It is one week until Christmas...and what an Advent it has been here at St. Jude's! Here are some highlights:
First, many thanks to the Columbiettes for putting on a very festive and fun Happy Birthday Jesus party! It was a great reminder to some of our youngest parishioners, who are more apt to recognize Santa than the Lord, that the whole reason for Christmas is Jesus' birthday. The families who attended were treated to games, snacks, and lots of Christmas-themed activities. Thank you to the Columbiettes!
Last week, about a dozen families joined us for two sessions of Christmas Caroling! We first went to High Meadows, where we were joined by twenty or so residents who not only sang with us, but who made cookies and hot cocoa for us! Then on December 8, we braved the freezing mist/snow to sing at five houses. No one threw tomatoes at us, so I guess we did okay. At one house in particular, I was amazed to see the woman whom we visited, who suffers greatly from dementia, remember every single word to the songs...without looking at the songbook! It was truly a great time of bonding as a parish family, and a whole lot of fun.
Decorating has been a yeoman's job, and I am so grateful for the many teams who helped with it. Our Buildings & Grounds committee, led by Bob Frawley, set up all the Nativity scenes that we see all around the campus, and our dedicated Floral Ministry, led by Cathy Ritch, worked long hours to beautify the church. Our Parish Council then came down to the Rectory for a fun night of trying to make the Rectory look like a bad mash-up of "A Christmas Story" and "Jingle All The Way"...or something like that. In any case, it all turned out great and it really looks like Christmas around here!
This past weekend was more Christmas carols...but this time with a beautiful, solemn setting, as we had our Lessons and Carols. I am not exaggerating to say that I was moved to tears on several occasions because of the tremendously powerful hymns and Scripture readings that helped us enter into the Season with reverence and beauty. We owe a tremendous thanks to David Baranowski, our Music Director, who was here late into the night for several weeks to prepare our choir - and wow, did they ever do an amazing job! They sounded professional, as if they were all trained vocalists!
But the good news is that even if you haven't had the chance to join us for the many great Advent events at St. Jude's, there's still time! This Sunday, December 19, is our annual Rectory Open House. Come and invade my home and bring with you a dish to share for some time of fellowship, fun, and Christmas carols - come any time between 2-6pm. Hope to see you there!
Finally, see below for our Christmas schedule. In every parish, Christmas is a time when we see many visitors - some from out-of-town, but mostly Catholics who have been inactive for one reason or another. Usually there is a lot of grumbling about our twice-per-year Catholics ("they take my parking spot! they're sitting in my seat!"). But as followers of Jesus, we are called to welcome them and be gracious. More people leave the Church because of a bad experience with fellow churchgoers than leave because of disagreements in theology! Let us make a conscious effort this Christmas to extend a welcome, a smile, and an encouraging word to our friends who are joining us for this sacred celebration. This Christmas could be the first step back to a relationship with the Lord for some of them!
God bless you,
~Fr Joseph
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St. Jude Parish Christmas Mass Schedule
CHRISTMAS EVE
4pm Mass - Church (livestreamed)
4:15pm Mass - Social Hall
5:30pm Mass - Church
5:45pm Mass - Social Hall
10pm Mass - Church (livestreamed)
CHRISTMAS DAY:
7:30am Mass - Church
9:30am Mass - Church (livestreamed)
10am Mass - Social Hall
11:30am Mass - Church
NO 4pm MASS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
NEW YEAR'S EVE
4pm Mass
NEW YEAR'S DAY
9am Mass
11am Mass
NO 4pm MASS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 1
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Brother Francis Advent Videos for Children
It's not too late to join Brother Francis this Advent as he leads us on a daily journey in this special seasonal celebration of the coming of the Lord! Featuring meditations, prayers, and and suggested activities to keep our focus on Christ this Christmas. Find this and more in the Advent section on FORMED.org!
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Lessons & Carols
An ancient tradition came to St. Jude's on Sunday, December 12 at 2pm - Lessons and Carols!
NOTE: Lessons and Carols was broadcast and can be viewed on your computer.
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Join Mary's Messengers this Advent!
Are you looking for something special to do during Advent? Why not become one of Mary's Messengers and spread the gift of prayer! It's simple - pray a Rosary for someone you know and send them a note to let them know you prayed for them. Encourage them to “pray it forward” and then pray a Rosary for someone they know.
If you'd like sample cards and materials, email marysprayermessengers@gmail.com or pick up some extra rosaries and printed materials in the entrances to the church.
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The Nativity on the Town Green |
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Eucharistic Adoration on every Friday during Advent
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30
We will have Eucharist Adoration every Friday from 7:00 – 8:00 PM during Advent
This is a wonderful way to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus
Please join us on Dec 3, 10, and 17
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Rectory open house 12/19 2-6pm
It will be potluck. Bring your favorite dish.
Refreshments will be provided.
All are welcome to attend to enjoy the food and fellowship!
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FLORAL MINISTRY
The Floral Ministry was blessed with donations for Christmas and we would like to thank Scott Mason and Brad Wells for their generosity.
All of our beautiful poinsettias on the altar would not have been possible without the help of Scott Mason of Mason’s Farm Market on Main St. in Monroe. His donation of ten of those poinsettias is in honor of his wife Kathy’s parents Kay and Bill Lennon. Scott delivered all of the poinsettias free of delivery charge. Thank you Scott!
Thanks to Brad and Trish Wells of Fairview Farms in Shelton we have two big beautiful wreaths on either side of the front door on the plaza side of the Church. Thank you Brad and Trish for your festive donation!
A very Blessed and Merry Christmas to all from the Floral Ministry !
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Parish Center available!
We are still marketing our parish center (former school building) with the hope of offsetting operation costs. Please contact the parish office for more information.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Joseph Bisignano, Sr., Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Martha Zenobia, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz, Daniel Louis Bianco, Zoey Frigo, Koswenda Family, Max, Hung Vu, Jamie Addesa
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 in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for December is:
May the love of the Christ Child whom we celebrate at Christmas,
remain in our hearts throughout the coming New Year,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Dec 18 4:00pm Mary and Margaret Gallagher
Sun Dec 19 7:30am Andrew and Angela Vill
Sun Dec 19 9:30am Julia DeSousa
Sun Dec 19 11:30am Maria Emilia Monteiro
Mon Dec 20 9:00am Bobby Gioscia
Tue Dec 21 9:00am Steven J. Crowley
Wed Dec 22 9:00am Noella Sidarweck
Thu Dec 23 9:00am Joseph and Margaret Mende
Fri Dec 24 4:00pm Helen Ugolik
4:15pm St. Jude Parishioners
5:30pm St. Jude Parishioners
5:45pm St. Jude Parishioners
10:00pm St. Jude Parishioners
Sat Dec 25 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
9:30am Armando Aversa, Sr.
10:00am St. Jude Parishioners
11:30am Tony Calise
Sun Dec 26 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Dec 26 9:30am Luis Posada
Sun Dec 26 11:30am Jonathan & Lucas Sideleau
The Tabernacle Candle will burn in loving memory of Jose Dantas during the month of December
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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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.
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People can call the parish office to arrange to be added to the sick bound and home communion call list, for a clergy to bring them communion at their homes beginning in July. |
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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.
NOTE: Adoration also will be held during Advent on Dec 3, 10, and 17
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop |
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Many gifts available for last minute shopping. Fr. Joseph's books and CD's are in. Shop early. Wishing everyone a very Blessed and Merry Christmas. |
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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: Graduation, 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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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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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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