A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
On the church’s calendar every year, this third week of September holds a feast day for St Matthew, who along with St John was both an author of one of the Gospels as well as one of the Apostles, having spent the three years of the public ministry of Jesus, working side-by-side with him.
In order to cycle through the Gospels at mass, every third year (and this year is one of those years), we have numerous readings from the Gospel of Matthew.
So with St Matthew in mind, let us reflect on how it was quite a life journey for Matthew to go from tax collector to author of one of the most important books of the entire Bible.
We know that, before he met Jesus, Matthew made his living as a tax collector. In Jesus’ time, tax collectors were not a well-respected bunch. First, they worked for the Roman government. Second, they often took advantage of their own people. And third, they were known to take more than required, pocketing the extra money themselves.
But Jesus did not let Matthew’s shady character deter Him. He looked beyond Matthew’s actions and saw someone who had the potential to become a devout follower and eventually writer of a Gospel narrative on the life and parables of Jesus.
So Jesus approached Matthew and invited him to follow. And, as we know, Matthew left his tax-collector post and followed Jesus.
Jesus extends that same invitation to each of us. “Follow Me” were the words he spoke to Matthew and they are the same words that he speaks to us. In our current world we are facing many unknowns regarding the future. Will the flu season complicate the health issues that we are already dealing with? Will schools continue to stay open? Will our Country and our world work together in peace? These and so many more things weigh heavily on our minds and hearts.
Let us listen through all the noise and anxiety to hear Jesus say, “Follow Me.” In our uncertain world, there is one certainty and that is Jesus! Jesus is our rock, our strength and our consolation. Let us leave behind our worries and concerns, like Matthew left his tax collector booth, and follow Jesus. Let us hear the words from the Gospel of Matthew chapter seven, as Jesus says that everyone who hears his words and lives them out “is like a wise person who builds his house on rock. The rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Sincerely yours in Christ who is our Rock,
Fr Henry
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St Jude Parish Financial status |
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Vin Pescosolido, Finance Committee chair
Fiscal 2019-2020 Financial Summary:
As you would expect, 2019-2020 proved to be a very challenging year for most parishes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the offertory was lower than budget by about $48,000 for the year, it was still about 93% of what we anticipated due to the continued generosity of our parishioners during the time when virtually everything was shutdown. Thank you once again.
We more than offset the shortfall in offertory revenue by drastically reducing costs, especially for Compensation and Benefits as well as for Maintenance and Repairs.
We also took full advantage of the Covid-19 stimulus program thereby increasing our Cash Reserves during the year.
While we ended the year strong and our financial position is good, we must remain diligent in our expense control efforts as these results could deteriorate rapidly should we experience a reduction in our offertory.
Fiscal 2020-2021 YTD Results:
Through the first 2 months of the fiscal year, offertory income was about 2% lower than last year. However, total income of $163,000 was 5% better than budget driven by the parish raffle ($17,000) and the highly successful Movie Night fundraiser ($13,000). Expenses are running $12,000 lower than planned which is good but all of this is due to lower repairs and maintenance expenses which we most likely will incur later in the year. As a result, through the first 2 months of the year, Operating Income was $25,000. Not a bad start for the year.
Anyone interested in obtaining the 2019-2020 Fiscal Report or our 2020-2021 Quarterly Financial Reports can do so by contacting Amy Hermanns, amyhermanns@stjuderc.com, 203-261-6404. Please note that the first quarterly report for this year will be available in mid-October.
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St Jude Novena
Tuesday October 20 - Wednesday October 28
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Your Word alone, Lord is our Hope!
Now more than ever before, we need our annual Novena to St. Jude as a welcome opportunity to come together in prayer as one Body of Christ and to seek his intercession as our patron saint of Hopeless Causes during these challenging times.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing are required at all Masses, and we will be unable to provide refreshments. Sign up for Mass is required in the event of Covid-tracing requirements and can be done by clicking on the following link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054BA5AE2EA20-stjude8
Our Novena Masses will be live-streamed as well and can be viewed on our website. www.stjuderc.org.
