Reflection from Fr. Joseph

If you keep up with Catholic news, you may have noticed that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has embarked upon a 3-year “Eucharistic Revival Campaign”. Recognizing that in our post-Covid world there are many who have still not yet returned to Mass (some because of health reasons, but many others because of convenience or lack of interest), the Bishops want to renew our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This 3-year campaign includes special “Eucharistic Preachers” who are traveling the country to preach about the Eucharist, special publications and materials, and culminates in a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July of 2024 (which sounds pretty cool – if anyone wants to go, let me know!).

What an important renewal, indeed! With polls indicating that only 30% of Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, our church desperately needs to restore love and adoration for the greatest gift we could ever receive, God Himself. But I believe there are simpler ways to restore the belief in the Real Presence than a huge national campaign!

One of the goals that I believe the Holy Spirit has placed, burning, on my heart is to make our liturgies as reverent as possible. We have tried to do that through an increased use of incense, the use of patens (the plates that the altar servers hold during Communion, which prevent our Eucharistic Lord from falling to the ground in a mishap), and hopefully celebrating Mass with dignity. This weekend we will introduce a new way to physically express our reverence and devotion to our Eucharistic Lord: the opportunity to kneel while receiving Holy Communion.

We have new kneelers that will be placed at the Communion stations. Parishioners have the opportunity to either receive Communion standing, or to receive it kneeling. Kneeling is completely optional – though encouraged (if your health allows), as it is an outward sign of inward reverence.

Let me be clear: these outward signs of reverence are not an attempt to go back to some “pre-Vatican II” church, as some parishioners have feared. I do not celebrate the Latin Mass and have no plans to do so. However, there are some customs and traditions from the past that are seeing a renaissance in the Church, as they lead to greater reverence and devotion.

In my opinion, while liturgical reforms in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s were necessary, they sometimes “threw out the baby with the bathwater.” In trying to make the liturgy relatable, they made the liturgy often-banal and too casual. Now we see people approaching the Throne of Grace in tee-shirts and flip-flops; we see people receiving Communion as if it were a snack; we see people prioritizing anything other than the Mass, because the Mass appears no longer transcendent. We hope to restore a sense of the sacred by offering the opportunity to kneel for Holy Communion. We need to experience awe and wonder in the presence of God, for “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). We acknowledge God as our closest Friend, but at the same time the awe-inspiring Creator and Redeemer to whom we owe our entire lives.

When receiving Communion (either standing or kneeling), parishioners are welcome to choose to receive on the tongue or on the hand. I know that in our post-Covid world there is some considerable concern about the safety of distributing Communion on the tongue, and I recognize that many people feel uncomfortable about it. Just two weeks ago, however, President Biden said on national TV that “this pandemic is over.” In addition, it is the universal law of the church that recipients can choose how they are to receive, and no priest or deacon can refuse to distribute on the tongue. From a historical standpoint, reception on the tongue was the universal norm until 1977 when the United States (and a few other Western countries) began experimenting with Communion in the hand without the permission of the Vatican. The Vatican eventually relented and reluctantly allowed it because it had become widespread, but stipulated that it is allowed “on the condition of complete avoidance of any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist.” Unfortunately I think we can all agree that irreverence toward the Eucharist is sadly not avoided in too many cases, and one must wonder if the casual way we receive Him has contributed to the lack of faith in His Real Presence. If a non-Catholic walked into St. Jude’s on Sunday and observed how people receive Communion, would they know from our demeanor that it is Jesus we receive? Or would they think it is merely a symbol?

Theologically, reception on the tongue is a beautiful witness to several theological realities. It shows our humility in receiving Communion – we don’t “take” Communion as if we were owed it, but we “receive” it as a free gift from our Merciful Savior Who desires to be united to our souls. Reception on the tongue is an expression of “being fed” as a child is fed by their parents – and unless we become childlike, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God (as Jesus says). 

Our diocese no longer mandates that a priest/deacon/Eucharistic Minister needs to purify their hands after giving Communion on the tongue. In my experience, it is very rare to touch someone’s tongue when distributing Communion, so most worries are unfounded. Plus, there is no scientific evidence that Covid is spread by saliva, but only by exhaled aerosols from the lungs. My recommendation, then, if someone is uncomfortable with people before them receiving Holy Communion on the tongue, it would be best to sit up front where they can be one of the first to receive Communion.

