Reflection from Fr. Joseph | | |
A movie was recently released which brings absurd blasphemy to a new level: “The Carpenter’s Son,” which bills itself as a “horror film starring Jesus.” Jesus is portrayed as a 14-year-old boy who is discovering he has supernatural powers – which sometimes he uses to kill people (yes, that’s really in the movie) and fight some bloody demons (frankly, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” had a more realistic portrayal of evil). Honestly, a movie like that isn’t even worth the ink or pixels used to debunk its absurdity – except for its purported source material, which is a perennial source of interest and confusion among Catholics.
The movie purports to draw from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Wait – there are other Gospels out there, not included in the Scriptures?
Well…sort of. There are a number of apocryphal Gospels, generally known as the Gnostic Gospels, which are ancient Christian texts which feature Jesus as the main character. But that’s where the similarity often ends – many of the stories are jarring and incongruent with who we know Jesus to be, from the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
In essence, the Gnostic Gospels are “Jesus fan-fiction”. They hold no basis in the truth, but are just written for entertainment or to push forth a heretical view of Jesus (for example, the Gnostics were an early Church heresy/cult/sect which believed that there were two gods – a good God who created the spiritual world and an evil god who created the material world – for the Gnostics, salvation was about “acquiring the secret knowledge” [the gnosis] which would allow you to be illuminated into everlasting life).
Some Gnostic Gospels include the Gospels of Peter, Thomas, Judas, Mary…the Protoevangelion of James, History of Joseph the Carpenter, etc. They are sometimes interesting to read, as long as we realize they are not historical – mere fiction. But some of the stories are rather bizarre – for example, the Gospel of Philip claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene…the Gospel of Thomas has Jesus telling Peter that He will turn His mother into a man before she is taken to Heaven, because only men are saved (according to that false Gospel)…and the Infancy Gospel speaks about Jesus making clay birds out of mud, and then breathing the breath of life into them so that they fly away.
With all of these Gospels and imposter Gospels floating around in the early Church, how did the Church decide which ones were actually the “real deal”? Very simple – it had toactually come from Apostolic origin, and it had to agree with the faith that had been orally handed down from the Apostles. Remember, the Bible came from the Church, not vice-versa. It was the Church, as the “pillar of Truth” (1 Tim 3:15), which could discern, guided by the Holy Spirit, which Gospels were actually inspired and inerrant. The oral tradition of our Catholic Faith was passed down even before these documents were written – so the only documents accepted into the Bible were those which agreed with that oral Tradition.
So, I would only recommend reading these Gnostic Gospels if you are already deeply steeped in the True Gospels. They are worth reading for purely historical curiosity, not to acquire any new or secret knowledge of Jesus. We need to know who the real Jesus is, before we look at any false portrayals of Him. And definitely don’t go and see that movie!
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This weekend is Accountability Sunday, when every parish in the diocese shares its financial results for the past year. On our website are the financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025, along with comparisons to Fiscal Year 2024. Please note that all parishes follow a fiscal year ending June 30, so Fiscal Year 2025 reflects the twelve months ended June 30, 2025.
At each Mass this weekend, a member of the St. Jude’s Finance Council will offer a brief overview of our parish’s financial position. We are pleased to share that our parish remains financially sound. This stability is due in large part to your ongoing generosity and support, along with careful monitoring and control of our expenses.
With gratitude to God for His blessings—and with your continued support through the weekly offertory and our parish fundraisers (including the annual festival and raffle)—we are confident that St. Jude’s will continue to thrive.
Thank you for being a vital part of our parish community.
St. Jude Financial Report for Calendar Year ending June 33 2025
https://irp.cdn-website.com/76b04375/files/uploaded/12.7.2025.pdf
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Inclement Weather Policy
As the weather turns colder and snowier, please take note of the Inclement Weather Policy for St. Jude's Parish:
Weekday Mass is cancelled if Monroe public schools are cancelled (the Mass will be said and the intention will be prayed for, but privately). If school is on a 2-hour delay, Mass is as usual.
Saturday Vigil/Sunday Mass are never cancelled.
Religious Education on Wednesdays are cancelled if Monroe Public Schools are closed OR if the will have no after-school activities.