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Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Blessing of the Animals
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On Sunday , October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. In celebrating, Fr. Henry will be outside the Church on Saturday, October 3rd at 12:30 PM to bless your furry friends. In this Covid environment , we will arrange for you to drive by and Fr. Henry will give a blessing to each pet individually. Fr. Henry will be stationed in the back of the Church at the entrance to the Social Hall and individual cars can drive around the Church and line up and when you get to Fr. Henry you can exit the car if you would like and he will give the blessing or he can bless your pet through the car window. Please remember Covid compliance rules; 6 feet apart and please wear your mask.
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If you are comfortable, Father Henry would like to visit you on the front lawn of your home (wearing facemasks and being Social Distanced). Schedule a visit by emailing me, fr.henry@stjuderc.com or calling the Parish Office (203-261-6404).
Building and Grounds: Bob Frawley
Accomplishments since the spring have included transplanting, pruning and weeding of the landscape around the church and rectory, power washing of the rectory portico and coordinating the repair of light fixtures and replacement of old technology bulbs with new low energy LED bulbs throughout the church campus.
Mission Committee (Appalachian Christmas Drive): Carole Donnarumma
Due to Covid restrictions and church protocols, the drive will not take place this year, but plans to return in 2021.
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Hello St. Jude Families!
It is with MUCH excitement that I announce our upcoming fall schedule. It has been a wild few months getting to this point, but I am SO glad we are finally here. Each Sunday we will be hosting High School youth group! A middle school program, as well as elementary school aged options are to follow. I appreciate all who have shown us support all ready and I am eager to continue meeting you all as we grow in faith!
Sunday September 27: 3:00pm - 4:00pm - The Basics of Prayer
All meetings will be held outside of the church and follow social distance guidelines. As we progress further into the fall additional updates will be provided.
Adult parish members if you are interested in joining youth ministry as an adult volunteer please reach out to Shannon! All are welcome.
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PRO-LIFE MINISTRY
Please join us for First Friday ADORATION on October 2nd at 7:00 p.m in Church.
As our National Elections approach, we will pray a Pro-Life Rosary for an end to abortion. This Rosary will be livestreamed and available on our Parish website.
40-DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER VIGIL
Wednesday Sept. 23 to Sunday Nov. 1, 2020
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, St. Jude Parish Pro-Life Ministry will not participate in the Vigil this Fall. Individuals wishing to attend, please click the Flyer to the right for registration information or contact Karin Tierney kjt1046@att.net for additional information.
Please continue to pray for an end to abortion and for a Culture for Life in our Country.
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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 Intentions for the Week
Sat Sept 26 5:00pm Anthony and Phyllis Aiello
Sun Sept 27 7:30am Mary and Margaret Gallagher
9:30am Pinto and DeAndrade Families
11:30am Ted and Edna Domkowski
Mon Sept 28 8:30am Ben Seamons
Tue Sept 29 8:30am Deacon Ian Black
Wed Sept 30 8:30am Andrew Amalfitano
Thu Oct 1 8:30am Bridget Sullivan
Fri Oct 2 8:30am Hilary Rogers
Sat Oct 3 4:00pm Isabel Dantas – Teixeira and Jose
Dantas
Sun Oct 4 7:30am Deceased members of Gallagher and
Kealy Families
9:30am Margaret Mende
11:30am Dina and Ludovino Vagnini and
Enrico Chiaro
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The parish office is taking Mass Intention requests for 2021. Requests will only be taken by phone (203-261-6404) or by email ( parish.office@stjuderc.com). For more information, please click here. |
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Mass Schedule and Registration |
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Please take note that starting October 3rd, the Saturday Mass will be held at 4:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm. |
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Please note that the upstairs bathroom in main church is available for all weekend masses. 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 is taking Mass Intention requests for 2021. 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 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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