Thoughts from Fr. Joseph
Last week we took up the issue of the Metaverse – what is it? And what is its relationship to the real world?

The Metaverse not only denies the intrinsic goodness and salvific power of the “real world” – it also changes us in the way we view ourselves. Let’s look at that today – and many of these critiques can be applied to technology as a whole, not just the specific manifestation of technology in the Metaverse.

First, there is a growing mountain of data through different studies that demonstrate that the way human beings think has changed drastically due to the fragmented nature of the Internet. Most people no longer have the attention span or the mental capacity to engage in complex thought. Rather, we think in terms of impressions, likes and dislikes, and sound bites. Studies have shown that many people no longer read articles online – rather, we skim them looking for certain trigger words. We become trained for novelty – we grow easily bored and need to scatter our attention widely. How many times have we been trying to read an article on the Internet or work on a project at work and felt the urge to check Facebook or the stock market or our emails? How many times have we been with someone and yet have a burning desire to see what notifications have popped up on our phone? Our very way of thinking has changed due to the internet – and increasing our dependence on technology would only hasten the fragmentation of thinking.

When God created the world, He did so to reveal Himself through it. The universe is full of mysteries and wonders that we receive and uncover. The universe overflows with meaning and purpose, which we are meant to discover. But technology – and moreso the Metaverse – wants to master and control the universe. Rather than receiving reality as a gift, we have the ability to shape reality according to our own whims. What an impoverished society we become when we do not uncover the mysteries of reality, but try to impose our wills onto it instead!

Further, the temptation of the Metaverse is essentially the temptation of hedonism and escapism – we can enter at any time to feel pleasure and avoid pain. If there is an alternate reality where I can be a 6’5” buff good-looking guy who is popular and rich, why would I live in the real world? This is even more true in relationships. Relationships – whether dating, marriage, or friendship – are messy, complicated, and costly. But they are also rich, beautiful, and fulfilling. How easy it would be to say, “Relationships are too difficult in real life – I will escape to my solipsistic world and not have to deal with them!”

A few months ago I counseled a young man who was struggling with some personal issues. His mother wanted him to get out of unhealthy online relationships with people he had never met in real life. But the boy insisted, “But Mom! They’re my friends! I can’t just leave them!” I thought – how unfortunate that his friendships are all virtual! Are real relationships really so difficult that the only friendships we can form are through a digital medium? The Metaverse would make us believe that virtual relationships are the same as real, living friendships.

Finally, a virtual relationship with God is not the same as one in the real world! Visiting a virtual church can never bring us as close to God as actually, physically, really stepping into the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Going to Mass online is not nearly as good as going to Mass in-person (in fact, a livestreamed Mass should only be used if you are sick and cannot physically make it to Mass – it’s not meant to be a substitute for the real thing!) Our faith is very “incarnational” – it relies upon our senses and our physical experience of holy places and holy things, like the Sacraments and churches and Rosary beads. Our souls encounter God through our bodies. We need to be physically in His presence as much as we can!

All of this does not even mention the very real, scientifically proven connection between overuse of technology and depression, mental illness, and addiction. How easy it is for people to become addicted to technology! Or the way in which technology has provided an opportunity for our entire lives to be monitored, sold, data-mined, and to have the potential to be misused by Big Government and Big Business.

Please don’t misunderstand me – technology has brought a great deal of good into the world. I am grateful for the convenience of being able to connect with friends from distant states; it is very nice to be able to order anything I want from Amazon.com; technology has helped us to make great strides in health care and other important aspects of society. But technology is a power, and as the old Spiderman quote says, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Who among us are strong enough to use the incredible power of technology wisely, safely, and for the true flourishing and happiness of humanity?

