Welcome to the April
St. Jude's Family Newsletter!
Welcome to the April Easter issue of the St Jude's Family Newsletter! Since the Easter season is upon us, this issue is full of things to help you finish Lent strong and prepare for Holy Week and the great Feast of Easter, followed by Divine Mercy Sunday. You will also find event reminders and resources to help you prepare for the upcoming Sacraments.
Since this is a new initiative please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions or input! Have a Blessed Easter!
Important Upcoming Dates:

Stations of the Cross & Adoration (Fridays during Lent)  
Stations of the Cross at 7pm, Adoration from 7:30-8:30 pm. For a Stations of the Cross to watch with your children, visit here.

Friday, April 1: Youth Encounter
7:00 pm Social Hall

Saturday and Sunday, April 2 - 3: Martyr's Relic Presentation
in the Social Hall after each Mass

Saturday, April 2: First Saturday Rosary and Mass
8:00 am Rosary/Confession 8:30 am Mass
Children can learn about the First Saturday Devotion on EWTN (episode 20)

Sunday, April 3: Religious Education
8:30 am and 10:30 am

Sunday, April 3: Children's Rosary
After 11:30 am Mass

Tuesday, April 5: Confirmation and Communion Class
Communion class: 4:00-5:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm in the Social Hall
Confirmation class: 4:00-5:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm in the Parish Center

Sunday, April 10: Palm Sunday
Bishop Caggiano will be celebrating the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, April 10: Last Day of Religious Education
8:30 am and 10:30 am

Sunday, April 10: Sunday Evening of Catholic Fellowship
in Social Hall

Monday, April 11: Confession Monday across the Diocese
see individual churches for details on time

Tuesday, April 12: Confirmation and Communion Class
Communion class: 4:00-5:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm in the Social Hall
Confirmation class: 4:00-5:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm in the Parish Center

Thursday, April 14: Holy Thursday
7:30 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper

April 15-23: Divine Mercy Novena. SEE SCHEDULE

Friday, April 15: Good Friday
Morning Prayer 9 am, Liturgy of the Lord's Passion 3 pm,
Stations of the Cross 7 pm

Saturday, April 16: Holy Saturday
Morning Prayer 9 am
Great Vigil of Easter 8 pm

Sunday, April 17: Easter Sunday
Masses at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, and 11:30 am

Sunday, April 24: Divine Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy Prayer Service at 3 pm
Divine Mercy Art for children and teens in Social Hall with hospitality

Tuesday, April 26: Communion Rehearsal
In Church

Thursday, April 28: First Mom's Group Meeting
7:00 pm in the Social Hall

Friday, April 29: Youth Encounter
7:00 pm Social Hall

Saturday, April 30: First Confession
9:00 am -12:00 pm (Arrive at your assigned time)

Sunday May 1: First Communion
9:30 am and 11:30 am Mass (based on your assigned Mass time)

Tuesday May 24: Confirmation Rehearsal
In Church

Tuesday May 31: Confirmation
5:00 pm or 7:00 pm (based on your assigned time)

Saturday June 12: Parish Picnic with St Stephen's
NEWS: Check out the Family Resource Table
Check out the new Family Ministry Resource Table, next to the St. Anthony statue in the church foyer to find seasonal activities, handouts, and resources for children and families. 

Its not too late to contribute to our Sacrifice Jar! Let's get the jar filled up for Easter!

A variety of books for young children are also now available in the back chapel to be borrowed during Mass.  Please return to the basket after use.
Easter Book Giveaway for Children
Happy Easter! We have a limited number of the Easter book "Jesus is Risen" for young children. You can find them at the Family Ministry Table on Easter Sunday. One per family please.
EVENT: Children's Art Contest with Prizes!
& Family Event with Hospitality
Announcing an Art Contest with Prizes! Children and teens are invited to draw, color, or paint the Divine Mercy Image as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalsa. Place your image in the basket on the Family Ministry Resource Table. For an example see here.

An age-appropriate Divine Mercy Book Prize will be granted for a winner in each category for grades K - 3, 4 - 8, and 9 - 12. Parishioners will be able to vote on the artwork the week of April 24, and winners will be announced in early May!
Join us on Sunday, April 24, Divine Mercy Sunday, for the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Children before 9 am Mass, and a family event in the Social Hall after the 9:30 am and 11:30 am Masses.

Children will have the opportunity to make their Divine Mercy Art contest picture, learn more about the Divine Mercy Message, and enjoy some family fellowship.
Resources For Lent and Easter
Plan for Holy Week:


Continue to Learn and pray with Brother Francis this Lent and Easter:



Prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday:
What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
 
Divine Mercy Sunday always falls on the 2nd Sunday of Easter. The Feast of Mercy is attributed to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who received private revelations from Jesus about His love for us. 

In St. Faustina's diary, she details her encounters with Christ and tells about His immense mercy, the importance of conversion, and our need to trust in Him, hence the words "Jesus I Trust in You" at the bottom of the Image.

My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. … Let no soul fear to draw near to Me. … It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.
— Our Lord to St. Faustina, Diary, no. 699
Resources for Sacrament Preparation
Did You Know? You can Use Formed.org to Help with Your Child's Sacrament Preparation!

Formed has wonderful resources for children and teens preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation this Spring. You can find a wealth of resources in this handy compilation document.

Are you new to Formed? It can be downloaded on your phone or streamed on all devices. Visit formed.org/signup
Check out the St. Jude's Religious Gift Shop!
A table will be set up at the Communion Retreats, or contact Fran Cambra at 203-261-2573 if you are interested in purchasing an item from the gift shop. Here is a list of items and pricing.
April Saints of the Month
Feast of St. Bernadette - April 16
Feast of St. Catherine of Siena - April 29

Children are welcome to take prayer bookmarks and handouts when available on the Family Ministry Resource table.  
Save the Dates!
St Jude's Mom's Group Kick off Meeting Thursday April 28th at 7 pm in the Social Hall. E-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information and to get on the e-mail contact list. To learn more about our Patron Saint, St. Gianna Beretta Molla - click here!
Vacation Bible School is coming back to St Jude's on July 11-15 for grades K-5!

If you are an adult interested in volunteering, please fill out this form to let us know your availability and what you'd be interesting in helping out with. If you are a teen who would like to volunteer, please fill out this volunteer application.

Once we secure volunteer numbers, children's registration will open after Easter. For more information, or to add your name to the list of those interested in attending e-mail Jessica Iannotta .
Family Prayer Opportunities
We are looking to form St. Jude Parish Family Prayer Teams!

Do you have a family or two that you would like to form a team with? You can decide your prayer focus - will it be First Saturday Rosary or perhaps praying for vocations? Would you consider dedicating your family prayer mission to praying for the unborn? We have plenty of inspiration all around us so you can see what the Holy Spirit may be calling you to!

If you would like to get involved, e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information!
Coming Soon...

  • May issue of the St. Jude Family Newsletter
  • Marian Consecration Resources for Children and Families
  • Vacation Bible School Registration
  • Parish Family Bingo Night in May
St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404