Reflection from Fr. Joseph

This coming week marks the 10^th Anniversary of the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. I know that the town of Monroe was deeply impacted by the tragedy, and many of us had connections to the town and the families impacted.

At the time, I was assigned at St. Mary’s in Bethel, which borders Newtown on the other side. We, too, were deeply impacted by the shooting. I was present at the Sandy Hook firehouse on that fateful night – I will share my story during my homily next weekend.

Upon the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shootings, our communities rallied together for acts of charity, kindness, and prayer. I remember that the prayer service we held at St. Mary’s on the night of December 14 was packed – standing-room only. Immediately after the tragedy, people began practicing random acts of kindness – I remember being invited to a bell-making project at Ben’s Bells immediately following the tragedy, which encourages signs and symbols of kindness throughout our neighborhoods.

It’s good to reflect, ten years later, on whether we have kept up the charity, kindness, and prayer. Those twenty-six lives lost are not in vain if they spur us on to a greater love of God and neighbor. Truly, more than any political or legislative solution (as necessary as they may be), love is the most fitting response to tragedy. We love those who perished through our prayers for their souls; we memorialize their memory by loving our family and friends with a better, more faithful, more sacrificial love; we love God with the prayer that His grace will transform this tragedy into a sign of His presence.

And…as difficult as it may be, love demands that we forgive Adam Lanza. And not only him, but all those who have hurt us. For none of us gets through this life unscathed - all of us have suffered wounds at the hands of others - whether these wounds were because of their thoughtless words, violent actions, or tragic neglect. Regardless of how the wounds occurred, they will never be healed until we forgive. Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a choice to release the guilty party from all thoughts of revenge. It is a choice to acknowledge the hurt, grieve it, and then not allow the person's actions to continue to impact us. As someone once said, "Forgiveness is all about setting the prisoner free - and then discovering that the prisoner was us."

Must we forgive Adam Lanza? Absolutely. Otherwise he still kills and destroys love and healing. Must we forgive those in our lives who have hurt us? Absolutely. Otherwise we cannot open our hearts to the peace that Christ offers.

As a friend of mine said on the second anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, “The ripple effects of tragedy are wide, but imagine how DEEP the ripple effects of forgiveness could be.”

I want to invite all of you to Eucharistic Adoration tonight at 7pm at St. Jude’s where we will remember and pray for all those killed in the Sandy Hook shootings, for their families, and for all those impacted by the violence in our world today. Please come and pray with us for peace – in our hearts, our communities, and our world.

New Parochial Vicar at St. Jude's!

For the entire history of St. Jude's until the Summer of 2020, our parish has always been served by two (and sometimes three) priests. We are grateful that Bishop Caggiano has assigned a Parochial Vicar here! Starting January 1, Fr. Claudiu will be joining us as our assistant. He is originally from Romania, and will be a great asset to our parish. Please see his biography below:

Born on October 5th 1989, Fr. Claudiu-Gabriel Neculaesi is the youngest of five children of Vicentiu and Maria Neculaesi. He grew up in Piatra-Neamt, a beautiful city on the mountain side in Romania. 

He went to school in his hometown until the age of 14 when he felt the calling of the Lord to follow Him on the path of priesthood. Then he decided to go to the minor Seminary in Bacau, Romania to discern his calling. After finishing four years of minor Seminary which is equal with High School, he entered into the major Seminary in the city of Iasi, Romania to continue his formation for the priesthood for another 7 years. During this time besides study, prayer and formation Fr. Claudiu had the opportunity to make a missionary experience in Ecuador for a period of almost 8 months. 

He was ordained to the priesthood on June 24th 2016 on the feast day of the Nativity of John the Baptist. After his ordination he activated as Parochial Vicar in three different parishes, namely, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Tamaseni, Romania (2016-2018), The exaltation of the Holy Cross in Sabaoani, Romania (2018-2019) and Saint Nicholas in Bacau, Romania (2019-2022). 

On September 2022 he arrived in US and stayed in residence at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. He’s thrilled and happy to have an experience as a priest here in the Diocese of Bridgeport and looking forward to start his assignment at St. Jude in Monroe.

Parish News

Confession Weekend

Prepare yourself for Christmas with the great Sacrament of Confession! We will be having Confession before and after every Mass on the weekend of December 17/18. Come and take advantage of this holy Sacrament!

