Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Everyone’s overarching vocation is holiness – to become a saint. But there are four “states of life” through which people can live out the call to holiness: priesthood, religious life (being a nun or a brother), marriage, and the consecrated single life. All four vocations are meant to support one another. For example, a priest gives spiritual nourishment to families and single people in the parish; single people often have the freedom and talents to build up the Kingdom of God and serve the Church; a holy marriage leads to a strong and devout family, which is a good preparation for a young person to consider a vocation to religious life.

No vocation is “harder” or “easier” than another one. A person called to the vocation of the single life may struggle with loneliness…married couples have a myriad of small crosses in being patient with one another and raising kids…priests and nuns often find the demands of ministry to be taxing and sometimes frustrating. Of course, there are great blessings in every vocation, too: those in the single life may enjoy the freedom of not being “tied down” to another person, allowing them to serve God with great liberty…priests and nuns experience the joy of helping souls grow in their walk with Christ…married couples have the consolation of each other and the delight of helping their kids become saints.

As this is Good Shepherd Sunday, I’d like to explore briefly how the vocations of the priesthood and married life can specifically support each other to live out that calling to holiness!

First, how the priesthood can support marriages:

The Sacraments…obviously! Marriage is a supernatural reality, not just a natural one. Therefore, it needs to be fed with the supernatural grace of the Sacraments in order to be lived well. Confessing regularly can help us overcome pettiness, selfishness, and impatience that we see within ourselves in our family relationships. The Eucharist gives us strength to live the self-sacrificing love that is demanded by marriage and parenthood. So, the priesthood supports marriage by making Sacraments accessible – especially by providing them at times and locations convenient for busy families.

Being a good example – St. Peter instructs priests to “be examples to the flock, not lording it over them.” (1 Peter 5:3). It was said of St. John Vianney that he was able to convert his entire parish, not by his preaching or pastoral initiatives, but by the sheer force of his example of holiness. This, too, is how priests support families – by living as a witness to the powerful truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Helping to form children for Heaven – one of the main tasks of a family is to raise children to become saints and members of Heaven. In fact, the Church teaches that “parents are the primary educators of their children in the way of faith”, and at every child’s baptism, the parents make a public promise to help their kids follow the Lord Jesus. The priesthood and religious life are here to support you in this mission by providing resources and opportunities for young people to have a living encounter with the Lord Jesus and to form them in discipleship.

Challenging them to grow, encouraging them in struggles – Paradoxically, one of the most loving things a priest can do is to challenge someone, whether from the pulpit or in private conversation, to become holier. Please accept these challenges with love and humility, because they are often very difficult for a priest to speak about and it takes great courage to speak fearlessly the whole truth of the Gospel, even when it chafes! At the same time, priests must be willing to support families in their struggles, being present when sickness strikes or a child goes wayward or other family strife threatens the peace and well-being of a family.

By praying and sacrificing for them – One of the vows a priest takes on his ordination day is to pray faithfully for the people God has entrusted to him. I hope every priest supports all of his parishioners through faithful prayer!

Then: how can marriages support the priesthood?

By being the “fruit” of labor – In a world often hostile to the Faith, discouragement and burnout is a real threat to the priesthood. Many priests (not me, thankfully) feel like they’re managing decline, rather than spreading the Kingdom – in large part because there is very little spiritual fruit that is visible for all of the priest’s labors. So, your holiness is the greatest joy and encouragement to a priest! Seeing parishioners loving the Eucharist, receiving Him with reverence, coming to Confession, participating in Bible studies, going on retreats, sharing how God has changed their lives: this is what encourages priests so much to keep making the sacrifices and preaching the Gospel.

By sharing in the mission of the Church – it brings me so much joy to meet newcomers who have been brought to the Church by a faithful parishioner! Or to hear about the spontaneous Bible studies or small groups that are cropping up by the laity’s initiative. Or to see how people are putting their time and talents to use in the Kingdom by serving others. The mission of the Church to bring all souls to Heaven is shared equally by the laity, albeit in a different way – and it brings such joy and encouragement to a priest to see the laity taking up their God-given role!

