Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Last week we spoke about the difficult situation of family members choosing to marry outside the Church. But let’s broaden that and ask what can we do to bring any family member back into the Church, whether married or not?

Rare is the family that does not have at least one person who no longer practices their Catholic Faith! Perhaps they’ve become a “nothing-in-particular”, or maybe they joined another denomination. In my own family, two of my four siblings are no longer practicing their Catholic Faith. It’s a heartbreak for many parents and grandparents. Is there anything we can do to help them return?

Here are some things that don’t work to bring a family member back to the Faith:

- Don’t force, browbeat, or pressure them to come to Church with you. If they say yes, they will likely only be going out of guilt, or just to get their parents off their back.

- In conversations, don’t even bring up Church attendance without a deeper conversation about conversion to Jesus Christ. Our goal isn’t to fill pews or get a certain type of behavior – our goal is transformation in Christ Jesus, which will lead to Church attendance.

- Don’t focus on moral failings, isolated from a relationship to Christ. In other words, perhaps your son/daughter is making poor moral choices – maybe drugs, or a sinful relationship, etc. But the issue is far deeper than the sins – it’s a whole worldview where Jesus Christ is not the center. Put Jesus at the center, and the moral life will be corrected.

- Don’t be obnoxious about letters, emails, or sending Catholic literature. I know people who feel urged to send pamphlet after pamphlet, or write letter after letter, addressing their child’s lack of faith. One letter is fine; a few well-timed pamphlets can be valuable. But don’t overdo it.

 - One thing that doesn’t work is the assumption that “Oh, young people are going to stray, but they’ll return. They always do.” Statistically that’s becoming less true – more young people that abandon the Faith simply won’t return. A sobering survey was done in 2018 called “Going, Going, Gone” about people who leave the Faith – the average age of disaffiliation was 13 years old…and 87% of them said that “Nothing the Church could ever do would entice them to become Catholic again.” So don’t assume that because you took them to religious education and “the seeds were planted”, they would automatically return when some major life event prompted it (marriage, birth of a child, suffering). It’s quite often not the case.

So what does work to bring someone back to the Catholic Faith?

- First, never underestimate the power of prayer and fasting. It is grace alone that changes hearts, grace that we can invite into the lives of our loved ones. In a particular way, parents and grandparents have spiritual authority over their charges – their prayers and fasting are more efficacious due to the spiritual relationship that already exists.

- Make sure you know your faith to explain it well. They may have an intellectual objection (for example, in the aforementioned study, 1/3 of those who left the Faith said that the Church’s teaching about LGBT issues was a major factor). Do we know our Faith well enough to articulate why Christ teaches what He does?

- Live joyfully and radically for Christ, yourself. It’s good to examine our own faith – do we go to Mass out of obligation, or do we have a burning desire to be sacramentally united to Christ? Are we always focusing on the bad in the world, or the hope we have in Jesus? Are we living counterculturally for Jesus Christ – that He is the very reason for our existence – or have we made compromises, seeking pleasure and money over pursuing Heaven? Radical, joyful faith is attractive…angry, hypocritical, or duty-based faith is unattractive.

- Pray that God raises up the right people. Sometimes, a parent/grandparent/sibling is not the right person to speak about Jesus with your loved one. We need to pray that God raises up the right person in their life – and it might not be us!

- Trust that God loves your wayward family member even more than you ever could. He is doing everything He can to orchestrate their salvation. At the end of the day, we just have to trust that God loves them and that their lives are in His hands.

Stay tuned next week for how to prevent our kids from straying away from the Catholic Faith!

Confession Weekend 10/11 & 10/12

Our next Confession Weekend takes place on October 11-12 - Confessions available before and after all Masses!

Spiritual Warfare Night for Men and Boys

All men and sons are invited to join Fr. Ferry Galbert and Fr. Joseph Gill for a powerful night of fellowship and prayer, talking about a timely topic: Spiritual Warfare! As we approach Halloween, there are so many misunderstandings about the devil and the spiritual world. What does our Church actually teach us - and how can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the battle that we're in? All men and boys are invited to learn how they are called to engage in the spiritual battle against our Enemy, and how to defeat him with the weapons of our Catholic Faith. The night will include dinner, a talk, and a time of prayer. It will take place at the St. Jude's Social Hall on Thursday, October 30 from 6-8:30pm. No cost, but please RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DAAAD2AA4FACE9-58772089-spiritual . We're in the midst of a war - but with Jesus Christ, victory is guaranteed!

A group of 5 parishioners have been part of a rosary group and praying a "living rosary" each day for well over a year. Since October is the month of the rosary, we wanted to suggest the app for other parishioners who may want to pray the rosary together as well. Here is how to get started!

• Download the Rosario app on your device (see logo above for easy recognition)
• Create a prayer group with 4 other people
• Join our group at this link: CLICK HERE
• Every day, each person receives a mystery of the rosary and takes 5 minutes in their day to meditate on it by reciting a decade. 
• At the end of the day, the group will have meditated on the 5 mysteries of the day, thus completing an entire rosary. That’s the living rosary!