Daily Mass Now on Fridays Too!

With the coming of our new priest, Fr. Claudiu, we are happy to begin offering daily Mass every Friday at 9am, starting December 23rd! We also have open Mass intentions for Fridays - contact the Parish Office for a Mass intention!

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!

Thank you!

St Jude Parish (through the Floral Ministry) will be receiving a donation of 10 large poinsettias for our Christmas display from Scott Mason (owner of Mason's on Route 25). They are in memory of his in-laws, Kay and Bob Lennon who were parishioners for many years.

Calling All Youth Musicians! 

St. Jude Families,

I spoke at all Masses several weeks ago about our active Church Music Ministry. Here are some exciting opportunities for our parish youth to consider. Please reach out to me by email to discuss how you can help. It is a great opportunity for many, and for teens I will count their participation as service hours for either their Confirmation or High School. 

A Blessed Advent to All,

Lou Vollono, Jr.

Parish Director of Music & Organist

Children's Choir: Rehearsals Begin for Christmas

I am looking for a group of children reading age and up to participate in our St. Jude Youth Choir. They will sing this Christmas at the 5:30 P.M. Vigil Mass. Children will learn primarily Christmas Carols along with a special song to sing at Mass. Rehearsals are as follows: 

12/10 at 2:00 P.M. (Saturday)

12/17 at 2:00 P.M. (Saturday)

12/23 (a Friday early evening at 4:00 P.M.)

Rehearsals last approximately 45 minutes. I will also provide music via email for individual practice. Let's get a big group together all dressed in your Christmas best and worship our newborn King.

Middle and High School Students: Do You Play an Instrument?

If any of our older students play an instrument in their respective school districts, I would like to know. If there are any brass, wind, reed, or string players who would like to play for Christmas, you are welcome to join us. The music will be easy, this counts as service hours, and it is a great way to give back to your church. Please reach out to me. Let's get a group together!

Please note the new date of the previously announced "Pedals, Pipes, & Pizza" event is January 14, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. in the Church.  There is no "snow date" scheduled due to our very busy schedule. 

Save the date!

Dec. 11th after 11:30 mass

Blessing of the Creche on the town green

St Jude Knights of Columbus

Silver Rose Prayer Service

Hosted By

St. John XXIII Council 5987

Knights of Columbus

   Monday December 19^th at 6:15 PM in the church

      Prayer service to share the message of our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life. Prayer service consists of prayers, scripture readings and litany. 

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. 

FAMILIES NEEDED TO LIGHT THE ADVENT WREATH

We have two open spots for families to light our Advent wreath this weekend at the Saturday 4 pm Mass and Sunday 7:30 am Mass

Sign up here!

This Saturday 12/10:

Christmas Caroling Tues 12/13 and Sun 12/18

Help us spread some Christmas cheer to seniors, Sisters and homebound parishioners! Inviting parishioners of all ages to join us!

Tuesday, December 13 with St Stephen's Parish:

• 3:30 pm meet at Spring Meadows (6949 Main St, Trumbull across from St. Stephen's)
• 4:15 pm meet at Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (1428 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe)

Sunday, December 18 to visit homebound parishioners:

• Meet at St. Jude's at 2 pm



Contact Jessica Iannotta for more information

ANNOUNCING NEW CHILDREN'S MISSALS!

Announcing new Children's Missals for 2023. We have purchased 20 Children's Missals for the children of the Parish to use during Mass. They will be located on the bottom shelf of the family ministry table.

Please return to the table after use so that children at other Masses can easily find them.

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

Next Encounter 12/16 and Kid's Club 1/8

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, Jack P., and Jack Lane

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 10        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

Mon Dec 12        9:00am                 Estelle Murray

Tue   Dec 13       9:00am                 Joseph Glatt

Wed Dec 14        9:00am                 Estelle Murray               

Thu  Dec 15        9:00am                 Thomas McDonald

Sat    Dec17        4:00pm                Elvira Ferreira

Sun   Dec 18       7:30am                 Mary and Margaret Gallagher

Sun   Dec 18        9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 18        11:30am               Maria Amelia Monteiro

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Dom Arribas during the month of December

Please note that starting December 23 there will be a Friday morning mass at 9:00am! The Friday morning mass will continue at least till Easter.

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.