Recently I saw a funny article about a couple who held a huge wedding reception and, when a couple of guests were no-shows, their sent those non-attending guests a bill for $250 each! They had spent that money, per person, on the party, and when they didn’t show up, they figured they should pay for their fair share!
Indeed, it is a “party foul” to refuse to show up if a host has planned a lavish and expensive party. The greater the cost for the party, the greater the disrespect for the host if we are invited and stay away. Even Jesus gives us a parable about a man who planned a banquet feast and invited his friends, but they all made lame excuses (“I need to examine my cattle!” was the early equivalent of “I can’t come, I need to wash my hair!”). The banquet host, in anger, swore that those absentee guests would never taste the delights of his feast.
We, too, are invited to an incredible Feast every week – the Feast of the Mass, where Christ gives us His True Body and Blood for food. But this Feast isn’t free to prepare – Our Lord prepared it at a tremendous cost – the cost of His life, hung upon the Cross. Every drop of His Blood, shed for us, paid the price to allow us to be totally united to God through the Mass.
Why do I bring this up? Over the past year and a half, the world has undergone monumental changes through the Coronavirus pandemic. Lives have been lost, our economy has been struggling, and people are suffering. The Church, too, has seen a sharp drop-off of people who are no longer connected, or only tenuously connected, which impacts their faith life – and impacts the whole of the Body of Christ, the Church.
When we consider the Mass, as the highest form of worship, some of our faith-filled parishioners have not yet returned. We love you, and we miss you! For those who have health problems or are in a high-risk category, it is completely understandable to stay away from the Mass. If someone is sick, they should definitely avoid others. But we should examine ourselves to see if we are using Covid as an excuse for not attending Mass. I have met many people who are out and about, socializing, visiting restaurants and other events, and still use Covid as a reason to avoid Mass. If someone is comfortable going to Yankee Stadium or the grocery store, but not yet comfortable attending Mass, one might rightly ask if our priorities are in the right order.
The cost that Jesus paid to acquire for us the Banquet Beyond All Price demands that we attend unless there is a most serious reason. During the heart of the Covid pandemic, our Bishop suspended the obligation to attend Mass. But this past May, that dispensation was lifted, meaning that Catholics are obliged to attend Mass under pain of mortal sin. But it should be more than the fear of sin that motivates us – it should be our love for God and our hunger for His Eucharistic Presence. Livestreaming Mass is good for those who are physically unable to attend, but it is certainly a paltry substitute for the real riches of being present at the Feast.
So, if you have been waiting to be invited back to Mass, consider this your invitation! Let us search our hearts to see if we have been making excuses for our lack of attendance – and if we do not have a serious health reason to avoid gathering for our weekly celebration of the Eucharist, let us take Christ up on His invitation to attend the Banquet of the Mass, where He Himself is the Food – purchased at such an infinite cost.
On another (but related) topic, many people have asked about when we will be bringing back the songbooks. I am happy to report that the answer is “soon!” We have ordered the 2022 Breaking Bread Hymnals, which will be in the pews by the end of November. In addition, our outstanding organist David Baranowski is putting together a great St. Jude’s Hymnal which has both traditional and modern hymns so that we can sing together at Mass. Stay tuned (no pun intended!).
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Whether it's a Bible or Faith Study, a Time for Prayer, or participating in a media streaming, podcast or discussion group, St. Jude has something for you! Please click here to view/download the Faith Formation booklet and discover all the many informative and exciting programs and events available to you at St. Jude. Hope to see you soon!
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This Sunday is Priesthood Sunday, a special day set aside to honor priesthood in the United States.
It is a day for us to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priest in the life of the Church as a central one.
Let’s remember in our prayers of thanksgiving the priests who serve St. Jude today Fr. Joseph and Fr. Henry, and those who have served St. Jude in the past especially Msgr. Sabia, Fr. Skip, Fr. Jim, Fr. Mike and the other good priests who recently and from past years have generously given of themselves to shepherd us to the Lord.
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PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGILS
Please join our Parish Pro-life Ministry at a Prayer Vigil to save our precious babies in front of Planned Parenthood on Sundays, October 17th and 24th from 2:00-4:00 P.M.
For add'l information please contact Parish Pro-life Coordinator:
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FR. HENRY'S MASS & RECEPTION
October 31st at 11:30 MASS
Followed by Reception in Social Hall
We would like to have YOUR PHOTOS taken with Fr. Henry to display at his Reception even if you are unable to attend.
