New Beginnings 9/23/2022

Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Today is the feast day of one of the most-loved saints of the twentieth century, St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Almost every home in Italy has a statue of this beloved Franciscan (in fact, the joke is that in Italy, the Holy Trinity isn’t Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…but Jesus, Mary, and Padre Pio, judging by the statues that sit on everyone’s mantle!). He is also well-loved here in America, as he had a special fondness for American soldiers who were stationed in Italy during World War II. He is a fairly recent saint (died in 1968) so it is wonderful to see photographs and even film footage of a real, live saint.


Part of the allure of this great saint is the truly miraculous spiritual gifts that God granted him. He was known to bilocate (be in two places at once) – this was attested to by multiple witnesses. He could read souls – he would know if a penitent in Confession was withholding a sin, or whether they were given a particular grace. A certain Polish man named Karol Wojtyla once went to Confession to him, and afterward, Padre Pio left the Confessional and knelt down in front of the man and kissed his hands. Wojtyla would later become Pope St. John Paul II – but Padre Pio knew this long before it happened!


He was also granted the gift of levitation. Once, when American bombers during WWII were given the assignment to bomb San Giovanni Rotundo (the city where Padre Pio’s monastery was located), they were carrying out the mission when suddenly, ten thousand feet in the air, multiple American pilots saw a bearded man in a brown robe waving his hands frantically. The pilots were terrified and aborted the mission. When on the ground they told their commanding officer, who laughed and said, “Ah, that must be Padre Pio!” When the soldiers next received their leave, they traveled to San Giovanni Rotundo, where Padre Pio greeted them with a joyful smile, saying, “My friends! It is good to see you again!”


He was also granted the gift of the stigmata, which means he possessed the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. These wounds bled constantly – he would lose upwards of a pint of blood each day, which would ordinarily lead to death within a week, but he never suffered any ill effects of it. Several medical doctors examined him around-the-clock to see if these wounds were self-caused, but it was determined that there was no medical explanation.


But Padre Pio did not become a saint because of these mystical gifts. Rather, he became a saint because he refused Jesus nothing. These gifts were given so that Christ could be manifested through him. Padre Pio suffered greatly for these gifts. For example, one time a woman asked if his stigmata hurt him, and he responded with his typical wry wit, “Do you think God gave them to me for good looks?” His superiors often misunderstood these mystical gifts and thought they were the result of hysteria – in fact, for nine long years, he was forbidden from saying Mass publicly, to try to curtail these unexplainable phenomena. Rather than grow resentful for such misunderstanding and outright persecution, Pio accepted them patiently and silently, never speaking ill of his superiors. He even used to suffer from the direct attacks of the devil – his brother Franciscans would report loud crashing, growling, and shouting coming from his room, and in the morning they would see Padre Pio covered in bruises, cuts, and sweat. He had been wrestling with Satan all night!


Padre Pio embraced all this suffering out of love for Jesus. It also made him deeply compassionate to the suffering of others. He was able to raise enough money to build the first modern hospital in that part of Italy, called the “Home for the Relief of Suffering”. It was a miraculous building project, as that part of Italy was (and still is) one of the poorest regions – during Padre Pio’s time, starvation and illiteracy were common among the rocky, poor landscape. Yet he was able to build this multi-million-dollar facility and staff it with experienced doctors and state-of-the-art medicines and technology – all so that the poor could be treated for free and have their suffering relieved.


Even after his death, Padre Pio continues to minister to souls. You may have heard recently about the new Padre Pio movie which will be released very soon. The actor who played the great saint, Shia LaBeouf, began the movie as an irreligious man whose life was in shambles. To prepare for the role of playing Padre Pio, the actor went into a Capuchin Franciscan monastery for several months and developed a deep devotion to the saint. Through this experience, he has now become a Catholic. Recently he gave a great interview with Bishop Robert Barron which is available on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxKG4mR3U4) which I highly recommend. It’s amazing that the intercession of this great saint continues to have truly miraculous effects on people!


Confession Time Change tomorrow


On Saturday, September 24th, Confessions will be from 4-5pm, instead of 3-5pm, as Fr. Joseph will be returning from celebrating a wedding. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Parish News

PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY

September 25, 2022


Do not wait until a priest retires or is transferred to celebrate their service. Like Father’s Day, let Priesthood Sunday by the one day of the year when we make it a point to make the priests in our life feel appreciated and special. 


What is Priesthood Sunday?

Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one. 

Priesthood Sunday specifically honors priests, without whom the Mass could not be offered, and Sacraments could not be celebrated. The men who answer the call to priesthood are special indeed, and they are working harder than ever before.