In sum, the Metaverse is a dangerous leap in the history of technology. It takes us one more giant step away from the real world; it can counterfeit our real relationships with God and others; it can be an escape from the beautiful, life-giving challenges and struggles of this world into a painless but ultimately meaningless digital universe. If and when it comes – keep yourself grounded in the real world, which God created good!
Last year's Annual Bishop Appeal for St. Jude Parish was a great success. Half of the money over goal was allocated to Blessed Sacrament Parish to help with their many needs. The following is a Thank You note to St. Jude Parish from Fr. Skip for your generosity from last year's Annual Bishop Appeal.
January 1, 2022
 
Rev. Joseph Gill
St. Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke.
Monroe, CT 06468
 
 
Dear Members of St. Jude Parish :
 
Let me introduce you to Ms. Josie. Ms. Josephine is one of the dearest elders of our parish community and has been a pillar of the Church for many years. She stands less than five feet tall. But she commands the respect of someone fifty feet taller. She is visibly present with us at worship, and strategically occupies a seat where she can see if her family is present as well. Lately, Ms. Josie has needed her wheelchair to attend church.
 
Here, at Blessed Sacrament, we have a handicap assistance lift. I am careful to have it serviced regularly. But some of its parts are as old as Ms. Josie. And it makes a mournful racket when in use. Needless to say, it also attracts attention. (Which is not to Ms. Josie’s liking.) And so, she absolutely refuses to use the lift, choosing instead to climb the 20 steps up to the level of our sanctuary. It is painful to see the expression on the faces of her daughters and granddaughters as they slowly let her walk up the stairs. I know that they are not worried about her falling and breaking something. Any one of them could pick her up and carry her more quickly. They are afraid of breaking her spirit and her determination to get to Mass.
 
I tell you this, because you might have provided the solution. With the very very generous gift that you have sent us, I will have had the old parts of the handicap lift replaced and repaired. I have been assured that with new parts, the lift will not make a sound. I will tell Ms. Josie that I need her to test it out. (The honor might please her.)

I had thought to use the remaining funds to improve the sound system in the church. But the very next week after your gift arrived, the boiler in the rectory, where our Food Pantry is located, began to leak and needed to be replaced. The timing was absolutely providential. God bless you for making the replacement possible. The Lord’s work, and our distribution of groceries continues uninterrupted, thanks to you!
 
Thank you for faithfully supporting your own parish to the point where there were excess funds to share. And thank you for the many ways in past years that you have supported me and our mission here. We would have closed our doors without your help and prayers.
 
The new year will no doubt challenge us all as did the old year. Our prayers are with you for protection and perseverance. May the Lord bless you, and Ms. Josie inspire us all. May our trust be always in the Lord. (P.S. You might get the chance to meet Ms. Josie personally. She has recently moved in with her son, and she now lives in Monroe!)
 
 
Gratefully,
 
Fr. Skip and your grateful friends at Blessed Sacrament Parish
St. Jude Lenten Program - Exodus 40

Dear parishioners,

Lent is right around the corner! Still trying to decide what to sacrifice? As a parish, we are offering an opportunity to journey to the Cross together as a community - called Exodus 40! Based off the popular Exodus 90 program (www.exodus90.com), this is a way in which parishioners and families can make commitments with one another in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Here's how it works:
- See the attached sheet and select which level of Lenten disciplines you would like to resolve to do.
- Sign up with your cell phone number and email to receive daily saint & Scripture quotes
- Join us for our weekly Zoom Rosary and check-in (to encourage each other, and keep each other accountable) on Thursday nights during Lent at 9pm

You can sign up for this after Mass in coming weeks, or you can sign up by emailing Fr. Joseph at frgill@diobpt.org. This is great for all ages - families, teens, adults!
St. Jude's Family Ministry Survey Now Open!

We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete our family ministry survey so that we can gauge your needs and interests in order to plan great faith filled family activities for our Parish. You are also welcome to email Jessica Iannotta with any questions or additional suggestions at jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey! It will be open until the end of February.  
Parish News
The Chosen – Season 2
Interactive Bible Study
Blessed Are the Chosen is an eight-lesson interactive Bible study for individuals or small groups based on season 2 of the groundbreaking television show, The Chosen. This study brings both the Old and New Testaments to life in an approachable and conversational way.

