A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
Jesus said:“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
To fully understand the depth of these words of this coming Sunday’s Gospel, we have to take ourselves back to Jesus’ time. We know that Jesus often used metaphors that were very familiar to those around him. To compare himself to a Good Shepherd would have a lot of meaning to them that may be lost on us in 2021. We don’t have many shepherds around these days, especially in Monroe and the surrounding towns. Perhaps if Jesus compared himself to our smartphone or to Google, we might better be able to fully understand his metaphor.
Allow me to describe what a shepherd was and did in Jesus’ time and then offer a few reflection questions. Shepherds lived with their sheep in the fields, being present to them day and night. They guided them to healthy food, keeping them away from dangerous plants, and leading them to life-saving water. Shepherds kept wolves and other predators away, thus keeping their sheep safe. The shepherds actually knew their sheep so well that they often named each one of them. And, shepherds would lay down their own lives for their sheep.
Think about what Jesus was telling people: that He would give them life-sustaining food, our Eucharist and he would always be with us, closer than the air we breathe. He knows us so intimately that he calls each of us by name, he protects us from all harm, and ultimately through the cross, he laid down his life for us.
Here are some questions to think about this week:
What might be a metaphor that we could use to describe who Jesus is in our lives?
When did we experience Jesus in our lives, protecting and guiding us?
Can we find some private time first thing in the morning or last thing at night, to listen for Jesus to call us by name?
Sincerely yours in Christ the Good Shepherd,
Fr Henry
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Fr. Henry completes his homily series on Matthew Kelly's book I Heard God Laugh Steps 6 and 7.
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St. Jude Parish lives Gospel message in appeal effort -...
MONROE-During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Catholic Appeal responded to urgent needs throughout Fairfield County, from homelessness and hunger to mental health. With this year's appeal, the Diocese of Bridgeport looks toward renewal and...
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www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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A thank you video from Fr. Skip |
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We are hopeful that 100% of our registered households will respond to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. While the level of sacrifice will differ from parishioner to parishioner, an Appeal gift this year is within the reach of the majority of our people. Please prayerfully consider supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal with a pledge or one-time gift as your means allow. Your support is much needed and will be greatly appreciated! |
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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS |
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Together let us pray on April 25th the Marian Prayer for Vocations so that hearts and minds of men and women be open to the vocation to which the Lord is calling them.
O Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Mother of the Church, to you we commend our young people, in particular those called to closely follow your Son as brothers, sisters, deacons and priests.
You know, O Mary, the difficulties, the struggles, doubts, and obstacles they must face. Assist them to answer "yes" to the divine call, as you did at the invitation of the angel.
Draw them near to your heart so that they can understand the beauty and the joy that awaits them when they answer your Son’s call to be witnesses of His love in the world.
Amen.
The Serra Club of Bridgeport
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Vocations answer God's call - Diocese of Bridgeport
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Religious and priestly life must be filled with the simple joy of caring every day for what really matters - faithful friendship with God and one another, Pope Francis said.
Read more
www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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Coming Soon: St. Jude Movie Nights! |
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Back By Popular Demand
Outdoor Movie Nights
Disney's Soul and Night At The Museum
Friday May 14th and Saturday May 15th
We are so pleased to announce the return of St. Jude's Outdoor Movie Nights
So save the dates!
On Friday, May 14th bring your family and friends to enjoy the heartwarming Disney movie Soul.
On Saturday, we'll be showing the popular Ben Stiller movie
Night At The Museum.
An added treat this year will be JMG Music! Starting at 6:00,
JMG will provide music during dinner.
So come with your appetite and your lawn chairs and enjoy dinner, music, and a movie with your St. Jude family and friends!
Donations appreciated. No registration required.
Movie begins approximately 8:00pm
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Knights of Columbus Needs Drive
Saturday, April 17
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Our council had another successful Needs drive yesterday!! Thanks to all who donated and our Knights and Youth Group volunteers for their help!! |
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The St. Jude Knights of Columbus will again be marching in the Memorial Day parade. We would love to be joined by any other groups from St. Jude for this fun afternoon showing our pride in both St. Jude and the Monroe Community. If you or your group have interest in joining us, please contact Jim Bifulco at 203-581-3071. May God Bless! |
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40 -DAYS -FOR- LIFE DEVOTIONS |
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Please join our 32 Pro-life ministers as we begin our 2nd 40-Days- For- Life Devotions on May 1st to pray for an end to the tragedy of abortion and respect for all life from conception until natural death.
We entrust these prayers to Our Blessed Mother most especially during May, a month dedicated to honoring Mary. May her gentle hands rest on all our pre-born babies.
To obtain a Devotional Guide, please contact Karin Tierney, kjt1046@att.net.
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The Parish Council wants you!
The Parish Council is looking for some new members. The Parish Council acts as an advisory council for the Pastor and Deacons and helps the overall outreach of St. Jude Parish. The new Pastoral year starts on July 1st and we would like to have new members. Please contact Rich Lane at
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Patty Eng, Joseph Bisignano, Sr., Jim Tierney, Sr, Bennett Gulyas, Vincent Daniello, Armando Aversa
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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Please join us as we pray our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our intention for April is:
May the Light of our Risen Christ continue to shine on our world,
We pray to the Lord
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Our intention for May is:
May the gentle hands of Our Blessed Mother rest on all preborn babies,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
The tabernacle candle in April was in memory of Istvan and Jolan Holecz.
Sat Apr 24 4:00pm Albert Aulet
Sun Apr 25 7:30am Patrick Ryan
Sun Apr 25 9:30am The Pinto and DeAndrade families
Sun Apr 25 11:30am Robert Kilpatrick
Sat May 1 5:00pm Susan Sherman and Ann DeFelice
Sun May 2 7:30am 50th wedding anniversary – Nora and
John Mecaldo
Sun May 2 9:30am Julia DeSousa
Sun May 2 11:30am Jean Murphy
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.
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.
Please note that we will no longer be doing Pre-registration for Masses!!
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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.
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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.
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is located downstairs in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. Many new items for all occasions. Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Rosaries, Bibles, Statues, Medals & more. Variety of cards: Mother's Day, Birthday, Weddings, Get Well, Sympathy, etc. Come down & browse and find the perfect gift. For more info call: Parish Office - 203-261-6404 or call Fran Cambra - 203-261-2573.
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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.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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