Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Happy Thanksgiving! Recently someone pointed out to me that this is really the only American holiday that everyone celebrates – something that truly brings us together as a nation! When I studied in Italy, we had a wonderful tradition of inviting any expat Americans to the American college in Rome for this celebration, where we cooked turkeys (hard to get in Italy!) and served dozens of pumpkin pies (we had to import the pumpkin pie filling in giant #10 tin cans, as Italy does not have pumpkin anywhere!).

Ultimately, too, it is not just a national holiday but a religious one, as well, because we have to give thanks to somebody. Certainly we have many people to be grateful to – our parents for raising us, our family for loving us, our friends who surround us…but all of these wonderful people are themselves gifts from the Father of all. After all, the Apostle James says, “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights.” (James 1:17).

And we give thanks, not just for the blessings, but for the challenges as well. St. Paul instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess 5). Perhaps we struggle to do so in the moment, but looking back in hindsight, we can see the blessings that have come through the pain and troubles. If nothing else, we know that “God works all things for good for those who love God” (Romans 8) so we can give thanks, even in the struggles. One might say this is an infallible mark of holiness – the ability to give thanks to God for everything, including the crosses.

This Thanksgiving, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for so many things. For the gift of this beautiful little town of Monroe, for the many amazing parishioners I have the privilege of serving and working with every day. For the beauty of nature and the gift of good health. Most of all, for the gift of our Catholic Faith – the fact that our Lord God loves us enough to die for us, to extend the offer of everlasting life, for giving us His Body and Blood. If we started counting our blessings and the ways God is moving in our lives, our praise would never end…which is good, because we’ll have eternity to give Him thanks for all that He is and all He has done!

Parish News

Thank you!!

On this Thanksgiving weekend, we have a lot of people to thank for their recent acts of generosity to our parish:

• Thank you to Mark Babyak, who, upon hearing that our Social Hall projector died, donated a top-of-the-line projector and installed it personally - thank you!
• Thank you to all those who donated to the Food Pantry - the donations were so generous that we were able to not only take care of the poor in Monroe, but contribute to Fr. Skip's food pantry down at Blessed Sacrament...and have some leftover food to donate at Christmas!
• Thank you to Bob Frawley, Bill Gurski, Denny Ritch, and all those who helped when our boiler was down - now it is up and fixed, but they spent many hours interfacing with M & O Corporation to fix a serious issue with our church boiler.

Thank you to all of our parishioners who give of their time, talent, and treasure!

Sacristan Needed!

Our sacred vessels for Mass are beautiful and dignified, fit for the King of Kings. But it isn't easy to keep them clean, as they get fingerprints and smudges on them, and we want to keep them in tip-top shape. Many churches have a volunteer sacristan, which is a person who makes sure the vessels, bread and wine, and other accoutrements for Mass are prepared, cleaned, and beautiful. We are looking for someone who could serve in this volunteer capacity! It would only be an hour or two per week, but it will make a huge difference for the beauty of the church and the dignity of the Mass. Would YOU have the time to help? Please contact Fr. Joseph (frgill@diobpt.org) if interested!

Facilities Manager Needed!

We at St. Jude's have some big property with large buildings. Our parish is currently looking for a part-time Facilities Manager who can keep our facilities in good shape - performing simple repairs and communicating with repairmen and technicians. This is a paid position, approximately 10 hours per week. Perfect for a retiree with extra time, who wants a little extra money, and who wants to use their talents to serve the church. Contact Fr. Joseph at frgill@diobpt.org if interested!

Heart-to-Heart Healing Adoration

We have the great privilege of holding a Heart-to-Heart Healing Adoration Night here at St. Jude's on Saturday, December 17^th at 7pm!

This is a night for families and people in all seasons to gather and gaze upon our Lord, to be renewed in his presence, and encounter his Mercy. There will be preaching, confessions, an opportunity to receive prayer for healing, and hospitality. Childcare is provided!

