Reflection from Fr. Joseph

A couple weeks ago, a parishioner said to me, “Every time I see Christmas lights, I feel stressed-out and depressed, because I think of all the things I still need to do!” Those definitely are not the emotions that Christmas lights are meant to convey! But I think many of us feel overwhelmed during Advent, with so much on our plates. And yet, Christ is the Prince of Peace – His last gift to us was peace, a “peace that surpasses all understanding”. So, how do we keep that peace in the midst of our frantic holiday season?

Replace generic holiday music with Christ-centered music. Rudolph ain’t got nothing on the Divine Infant in the crib.

Better yet, spend time in silence. Silence is the great restorer of peace. Visit the church, especially for Adoration on Mondays. Turn off the radio in the car. Find a quiet moment at home without the television.

Read edifying things, particularly about the Incarnation. We have daily Advent meditations; or perhaps a good spiritual book to keep yourself focused on the Reason for the season.

Do not feel obligated to attend every party or celebration. Perhaps select the few that you really want to attend, and only go to those.

Practice fasting. This is particularly difficult as we wade through the sea of cookies and fruitcake, but it opens a space in our soul for God to dwell. After all, Advent ought to be a time of penitential preparation for the Feast of Christmas (hence the purple vestments, a sign of repentance).

Cut down your gifts and cards list. Gifts are a wonderful way to show appreciation, but do we really need to buy all that stuff? We often put a ton of pressure to make sure we send our second cousin a Christmas card, even if we literally haven’t seen or spoken to them in a decade. Perhaps we can cull our lists a bit, and only give gifts and cards to those who mean a great deal to us.

Ignore the Joneses. Sometimes Christmas seems like a competition. Which house on the block has the coolest lights? Which kids have the newest toys? We’re often “keeping up with the Joneses” as we try to stay on top of trends, outdo our neighbors, and show ourselves as the most flashy, generous, well-to-do family in Monroe. It’s time to ignore the Joneses and just enjoy Advent again, regardless of what others think.

Come to Confession. Jesus came once to a sty, let’s not allow Him to come there again. Our souls should be the finest home for such a Divine Guest. And if anything can give us peace, it is the peace of a good conscience from Confession!



It is possible to enjoy peace this Advent! But it does mean that we step off the treadmill of expectations of modern-day America, slow down, and focus our eyes and hearts on what really matters: Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem at Christmas.

Mark your calendars!

Town Hall Meeting - Monday December 9

With the school sale completed, we'd love to hear your thoughts about next steps! Do we build a new building? If so, where, and what should it look like? Please join us for a Town Hall meeting in the Social Hall at 7:45pm on Monday, December 9 (after the 7pm Immaculate Conception Mass) to voice your thoughts on where we go from here as a parish!

Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation - December 9

Did you know that the Immaculate Conception is the Patronal Feast of the United States of America? As such, it is one of our holiest days in the church year, celebrating when Mary was conceived in her mother's womb without any stain of Original Sin. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, where Catholics are obliged - and blessed! - to attend Mass. Mass will be on Monday, December 9th at 9am and 7pm. See you there!

Candlelight Rorate Mass - December 14

Our annual Candlelight Rorate Mass (a traditional Mass in Advent which awaits the birth of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ) is coming up on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30pm. It will feature choral polyphony music and a solemn, sacred Mass celebrated entirely by candlelight. Last year was stunningly beautiful - please come and experience the hushed awe of beauty and solemnity this Advent!

Parish Christmas tree lighting

The Christmas tree lighting will take place after the 4:30pm Mass on Saturday, December 14. It will be in the same location as last year across from the School entrance. All are invited to attend!!!

Dash Through Catholic Spirituality - Now Online!

Did you miss this year's "Dash" session, our adult faith formation helping us deepen our faith? They are now all available online! This year we had an eight-week session looking at Catholic spirituality and how to pray - you can listen and download the sessions at http://aflameforchrist.podbean.com . A new session will be released every Wednesday!

Inclement Weather Policy

As the weather turns colder and snowier, please take note of the Inclement Weather Policy for St. Jude's Parish:

Weekday Mass is cancelled if Monroe public schools are cancelled (the Mass will be said and the intention will be prayed for, but privately). If school is on a 2-hour delay, Mass is as usual.

Saturday Vigil/Sunday Mass are never cancelled.



Religious Education on Wednesdays are cancelled if Monroe Public Schools are closed OR if the will have no after-school activities.

Religious Education on Sundays - please check your email. We will make the determination by 8am that day.  



All other evening meetings, events, and groups - please contact the leader of your group/event to see if it will still meet. Do not contact the parish office.

Parish News

St. John XXIII Council 5987

Invites You To

The Blessing Of The Crèche

 The Monroe Town Green

Dec. 15^th at 12:30 p.m.

MEN'S CLOTHING DRIVE

We are looking for coats-especially men's work type jackets and work shoes - sizes 7, 8 1/2 , 9 and 9 1/2 

Contact Father Ukaj or Karin Tierney for details 

PARISH MASS INTENTION BOOK

Our Parish Mass Intention book opens for requested masses

after Easter each year.

Our 2025 Book opened last April 8, 2024.

We have 4 masses each weekend, but only 3 are available for requested intentions .

By Papal decree a mass every weekend is to be said for the

Parishioners of St Jude.

Even with our limiting the number of intentions per person,

the 2025 book is almost totally filled.

To help open up more intentions

we are designating our 11:30am Sunday mass as a Collective Mass.