By welcoming the priest into your family’s life – many priests – and here I speak mostly for myself and Fr. Jozef – do not want to merely be anonymous Sacramental dispensers, but want to be truly a part of parishioners’ lives. In the past ten years I’ve noticed more of a “consumer” mentality among many Catholics, where they come to church to get their “religious experience” and then go home, not really wanting to engage the priest or be a part of a community. But it can be a lonely priestly existence to not truly have a community. So, invite your priest over for dinner; spend time chatting after Mass (yes, we really do enjoy that!); invite your priest to your kids’ baseball games or to watch the Super Bowl; make time in your family’s life to be a part of the social activities at the Church.

By critiques in charity – everyone has a right to voice their opinion about how the parish should be run! And, truthfully, I appreciate hearing how the parish can improve. But all critiques need to be done well for them to be truly constructive. First, don’t critique on the way out of Mass – that’s usually not a productive time. Second, don’t be a naysayer or complainer – some people only speak up when they have a complaint. Rather, you should establish a very positive relationship with the priest first, before bringing your suggestion to him. Third, don’t write a letter – and never write an anonymous letter (those get thrown away immediately). I’d rather have a conversation with someone where we can dialogue, instead of a monologic letter. Fourth, make sure that you are willing to help fix the problem – I can’t tell you how many parishioners tell me, “Father, the Church needs to…” (when in reality, they mean, “You, the priest, need to…”) and aren’t willing to lift a finger to make it happen! Finally, in addition to critiques, also offer encouragement too – not flattery, but speak of the good things that are happening at the parish!

By praying and sacrificing for them – The spiritual warfare that priests are under is much more intense than it is for laity (I have heard this from many men who have experienced both states of life). The Devil knows that if the priest falls into ruin, he takes a thousand souls with him. So please pray and sacrifice for your priests – we need it!

All of the vocations that Christians are called to live out are meant to be complementary, as we help each other along the arduous and difficult path to Heaven!

Saint Jude

Religious Gift Shop

Communion Gifts for Sale

After all Masses this weekend

April 25-26

Family News and Events

April Rooted Magazine

Here is the link for April's Rooted Magazine with a link to past issues here.

It is full inspiration for the the Triduum, Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

Printed copies will be available at the family ministry table.

Saint Jude Moms Group

Next Meeting Date:

Thursday 5/28 - 7:30 pm

Email saintjudemomsgroup@gmail.com for more information!

SPACE IS FILLING UP QUICKLY REGISTER SOON!

SAINT JUDE KIDS CLUB

Pizza Bingo with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

Sunday, May 3

3-5 pm

email family ministry@stjuderc.org to RSVP

Knights of Columbus News

NEEDS DRIVE THIS SATURDAY 4/25!



Knights of Columbus Needs/Food, clothing, & diapers drive



The Knights of Columbus are once again sponsoring a Needs/Food, clothing, & diapers drive on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 8AM to 10:30AM. NO FURNITURE items are being collected. Please bring your donated items to the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall behind the Church. These items will be distributed to Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Blessed Sacrament parish, & Hopeline. Since we no longer have a food pantry at St Jude's, all food collected for the drive will go to the Blessed Sacrament parish community which has a critical need for food.

To simplify our distribution process during the day of the drive, it would be much appreciated if you labelled your donated items in boxes & bags for Blessed Sacrament/Father Skip, Hopeline & Bridgeport Rescue. Please review the attached flyer for specific items needed for each.  Any questions, please contact Rocky Scali, 203-767-6053 or Frank Flynn, 203-556-5016. 

THANK YOU

SAVE THE DATE: BLOOD DRIVE ON MAY 16

On Saturday, May 16, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes will co-sponsor a blood drive in the Social Hall. The collection time is from 8 AM until 1 PM. If you wish to donate, you can access www.redcrossblood.org, search for our drive on May 16 and select a time to donate. We hope to see you there.

