Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Last week we talked about children and grandchildren abandoning the practice of their Catholic Faith. But what can we do to make sure they don’t leave in the first place? Are there any foolproof ways to raise solid, fervent, practicing Catholics?

Well, perhaps foolproof is too strong of a guarantee…one could put all these suggestions into practice…and still be saddened by a child leaving the Faith, as free will is always a part of everyone’s life. But these practices do raise the chances that a child will remain faithful to Christ.

First, make Sunday Mass a non-negotiable. My parents used to end camping trips early or schedule our weekend around Mass. That taught me from an early age that Jesus is the center of everything we do.

Second, teach your children to pray and about the Catholic Faith. The Church teaches that “parents are the primary educators of their children in the ways of Faith” – so it is up to the parents and grandparents to impart the knowledge of the Catholic Faith to their young!

Third, surround yourself with good Catholic community. While it’s true that parents are the primary educators, they are not the only educators. Faith is supported by a culture, and although our American culture is thoroughly secular, families can still form a Catholic subculture by surrounding their kids with friends who love Jesus. Things like Kids’ Club and Youth Encounters can be positive, or just connecting with other Catholic families.

Fourth, make your home a sanctuary. Fill your home with crucifixes, religious artwork, Bibles, and other spiritual books, so that we will be constantly reminded of the presence of Christ.

Fifth, keep sin out of your home. I’m amazed at how many parents allow their kids to have unfettered access to the internet through a phone or computer. Would you allow Howard Stern to have an unchaperoned chat with your kids? Would you invite a prostitute into your home? If the answer is “no”, then we have a duty to make sure our kids aren’t exposed to the online equivalent. Parents can get their kids a non-smartphone, or put a filter on their phone.

Sixth, and most importantly, strive for holiness yourself! Pope Paul VI said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” We aren’t perfect, but are we striving?



All parents want their kids to be happy. We pay for piano lessons and drive them to soccer tournaments; we encourage them to apply to good colleges and take them to the dentist. But the deepest happiness is that which leads to eternal happiness – our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us invest even more time and energy in this aspect of life, so that our kids may keep the Faith which is so precious to our hearts!

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 through All Saints Day, we will share about each Saint whose relic is contained should you wish to pray for their intercession. Here is our 5th relic:

Saint Theresa of Lisieux (Therese), Doctor of the Church (1997)

Born 1873; Died 1897  Canonized 1925  Feast Day - October 1

Also known as Therese, The Little Flower, Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus and Holy Face, Carmelite Nun. Known for her simplicity, humility, and her quote "Little Way of spiritual life" finding God in everyday tasks. Her motto was "Do all things with great love". There is sometimes an appearance of roses when people prayed for her intercession.

Patron of Saint of: Priests, Missionaries, Pilots, and Florists.

Saint Therese of Lisieux, Pray for Us!

Family News and Events

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

THIS 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 - THIS 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!

Knights of Columbus News

Blessed Sacrament Donation Drive

Gift Cards for teens

Father Skip prefers gift cards to fast food places and Dunkin Donuts.

Gift cards will be collected the weekend of November 23rd and ending on the weekend of November 7th.

It will be greatly appreciated if you can be as generous as possible.

Thank you.

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.

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 18 – October 26

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

        Mon Oct 20              7:00pm     Margaret Roberti Tranzillo

Tue  Oct 21              7:00pm     Tranzillo and Bonitatibus Families

Wed Oct 22              7:00pm    Rick Buckley

Thu  Oct 23              7:00pm    Maria and Nicholas DeLeo

Fri    Oct 24               7:00pm   Steven Henn

Sat   Oct 25              4:30pm    Antonio R. Silva

Sat  Oct 26               7:30am    Claude Domenichelli

Sun  Oct 26              9:30am     Rose and Erich Weingerl

Sun  Oct 26              11:30am   Antoinette Mullin

                                            Doug Stevens

                                    Hav Tweedy

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.  

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.