This means that starting December 1 we will make available

three (3) requested intentions at the 11:30am Mass.

This will only be available at that Mass.

If you have any questions call the office during office hours.

From the Floral Ministry: Advent, Christmas, and decorations…

December 1^st was the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the Church Liturgical Year. It is a time of waiting in anticipation, preparing our hearts and souls for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ on Christmas day. We prepare during Advent, by confession, prayer, and reflection, almsgiving, and sacrifice (not unlike during Lent). The church interior should help us in those efforts by remaining somewhat somber. Flowers and decorations will be kept to a minimum. Although there will be exterior church decorations, the interior of the church will remain decoration free (except for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8^th/9^th). 

The beautiful Nativity Scene that was created, built and installed last weekend, a gift from a group of parishioners of Columbian Heritage, is a reminder of what we are waiting for. Not until December 25^th will the remainder of the sanctuary and church be full of poinsettias, Christmas trees, sparkly lights, and garlands and the baby Jesus will be placed in the manger.

On Christmas Day and through the next year, may our Advent preparation fill our hearts and souls with peace, joy and hope as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family News and Updates

ADVENT FAMILY NEWSLETTER

The Advent issue of the Saint Jude Family Newsletter is now available!

Click here to view

Upcoming Christmas Caroling Opportunities!

SAVE THE DATES!

Sunday 12/8 - Join the Kid's Club for Caroling, Crafts and Adoration with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Perfect for families! 3-5 pm

Tuesday 12/10 - Caroling to our Homebound Parishioners. Meet at Saint Jude at 3:45 pm

Sunday 12/15 - Caroling to our Homebound Parishioners. Meet at Saint Jude after 11:30 Mass

EMAIL JESSICA TO RSVP

Attention Parents!

If you are interested in an at home study along with other parents this Advent, email Jessica!

Check out the He is Goodness Advent study here

Youth Encounters

All of our young people grades 6-12 are invited to join us for our Youth Encounters! These nights of games, food, fun, prayer, fellowship, and honest conversation about our Catholic Faith have been awesome...come and join us this summer!

Please click on the image to view the flyer.

Youth Encounter

Movie Night

TONIGHT!!

Knights of Columbus News

Blood Drive



The Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes are sponsoring a blood donation drive at St. Judes Church on Saturday, January 4th, at 707 Monroe Turnpike. 

We are happy to announce that Monroe Volunteer EMS will now join with us as a co-sponsor. At this blood donation drive, they will briefly teach you hands-free CPR and "Stop the Flow", techniques for controlling blood loss from most types of injuries.  

We are very excited about us all being able to expand our community outreach. Please access www.redcrossblood.org and select a donation time. And, accept our wishes for a peaceful and blessed holiday season. Hope to see you on January 4th.

Food Pantry - Important Update

PLEASE NOTE: that as an unintended consequence of the sale of the school building we had to make the difficult decision to close our food pantry. We have provided our families with other outlets/sources for assistance. They understand the circumstances and are thankful for your generosity and support over the many years of our operation. Since charity is a pillar of our faith we are also making arrangements to carry on our ministry in modified fashion. Arrangements have been made to deliver any donations you still wish to make to Blessed Sacrament or another local pantry. Please prayerfully consider continuing to bring non-perishable food items to Mass each week and as has been the case - leave them in the baskets provided in the foyer knowing that they will be collected and provided to those in need. Again, thank you again for your continued generosity and understanding.

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on all sizes Newborn to size 7, wipes and jars of baby food as well as Baby clothes, bottles and pacifiers and car seats. 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. 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, 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, Barbara Tranchese, Mary Lopresti, Lor C., Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Susan W. and Janet C, Larry Pisani, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Michael Merola & Family, Mildred Blasko, Father Krzysztof, and Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Becky M., Flo Guite, Michael, and Donna, Darryl Patterson, Louise Noll, Chrystal Archuletta and Alice Gumpert, Diane Cummings, Chloe Capra, Lucy Hanson, Mia, Jesse Hurst & Family, Hav Tweedy, Andrea Paddock, Joseph Laveneziana

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for December is:

May we remember and celebrate that the greatest gift we could receive on Christmas 

was the birth of Jesus Christ coming into the world...

           We pray to the Lord 

Mass Intentions for  December 7 – December 15

Sat   Dec 7         8:30am       Margaret Tranzillo

Sat   Dec 7         4:30pm       St Jude Parishioners

Sun  Dec 8         7:30am       The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Sun   Dec 8         9:30am       Anibal Rodrigues

Sun  Dec 8         11:30am     Harriet Kilpatrick

11:30am     Laura Donovan

                           11:30am     Margaret Tranzillo

Mon  Dec 9         9:00am       Thomas J. Mason

Mon  Dec 9         7:00pm       Laura Donovan

Tue   Dec 10        9:00am       Garry Gasso

Wed  Dec 11        9:00am      Michael Gallant

Thu   Dec 12        9:00am      Delores Rauser

Fri    Dec 13        9:00am       Francesco Chiappetta

Sat   Dec 14        4:30pm       Ida and Julius Servadio

Sun  Dec 15        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 15        9:30am       Maximino Monteiro

Sun  Dec 15        11:30am     Jonathan and Lucas Sideleau

11:30am     Emanuel Cambra

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Jose Dantas and Isabel Dantas Texeira

Adoration Candles: In memory of Andrew Henn

Wine and Hosts: In memory of Charles Metoyer

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 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.

Advent Wreaths, Candles & Calendars will be on sale weekend 11/30-12/01. Blessing!!!

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.