Reflection from Fr. Joseph | | |
We’re all familiar with Lent – that forty-day period of preparation for the great Feast of Easter. But actually, in our Catholic Tradition, there are other periods of fasting and intense prayer leading up to great feasts – one of which has already begun!
St. Michael’s Lent is a time of fasting and prayer starting immediately after the Assumption (August 15th) and leading up to the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). It’s not supposed to be as intense as Lent, but an opportunity to make a small sacrifice daily and to increase our prayer life.
The other mini-Lent we ought to embark upon is Advent – which should not be a time of endless Christmas parties, but of simplicity and fasting, so that the Feast of Christmas is truly a feast!
Finally, there is a super-short three-day period called Rogation Days which are the three days leading up to the Ascension (in 2026, it will be on May 11-13) – days where we Catholics are called to fast and pray.
I believe these days are ever more critical in our Church and our world today, for a couple reasons. First, notice that all the fasts precede the great feasts. We can’t truly feast if we don’t first fast – we can’t enjoy spiritual joys unless we first deny bodily pleasures. Sadly our world believes that every day is a feast day (aka, a day to indulge every bodily whim and desire), which drains the true meaning and joy of a feast. So by fasting, we are preparing ourselves to truly celebrate the great events of salvation.
But secondly, fasting and penance and mortification (denying ourselves) is just plain good for our spiritual life. It helps us grow in self-control, strengthens our will so we can more easily choose the good, and trains us for spiritual combat. It helps us keep our eyes on Heaven, rather than the good things of earth which can all too easily become the focal point of our lives.
Now, I understand the irony of this column taking place in the middle of the Italian Festival! But I’m going to try to keep St. Michael’s Lent and do extra prayer and small penances from now until the Feast of the Archangels. Who’s with me?
(If you need assistance with it, the app “Hallow” is doing a program for St. Michael’s Lent – check it out!).
| | |
LECTORS NEEDED!
We are in need of more good men and women to proclaim the Word of God at Mass! What a privilege it is to use your voice to proclaim God's saving works to His Church. Everyone is welcome - adults and high school teens. If interested, please contact the Parish Office at 203-261-6404 or ParishOffice@stjuderc.org to schedule your training with Deacon John and Bernice.
| | |
MONDAY ADORATION RESUMES!
Our regular Monday Eucharistic Adoration resumes on September 8th! Every Monday from Labor Day to Memorial Day, our parish hosts Eucharistic Adoration, that we may draw near to our Eucharistic Lord. We need:
- Guardians who can commit to one consistent hour each week, making sure Our Lord is never left alone
- Substitutes who can fill-in, in case someone is sick or absent.
You can sign up in the back of church, or at this Sign-Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday
And even if you are unable to commit, please just come and visit Our Eucharistic Lord!
As St. Josemaria Escriva said: "When you approach the Eucharist, remember that He has been waiting two thousand years for you."
| | |
The Italian Festival continues tonight 6 - 10 pm
and tomorrow 5 to 10pm!
| |
|
Next Summer Backyard Adoration
~ Monday August 25 ~
Pizza will be Served!
6:30 pm - hosted by the Goss Family
All are welcome! Email to RSVP and for address!
| | Saint Monica Prayer Group | | |
A group of parishioners are looking to begin a "Saint Monica Prayer Group" this month of Saint Monica's feast to commit to pray and make sacrifices together for fallen away loved ones.
For more information and to join the group, email familyministry@stjuderc.org
| | |
The August issue of our parish subscription to Rooted Magazine for children and families is hot off the press!
Learn about the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Feasts of the Transfiguration and the Assumption, and Saints Monica and Augustine.
If you missed any past issues, you can view them here.
| | |
We plan to offer a parent bible study again during
Sunday's religious education session
at 10:30 am. Email Jessica if interested!
| | Kids Club begins back up on September 7! | | |
Tootsie Roll Drive
The Knights of Columbus are excited to announce that its annual campaign to raise funds to help adults, teens, and children with intellectual disabilities, known as the Tootsie Roll Drive, will be conducted over two weekends on September 13th and 14th and October 4th and 5th.
Knights of Columbus volunteers will be collecting donations in front of local businesses during the campaign. You can spot them wearing bright yellow aprons and handing out Knights of Columbus branded Tootsie Rolls in front of Stop & Shop, Capital Spirits and Dunkin Donuts in Monroe and Stop & Shop in Newtown.
The campaign is an important fundraising event and a community outreach opportunity for our parish. 100% of the donations collected will go toward Knights of Columbus programs helping people with intellectual disabilities. Last year the campaign was able to raise over $5,000 for Knights of Columbus programs including at the Southbury Training School, a local home for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteers are still needed to make this year’s campaign a success. The Knights of Columbus should check their email for the link to sign up.
| | |
Blood Donation Drive Save the Date
Our next drive is Saturday, September 20 here at St. Judes. To donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and search for our drive.
| | |
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.
| | |
Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers, etc.
They are currently low on sizes 3, 4 & 5, wipes and jars of baby food as well as 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.
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, Chloe Capra, Lucy Hanson, Debbie Dragonetti, Jesse Hurst & Family, Maryann Lapinski, Joseph Laveneziana, Andrea Paddock, Nadine Alusik, Margarida Andrade, John, Jimmy Forno, Matthew Van der Wielen, George N., Milenka Gospic, Benjamin Gray, Joe F.
| | |
Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for August is for: ST. JUDE'S ITALIAN FESTIVAL
We pray for good weather for our Festival, and that it be a time of camaraderie for all volunteers and enjoyment for all those attending.
We pray to the Lord
| | |
Mass Intentions for August 23 – August 31
Sat Aug 23 4:30pm The Lluch Family
Sun Aug 24 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun Aug 24 9:30am Joseph Firgeleski, Jr
Sun Aug 24 11:30am Gerry Kennedy
Robert Ciotti, Sr
Louis DiMartino
Mon Aug 25 9:00am Emanuel Cambra
Tue Aug 26 9:00am Laura Donovan
Wed Aug 27 9:00am Emanuel Cambra
Thu Aug 28 9:00am Emanuel Cambra
Fri Aug 29 9:00am Louis Ciarmella
Sat Aug 30 4:30pm Rino and Jane Servadio
Sun Aug 31 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun Aug 31 9:30am Father Bill Folsey
Sun Aug 31 11:30am Thomas Gabianelli
Helen Tuccio
Louis Ciarmella
Maria Emilia Monteiro and Artur
Fernandes Monteiro
Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Margaret Tranzillo
Hosts and Wine: In memory of the Tortora and LaBella Families
| | |
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
| | |
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
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.
| |
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.
| | |
|
St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
| |
| | | |