Join us Friday mornings from 9:30am to 11am beginning February 25th in the Social Hall

You will watch The Chosen Season 2 episodes at home and we will gather to discuss the episode and questions in the Blessed Are the Chosen Interactive Bible Study workbook which can be purchased on Amazon at the link below:

Please register with Mary Beth Rauser at 203-516-1821 or mbrauser@hotmail.com
Food Pantry

Our mission continues…at this time the need is for canned chili, mac & cheese, jarred pasta sauce. Our most pressing requirement is for tea and boxed children’s cereal. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
PORKETTE DINNER
HOSTED BY THE 4TH DEGREE
 
DATE:   SATURDAY Feb. 19th
PLACE:  MSGR. SABIA SOCIAL HALL
TIME:    Following 4:00 Mass
PRICE:   $12.00 PER PERSON; $10.00 FOR SENIORS & $30.00
FOR FAMILY OF 4 ($5.00 EACH ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBER)
 
PRICE INCLUDES: PORKETTE, ROASTED POTATOES, VEGETABLES, SALAD, BREAD, DESSERT,
COFFEE, TEA, SODA & WATER
BYOB
 
TICKETS - PLEASE CALL KEVIN DONOVAN - 203-570-4372
 
50% OF NET PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO
THE Home For The Brave
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
 
LENTEN MISSION
Sr Megan Mary Thibodeau, General Sister Servant (General Superior) of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity will present our Lenten Mission this year. Sister will be speaking at all of the masses the weekend of March 19-20. She will give talks Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m and a short talk after morning masses on Monday and Tuesday . The rosary will be prayed Sunday evening, Confession will be available on Monday evening and Adoration on Tuesday evening.

The theme for the Mission is Living Faith, Hope, and Love. Sr Megan grew up in Monroe and attended St Jude School, Lauralton Hall and Franciscan University of Steubenville. Her mother, Bonnie Thibodeau and her sister, Tara Valle and family, are parishioners in the parish

SOLT is a missionary order serving the poor throughout the United States, Central America and Asia. Sr Megan currently lives in Corpus Christi, TX at their headquarters. 
Sister is the first religious sister vocation from St Jude. Please come support her, our parish and enrich your Lenten experience!
LENTEN MISSION GREETERS NEEDED
Our Lenten Mission will be held March 20-22. In advance, we are hoping to have greeters at each of the masses beginning the weekend of March 5-6, and the 12th-13th to hand our reminder cards regarding the Mission as well as greet incoming visitors and parishioners. There will also be a need for Mission greeters the weekend of March 19-20th before and after masses as well as the evening of the 20th, and on the 21st and 22nd of March in the morning at at the evening sessions. 
Please consider giving just ten minutes of your time to help greet your fellow parishioners and visitors by signing up at the Sign Up Genius link below.   If you have questions, please contact Diane Ganser at dlganser@yahoo.com
Thank you so much, The Lenten Mission Committee
To volunteer,
Pictures from the St. Joseph Icon prayer service 2/17/2022
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.
Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Joseph Bisignano, Sr., Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Martha Zenobia, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz, Daniel Louis Bianco, Zoey Frigo, Koswenda Family, Max, Hung Vu, Jamie Addesa, Alfred Zawadski, Michael Serke, Kristen Kelly, Leroy Moye 

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.
Monthly Parish Petition
Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention. 

Our Petition for February is:

May we pray for an increase of love and peace in our hearts, our homes and our world,

 We pray to the Lord
Upcoming Mass Intentions
 
Sat   Feb 19      4:00pm               Isabel Dantas-Teixeira and
                                                         Lucinda Dantas
 
Sun  Feb 20      7:30am               The Fortuna Family
 
Sun Feb 20      9:30am               Maria Emilia Monteiro
 
Sun  Feb 20      11:30am             Brett Southard
 
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.
Mass Schedule
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.

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





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.
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop
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: Valentine's Day Cards, Communion, Confirmation, statues and more. Come in and browse.
For more info call: Parish Office - 203-261-6404 or call Fran Cambra - 203-261-2573.
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.  
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. 
St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404