Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Today we remember a somber anniversary – it has been twenty-five years since the tragedies of September 11, 2001. All of us remember clearly what we were doing when we heard the news – I was a freshman in college, walking through our student center and seeing all of the TVs replaying the attacks over and over again. Somehow, we all knew that our lives would never be the same again.

I am blessed that I did not know anyone who perished in those attacks, but many of us – especially in the New York metro area – may have had family, friends, or coworkers die in that most grievous attack. America promised on that day to “Never Forget” – and in some sense we have kept that promise, with memorials and services and remembrances.

But have we? I remember what we all felt on September 12 – it was a day to put aside our differences and proclaim that we are united as a country. We weren’t afraid to invoke the name of God or to pray in public. Churches were full, and flags were waving. We admired the courage of those who were willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect the innocent. It took a tragedy to bring us together and to bring us to our knees – but when the crisis passes, how quickly do the good effects evaporate like the morning dew!

My late grandfather, a World War II veteran, said to me in the aftermath of September 11 that “When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, men showed their love for their country by joining the army. When the September 11th attacks happened, we show our patriotism by waving flags.” His point was that good things are worth sacrificing for: a peaceful, united nation under God. But if we are unwilling to put in the sacrifice and the hard work, then the emotions that resulted from the tragedy would wear off.

As we remember September 11th and renew our promise to “never forget”, let us also renew our commitment to honor the memory of the dead by truly working to make this a peaceful, united nation under God – by putting our lives under God, by working for peace in our families and neighborhoods, by forgiving our enemies, by standing on truth and charity in the face of a rancorous public discourse. A nation is more than ideals – it is made by its citizens living out those ideals.



John Adams once wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” And Benjamin Franklin said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” Unless you and I become those virtuous people and change the nation beginning in our own souls, then we may remember the lives lost on September 11th but we will have forgotten the lessons that day taught us and our country.

Solemn High Mass Every Sunday!



The Mass is the highest form of worship, as Christ offers Himself to the Father in an unbloody re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Calvary. Whether it is a simple daily Mass or the ornate Easter Vigil, the Mass is still the most noble thing that a person can participate in - the fitting worship of God. As Catholics, we use incense to honor God as a symbol of our prayers rising up to Him. Now, as we seek to give God the glory due Him, and worship Him with all of our senses (hearing, sight, and even smell!), we will be making every 11:30am Sunday Mass (outside of the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent) a High Mass with incense and extra candles. You may notice more ceremony and pomp - that is intentional! We want congregants and visitors to experience a sense of awe and wonder in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord. Thank you for coming to worship with us every Sunday at St. Jude's!

Monday Eucharistic Adoration Resumes on September 14th!

Starting on September 14th, every Monday you are invited to find your peace in Jesus as we resume our weekly Eucharistic Adoration from 9:30am-9pm. Please come and worship our Eucharistic Lord and find the peace and tranquility in the midst of this chaotic world. We need two people to commit to being present at each hour - would you consider being a "guardian" of the Eucharist and having a regular hour of Adoration each week? If so, please sign up here:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday or in the back of church. Spending time with the Eucharist will absolutely change your life - please consider making the commitment to keep him company weekly, and see the joy that comes from His love!

The Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church in Monroe will be hosting their GIFTOBERFEST! fundraiser taking place throughout the month of October 2026.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to various causes that the Columbiettes sponsor - such as special needs camperships, Hopeline, Christmas baskets for the disadvantaged and other local charitable organizations. 

GIFTOBERFEST! Is a raffle that consists of a daily drawing from October 1-31, 2026. Each day a gift card in various denominations will be awarded to a lucky winner. Participants can win multiple times. Raffle tickets will be $10.00 each and are good for the entire month.

The raffle calendar and daily winners will be announced on the Saint John XXIII Columbiettes Auxiliary Facebook page

The Columbiettes will be selling tickets after Saturday and Sunday masses at St. Jude’s Church at 707 Monroe Turnpike throughout September or if you would like to purchase a ticket and cannot attend mass, please contact Elizabeth Edgerton at 203-258-3354 or Jan DeMayo at 203-520-9796 or you can email eaedgerton24@gmail.com.

For additional information, please call (203) 258-3354 or e-mail eaedgerton24@gmail.com.