In these Heart to Heart nights, all are welcome to meet new and old friends as we sit in Adoration to be renewed by Christ's Real Presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We will have the opportunity to be stirred by God's Word, encounter Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and have our hearts lifted in reverent praise & worship.

We hope this evening provides an opportunity for all folks in all seasons to encounter Christ's light, love, mercy, and renewal, which knows no bounds.

Join us - Jesus is waiting for you!

Notes from the Organ Bench

"Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza!"

Church and Social Hall, Date TBA

Our younger parishioners are invited to a fun and interactive program featuring St. Jude's beautiful Cassavant Ferres Pipe Organ! Any student, especially those interested in music or currently taking lessons, are encouraged to RSVP. Students will go on a tour of the instrument, actually going into the pipe chambers, learn how the instrument works, listen to me play several concert pieces to feature specific sounds, and finally get to play the instrument! With supervision, there is nothing they can break. After an approximate 45 minute program, we will have pizza and light refreshments in the Social Hall. The "Pedal, Pipes, and Pizza" presentation is a nationally recognized program from the American Guild of Organist for which I am a member and have been trained to facilitate. Its ultimate goal is to build interest in the instrument with the hope of recruiting the next generation of organists. RSVP via email, please, to lvollono@stjuderc.com. To allow the program to run smoothly and plan for the pizza and goodies, I have to limit the group to 20 students of reading to high school age level. If a wait list occurs, I am willing to run another program in the new year. Please see me with any questions you may have! -Lou 

Floral Ministry and Building and Grounds Update

This weekend, November 26/27, begins the season of Advent, the season of “expectant waiting”. You’ll notice that the altar veil is purple and the Advent wreath with candles is prominently displayed in the sanctuary. Over the next few weeks, our Floral Ministry and our Building and Grounds members will once again slowly roll out the traditions that we hold so dear during this Christmas season. Traditions that are worth the wait.

On Dec 10, the trees, and garlands, symbols of everlasting life and reminders of Jesus’s birth and His love for us, will be adorning the interior of the Church. The wreaths, symbols of God’s Eternal Love for his faithful people, and our new stable will also find its place inside the Church that day. The Nativity Set will be put into place outside.

On Christmas Eve we will be well compensated for our patience as the Baby Jesus and all the joyful worshippers at the Stable will adorn the altar.

Work on the Italian Festival is already beginning for next year. We need to find a new printer for next year, hopefully someone associated with the church. 

Are there any parishioners who can help out with the printing of the marketing signs for next years festival? Hopefully someone who owns a local print shop. Please contact the below information if interested.

Thank you.



Thomas Colville

203-331-2416

tcolville20@yahoo.com

Food Pantry Update

“A special thank you to all for the overwhelming support of our request for assistance at our Thanksgiving distribution. Through you kindest and generosity our ministry was able to provide Thanksgiving dinners for 14 families AND we have enough of the “fixin’s” to replicate for Christmas. 

The above notwithstanding, we are still looking to service the weekly needs of our families. The items in greatest need right now are: pancake mix, pancake syrup, oatmeal (packets), coffee, tea, hot cocoa and boxed children’s cereal.

Thank you again for your continued support!”

Feed My People

The Feed my People ministry is in need of volunteers to deliver the unsold bread, rolls, pastries, etc. from Stop and Shop and Purdy Hill Bakery to various Food Pantries, shelters, churches, soup kitchens in Bridgeport as a regular or as a substitute when our regular volunteers are unable to make it. All information on format and locations would be provided. Please contact Hank and Kathy Banville if you are interested in joining this ministry. 

Parish Pilgrimage to St Margaret's Shrine - this SATURDAY 11/26 

Saturday 11/26- meet in St Jude's back parking lot at 12 pm if you would like to carpool. If not, meet us at the shrine at 12:15 pm!

