A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Parishioners:
Never in my wildest imagination did I ever consider that I, as a priest, would be required to say that if you do not pre-register to attend Mass on December 24 or December 25, that you will not be able to celebrate Christmas Mass in your own Church. But we cannot take the chance that our church will be completely shut down — if we do not follow the required protocols, to have everyone in attendance pre-registered. So please, I beg of you, pre-register to attend our Christmas masses.
Not being able to allow any of your to join me — again, in your own church — at Easter mass this past spring, having to require you to pre-register to attend Christmas mass next week… Wow! It’s been quite a year! Who could have predicted it all? In March we saw the onset of a global pandemic which has had an impact on every aspect of our lives, our work and school, our daily activities and our social gatherings. We have seen shortages, job losses, businesses closings and worst of all, deaths, too many deaths.
Even Christmas looks different this year. Most of us will not be able to travel or celebrate with family and friends, gifts may have been ordered online instead of being shopped for in stores, and we are required to register in order to attend a Christmas Mass, or watch a virtual Mass from our homes. Who could have predicted this?
Yes, Christmas 2020 is unlike our past Christmases, but as Christians, we cling to and focus on what Christmas truly is. This Sunday’s Gospel tells the story of the angel Gabriel visiting a young girl in the town of Galilee. The angel brings the news that Mary will give birth through the power of the Holy Spirit, to a child, the Son of God, who will ‘rule forever, and whose kingdom will never end.’ The world would change for all eternity the moment Mary uttered the words, ‘May it be done to me according to your word.’
And so, I encourage you to look beyond the ‘can’t-do’s’ of this Christmas. How can this past year help us to celebrate Christ’s birth with new meaning? Here are a few of my suggestions:
- Take some time to read the Nativity Story in your Bibles. Think about how Mary’s life was changed at that very first Christmas, and reflect on the changes that you’ve been through this past year. Associate and align your own experiences and struggles with those of Our Lady.
- Connect with loved ones. Whether in person or online, spend time together. Share your stories from this past year, and offer your love and compassion.
- Take the time to pray for others. Remember those who can’t be with family, those who may be isolated and lonely. Unite with them in prayer, and lift them up to Jesus.
- Make time for gratitude. Even in the midst of this pandemic, there is much to be grateful for if we take some time to reflect. There are always hidden blessings.
- And finally, ask for God’s Blessing on our health care workers, those who will be working on Christmas to help people who are ill. Pray for the success of the vaccines so that we can once again resume our normal lives.
Yes, Christmas 2020 may look different in many ways, but what Christmas is, remains constant and true. Jesus was born, a tiny baby, on a dark night, in a manger surrounded by animals. And yet, in that moment, that quiet moment in that obscure place, God entered our world, and nothing would ever be the same.
Yours in the joy of Christ coming into our world,
Fr Henry
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Christmas Mass Information |
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Many thanks to all of you who took the time to respond to our Christmas Mass survey. Based on the responses, we will offer Mass at the times below. Please keep in mind that seating will be very limited, due to Covid restrictions, so reservations will be necessary.
Christmas Eve: 2 PM, 3:30 PM, 5 PM and 6:30 PM
Christmas Day: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM
Due to Covid-19, this schedule is subject to change.
Livestreaming
For those of you who do not feel comfortable coming to church for Mass, you can participate virtually by watching the live stream recordings of our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses. Specific details of which Masses will be recorded to follow in a special newsletter. The Masses are recorded and available for viewing anytime during and after the Mass.
Also, our 9 AM daily Mass (Monday - Thursday) is now live streamed, as are our Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm and Sunday Masses 7:30 and 11:30 am.
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St. Jude Virtual Christmas Concert |
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Enjoy some very special Christmas music from the comfort of your own home! On Sunday, December 20th at 7 PM, classical Christmas music as well as sing-a-longs will be performed for SJ parishioners by our own David Baranowski, his wife Jennifer Marshall, and guest violinist Rachel Handman (who has played in many Broadway shows). You will be able to access the concert by going to https://saintjude.smugmug.com/2020/2020-Christmas-Videos. The concert will be available for viewing any time after that. Don't miss it!!
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We Stand With Christ
Capital Campaign Update
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Our We Stand With Christ capital campaign is now up to $637,000 in pledges, or 72% of our campaign goal! Please visit our Parish website (https://www.stjuderc.org/wswc) to watch a new video message from Fr. Hoffman about the campaign.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and are supporting We Stand With Christ. Your pledges will help make our pastoral vision a reality through stronger Youth Ministry and Adult Faith Formation programs at St. Jude.
We plan to complete We Stand With Christ by this Wednesday, December 23rd. If you have not had the opportunity to give yet, please visit www.GiveCentral.org/WSWC to make your pledge. Your support can help us reach our campaign goal and create momentum as St. Jude Parish enters 2021.
THANK YOU!
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St. John XXIII Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
Invites You To
The Annual Blessing Of The Creche
Monroe Town Green
Dec. 20th 1 P.M.