Religious Education on Sundays - please check your email. We will make the determination by 8am that day.
All other evening meetings, events, and groups - please contact the leader of your group/event to see if it will still meet. Do not contact the parish office.
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Confession Weekend!
This weekend, November 29-30, is our next Confession Weekend - as we begin Advent and approach the holy season leading up to Christmas, Confessions will be offered before and after every Mass this weekend!
Welcome Home Sunday!
As we mentioned earlier, December 6-7 is our Welcome Home Weekend where we especially want to welcome guests and visitors to attend Mass with us. We'll have a special welcoming homily, along with pew cards with how to get back involved with the Catholic Faith, featuring resources for our Catholic Faith and an opportunity to connect with a pastoral minister of St. Jude's. Please encourage your friends and families to come and visit St. Jude's on December 6th and 7th so that they can find their spiritual home here at St. Jude's!
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Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Our Lady's Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast day of the United States of America - and is a Holy Day of Obligation this year, where Catholics are obliged - and privileged to attend Mass to celebrate our Blessed Mother! Masses will be Monday, December 8th at 9am and 7pm at St. Jude's.
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Christmas Eve Children’s Choir!
Students, young and old, from our CCD Program and the parish, are invited to sing at the 5:30 P.M. Mass this year. Wear your “Christmas Best” and lift your voices for Jesus at one of our Vigil Masses. It will be a beautiful time!
The music is not complicated or complex - pretty much straightforward and common Christmas Carols. My hope is to have one big rehearsal before Christmas at a time convenient for all. Students of reading age and up are invited to sing and music is an amazing way to improve those reading skills! All are welcome to participate.
Please contact Lou, our Parish Director of Music via email to confirm and RSVP at louisvollono@aol.com
Song List - 5:30 P.M. Vigil Mass of Christmas with Children’s Choir
“O Come, Little Children” Helpful YouTube Link here
“O Come! All Ye Faithful” Helpful YouTube Link here
“The First Nowell” Helpful YouTube Link here
“Silent Night” Helpful YouTube Link here
“Joy to the World!” Helpful YouTube link
"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning."
— Plato
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Advent Begins Sunday!
SALE THIS WEEKEND
The Saint Jude Gift Shop will be selling Advent Wreaths, Advent Candles, Advent Calendars and OPLATKI Christmas Wafers (donation $2.00 each wafer). Cash or check accepted.
Look out for these items after Masses this weekend November 29 and 30.
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Save the Dates - 2025 Homebound Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 14 - after 11:30 Mass (meet at 12:30 in vestibule)
We would love to have enough volunteers to send two caroling groups out to homebound parishioners, who cherish our caroling visits each year! Locations and routes will be provided to groups
Sunday, December 7 at 3 pm - Children & Young Family Caroling
Join Saint Jude Kids Club and parish young families for caroling to seniors at Hidden Knolls off of Elm street
Email familyminstry@stjuderc.org if you are interested in joining our caroling groups!
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December Rooted Magazine
Here is the link for December's Rooted Magazine with a link to past issues here.
It is full inspiration for Advent and Christmas!
Printed copies are available at the Family Ministry table, along with the new copies of the 2025-26 Children's Missals for use during Mass (as always, please return to basket after use)
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Saint Jude Moms Group
Fall Meeting Dates:
Friday 12/12 - Rosary Making (open to all)
Thursday, 12/18 - 7:30 pm Christmas Gathering and "Secret Saint" exchange
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Email stjudemomsgroup@gmail.com for more information!
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Parent Bible Study - NEXT SUNDAY
12/7 during 10:30 AM Religious Education
Parents are welcome to join our Parent Bible study, next Sunday we will begin an Advent bible study. All are welcome to join anytime! There is no homework or preparation required and no Bible experience is necessary. Email familyministry@stjuderc.org to join us!
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NEXT KIDS CLUB - SUNDAY 12/7
Meet for Christmas Caroling at Hidden Knolls in Monroe at 3:00 PM
Then Kids Club Christmas Party at 3:30 pm in the Saint Jude Social Hall
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Blessed Sacrament Gift Card Donation Drive
Donate Gift Cards for Teens
Father Skip prefers gift cards to fast food places and Dunkin Donuts.
