A Message from Father Henry |
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Fellow St Jude Parishioners:
In this Sunday’s Gospel Reading, we hear how the people are astonished in their encounter with Jesus.
The dictionary defines ‘astonished’ as “greatly surprised or impressed; amazed.”
Have you ever been astonished by God? When was the last time that you were awed by a beautiful sunset? That is God’s creation! How about the sound of a baby’s laughter? That is God’s creation! And if you are the parent of that baby, you participated in that creation! Were you ever wowed by how beautiful was a piece of music that you were singing along with, at church? St Augustine tells us that those who sing well, pray twice. God created the air that carries those musical sounds to the ear, our ears which he also created. Have you gazed into the night sky recently and been amazed at the enormity of the universe? God created the universe.
Have you ever been overcome with gratitude and awe at a generous blessing that God showered down upon you? It is enough to move you tears of joy.
Our days are filled with busy-ness and good works. We often fall into bed at night exhausted and wake only to start another busy day. I’m asking you, this week, to take the time to be ‘astonished’ by God. Open your Bible and read Psalm 8 or take a nature walk and leave your phones at home. Sit for 10 minutes in quiet and listen to the voice of God who speaks through silence. And know, that this God, who astonishes, loves each one of us. Be astonished!
Of all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we received at confirmation (Piety, Understanding, Fear of the Lord also known as Reverence and Awe, Fortitude, Wisdom, Council, Knowledge), I find the greatest to be reverence and awe. When we are stopped in our tracks and lost in awe at the immensity of God. That is the greatest of experiences and gifts. To simply been “wowed” by God.
From Psalm 8: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is humankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Sincerely, Fr Henry
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10 Minutes of Prayer a Day |
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Steps 2 & 3 in Matthew Kelly’s Prayer Process from the book, “I Heard God Laugh,” are Awareness and Significant Moments. In this Sunday’s Homily, Fr. Henry shares his own personal story from a recent event. Reflecting on the events that happened to him, he gained some very important insights…..you don’t want to miss what he says!
Weekly Reflection Questions:
• Think of a time when you were not the ‘best version of yourself.’ Did you share that with God?
• When was the last time that you experienced something in your life and asked yourself the question, ‘What was God trying to tell me (teach me) in that experience?
Kelly’s quote for the week: “Learning to transform daily activities into prayer was one of the greatest spiritual lessons of my life.”
A Riddle from Fr. Henry:
What do Father Henry, Columbia University, and Thomas Merton have in common?
Visit our St. Jude Online Bulletin Board to find the answer and to add your prayer requests and thoughts!
Password is Jude
https://padlet.com/amyhermanns/fjh99wp29jbb3ih0
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A Message from MarchForLife
The March for Life Rally will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pre-rally events will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the rally at 12 noon. The March begins immediately following the rally at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The protection of all of those who participate in the annual March, as well as the many law enforcement personnel and others who work tirelessly each year to ensure a safe and peaceful event, is a top priority of the March for Life. In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different.
The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually. We will invite a small group of pro-life leaders from across the country to march in Washington, DC this year. These leaders will represent pro-life Americans everywhere who, each in their own unique ways, work to make abortion unthinkable and build a culture where every human life is valued and protected.
We are profoundly grateful for the countless women, men, and families who sacrifice to come out in such great numbers each year as a witness for life – and we look forward to being together in person next year. As for this year’s march, we look forward to being with you virtually.
For how to watch the livestream of the March for Life, please go to the marchforlife.org website.
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Best Lent Ever | Dynamic Catholic
Nothing will transform your life so completely, absolutely, and forever like really learning how to pray. That's why this year's BEST LENT EVER journeys through Matthew Kelly's latest book, I Heard God Laugh : A Practical Guide to Life's...
Read more
www.dynamiccatholic.com
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The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University has announced that it will continue its virtual retreat series beginning Tuesday, February 2nd, 1:00-2:00pm and concluding on June 8th. There will be ten one-hour presentations every other week beginning at 1:00 pm provided by the Jesuit fathers, followed by a prayer experience. Marcy Haley will facilitate each presentation, opening and closing with a prayer and offering a companion prayer reflection. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who might be interested. All are welcome!
The schedule of presentations are as follows:
February 2nd, 1:00-2:00pm
Fr. Gerry Blaszczak, SJ Praying with Icons
February 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Brendan Coffey, SJ Men and Women for Others
March 2nd, 1:00-2:00pm
Fr. Jim Bowler, SJ Intimacy in Prayer
March 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick, SJ Praying with our Memories
March 30th - June 8th, 1:00-2:00pm
To be Announced
The Center is using one registration for all of the retreats. Please use the registration below to participate in the retreats. So, register now and participate if you can. If you can’t attend a session that is okay. There is no obligation.
_______________________
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Feb 2, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Every word and action in the Mass has deep significance and meaning. Understanding every part of the Mass will help us to better appreciate the gift we have been given.
Please join us at the following session as we explore the Mass:
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Marketing Our Available St Jude Building Space
Our periodic update on marketing any of our St Jude buildings. We had some success supplementing our income up until a year ago by renting out the space in the school building, primarily for basketball. But with Covid and the shut down all of all sports activities, we have not been able to generate income from the school building recently. We are continuing to seek opportunities to market our available St Jude building space.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
Mike Piatt, Marge Tranzillo, Judy-Beth Raine, Maria Bertone, Deacon Ronnie Bicknell, Marie Micholovich, Patty Eng, Joseph Bisignano, Sr.
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 Petition.
Our Intention for February is:
We pray for the repose of the souls of Priests, Religious and all people being murdered because of their Christian faith,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Jan 30 4:00pm St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Jan 31 7:30am Thomas M. Mason
Sun Jan 31 9:30am John Matera
Sun Jan 31 11:30am Veronica and Stella Mrozinsky
Mon Feb 1 9:00am Dan Trent
Tue Feb 2 9:00am Mary and Antonio Volpe
Wed Feb 3 9:00am Marjorie Eddy
Thu Feb 4 9:00am Teresa Rose Gumkowski
Sat Feb 6 4:00pm Luis Ferreira
Sun Feb 7 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Feb 7 9:30am Raymond Schwartz, Sr.
Sun Feb 7 11:30am Sue Feller
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. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html )
The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. The Saturday Mass and the 7:30 am Sunday Mass are live streamed. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html )
Pre-registration is required for all weekend
For those of you who do not feel comfortable attending mass inside the church, please watch the Sunday 7:30 am live-streamed Mass. (This Mass may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses.html ) on your phone or computer and then come to the School parking lot to receive outdoor communion at 8:45am. Fr Henry will be distributing Communion every Sunday, rain of shine, from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM in the School parking lot.
--Fr. Henry
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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.
First Friday Adoration 7- 8 PM
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.
Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
During the holiday closure, Fr Henry will be checking voicemails regularly and will respond promptly.
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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