If you need help setting it up, email familyministry@stjuderc.org

GET TO KNOW THE HOLY RELICS IN OUR ALTAR

Honoring an ancient tradition, Catholic Liturgical Law required all Church Altars contain a relic of a Saint as a reminder of the holiness of saints, and to inspire as to request prayers of that Saint asking God for the grace to live a faith filled life as they did. 

We are blessed to have relics of six Saints in our Altar. Each week starting this week through All Saints Day, we will share about each Saint whose relic is contained should you wish to pray for their intercession (two for this week):

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Born 1774, Died 1821  Canonized 1975  Feast Day - Jan 4

She was the first-born American Saint. This year, 2025, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of her Canonization. An accomplished pianist, she was the first American to have a hymn published. Raised Episcopal, she converted to Catholicism. 

She founded the order of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first congregation of Religious Sisters in the U.S., which founded schools, orphanages, and hospitals. She stepped forward always with faith in God. Her motto was "Pray Always".

Patron Saint of: Widows, Catholic Schools, and Catholic Converts.

Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother



Born 1838; Died 1862  Canonized 1920  Feast Day - Feb 27

He came from a wealthy family, was highly educated and enjoyed an active social life. At the same time, he had great devotion to prayer and wanted to join the Passionist Order. Overcoming his father's objection, after receiving a vision from Mary, he joined the Passionists in 1856. Having deep devotion to the sorrow of Mary during Christ's Crucifixion he took the name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother.

Patron Saint of: Messengers, Postal Workers, and Telecom Workers.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, pray for us!

Family News and Events

Join the Children's Rosary after 9:30 Mass

The Fall Family Newsletter is now available!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

October Issue of Rooted Magazine

Here is the link for October's Rooted Magazine! 

It is full of great ways to celebrate the Month of the Rosary!

Saint Jude Moms Group Meeting

THURSDAY 10/23

Fall Meeting Dates:

Thursdays

10/23 - 7:45 pm (after Novena Mass)

11/13 - 7:30 pm

12/18 - 7:30 pm

Save the Date - Friday 12/12 Rosary Making with Adrienne Keogler

Email stjudemomsgroup@gmail.com for more information

Parent Bible Study - NEXT SUNDAY

10/19 during 10:30 AM Religious Education

Parents are welcome to join our Parent Bible study, Thrive: an 8 Week Study to Grow with Christ in Your Life.  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!

Youth Encounter TONIGHT

**Note different location**

Knights of Columbus News

Tootsie Roll Drive

Knights of Columbus volunteers were again out in the community during the October portion of their campaign to raise funds to help adults, teens, and children with intellectual disabilities. This year dozens of Knights from our parish council contributed to two weekends of fundraising for Knights of Columbus programs. Particularly, our parish council provides regular fellowship and recreational activities for our brothers and sisters at the Southbury Training School, which is made possible by this campaign. The Knights of Columbus are grateful to our families, parish, and community for their support of our campaign.

The Knights of Columbus help men put their faith into action and give back -- in their communities, in their parishes and on a global scale. If you are interested in learning more, send John Melnikov an email at j.melnikov@yahoo.com. 

Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs/Food Drive

The Knights of Columbus are once again sponsoring a Needs/Food, clothing, & diapers drive on Saturday October 25, 2025 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

Men’s Bible Study will resume on Saturday September 27th. 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.

Blood Donation Drive Update

The blood drive held in the Social Hall on September 20th yielded 47 pints of blood, which was also the ARC goal for the drive. So, we thank all the parishioners who donated and continue to support our efforts. The Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes. 

GIFTOBERFEST! 

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

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, 2025. 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 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.

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 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.

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, Chris McCarthy, Leo B., Edward Isales

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention..

MONTHLY PARISH PETITION

Please join us as we pray our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for October is: Respect for Life Month. 

For those who work for and defend the lives of the unborn, the infirm and aged, and all who labor for an end to the culture of death...

       We pray to the Lord

 Mass Intentions for October 11 – October 19

Sat      Oct 11             4:30pm      Stephen Henn

       Sat      Oct 12             7:30am        Carlo Longo

Sun     Oct 12             9:30am      St Jude Parishioners

Sun     Oct 12             11:30am     Deceased members of the

Corrigan Family

                                    Margaret (Peggy) Forno

                             Mary Sue Fucci

       Mon    Oct 13             9:00am      Thibodeau and Bergin Family

Tue     Oct 14            9:00am      Anthony Felice

Wed   Oct 15            9:00am      Marie Goss

Thu     Oct 16            9:00am       Helen Ryan

Fri       Oct 17            9:00am      Richard Stephens

Sat Oct 18            4:30pm       Denise Borrs

       Sat      Oct 19             7:30am       Anthony Costello

Sun     Oct 19             9:30am       Michael Daniels

Sun     Oct 19             11:30am        St Jude Parishioners

                                     John P. Pyrek Bennett

                              Helen Tuccio

Tabernacle Candle : In memory of James Tierney, Sr

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

Hosts and Wine: In memory of Denise Borrs

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.