Gift cards will be collected the weekend of October 23rd and ending on the weekend of December 7th.
It will be greatly appreciated if you can be as generous as possible.
Thank you.
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St Jude Blood Drive Information
Earlier this year, our Knights of Columbus Council and the Columbiettes began co-sponsoring the blood donation drives with IBEW, Local 488, it's offices at 721 Main Street, Rte 25 in Monroe. With this new association, there will be two drives a year here at St. Judes (May and September) and two at IBEW (January and July).
So, as we soon begin 2026, the first drive of the year will be on Saturday, January 3 at the IBEW location. We hope you will be able to come to the drive and donate a pint of life-giving blood for those in need - a great way to start the New Year. If you wish to donate, access www.redcrossblood.org, find this drive and select a donation time.
Thank you for your continued support.
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All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall, as we study the week’s Sunday readings.
For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.
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Food Pantry update
Our gratitude for your continued generosity. At this time the items in greatest need are: Mac and Cheese, canned tuna, and canned soup.
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Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers, etc. They are currently low on sizes Newborn,1, 3, 4, 5 & 6, wipes and jars of baby food as well as gently used Baby clothes (boys and girls, up to 18 months), Baby blankets, crib sheets, Onesies, socks, strollers, bottles and pacifiers and baby monitors. They have also requested baby formula such as “Similac 360 Total Care”. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers, etc. in the outer vestibule of the church. Monetary donations, with checks made out to the Hopeline Pregnancy Center, as well as gift cards from Amazon, Target and grocery stores are most welcome. They may be mailed to: Hopeline Pregnancy Center, PO Box 110658, Trumbull, CT 06611. As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.
This week the Knights delivered an SUV full of diapers, wipes, baby clothes, blankets, crib sheets, etc. to Hopeline for which they were most grateful.
Please contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
David Nicolett, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu , Darryl Patterson, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & Family, Catherine Belanger, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Patti F, Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Frank Kerekes, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Susan W, Barbara Tranchese, Mary Lopresti, Lor C, Janet C, Larry Pisani, Becky M, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Mildred Blasko, Michael Merola & Family, Father Krzysztof, Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Alice Gumpert, Michael, Donna, Chrystal Archuletta, Lucy Hanson, Debbie Dragonetti, Jesse Hurst & Family, Maryann Lapinski, Andrea Paddock, Nadine Alusik, Margarida Andrade, John, Jimmy Forno, Matthew Van der Wielen, George N., Milenka Gospic, Benjamin Gray, Chris McCarthy, Leo B., Edward Isales, MaryAnn Voytek
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Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention..
MONTHLY PARISH PETITION
Our Petition for November is:
For the Holy Souls in Purgatory
We pray for our deceased loved ones and for those who have no one to pray for them.
May we also remember on Veterans Day all those who have died protecting our Country...
We pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them Oh, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
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Our Petition for December is:
May the greatest gift we give on Christmas this year be to Jesus by preparing our
hearts and souls to grow closer to Him
this Advent...
We pray to the Lord
| | Mass Intentions for November 29 - December 7 | | |
Weekday Masses (Monday thru Friday) will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.
The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:30 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am and 9:30 Masses are live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses
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Saturday Rosary Sign up.
We have a wonderful way to prepare for Saturday Mass and that is to say the Rosary before Mass starts. We start 30 minutes before Mass so we start at 4:00 every Saturday.
Please join us as we pray. Also, please prayerfully consider joining this ministry.
If you would like to join you can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aa8ad2fa6fccf8-saturday#/
We look forward to you joining us as we pray the Rosary together.
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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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Flame of Love Rosary
Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass
"Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity"
flameoflove.us
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church
"Jesus we Trust in You"
thedivinemercy.org
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is located downstairs in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. Fr. Joseph's Books and CD's are available in the Gift Shop. Also new items: Communion Gifts and cards, statues, rosaries and more.
See above for 2025 Advent offerings!
Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.
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Confession Hours
Confessions on Saturday afternoon will be in the day chapel at 3:30 to 4:15 pm on Saturdays. Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession.
Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.
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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 (ParishOffice@stjuderc.org) 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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