Yet, please know that if you choose to receive kneeling, you can kneel and still receive on the hand if you wish.

My apologies for the length of this missive (if you’re still reading this, thank you for your patience!). But I don’t want to catch people off-guard or start rumors about why kneelers have suddenly appeared in the Church. We are not trying to go back to some “golden age” of the Church before the Second Vatican Council. Rather, we are trying to draw from the rich traditions of our Catholic Faith, traditions that speak to the hearts and souls of modern men and women with a sense of sacredness and dignity, traditions that give the greatest glory to God and make us as holy as possible!

Parish News

Confession Weekend

Our next Confession Weekend will be October 8/9 - Confessions before and after each Mass. Plan to come and experience the depths of God's infinite mercy for you!

Pet Blessing

Bring out your pets! We're having our annual St. Francis Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 2 at 2pm on the plaza next to the St. Jude's statue. Come and join us, and bring your dog/cat/rabbit/bird or any other exotic animal in your family!

Convocation - No Mass

Every three years, all of the priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport gather for their Convocation: a time of prayer, fraternity, and study. This year, the priests will be gathering from Monday-Wednesday, October 10-12, for their Convocation. During this time, no Masses will be celebrated in the Diocese of Bridgeport (you are welcome to attend Mass in Derby or Milford, which is in the Archdiocese of Hartford). Please pray for all of the priests who will be on retreat, praying for you!

Not Too Late!

Although a lot is already taking place in the parish, it's not too late to join! Tap into the Monday Night Dash Through the New Testament, our monthly Mom's Group, the launch of Kid's Club or Youth Encounters, Saturday morning Men's Bible Study, and so much more. This parish is teeming with activities to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ and in friendship with one another - come on out and join us!

AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA ROSARY RALLY

     OCTOBER 15TH, 2022. 12:00 P.M.

          ST. JUDE CHURCH

              RTE 111

           MONROE, CT.

Only prayer can save our Nation and allow it to flourish. We will be praying the Rosary to honor Our Blessed Mother and ask her intercession to overcome the evil in our Country.

Please join our Parishioners as part of this National movement to pray the Rosary in public. We will be praying alongside of RTE 111 in front of St. Jude Parish.

Columbiettes Afternoon Tea

The Saint Jude Columbiettes are hosting an afternoon tea in the social hall on Sunday October 16 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, featuring a guest speaker from Bigelow Tea, talking about the history of tea and the health benefits of tea. There will be raffle baskets and door prizes. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased after all masses on October 1,2, 8 and 9. For further information call 203-331-6662.

Invitation to Seniors - Updated

Calling all St Jude and St Stephen parishioners of a certain age! 

Are you ready to gather at the Msgr Sabia Social Hall at St Jude Parish to celebrate the new school year even though you haven’t been to school in a while?     

And this time there will be no homework!

Have you been thinking about how nice it would be to share prayer and fellowship with others   

And perhaps even have a conversation about something other than Covid and the weather?  

If any of this sounds interesting to you, please consider joining us. 

We plan to meet on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM.

Our first official meeting will be on Thursday, October 13^th.

We hope you can join us. 

Bring a friend!

And bring an idea for a name of this group.

If you have questions, please give us call or catch us at church!

Ellen & Doug Stevens

203-268-9229

ellenstevens@charter.net

RCIA Introduction on Saturday October 8th

A good and wise pastor once said, “A key trait of a Catholic is someone who believes life is worth living!” If you or someone you know is interested in exploring the truth about the Catholic faith and learning how it makes life worth living, please join me on Saturday October 8th at 9:30 m in the Parish Office. We will discuss the RCIA process and how it helps bring you closer to Christ in preparation for initiation into the faith. Please contact Deacon David at deacon.flynn@stjuderc.com. 

Food Pantry Update

Our pantry is currently experiencing unusually higher demand. As a result our surpluses have been depleted and we are in need of the following items: peanut butter, oatmeal, canned corn and peas, jarred pasta sauces and condiments of any kind. Boxed children’s cereal is always appreciated. Our gratitude for your response to our request for the much need items, as well as your continued support of our ministry.

Hopeline Diaper Needs                                                   

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has an immediate need for disposable diapers. They are currently very low with no size 4 or 6 and only a few left in size 5. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers in the outer vestibule of the church. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

The inaugural Softball Game with St Stephen's Parish was a great time! 