Please leave photos, no larger than 5"×7", in an envelope with your name on it in the container under the Basket table in the Church lobby. Please note that photos cannot be returned. All photos need to be received by Oct. 12th to be included. (Please note that digital photos are also needed and can be emailed to communications.stjuderc@gmail.com.)
Please join us as we thank Fr. Henry for his eight years of dedicated Priestly service to our Parish family!
Karin Tierney
St. Jude Parish Council
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Religious Education registration ends today!
St. Jude Faith Formation is offering a choice of either in-person classes or digital classes.
In-person classes will be on Sunday mornings before or after the 9:30 Mass (8:30-9:30, or 10:30-11:30 ). Parents are encouraged to stay, as there will be classes for the adults given by Fr Gill. Following the class, the adults and students will join together or a final time of discussion.
Both classes will begin on October 3rd. Those students receiving the sacraments this year are required to attend additional Tuesday classes beginning in January.
Registration is now available online. Use the link below to register and pay. Registration closes on September 24.
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The Chosen – Group Study
All are invited!
When: Friday mornings, beginning October 2nd for 8 weeks
If there is enough interest, and evening session will also be available.
Time: 9:30am to 11am
Where: St. Jude Social Hall (in person), or join us via Zoom
Participants will watch The Chosen Season 1 series at home on their own.
We will then gather together for discussion and sharing of the week’s episode using the official companion study of the Chosen which can be purchased from Amazon ($14.39). You will find the link to the guide below. A link to the official trailer for Season 1 is also below.
Registration is required so as to properly prepare.
This is the official companion study to season 1 of The Chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? parallels each episode, connecting readers to the Bible in a brand-new way. It includes:
· A deeper look at Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus and the lives of His followers (including us!)
· Script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the show
· Guiding questions for groups or individuals
Being chosen by Jesus has beautiful and far-reaching implications—although it says even more about the Chooser than the choosees. We are loved because He is love. We are saved because He is merciful. We belong to the family of God because Jesus invites us, making the Bible and all its promises as true for us today as it was for God’s chosen nation.
What does it actually mean to be Chosen? To answer that question, we’re going Old school—Testament that is—which leads us back to the New. Which always leads us directly to Jesus.
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Food Pantry Update
“Our pantry remains quite full due to the continued generosity of your Parishioners. We are beginning to make our preparations as the cooler weather and holiday’s approach. As a result, our current needs will focus on our Thanksgiving extended pack. In the coming weeks will be looking for items such as turkey gravy, chicken broth, stuffing mix, boxed and canned potatoes, canned corn, and cranberry sauce. We can always use coffee and hot cocoa mix!!
NOTE: If you are, or know of someone in need, please know we are here to serve. Simply contact Liz Romeo (lizromeo65@gmail.com) or the Parish Office and they will guide you to us. All communication is strictly confidential.
Thank you again for your continued support of our mission!”
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All young people grades 6-12 are invited to
ENCOUNTER
A time to encounter God and one another through games, food, prayer, conversation, and fun.
Friday, October 8th
Friday, November 12th
Friday, December 10th
From 7-9pm
No cost – no sign-ups – just show up!
Virtus-trained parents welcome to come and chaperone. For more information, contact Fr. Joseph at frgill@diobpt.org.
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Parish Hiking Trip - Several families gathered with Fr. Joseph for some time of enjoying God's creation on our first-ever St. Jude's Family Hike last Sunday at Rocky Glen State Park in Sandy Hook, CT. A fun time was had by all!
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Dash Through the Old Testament - How much do you know about the Old Testament? Many Catholics are afraid to explore the first half of the Bible. But this fall, please come and join Fr. Joseph on Monday nights starting Sept. 20 at 7pm for a quick dive into the Old Testament! Every Monday from Sept. 20-Easter (except for holidays), 7-8:15pm. No cost - no sign-ups, just show-up - and bring a Bible! Great for adults and teens alike!
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Blessing of Pets -1pm on Sunday, October 3rd
Everyone is invited to join us for our annual Blessing of Pets in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis! Come bring your furry (or scaly!) friend to the plaza with the statue of St. Jude at 1pm on Sunday, October 3rd, for a blessing!
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Have you read any good books lately?
If you want a well written book with an intriguing plot about the challenges faced by a Catholic priest in a small town, a ‘group of 9 readers’ suggests Fr. Joseph’s first novel, “Days of Grace”. The plot will catch your interest, the vivid writing will pull you in, and you will find many spiritual nuggets along the way.
