Reflection from Fr. Joseph

As we launch into a new school year, there is an issue on my heart that I need to share – in the hopes that together we may overcome a plague on our community!

It is safe to say that one of the most common sins that every priest hears in Confession is the sin of pornography. Men and women, boys and girls all struggle with it. In fact, recent research shows just how prevalent: 78% of Christian men watch it regularly, and 11% of men are actually addicted to it. It is absolutely an epidemic, one that breaks my heart to hear it. The average age for first exposure to porn is twelve years old (and that’s the average, which means that many kids are experiencing it much younger). It frequently causes a genuine addiction, as the dopamine released when one looks at indecent images or videos literally rewires the brain to need more of a dopamine hit to get the same “pleasure rush” next time. It makes users fundamentally selfish, as they begin to objectify sexual partners and ignore the sacrifices needed for real relationships.

This is a particularly tough sin to avoid, but there is one relatively easy solution: eliminate the temptation.

Well, we live in a digital world. We can’t throw away our cell phones and live like the Amish. How can we actually eliminate temptation? A few suggestions.



First, take a hard, cold look at whether or not we really need unfettered access to the internet. I do not have a smartphone and I seem to manage just fine. For some jobs I know it’s essential, but for many jobs we just fool ourselves into believing that we couldn’t live without 24/7 access to our email. Many of us could happily go back to a non-internet-enabled phone, such as a Gabb phone (which I have), a Wisephone, or a LightPhone (www.thelightphone.com).

For the internet-enabled devices we DO have, it is critical to put a filter on it. Good filters are programs such as Covenant Eyes or Canopy, which not only block inappropriate websites but also link us with an accountability partner. Unfortunately you can’t put one on your own computer or phone yourself (because then you know the password), but Fr. Jozef or I would be very happy to help you install one (I do this all the time for the kids at the school where I teach).

Finally, I apologize for the bluntness, but the issue is becoming enormous: parents, you MUST put strict parental controls and filters on your kids’ devices! A quick Google search will tell you how to set controls on your kids’ devices. Do not assume, “Oh they’re a good kid” or “It won’t happen to them.” I cannot tell you how many times I have had children in the Confessional crying because they saw things they wished they hadn’t, and they feel unable to stop. Just as a good parent wouldn’t turn their kids loose in an “adult pleasures” shop, so good parents wouldn’t turn their kids loose on the internet, where 12% of all internet websites are pornographic and it accounts for 20% of all internet searches. Parents, if you fail to put a filter on your kids’ devices and they fall into porn, you will be guilty of the sin! Again, I apologize for how direct, but this is absolutely destroying our culture and our young people.

Our Lady revealed at Fatima that “more souls go to Hell because of sins of the flesh (lust) than any other sin.” Not because they are necessarily worse (one could argue, as Dante did in his “Inferno”, that lust is the least bad of the mortal sins, and that pride is far worse), but because they are so ubiquitous. Our age is one of unrestrained lust, a devaluing of sexuality, and a promotion of every perversion known to man. We must flee from all that!

Jesus tells us clearly that “if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off!” If your phone or iPad or laptop causes you to sin, we have to take the drastic steps necessary to make sure that it will not be a snare for you or for your children. If you would like help with this, please let me know. But there is a true urgency here – let us protect our own souls and the souls of our children by filtering the internet, and taking Our Lady’s injunction to “pray and fast” seriously, so that no more souls here at St. Jude’s may be snared by this insidious sin!

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!

Red Cross Blood Drive - THIS SATURDAY 9/19

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.

MOMS GROUP TONIGHT - 7 PM

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!

At Kids Club this past Sunday we learned about Bishop Fulton Sheen who will be beatified on September 24th. Help yourself to extra resources at the family ministry table to learn more about him and this special occasion in the Church!

Columbiettes News

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.

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 19 – September 27

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

Mon Sept 21 9:00am - Blessings for Flynn family children

Tue Sept 22 9:00am - Jean Paul

Wed Sept 23 9:00am - Luis and Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon

Thu Sept 24 9:00 am - Thomas Otero

Fri Sept 25 9:00am - Jean Paul

Sat Sept 26 4:30pm - Deceased Knights of Columbus members

Sun Sept 27 7:30am - Mary and Margaret Gallagher

Sun Sept 27 9:30am - Edward Fagan

Sun Sept 27 11:30am - St Jude Parishioners, Robert Thomas Franzag, Aida Maria Chavez                               

Mass Schedule

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.