Fr. Joseph's team won 10-8 thanks to a 2-run home run by Tom Colville! Be on the lookout for another game in the Spring!

Announcing a new women's bible study

beginning at St. Jude's next month

In a world where women are measured by their beauty, achievements, and possessions, wouldn’t it be nice to find a place where you could just be valued for who you are? Living in the Father’s Love will lead you to that safe place where you are unconditionally loved, baggage and all. This brief but powerful six-lesson Bible study is the ideal way to revive and refresh yourself. Discover just how much God loves us and how the Gospels are deeply relevant to our relationship with God and with those we love.

When: Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm -OR- Fridays 9:30-11:00 am

Starting 10/14 & 10/19

**Childcare may be available if requested**

Wednesday's session is conveniently offered during the new 6 pm Children's prayer group followed by 6:30 pm Religious Education class for parents to participate during this time

Cost: The cost is $20 which includes material

Registration required for materials: https://osvhub.com/st-jude-church-monroe/forms/wwp2022

Questions?

Contact Mary Beth Rauser: 203-516-1821 / mbrauser@hotmail.com (Friday morning coordinator) or Annette Bonomo: 203-895-9978 / abonomo200@earthlink.net (Wednesday evening coordinator)

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Wednesday 10/26 at 7 pm in the social hall to begin the series Motherhood Matters on Formed.org.

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is this Wednesday 10/5 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Save the Date:  Holiday Get Together and Board and Brush Event - Friday 12/9 at 7:30 pm 

Youth Encounter nights start September 16th, see you there!

MAGNIFICAT

A Ministry to Catholic Women invites you to a prayer breakfast on Saturday November 12th, 9:30-12:30 at 

Tashua Knolls

40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull CT  

Our Guest speaker, Louise Carson, will share her testimony and lifelong ministry and devotion to God. 

Cost $25.00 per person, reservations required by October 31, 2022. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, please call

Carol Flynn  203-775-3875 or email  magnificatthmi@gmail.com

Invitation is available in the Women's Ministry Section of the Diocese of Bridgeport website.  

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or Use your phone camera, hover over QR Code and it will take you directly to Eventbrite to register for the Breakfast

By attending a Magnificat meal, a woman hears the witness at her table or as a speaker and is encouraged to stay the course of faith during difficult times. At a Magnificat meal, we give praise to God in song, in scripture and in prayerful teachings that lift our spirits. It is truly a wonderful opportunity for women to meet and greet other women as Mary did when she greeted Elizabeth. It is awesome to witness the transformation of women from when they come into the breakfast and when they leave. There is such love in the room and we all become Sister's in Christ. After hearing a testimony of one’s life it gives the listener hope and joy that God is ever so present in their own life.

Please remember to invite your friends, relatives, church members, and even strangers to this event.  We are hoping to get more than 200 women to witness and experience what love, faith, and mercy can bring to their lives.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Michael Serke, Leroy Moye, Richard Carrano, Dr. John Kezel, Joseph Sheridan, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Violeta Shala, Vito Melfi, Amanda Alarcon, Patti F. and Anne DeVita

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.

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention. 

Our Petition for October is:

As we celebrate RESPECT FOR LIFE Month,

may we reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life. May God grant us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect all life from conception until natural death,

     We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat  Oct 1     8:30am           Margaret Regan

Sat Oct 1      4:00pm           Ted and Edna Domkowski

Sun Oct 2      7:30am           St Jude Parishioners

Sun Oct 2      9:30am           Tony Calise

Sun Oct 2      11:30am         Luis and Paquita Regina, Sr.

Mon Oct 3      9:00am           Rob DeLuca

Tue Oct 4      9:00am           Margaret Mende

Wed Oct 5      9:00am           Gertrude M. Mason

Thu Oct 6      9:00am           Denis and Michael Gallagher

Sat Oct 8      4:00pm           Isabel Dantas Teixeira

Sun Oct 9      7:30am           St Jude Parishioners

Sun Oct 9      9:30am           Deceased members of the

                                               Corrigan Family

Sun Oct 9      11:30am         Angelo Mancini

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of the Dantas Family during 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.

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.

(Live-streamed Masses may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html )

Men’s Bible Study

All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.

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: Gifts and cards, statues, rosaries and more. Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.