Some of the things that the ‘9 readers’ said after reading the book:
· The plot was interesting and believable. The pastor was put into an impossible position and I wanted to know how he was going to get out of it.
· I was impressed with the quality and style of writing, the way the author explained, without preaching, the message of Jesus and Mary that unfolded in the novel.
· The author ‘had me at the first page’.
· The intense suffering of the two teens who were changed and changed many people in the small town, through their devotion to Our Lady, was very moving.
· This is a story of Evil vs Divine. God is greater, and the Divine will always conquer evil.
· The Divine matters in everyday life. There is no limit to what God can do in our lives.
· We have much to be thankful for in our lives.
And just two of the many memorable quotes:
· “With every grace comes a cross. With every cross comes grace.”
· “At that moment, I pierced the hidden things of God and understood, if only for a passing glimpse, the mystery of grace”
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SAVE THE DATE
FOR A DISCUSSION AND Q & A WITH FATHER JOSEPH ON “DAYS OF GRACE”. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AFTER THE FIRST SATURDAY MASS. BOOKS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE PARISH OFFICE OR AT OUR GIFT SHOP FOR $10.
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Explore your faith
Our Catholic Faith is so rich with meaning that we can always learn more. We will be holding a monthly session to dig deeper into the meaning of our faith.
Our first session will be held on Saturday October 9 starting at 9 am. The session will run one hour and be held in the Social Hall
The topic will be the Meaning of the Mass
The Mass is full of tradition, meaning, and spirituality. No matter how often we attend Mass we can always learn something new that will help us to better appreciate this wonderful gift we have been given.
I look forward to seeing you at this session
Deacon John
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October Rosary
Hosted By
St. John XXIII Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
Monday Oct. 4th Joyful Mysteries
Tuesday Oct. 5th Sorrowful Mysteries
Wednesday Oct.13th Glorious Mysteries
Thursday Oct. 14th Luminous Mysteries
Join Us in Prayer at The
“Mary, Madonna of Peace” Statue
7:00 P.M.
Weather permitting if not the church
please bring your own chairs.
October is dedicated to the most Holy Rosary
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Silver Rose Prayer Service
Monday October 18th at 6:30 PM in the church
Prayer service to share the message of our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life. Prayer serviceconsists of prayers, scripture readings and litany.
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5th Sunday Rosary
October 31th at 11:00 AM in the church
Please Join Us
Pope Francis October Intention
Missionary Disciples
“We pray that every baptized person may be engaged in evangelization, available to this mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavor of the gospel”.
This is a New Program to help bring parishioners to gather in a spiritual activity and promote devotion to Mary. St. John XXIII Council will be participating in this program throughout our Fraternal Year.
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Knights of Columbus Pasta Dinner on 10/23
We will be selling tickets after the masses on the weekends of 9/10 & 16/17.
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Financials for the Year Ending June 30, 2021 will be available at the back of the church this weekend. |
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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., Bennett Gulyas, Vincent Daniello, Armando Aversa, Dyana vander Wielen, David Bath, Martha Zenobia, Joe Pinto, Ray Schwartz, Daniel Louis Bianco, Zoey Frigo, Koswenda Family
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 September is:
Through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, may we pray for an end to the evil of terrorism and violence in our world, and for the safety of our Military personnel,
We pray to the Lord
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
Sat Sept 25 5:00pm Vincenzine and Pasquale Pontoriero
Sun Sept 26 7:30am St. Jude Parishioners
Sun Sept 26 9:30am Domingos Branco
Sun Sept 26 11:30am Ted and Edna Domkowski
Mon Sept 27 9:00am Mary and Margaret Gallagher
Tue Sept 28 9:00am Ben Seamons
Wed Sept 29 9:00am Patty Eng
Thu Sept 30 9:00am Patty Eng
Sat Oct 2 4:00pm Jose Dantas and Isabel Dantas-Teixeira
Sun Oct 3 7:30am Margaret Mende
Sun Oct 3 9:30am Joan Davoren
Sun Oct 3 11:30am Yolanda and Joseph Riccio
The Tabernacle Candle will burn in loving memory of Jose Dantas and Isabel-Dantas Teixeira for the month of October
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 5:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 5:00 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am Mass are live streamed. Please note that the Saturday mass time moves to 4:00PM on October 2 and will stay at 4:00 until April 30, 2022.
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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.
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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.
Note: there will be no Children's Rosary next Sunday 10/3 due to the start of religious education, stay tuned to the bulletin for more information about a special Children's Rosary for the Month of the Rosary.
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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: 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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