Christian Europe had been under siege. Muslim troops had already conquered most of Spain, and were creeping forward toward Christian France. Pressures from the other side, from Istanbul, threatened the safety of the Christians on the eastern end of Europe. The Mediterranean Sea was rife with Islamic pirates, and their sailors had begun to make inroads in conquering the islands of Cyprus and were headed towards Greece and Sicily.
The Christians needed to act, and act fast. Pope Pius V arranged for a mixed army of French, Italian, and Spanish Christian soldiers and sailors, and hastily raised a navy to fight off the invaders. But the military might wasn’t enough – the Islamic forces were ruthless, strong, and battle-tested. The Christians would need a strength beyond their ability to fight.
So the Pope turned to prayer. He sent a message far and wide to every Catholic Church he could reach, begging people to pray the Rosary for the success of this naval battle – in which hung the entire future of Europe and Christianity itself. The request was heeded, and thousands of Catholics appealed to God through the Rosary.
On October 7, 1571, the day dawned for one of the most famous naval battles ever: the Battle of Lepanto. Off the small Greek island of Lepanto, the two forces clashed in a day-long battle that raged and raged. When the dust and gunpowder had settled, the Catholic forces had won a surprising but resounding victory. The Turkish army slinked back to their lands, and slowly began a withdrawal of troops from Europe, leading to a rebirth of the Christian faith in formerly Muslim lands.
The Pope recognized that the resounding success of the Battle of Lepanto was not due to their ships or sailors, but to the intercession of the Mother of God. Hence, he declared October 7 to be the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and that October would be considered the “Month of the Holy Rosary.”
Do you pray the Rosary? It is a beautiful prayer that not enough people relish. But the Rosary is powerful because it is “looking at the life of Christ through the Eyes of Mary” (as Pope St. John Paul II put it). When we speak the words of the Rosary, we are speaking to God through His Mother – and when we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, we are allowing God to speak to us through the thoughts and images that He places in our minds.
Stay tuned to next week’s bulletin for more about how we can get the most out of the Rosary! But for now, please come and join us to honor Our Lady of the Rosary with a couple special Rosaries, led by the Knights of Columbus, on Monday October 4 and Tuesday October 5 at 7pm by Our Lady’s statue in the back of church, by the entrance to the social hall. All are welcome!
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Whether it's a Bible or Faith Study, a Time for Prayer, or participating in a media streaming, podcast or discussion group, St. Jude has something for you! Please click here to view/download the Faith Formation booklet and discover all the many informative and exciting programs and events available to you at St. Jude. Hope to see you soon!
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First Saturday Rosary and Mass
Join us Saturday, October 2, 2021
The First Saturday Devotion began when Mary explained the devotion to Lucia at Fatima, in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The devotion includes:
· Confession (shortly before or after the First Saturday)
· Holy Communion received on the First Saturday of each month
· The Holy Rosary, five decades recited sometime during the day; and
· Meditating for 15 minutes on the Mysteries of the Rosary (one or more)
We will gather in the church for recitation of the rosary at 8am with mass following at 8:30am.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available following mass for those that wish to partake.
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PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGILS
Please join our Parish Pro-life Ministry at a Prayer Vigil to save our precious babies in front of Planned Parenthood on Sundays, October 17th and 24th from 2:00-4:00 P.M.
For add'l information please contact Parish Pro-life Coordinator:
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FR. HENRY'S MASS & RECEPTION
October 31st at 11:30 MASS
Followed by Reception in Social Hall
We would like to have YOUR PHOTOS taken with Fr. Henry to display at his Reception even if you are unable to attend.
Please leave photos, no larger than 5"×7", in an envelope with your name on it in the container under the Basket table in the Church lobby. Please note that photos cannot be returned. All photos need to be received by Oct. 12th to be included. (Please note that digital photos are also needed and can be emailed to communications.stjuderc@gmail.com.)
Please join us as we thank Fr. Henry for his eight years of dedicated Priestly service to our Parish family!
Karin Tierney
St. Jude Parish Council
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Confession Weekend
In order to encourage the faithful to take advantage of the beautiful and healing Sacrament of Confession, we will be making the Sacrament available before and after all Saturday and Sunday Masses on October 9 & 10. Please come and participate in this life-giving Sacrament - do not be afraid, especially if it's been a while!