Calling all crafters, sewers, woodworkers, makers, local artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. We are looking for Parishioners that would like to sell some of their creations at the St. Jude Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5^th, 2026.

Please attend our exploratory meeting Wednesday September 16^th at  6 pm in the social hall.



This is our last chance to organize if we want to have a Christmas Festival this year.

Volunteer Opportunities At St. Jude's!

We are in need of some volunteers here at St. Jude's! Might you have the time to help with these ways to serve?

Collection Counters - The group that counts the collection on Monday mornings at 9am. Commitment is only 1x/month. No experience necessary!

Youth Encounter Core Team - We need adults who have a heart for youth! Do you have a desire to form mentoring relationships with our young people to introduce them to a living relationship with Christ? Our Youth Encounters are looking for more members of the adult Core Team who plans the nights, gives presentations, leads small-groups and games, and helps young people fall in love with Christ by mentoring them as disciples. Commitment is to come to all of the Youth Encounters (2x/month on Fridays).

If you have a desire to help with either one, please contact Bernice in the Parish Office at parishoffice@stjuderc.org

Red Cross Blood Drive

Brothers/Fellow parishioners: The next blood drive is being held at the Church Social Hall on Saturday, September 19, 8 AM until 1 PM. This drive is being co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Columbiettes and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). If you wish to donate, please search for our drive at www.redcrossblood.org. We hope to see you there.

Family News and Events

Consider Joining our Parent Bible Study Group this Fall!


We meet during religious education on Sunday mornings

from 10:30 am to 11:15 AM

beginning on Sunday 9/27

All are welcome!

Email familyministry@stjuderc.org if you are interetsed or for more information

September Rooted Magazine

Here is the link to September's Rooted Magazine. This issue is dedicated to Saint Mother Theresa whose feast day is tomorrow!

Here is a link to past issues to use for family formation and faith enrichment throughout the year.

Save the Dates!

for upcoming moms group meetings

First Wednesdays of the month after 9:00 AM Mass in the Saint Jude Social Hall

Moms group Friday evening event dates

Friday - 9/18 CRAFT NIGHT 7PM

Friday - 12/11 ADVENT WOMENS TEA more info coming soon!

Knights of Columbus News

 Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study will resume on Saturday September 26^th. All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8:00am 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,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, strollers, baby toys 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.

Hopeline reports that donations from the parishioners at St Jude’s, thus far for 2026, total 4,095 diapers, 6,800 wipes, plus formula, blankets, clothes, etc. Thank you.

 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, 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, Frank Kerekes, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Susan W, 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, Nancy Czupkowski, Virginia LaQuesse, Ed Marencik, Dan Mongillo, Lawrence Cofone, Mary Witkowsky, John Rizzitelli, Dan Hermansson, Allison H., Dawn S., Sonny T., Nancy St. Pierre

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for September is for: Teachers and Students

As the new school year begins, may it be a time of excitement and joy for students and teachers returning to classes.  

May those entering school for the first time find it a welcoming and positive experience as they begin their educational journey...

    We pray to the Lord

Mass Intentions for September 12 – September 20

Sat      Sept 12            4:30pm            Sam Quinto

    Sun     Sept 13           7:30am           St Jude Parishioners

Sun     Sept 13            9:30am            Maria Cabral

Sun     Sept 13            11:30am          Frank and Fedela Tranzillo

                                                           Graciela dePelaez

                                                           Jimmy O’Connor 

                                                                                                                                          Mon    Sept 14            9:00am            Ada Cosetantini

Tue     Sept 15            9:00am            Bill Thibodeau                                                                                                                                  

Wed    Sept 16            9:00am            Tom Buzi

Thu     Sept 17            9:00 am          Deceased members of the Tuccio and Rapuano families

Fri       Sept 18            9:00am            Andrew Henn

Sat      Sept 19            4:30pm            Deceased members of the Carlson and Delmastro family

    Sun     Sept 20           7:30am            St Jude Parishioners

Sun     Sept 20            9:30am            Maria Cabral

Sun     Sept 20            11:30am          Guerrera Family

                                                           Blessings for Lawrence Conde

                                                           Lisa Carlson Melanson  

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 * on break for summer will resume in September *

"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.