Reflection from Fr. Joseph

About a year ago I was celebrating a funeral but I didn’t read the obituary until afterward. Much to my surprised, it praised the deceased as being a “practitioner of reiki”. Yikes! But many Catholics, even faithful ones, don’t know about certain New Age practices which are actually incompatible with our Catholic Faith.

Thankfully, the Church has given us some guidance. In 2003, the Vatican released a document entitled “Jesus Christ: Bearer of the Water of Life” which deals with certain aspects of the New Age movement (you can read the whole document here: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html - it’s an easy and fascinating read).

The New Age movement is loosely defined as a collection of esoteric spiritual practices and beliefs, often drawing from Eastern religions, animism, earth-centric religions, modern pagan, pantheism, or indigenous spirituality. New Age practices can range from reiki (a pseudoscientific healing technique that harnesses so-called “universal energy” to heal a sick body), to astrology, to transcendental meditation, to earth-worship. There really isn’t a clear definition of the New Age movement or its practices, as there can be a wide variety of ways it is practiced. Although its popularity is waning right now, it is still common in some circles, and at its core it is a deep desire to find spiritual meaning in a crassly-materialistic world.

But all authentically Christian spirituality must have Jesus Christ as the primary center of spirituality. Spirituality cannot be an amorphous emotion – true spirituality is an encounter with God Who has revealed Himself in Scripture and Tradition, primarily by becoming incarnate in Jesus Christ. God desires a real relationship with us, and Christ and the Church has given us many ways to encounter Him: the Sacraments, the Bible, the rich treasury of prayer and spirituality that brings us into encounter with Jesus.

Spirituality is not about connecting with some amorphous “life-force” or “energy”. God is personal; He is not an impersonal force. Any spirituality that seeks connection with an “energy” (such as Reiki) is not channeling the Holy Spirit. At best, “energy/life-force” spirituality is a road leading to nowhere; at worst, it is a deception of the devil to prevent us from a real encounter with the power of God and His grace.

We also cannot seek any spirituality that is pantheistic – that is, which sees all of creation as a part of God. Creation is good because it was created by God, but it is NOT God. One time I was backpacking through Idaho. We camped in a public campground on our way to Glacier National Park, and early in the morning I got up to pray my Liturgy of the Hours. Another camper, a mid-60s man with long hair, a beard, and Birkenstocks (classic hippie!) came over to my picnic bench and asked what I was doing. I told him I was praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Very mellowly, he said, “Oh, that’s cool, man, that’s cool…I worship the trees!” I laughed to myself and thought, “Well, I worship the God who made the trees!” Becoming “one with creation” or seeing creation as somehow participating in the divine nature is not authentic spirituality. 

Even more dangerous is thinking that WE are somehow participants in the divine nature. Here I have to be careful, because there is a very real element of Catholic spirituality called theosis, which means that through grace, we become participants in the Divine Nature of God. This is actually authentic spirituality – and it is the real power of grace, to make us God-like. In fact, St. Athanasius said, “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.” But we must be clear that we are sons of God by adoption and not in ourselves – and it is only through Jesus Christ living in us through grace that we become sharers in the divine nature. Apart from Christ, we are not divine at all! So any spirituality that seeks to “discover the divine within” – as if we were holy, exalted, or divinized apart from Christ – is a spirituality to steer far away from!

As we are in the month of October – the month that is often dominated by images of ghosts and goblins and paranormal things, leading up to Halloween – we will continue this discussion next week about the dangers of certain elements of occult spiritualities. What does the Church say about yoga? Ghosts? Mediums or psychics? And much more…stay tuned!

St. Augustine Award Winners

Every year, each parish in the diocese nominates a dedicated volunteer (or a couple) who have given their time and energy with great generosity to the parish. They are awarded the prestigious St. Augustine Award in thanksgiving for their efforts. This year, our parish of St. Jude's would like to acknowledge Paul and Nanette Seperack as the 2022 St. Augustine Award winners. Paul and Nanette have been running the St. Jude Festival for many years. They have tirelessly given up several weeks of their summer to dedicate to all the behind-the-scenes details to make our festival run smoothly. During the Festival itself, they can be found troubleshooting and helping in any and every capacity. We are so grateful for their hard work and dedication to our parish and to the annual St. Jude Festival!

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!

St. Jude Novena!

Our annual tradition has returned! The St. Jude's Novena, leading up to the great Feast of St. Jude on October 28th. Starting October 20, we have a special 7pm Mass each day with guest preachers. Please plan to join us for a 7pm Mass on the following days, to get ready for our great patronal feast:

Thursday, Oct 20 - Fr. Eric Silva

Friday, October 21 - Fr. Skip

Monday, October 24 - Fr. Krzysztof

Tuesday, October 25 - Fr. Chris Ford

Wednesday, October 26 - Fr. Henry Hoffman

Thursday, October 27 - Msgr. Bob Weiss

Friday, October 28 - Fr. Joseph Gill

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.

Please also note that our Flame of Love Rosary group will be praying the Flame of Love Rosary on the back lawn of St. Jude Property along Church St. 

All other Flame of LoveRosary groups are invited to join them.

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.

Announcing a new women's bible study

beginning soon at St. Jude's

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)

Introducing Mary's Messengers Prayer Group

All kids are invited to join a special children’s 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. Starting Wednesday 10/19*. If your child would be interested in participating, contact Jessica Iannotta

*Mothers interested in joining the Wednesday evening Walking with Purpose Bible study whose children attend 6:30 pm religion class can have children attend the prayer group followed by religion while they attend bible study from 6:00-7:30

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 11/2 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.

The Knights of Columbus will once again sponsor the Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive on Saturday October 29, 2022 from 8:00am to 10:30am. Your donated items of Food, Clothing, Furniture, Diapers, & Wipes can be brought to the front of Monsignor Sabia Social Hall. They will be distributed to the St Jude pantry, Blessed Sacrament parish, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, & Hopeline. 

Although the coronavirus has lessened, we still have certain limitations on items being collected so please refer to the attached flyer (click on image below). To minimize contact & ease of distribution, we ask that you label the contents of your donated items in bags & boxes brought in your vehicles. For furniture items, we are hoping that most parishioners can bring these items directly to St Jude's on the day of the drive & we will help with unloading. If furniture transportation is not possible, we will make a limited amount of pickups only on the day of the drive. We would also appreciate it if the furniture to be picked up is located in your garage or driveway for easy access. Any questions, please contact Rocky Scali at 203-767-6053 or Frank Flynn at 203-556-5016.

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. , Anne DeVita and Anna Harper

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

Mass Intentions for  Oct 8 – October 16

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

no masses Monday-Wednesday. Diocesan Convocation

Thu Oct 13    9:00am           James Hoffman

Sat Oct 15    4:00pm           Maria Emilia Monteiro

Sun Oct 16    7:30am           Tony Costello

Sun Oct 16    9:30am           St Jude Parishioners

Sun Oct 16    11:30am         Yolanda and Joseph Riccio

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 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 )

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.