Reflection from Fr. Joseph

This is our annual Accountability Sunday, where our parish releases the Financial Statements for the past year and discuss the financial state of the parish. I’d like to give a preview of what you will hear from a member of the Finance Council this weekend. 

We have much to be thankful for this year. Our income has covered our costs, which is a testimony to the immense generosity of our parishioners – whose lives have hopefully been changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ here at St. Jude’s. We are seeing an increase in attendees - on two weekends in October, we counted every person in the church, and we were overjoyed to find that about 850 people are walking through our doors every weekend. That’s up from 550 back in May. This is wonderful news! 

When we crunched the numbers, we found that approximately 305 families are weekly donors to the parish, on average. This is wonderful – but I want to encourage all parishioners to see it as their privilege to be a part of the good work of the Kingdom that is happening here. I know that most priests (including myself) feel uncomfortable talking about money, but I am not trying to beg with an outstretched hand – rather, giving to the parish does more for the giver than it does for the parish! How so? It helps to realize that there are three types of givers: 

First, some people give out of obligation or guilt. Some give because they feel they have to, and they usually do so reluctantly and without enthusiasm. 

Second, some people give out of a recognition that ministry costs money. And it does – we have lights and heat, hosts and wine, salaries for employees…our operating budget is approximately $650,000 per year, the lion’s share of which is covered by the offertory donations. So a second-level giver recognizes that as we are blessed by our participation in St. Jude’s, we should contribute to make sure our parish can continue to operate. 

But ultimately, a few people give because it honors God and helps them grow in virtue. These are the givers that we seek! Everything we have is a gift from God – and giving a portion of our income back to Him is a profound way to say “thanks” to the Giver of all good gifts! This is a mature giver – one who makes their money a tangible sign of giving their entire lives over to God and His service. 

A request for donations should not be seen as a money-hungry ploy, but as an invitation to participate in the awesome and life-changing work of God. He is doing something amazing in many lives here – through our many parish groups, at every Mass and prayer service, through the community and our outreach to the poor – and those who give funds to St. Jude’s have the joy of being a part of what God is doing. 

So, I would like to encourage those who are “on the sidelines”, who attend without giving, to grow in the virtue of generosity and give to the Lord in thanksgiving for what He has done for them. We would like to see 100% participation, since we all have the opportunity to contribute to the building of His Kingdom! As Jesus put it, “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And God can never be outdone in generosity! 

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!

Finance Committee Update

Sunday, December 4^th, 2022, has been designated “Accountability Sunday”. The day when all parishes, schools, the Diocese and affiliated church entities publish financial reports for the year ending June 30, 2022. The purpose of Accountability Sunday is to ensure financial transparency, to communicate to all parishioners and donors that good stewardship is being practiced, and to provide a standard report that is consistent and straightforward. Financial statements will be available at mass on that Sunday as well as online on our website at www. stjuderc.org. 

St. Jude Finance Committee

Reminder

St Jude & St Stephen Seniors Group meeting is on Thursday, December 8 at 1:00PM in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall.

All who consider themselves to be “Seniors” are welcome.

Save the dates!

Dec. 8th after 7 p.m. mass

Christmas tree lighting

Dec. 11th after 11:30 mass

Blessing of the Creche on the town green

St Jude Knights of Columbus

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

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 (Tel. 203-268-3368 or email khbanny617@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining this ministry. 

Parish Pilgrimage to St Margaret's Shrine

We had a blessed visit to St Margaret's Shrine on Saturday. Deacon Don graciously gave us a private tour and Fr. Joseph taught us about the different saints that we visited throughout the grounds. If you haven't been there, it is definitely worth a trip and right down the street in Bridgeport!

Upcoming Parish Advent Activities

Family Advent Candle Lighting: We are looking for families to light a candle in the Advent wreath at each Mass. There are a few open spots left! 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 by today 12/2 (code: St. Jude)

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

10-1 pm, Social Hall

Christmas Caroling:

Tuesday, December 13 with St Stephen's Parish:

• 3:30 pm meet at Spring Meadows (across from St. Stephen's in Trumbull)
• 4:15 pm Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (on Route 111 in Monroe)

Sunday, December 18 to visit homebound parishioners:

• Meet at St. Jude's at 2 pm

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 TODAY 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 Thursday 1/26 at 7:30 pm. Note change to Thursdays and later start time.

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.

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders:

Encounter this Friday 12/2 and Kids Club this Sunday 12/4!

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, Paul Verespej, 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    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

Mon Dec 5         9:00am                 Estelle Murray

Tue   Dec 6        9:00am                 The Nicolett and Buonassisi Families

Wed Dec 7         9:00am                 Maryanne Gromisch

Wed Dec 7        7:00pm                Harriet Kilpatrick           

Thu  Dec 8         9:00am                 The Wasilewski Family

Thu   Dec 8         7:00pm                Andrew Henn

Sat    Dec10        4:00pm                Mary and Richard Giannino and Teri

                                                         Gumkowski

Sun   Dec 11       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 11        9:30am                 Dominick J. DeMace and Jason Mastroianni

Sun   Dec 11        11:30am               Jonathan and Lucas Sideleau

The Tabernacle Candle will burn 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.