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THANK YOU to our Knights for a very special Matthew Kelly Christmas gift, I heard God laugh. An easy, practical read on prayer, with life changing results, this should be the number one gift to yourself and your family this Christmas. The books will be available in the Church entries starting Christmas Eve, while supplies last. You can also pick one up in the office, which will be open on Monday, December 28th, and then again beginning the first week of the new year.
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We thank Brad and Trish Wells, owners of the Fairview Tree Farm for their donation of the wreaths hanging at the patio entrance to the church. |
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During Advent and Christmas, many Christian families display a Nativity set, or crèche. Nativities throughout the world often look very different, featuring unique artistic and cultural traditions. Nevertheless, they all tell the story of the Incarnation, when the eternal Son of God became man in Jesus of Nazareth, who was born of the Virgin Mary to redeem the world.
A 3D Nativity Coloring Kit is available at no charge from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame! It's a great family activity and can be downloaded here.
This resource includes:
♦ A 7-character nativity scene for you to color, cut out, assemble, and display
♦ A description of the nativity figures with verses from Scripture for you to contemplate
♦ A simple order for the Blessing of the Nativity Scene
Each character page has directions for coloring and assembly.
To complete the nativity set, you will need the following supplies:
♦ A printed version of the 3D Nativity Coloring Kit
♦ Your favorite medium for coloring (crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc)
♦ Your preferred adhesive for crafts (staples recommended,
but glue, tape, or rubber cement work as well)
♦ Scissors
Enjoy coloring and crafting your own nativity scene and let it be a reminder to thank God this Christmas for the gift of his Son, Jesus.
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
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Food Pantry Update
Our collection of non-perishable items in preparation of our Christmas distribution was a success. Your participation and response to our posted needs made this possible. We now turn our attention to getting through the colder winter months. Items in need at this time would be: tea, cocoa, pasta, canned soup, and snack foods. Thank you again for your continued support. Our families appreciate your generosity.
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Giving tree for Blessed Sacrament Parish
The Giving tree will be in our lobby beginning Dec. 4. Father Skip is requesting gift cards to Subway, McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeye’s and Dunkin Donuts for his teens. Drop them off at St. Jude until December 19, in the lobby or parish office. Monetary gifts accepted as well.
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We will be running many programs to help us explore our faith and grow stronger in our faith.
Information on these programs is available on our website
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Exploring Adoration
The visit to the Blessed Sacrament is a great treasure of the Catholic faith.
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament will be available all 3 Fridays of Advent – Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 7-8 PM in the Church. The adorations will be live-streamed and may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Mike Piatt, Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Patty Eng
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.
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OPLATKI CHRISTMAS WAFERS
The traditional Oplatki Christmas wafers will be available for purchase during the Christmas season. The Oplatki tradition is an especially beautiful way to celebrate the charity and unity so characteristic of the Christmas season.
Limited quantities are available at the Parish office.
Cost: $1.00
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Please join us as we pray our Monthly Parish Petition.
Our intention for December is:
May we be alert and watch for the coming of the Lord into our hearts and homes this Christmas,
We pray to the Lord .
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Dec 19 4:00pm Maria Emilia Monteiro
Sun Dec 20 7:30am Michael DeMayo
Sun Dec 20 9:30am Fernando and Maria Reis
Sun Dec 20 11:30am Philomena and Rosario Ciccia
Mon Dec 21 9:00am Stephen J. Crowley
Tue Dec 22 9:00am Noella Sidarweck
Wed Dec 23 9:00am Joseph and Margaret Mende
Thu Dec 24 all masses St. Jude Parishioners
Fri Dec 25 all masses St. Jude Parishioners
Sat Dec 26 4:00pm Marguerite Rogers
Sun Dec 27 7:30am Denise Borrs
Sun Dec 27 9:30am Luis Posado
Sun Dec 27 11:30am Marcello & David DeVellis
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.
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Mass Schedule and Registration |
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Monday through Thursday Weekday Masses will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html )
The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. The Saturday Mass and the 7:30 am Sunday Mass are live streamed. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html )
Pre-registration is required for all weekend
For those of you who do not feel comfortable attending mass inside the church, please watch the Sunday 7:30 am live-streamed Mass. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html ) on your phone or computer and then come to the School parking lot to receive outdoor communion at 8:45am. Fr Henry will be distributing Communion every Sunday, rain of shine, at 8:45am in the School parking lot.
--Fr. Henry
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St Jude Parish Clergy
- Fr Henry Hoffman, Pastor
- Deacon John Tuccio
- Deacon David Flynn
- Fr Dan Kennelly, Retired Priest Assistance
- Fr Al Forlano, Retired Priest Assistance
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.
First Friday Adoration 7- 8 PM
Advent Adoration
- Please join us every Friday during Advent for one Holy Hour of Adoration from 7 to 8 PM in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Children's Rosary First Sundays
- We meet at 11 am before the 11:30 Mass by the Blessed Mother statue and follow proper covid protocols. No experience necessary.
Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
During holiday closures, Fr Henry will be checking voicemails regularly and will respond promptly.
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.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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