How can we celebrate Priesthood Sunday?

A good way to start is to simply say “Thank you”. Do it in person. Send an email message. Mail a handwritten note. We can start with Fr. Joseph and continue with the priests that have served St. Jude parish such as Fr. Henry, Msgr. Sabia, Fr. Skip, Fr. Bates along with the other priests who have had an impact on our life.


“May we never take the presence of our priests for granted, as we cherish the celebration of the Mass and are nourished by the Eucharist.”

SAVE THE DATE


AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA ROSARY RALLY

    October 15th, 12:00 P.M.


Only prayer can save our Nation and allow it to flourish. Join our parishioners as part of a national movement to pray the Rosary in public.  We will pray alongside Rte 111 in front of St. Jude Parish.

Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference

Calling all Catholic men! All men are invited to the 15th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference in West Hartford on Saturday, September 24th (https://ctcatholicmen.org/). Dynamic talks by our very own Bishop Caggiano - along with other national Catholic speakers such as Fr. Chris Alar and Fr. Larry Richards - lively music, Mass and Adoration, and fraternity with other Catholic men. You can register online - and speak to Fr. Joseph if you want to go FOR FREE (limited free tickets are available). Hope you can make it!


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


Calling all St Jude parishioners of a certain age! 

Are you ready to gather together at the Msgr Sabia Social Hall 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 to talk about the possibilities.


We will start this discussion with a planning meeting at 2:30 PM on Thursday, September 22nd in the social hall. Please come if you can and bring your ideas.   

And suggestions for a name for the group.  

And bring a friend!


Our first official meeting will be on Thursday, October 13th at 2:00 PM.

If you have questions, please give us call or catch us at church!


Ellen & Doug Stevens

203-268-9229



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


As the summer comes to a close our attention turns to the children of our pantry families returning to school, and although hard to imagine the cooler weather. As a result our pantry is in need of the following items: snack foods, coffee, tuna, Chef Boyardee, jarred pasta sauce and as always, boxed children’s cereal. Thank you again for your continued support to 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.


Hopeline 2022 Baby Bottle Appeal


In August the Knights of Columbus delivered a check to the Hopeline Pregnancy Center. Nearly $5,000 was raised over this Summer. Hopeline offers various Pregnancy Services including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and options coaching. Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council would like to thank all who participated for their generous support.

Announcing a new women's bible study

beginning at St. Jude's next month


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)


Formed Resources for September
Family News and Updates

THIS SUNDAY 9/25 is our next Softball Game! 


THIS Sunday 9/25 2 pm is the Parish Softball Game against St. Stephen's Parish!


***NOTE NEW Location*** Wolfe Park field #4 by the fountain next to the soccer fields at Wolfe park . 


E-mail Jessica Iannotta to RSVP and for more information

Mom's Group Announcements


Next meeting this Wednesday 9/28 at 7 pm in the social hall to begin the series Motherhood Matters on Formed.org.


Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is 10/5 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Youth Encounter nights start September 16th, see you there!

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. and Anne DeVita


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.

Monthly Parish Petition

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention. 


Our intention for September is:


Lord, as the new school year begins, bless our classrooms with peace, our lessons with fun, and our friendships with kindness,

We pray.....


    Lord, hear our prayer 


Upcoming Mass Intentions

 

Sat  Sep 24   5:00pm           Deceased members of the Carlson and DelMastro Family

 

Sun Sep 25    7:30am           St Jude Parishioners

 

Sun Sep 25    9:30am           Ben Seamons

 

Sun Sep 25    11:30am         Gaylord A. Paddock

 

Mon Sep 26    9:00am           Frederick Biondi

                                                       

Tue Sep 27    9:00am           Mary and Margaret Gallagher

 

Wed Sep 28    9:00am           Patty Eng

 

Thu Sep 29    9:00am           Frederick Biondi

 

Sat  Oct 1     8:30am           Margaret Regan

 

Sat Oct 1      4:00pm           Ted and Edna Domkowski

 

Sun Oct 2      7:30am           St Jude Parishioners

 

Sun Oct 2      9:30am           Tony Calise

 

Sun Oct 2      11:30am         Luis and Paquita Regina, Sr.


The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Denise Borrs during the month of September and 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.

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 5:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 5:00 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 )

Online Giving

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.






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.
Divine Mercy Chaplet

Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church

"Jesus we Trust in You"

Flame of Love Rosary

Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass

"Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity"

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: Gifts and cards, statues, rosaries and more. Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.

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. 
Email Us
St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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