The Saint John XXIII Auxiliary #5987 of the Columbiettes cordially invite you to our annual Virtual Tea Party Fundraiser to support our charitable works.

We will be distributing invitations on the weekends of April 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3, 2026. Each envelope includes a tea bag, a request for prayer response card and return envelope. Please write the names of your loved ones living or deceased that you would like us to include in prayer. At the Columbiettes May meeting we will pray the rosary and include the names of your intentions.

Please return the response card with your donation by May 9th. You can drop off in the basket at mass, drop it off at the parish office or mail to : St Jude Church 707 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT 06468

Rededication of Memorial

To the Unborn

This is a mass to thank God for the gift of life, to atone for the sin of abortion, and to pray for an end to abortion and the remembrance of the unborn. 

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Daniel’s Farm Rd Trumbull, CT

Inside Mausoleum

Saturday May 9th

9:00 A.M.

Celebrant TBD

Please join the Knights of Columbus

Council 5987

May Crowning



Mary, Madonna of Peace Statue

Saturday, May 2

After 4:30 PM Mass

May Crowning is a ritual celebrated in the month of May where the statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers and honored as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of God.

Sponsored by

Saint John XXIII

Council 5987

Knights of Columbus 

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.

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers, etc. They are currently low on sizes Newborn,1, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7,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.

Their biggest need right now is girls’ winter clothing 0-3, 3-6, 9-12 and 12-18.

 As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.

Please contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

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, 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, Sal Guerrera, Anne Gulia, Raymond Gosselin, Joan Deaky, Nancy Czupkowski, Jean Paul, Virginia LaQuesse, Ed Marencik, Dan Mongillo, Lawrence Cofone, Mary Witkowsky

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention..

Our Petition for April: For Religious Vocations.

On Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26th, we celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of Prayers For Religious Vocations.  Following Our Lord's instructions, "We pray for the Lord to send laborers into His Vineyard" (Mk 9:38 and Luke 10:2).

May we continue to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Consecrated Life. As Pope Leo XIV requests, may we also pray for priests in crisis...

    We Pray To The Lord 

 Mass Intentions for April 25 – May 3

 Sat      Apr 25           4:30pm           Mason Murren

Sun     Apr 26           7:30am           Gene Simoneau

Sun     Apr 26            9:30am           Robert Kilpatrick

Sun     Apr 26           11:30am          St Jude Parishioners

                                                           The Andrade and Pinto Family

                                                           In thanksgiving – the Melissano family

Sun     Apr 26            5:30pm           Deceased members of St Jude families

Mon    Apr 27           9:00am           Francesco Chiappetta

Tue     Apr 28           9:00am           Maria Emilia Monteiroand Artur Fernandes Monteiro                                                                                                                                                     

Wed    Apr 29           9:00am           Patrick Ryan

Thu     Apr 30            9:00 am         Helen Roberts

Fri       May 1             9:00am           Ray and Ann Ferrara

Sat      May 2             9:00am           In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sat      May 2            4:30pm           Lucinda Dantas

Sun     May 3           7:30am           Reid P. Iannazzo

Sun     May 3            9:30am           Gregory D’Silva, Celine D’Silva, Monica D’Silva

                                                                                   And Helen Crasta

Sun     May 3            11:30am          St Jude Parishioners

                                                           George F. Dutches

                                                           Loretta Delmastro

Tabernacle Candle: (Apr): In memory of Andrew Henn (May) In memory of Renee Freer and Stephen Misencik

Adoration Candles: (May)In memory of Luis and Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon   

Wine and Hosts: (Apr): In memory of Luis and Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon  

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

There will be a once/month Sunday evening Solemn High Mass on the Fourth Sunday of every month, starting February 22, at 5:30pm. It is scheduled through May.

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.

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.

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

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.

Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.

Confession Hours

We are adding an additional Confession time starting February 1, through Easter (at least - if it is popular we will keep it). Monday nights from 8-9pm (the last hour of Adoration). 

Confessions will now be on Saturdays from 3:30-4:30pm and on Monday nights from 8-9pm. 

Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.  

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.