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Young Adult Ministry
As Jesus sat around a table and ate and drank with his friends, so do we want to do the same. Fr. Joseph is hosting a Theology on Tap secession on Thursday night, October 14th at Jennie's restaurant in Monroe from 7:00 to 9:00PM. Young adults (ages 21-39) in the parish are welcome to to join in for a lively discussion on scripture, theology and living a Catholic life. The "first round" is sponsored by our own Knights of Columbus council. Please RSVP to the parish office ( parish.office@stjuderc.com ) so we can have a number to expect.
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The Chosen – Group Study
All are invited!
When: Friday mornings, beginning October 2nd for 8 weeks
If there is enough interest, and evening session will also be available.
Time: 9:30am to 11am
Where: St. Jude Social Hall (in person), or join us via Zoom
Participants will watch The Chosen Season 1 series at home on their own.
We will then gather together for discussion and sharing of the week’s episode using the official companion study of the Chosen which can be purchased from Amazon ($14.39). You will find the link to the guide below. A link to the official trailer for Season 1 is also below.
Registration is required so as to properly prepare.
This is the official companion study to season 1 of The Chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? parallels each episode, connecting readers to the Bible in a brand-new way. It includes:
· A deeper look at Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus and the lives of His followers (including us!)
· Script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the show
· Guiding questions for groups or individuals
Being chosen by Jesus has beautiful and far-reaching implications—although it says even more about the Chooser than the choosees. We are loved because He is love. We are saved because He is merciful. We belong to the family of God because Jesus invites us, making the Bible and all its promises as true for us today as it was for God’s chosen nation.
What does it actually mean to be Chosen? To answer that question, we’re going Old school—Testament that is—which leads us back to the New. Which always leads us directly to Jesus.
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Food Pantry Update
“Our pantry remains quite full due to the continued generosity of your Parishioners. We are beginning to make our preparations as the cooler weather and holiday’s approach. As a result, our current needs will focus on our Thanksgiving extended pack. In the coming weeks will be looking for items such as turkey gravy, chicken broth, stuffing mix, boxed and canned potatoes, canned corn, and cranberry sauce. We can always use coffee and hot cocoa mix!!
NOTE: If you are, or know of someone in need, please know we are here to serve. Simply contact Liz Romeo (lizromeo65@gmail.com) or the Parish Office and they will guide you to us. All communication is strictly confidential.
Thank you again for your continued support of our mission!”
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All young people grades 6-12 are invited to
ENCOUNTER
A time to encounter God and one another through games, food, prayer, conversation, and fun.
Friday, October 8th
Friday, November 12th
Friday, December 10th
From 7-9pm
No cost – no sign-ups – just show up!
Virtus-trained parents welcome to come and chaperone. For more information, contact Fr. Joseph at frgill@diobpt.org.
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Dash Through the Old Testament - How much do you know about the Old Testament? Many Catholics are afraid to explore the first half of the Bible. But this fall, please come and join Fr. Joseph on Monday nights starting Sept. 20 at 7pm for a quick dive into the Old Testament! Every Monday from Sept. 20-Easter (except for holidays), 7-8:15pm. No cost - no sign-ups, just show-up - and bring a Bible! Great for adults and teens alike!
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Blessing of Pets -1pm on Sunday, October 3rd
Everyone is invited to join us for our annual Blessing of Pets in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis! Come bring your furry (or scaly!) friend to the plaza with the statue of St. Jude at 1pm on Sunday, October 3rd, for a blessing!
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Have you read any good books lately?
If you want a well written book with an intriguing plot about the challenges faced by a Catholic priest in a small town, a ‘group of 9 readers’ suggests Fr. Joseph’s first novel, “Days of Grace”. The plot will catch your interest, the vivid writing will pull you in, and you will find many spiritual nuggets along the way.
Some of the things that the ‘9 readers’ said after reading the book:
· The plot was interesting and believable. The pastor was put into an impossible position and I wanted to know how he was going to get out of it.
· I was impressed with the quality and style of writing, the way the author explained, without preaching, the message of Jesus and Mary that unfolded in the novel.
· The author ‘had me at the first page’.
· The intense suffering of the two teens who were changed and changed many people in the small town, through their devotion to Our Lady, was very moving.
· This is a story of Evil vs Divine. God is greater, and the Divine will always conquer evil.
