A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
This year Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides mass prayers for the day that focus on “the dignity of work and the right of workers.” In addition, they present the following words of reflection, “In the Catholic tradition, work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continued participation in God’s creative action. In your own experience of work — in an office setting, serving others, as a student, or working from home — how have you experienced work as a form of participation in God’s creative action? What can you do to support workplaces built upon justice and dignity?”
Yes, Labor Day certainly pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. Its celebration gained traction in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Most of us have the day off from work and in many ways it points to the end of summer and the beginning of the school year.
Needless to day, this year Labor Day is very different, from those of past years. Many of us are working from home, no longer traveling to our workplaces. Schools are offering different methods of teaching and learning. Our own Faith Formation Program at St. Jude Parish includes a remote learning component this year. Some things may be different, but the purpose and value of our work must still be recognized and celebrated.
Whether you work outside or within your home, all work is meaningful. As Christians, we have the opportunity to live our faith so that it impacts others and our world. We lead by example; the way we treat others, the decisions we make, and our work ethic reflect our Christian belief that we are all created and loved by God. This year, in a special way, let us celebrate Labor Day with this prayer:
Loving Father, on this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor— in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living.
We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name.
We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere.
May those of us who are now retired always remember the valuable contribution we make to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity.
May our working and our resting give you praise until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed in your kingdom as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Fr Henry
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Labor Day Prayer from the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Prayer for the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Lord God, Master of the Vineyard,
How wonderful that you have invited us who labor by the sweat of our brow
to be workers in the vineyard
and assist your work
to shape the world around us.
As we seek to respond to this call,
make us attentive to those who seek work but cannot find it.
Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard to provide for their families but still have trouble making ends meet.
Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited and help us speak for just wages and safe conditions, the freedom to organize, and time for renewal.
For work was made for humankind
and not humankind for work.
Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation
but a radiant expression of our human dignity.
Give all who labor listening hearts that we may pause from our work to receive your gift of rest.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
that you might work through us to let your justice reign.
Amen.
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Thanks to all of you who supported our Parish raffle and attended our first ever “Drive-In Movie Nights”. The raffle made over $16,000 for the parish and the movie nights made over $13,000. Your generosity continues to be very much appreciated.
Equally as important are the blessings received from seeing our parish community come together and the smiling faces of the families enjoying the evening. It was obvious that a wonderful time was had by all!
The raffle drawing took place last night after the conclusion of the movie and the results are as follows:
1st Prize winner $ 3,030.00 Bartolomeo Melchiommo
2nd Prize winner $ 1,030.00 Victoria Leonzi
3rd Prize winner $ 530.00 Dominican Sisters
Early Return Drawing $ 100.00 Stop and Shop Gift certificate Ella Balagtas
All of the above are Parishioners of St. Jude parish.
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National Day of Prayer for Peace in our communities -...
STAMFORD-On September 9 at 7 pm, people from around the diocese will gather to pray a Rosary for peace and unity in our in our communities. Sponsored by the diocesan Leadership Institute and the diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, the...
Read more
www.bridgeportdiocese.org
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Pope Francis: The cross reminds us of the sacrifices of...
Pope Francis said Sunday the crucifix we wear or hang on our wall is not supposed to be decorative, but a reminder of God's love and the sacrifices involved in the Christian life.
Read more
www.catholicnewsagency.com
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2020-21 Faith Formation for Children Update |
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Registration for the 2020-21 Religious Education Year is open. Please register your children promptly. Registration will close on Friday, Sept. 18 and the sessions begin on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Emails have been sent home to grades 2-3 and 8-9 for registration for the 2021 Spring Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. If you did not receive this email, please contact: Donna Lane, Coordinator of Faith Formation at:stjudemonroereligiouseducation@gmail.com
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Prayer for Vocations
O Lord, send workers for your harvest, so that the commands of your Only-begotten Son may always be obeyed and his Sacrifice be everywhere renewed.
Look with favor upon your family, the Church, and ever increase Her numbers. Enable Her to lead Her sons and daughters to the holiness to which they are called and to work for the salvation of others.
Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
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The St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is open in the Msgr. John Sabia Social Hall after the 9:30 AM Mass on Sundays and after the 5 PM Mass on Saturday night as well as by appointment Monday - Friday at 9:30 AM.
Gifts for all occasions include: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Wedding, Ordination, baby gifts, bibles, statues, rosaries, medals, auto visors and a variety of cards such as Birthday, Get Well, Weddings and more.
Stop by, browse and find a truly meaningful gift for that special occasion. For information or an appointment please call Fran Cambra 203-261 2573 or the Parish office.
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Please join us as we resume praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for September is:
We pray, that thru the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, our scientists will find a safe and effective vaccine and treatment for COVID 19,
We pray to the Lord
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Mass Schedule and Registration |
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Masks should be worn at all times. Social distancing is required at all times. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes before Mass.
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Church Hours for private prayer
Church is open Monday to Friday 8am - 10am for private prayer.
Live-streamed Mass Schedule
Confession Hours
Confessions are required to be outside at 3:00 pm on Saturdays until the bishop gives us permission to go back inside the church, which he has not, and probably will not for some time. Confessions are 3:00 pm outside, behind the church, and also by appointment, calling 203-261-6404, to set up and appointment or emailing.
First Friday Adoration 7- 8 PM
Mass Intentions 2021
The parish office will start taking Mass Intention requests for 2021 starting August 10th. Requests will only be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or by email ( parish.office@stjuderc.com). For more information, please click here.
Office Hours
The Office will be closed Thursday September 3, 2020 through Monday September 7, 2020, inclusive for Labor Day holiday
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
It is suggested that you 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.
In the event you do come to the office, we will be following the state protocols:
- A face covering is required
- Social distancing will be followed
- If you are experiencing COVID-19 defined symptoms, or have had contact with someone with the symptoms please do not come to the office.
Signage will be posted on the front door with all directives to be followed when admitted to the office.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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