For more information, e-mail Jessica Iannotta

To learn more about the Shrines see here

Download the map of the Shrines on the property Copies of the map will be available for pilgrims

Save the Dates for Parish Advent Activities

Family Advent Candle Lighting: We are looking for families to light a candle in the Advent wreath at each Mass beginning Saturday 11/26.  You can sign your family up here or on the sign up sheet after Masses this weekend.

Friday, December 9: Mother's Holiday Gathering

7:30 pm, Social Hall  Reserve your project here (code: St. Jude)

Saturday, December 10: Children's Happy Birthday Party for Jesus sponsored by the Columbiettes. RSVP here

10-1 pm, Social Hall

Tuesday, December 13 (3:30-5 pm) and Sunday, December 18 (2-5 pm): Christmas Caroling. Contact Jessica Iannotta for more information

Mothers Holiday Gathering

When: Friday 12/9 at 7:30 pm

Where: St. Jude Social Hall

What: Get in the holiday spirit by making a Board and Brush Christmas sign and enjoy some time to get to know other mothers at St Jude's

Who: All women and mothers are welcome! You are welcome to bring a friend or adult daughter as well!

ORDER LINK: Click here (code: St. Jude)

Order by next Friday 12/2; projects will be picked up for you on 12/7 in advance of event on 12/9 (note: date listed on link is pickup date; event is Friday 12/9)

E-mail Jessica Iannotta if you would like to bring an appetizer or dessert

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Wednesday 11/30 at 7 pm. We will be doing an Advent service project writing handwritten letters to new moms.

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 12/7 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. Order your project here (code: St. Jude)

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Gift Catalog

Your gift of essential items from the gift catalog will help rescue babies at risk of abortion and restore the lives of moms & dads who have experienced abortion, sexual trauma, or pregnancy loss.

How it works:

• Click on the gift item/s and see how you can make a difference
• Choose the gift or gifts you wish to give
• Save a baby’s life and help set moms & dads free in Christ

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, 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. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper and Jack P. 

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 December is:

May the star which illuminated the Child Jesus in the Manger in Bethlehem, illumine our hearts and souls to the Real Presence of the Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist....

     We pray to the Lord 

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Nov 26      4:00pm                Fred Capozzzi and Robert Koch

Sun   Nov 27       7:30am                 Robert Giordano

Sun   Nov 27       9:30am                 Jim and Eileen Daly

Sun   Nov 27       11:30am               St Jude Parishioners

Mon Nov 28        9:00am                 Patty Eng

Tue   Nov 29       9:00am                 Francesco Chiappetta

Wed Nov 30        9:00am                 Jan C. Stampien

Thu  Dec 1          9:00am                 Joseph Nigro

Sat    Dec 3         8:30am                  In Thanksgiving to St Jude

Sat    Dec 3        4:00pm                 Jose Dantas and Isabel Dantas-Teixeira

Sun   Dec 4        7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 4         9:30am                 Kevin and Carolyn O’Neall

Sun   Dec 4         11:30am               Deceased members of the Iannotta, Mueller

                                                         And Cafaro families

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Luis & Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon during the month of November and in memory of Dom Arribas during the month of December

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 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 and 9:30 Masses are live streamed.

Christmas Eve

4pm

5:30pm

10pm

Christmas Day

7:30am

9:30am

11:30am

Please note that if we need overflow seating, people are invited to go to the Social Hall downstairs where the Mass will be livestreamed on our screen.

(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.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group Conveniently in between Wednesday’s Religious Education class sessions from 6-6:30 pm. We will learn to say the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other special prayers for the intentions of our families and Parish.

Flame of Love Rosary

Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass

"Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity"

flameoflove.us

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.

Advent Season is approaching.

Advent Candles, Wreaths and Calendars will be on sale: weekend Nov. 19 & 20. Thanksgiving Day Nov. 24th and weekend Nov. 26 & 27th after Mass. More info call Fran 203-261-2673. 

Also available for sale is the Oplatki wafers. $2.00 each.

Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.