· The Divine matters in everyday life. There is no limit to what God can do in our lives.
· We have much to be thankful for in our lives.
And just two of the many memorable quotes:
· “With every grace comes a cross. With every cross comes grace.”
· “At that moment, I pierced the hidden things of God and understood, if only for a passing glimpse, the mystery of grace”
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SAVE THE DATE
FOR A DISCUSSION AND Q & A WITH FATHER JOSEPH ON “DAYS OF GRACE”. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AFTER THE FIRST SATURDAY MASS. BOOKS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE PARISH OFFICE OR AT OUR GIFT SHOP FOR $10.
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Explore your faith
Our Catholic Faith is so rich with meaning that we can always learn more. We will be holding a monthly session to dig deeper into the meaning of our faith.
Our first session will be held on Saturday October 9 starting at 9 am. The session will run one hour and be held in the Social Hall
The topic will be the Meaning of the Mass
The Mass is full of tradition, meaning, and spirituality. No matter how often we attend Mass we can always learn something new that will help us to better appreciate this wonderful gift we have been given.
I look forward to seeing you at this session
Deacon John
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October Rosary
Hosted By
St. John XXIII Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
Monday Oct. 4th Joyful Mysteries
Tuesday Oct. 5th Sorrowful Mysteries
Wednesday Oct.13th Glorious Mysteries
Thursday Oct. 14th Luminous Mysteries
Join Us in Prayer at The
“Mary, Madonna of Peace” Statue
7:00 P.M.
Weather permitting if not the church
please bring your own chairs.
October is dedicated to the most Holy Rosary
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Silver Rose Prayer Service
Monday October 18th at 6:30 PM in the church
Prayer service to share the message of our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life. Prayer serviceconsists of prayers, scripture readings and litany.
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5th Sunday Rosary
October 31th at 11:00 AM in the church
Please Join Us
Pope Francis October Intention
Missionary Disciples
“We pray that every baptized person may be engaged in evangelization, available to this mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavor of the gospel”.
This is a New Program to help bring parishioners to gather in a spiritual activity and promote devotion to Mary. St. John XXIII Council will be participating in this program throughout our Fraternal Year.
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Knights of Columbus Pasta Dinner on 10/23
We will be selling tickets after the masses on the weekends of 9/10 & 16/17.
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Financials for the Year Ending June 30, 2021 will be available at the back of the church this weekend. |
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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, Joseph Bisignano, Sr., Bennett Gulyas, Vincent Daniello, Armando Aversa, Dyana vander Wielen, David Bath, Martha Zenobia, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz, Daniel Louis Bianco, Zoey Frigo, Koswenda Family
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 in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for October is:
May we ask Mary's intercession, as Our Lady of the Rosary, to protect our precious babies as we offer Rosaries to end abortion,
We pray to the Lord.
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Oct 2 4:00pm Jose Dantas and Isabel Dantas-Teixeira
Sun Oct 3 7:30am Margaret Mende
Sun Oct 3 9:30am Joan Davoren
Sun Oct 3 11:30am Yolanda and Joseph Riccio
Sat Oct 2 4:00pm Jose Dantas and Isabel Dantas-Teixeira
Sun Oct 3 7:30am Margaret Mende
Sun Oct 3 9:30am Joan Davoren
Sun Oct 3 11:30am Yolanda and Joseph Riccio
Mon Oct 4 9:00am Deceased members of the Gallagher
And Kealy families
Tue Oct 5 9:00am Gertrude M. Mason
Wed Oct 6 9:00am Patty Eng
Thu Oct 7 9:00am Deceased members of the Corrigan
Family
Sat Oct 9 4:00pm John Addesa
Sun Oct 10 7:30am Richard and Mary Giannino
Sun Oct 10 9:30am Carlo Longo
Sun Oct 10 11:30am In Thanksgiving for answered
prayers
The Tabernacle Candle will burn in loving memory of Jose Dantas and Isabel-Dantas Teixeira for the month of October
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 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. Please note that the Saturday mass time moves to 4:00PM on October 2 and will stay at 4:00 until April 30, 2022.
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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 |
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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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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.
Note: there will be no Children's Rosary next Sunday 10/3 due to the start of religious education.
We have a special Children's Rosary on Thursday 10/7 at 4:30 pm by the Blessed Mother statue, in honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. All are welcome.
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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: 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.
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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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