needs Drive.
We had a presentation/dedication in memory of Domingo Arribas who for years was so instrumental in making it a success. Father Joseph opened the dedication with a prayer & Father Skip & Monsignor Robert Weiss came down for the ceremony & shared their experiences/stories working with Dom & his efforts with the Needs Drive. The Arribas family were very touched by the dedication & thanked the Knights & Columbiettes.
Thanks again for all your help with the Drive. Once again, the success of these drives is dependent on donations from our St Jude community and the help of our volunteers. Thank you, thank you.....
Have a great summer & see you again for our next drive in October.
May God Bless....
--
Rocky Scali & Frank Flynn
Knights of Columbus
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Please pray for Vocations to the priesthood, religious life and the permanent diaconate.
If you are interested in learning how you can support vocations
contact Karin Tierney or Deacon David Flynn.
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In the Spirit of Trust
Men's Retreat
May 13-15, 2022
Holy Family Retreat Team
Our retreat theme “In the Spirit of Trust” will explore the notion of trust and how it is gained, as well as lost. We will hope to share our personal faith experiences of trusting in God’s providence and help one another to build a foundation for lasting trust in the one who created us and loves us. And in the process, we hope to become more trustworthy Christian people on the journey of faith, bringing about a world of justice and peace as members of the Body of Christ.
The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass at 10:45 a.m. followed by a hot brunch at noon. Families of retreatants are most welcome to attend the Sunday Mass and brunch at no extra charge.
Offering: $325; more if you can, less if you can’t.
A Day to Breathe
Join us on Friday morning of your retreat weekend (any time after 9:00 a.m.), check in early, enjoy some quiet time and a nurturing lunch, and settle in before the retreat begins. Offering: $50
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The Columbiette’s Auxiliary of Saint John XXIII Knights of Columbus cordially invites you to a virtual tea party fundraiser to support our charitable works. After all masses the weekend of March 26 and 27, 2022, members of the Columbiette’s will be distributing invitations to parishioners. Each envelope includes a tea bag, a request for prayer response card and return envelope. Please write the names of your loved ones , living or deceased that you would like us to include in prayer. At the Columbiette’s May meeting we will pray a rosary and include the names of all your intentions.
Please return the response card with your donation by May 5th. You can drop in the basket at mass, drop off at the parish office or mail to:
St Jude Columbiettes
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
We appreciate all your support.
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We Need Children to Help Carry Flowers for the May Crowning!
First Communicants who are interested in participating in the May Crowning on Saturday May 21st at 5 pm can contact Family Ministry Coordinator Jessica Iannotta at jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com
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Vacation Bible School Registration is now OPEN!
We need more ADULT and TEEN volunteers!
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Save the Date!
St. Jude's Mom's Group Kickoff Meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday May 18th at 7 pm. Contact Jessica Iannotta for more information and click here to register for the group contact list.
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Camp Veritas - Best Catholic Summer Camp Ever!
Camp Veritas is a week-long sleep-away camp for teens entering grades 7-12! Held in upstate NY, this camp combines all the amazing camp activities of sports, boating, swimming, rock climbing, zip lines, and making great friends with our Catholic faith: daily Mass, Rosary, Adoration, powerful worship music, dynamic talks. Where else can you play dodgeball with nuns, or go straight from the sports field to encountering Christ in the Eucharist!
All kids in grades 6-12 are invited to register for a week of Camp Veritas! The dates are August 8-13 (for rising 10th-12th graders) or August 14-20 (for rising 7th-9th graders). Special discount - through the generosity of benefactors, all St. Jude parishioners will automatically receive a $200 discount on their registration!
This camp is an incredible, life-changing, unforgettable week - not only the most fun you will ever have, but also the most powerful encounter with Jesus Christ. Fr. Joseph will be there - hope to see our St. Jude's youth there as well!
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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.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Michael Serke, Kristen Kelly, Leroy Moye, Richard Carrano, Judy Thomas, Dr. John Kezel, Joseph Sheridan, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Janice Moran, Stephen Henn, Robert Orol
All healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and the men and women 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 in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for April is:
May we use the remaining days of Lent to prepare our hearts and souls for the Glorious Feasts of the Resurrection of Our Lord, and His gift of Divine Mercy Sunday...
We pray to the Lord
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Our Petition for May is:
As we remember all our beloved Military men and women who died to preserve our freedom, may we invoke MARY, our QUEEN OF PEACE to end the wars against evil we now face in our Country and in our World,
We pray to the Lord
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2023 MASS BOOK IS OPEN
Here’s some helpful information to guide you when you request a Mass.
- ANNOUNCED MASSES: Offered for a particular intention on a specific date. They are announced at mass and published in our newsletter.
- SANCTUARY CANDLE: The candle burns in honor/memory of someone or a special intention for a particular month. The intention is published in our newsletter.
Stipend: Mass $10.00
Sanctuary Candle (month) $75.00
Payment by cash or check at time of request.
Please Note: By Papal Decree a mass every weekend is to be said for the parishioners. Therefore , we have only 3 masses a weekend available for intentions.
We are offering weekday masses, Monday thru Thursday, and have added the 1st Saturday mass.
Requests can be made through email, parish.office@stjuderc.com or by phone (203)261-6404 or by visiting the parish office Monday-Thursday 9-3
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Apr 30 4:00pm Istvan and Jolan Holecz
Sun May 1 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun May 1 9:30am The Andrew Oros and Richard
Robinson Families
Sun May 1 11:30am The Bernath Family
Mon May 2 9:00am Intention of Lauren Buckley
Tue May 3 9:00am Deceased members of the Yash
And Pekar families
Wed May 4 9:00am Robert St. John
Thu May 5 9:00am Mary Volpe
Sat May 7 8:30am All souls in Purgatory
Sat May 7 5:00pm Christine Grinavic
Sun May 8 7:30am Margaret Mende
Sun May 8 9:30am John Werdmann
Sun May 8 11:30am Howard Saad
The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of the Dantas Family during the month of May.
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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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. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:00 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am Mass are live streamed.
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***DUE TO FIRST COMMUNION MASSES THIS WEEKEND THE NEXT CHILDREN'S ROSARY WILL BE NEXT WEEKEND 5/8 AFTER 9:30 AM MASS
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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.
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Divine Mercy Chaplet
Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church
"Jesus we Trust in You"
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Flame of Love Rosary
Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass
"Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity"
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop |
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is located downstairs in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. Fr. Joseph's Books and CD's are available in the Gift Shop. Also new items: New Easter Cards, Communion & Confirmation gifts, statues, rosaries and more. Come and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261 6404 |
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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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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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