Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Saints Anne and Joachim were troubled. They had sought a child for many years, but had not been blessed with one. For twenty years they prayed and sacrificed, gave alms and fasted, but still Anne’s infertility remained. One day Joachim went to the Temple to sacrifice, and the priest there reviled him saying, “You must be impure and sinful, for your wife has borne you no child!” 

Grieved in heart, Joachim fled to the mountains where he would pray and fast intensely for forty days, begging God for the gift of a child. When Anne heard that her husband had fled, she began to mourn, for now she was both childless and without the joy of her husband. She put on the customary mourning robes and sat beneath a tree to weep. 

In the midst of this sorrow, the Archangel Gabriel visited her and told her, “Do not weep. The Lord has heard your petition. You will be granted a daughter, who will be spoken of throughout the world.” At that same time, an angel had spoken to Joachim, repeating the same promise. He came from the mountain and embraced his wife, who had been pregnant for some months at this point. Six months later, our Blessed Mother was born. 

Today’s feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates, not Jesus’ conception in the womb of Mary, but Mary’s conception in the womb of her mother St. Anne. Unlike the rest of humanity, Mary was conceived without original sin – her soul was so overflowing with God’s divine grace that She had no room for evil. She did not struggle with the weaknesses of concupiscence (that weakened human will which causes us to have disordered desires, which make us want to do things we know are harmful and evil). She was not subject to the Evil One, but was preserved from the very moment of conception by a singular grace from God. 

This dogma was officially defined in 1854, but it had been believed in throughout the history of Christianity. Many of the Church Fathers such as St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, and St. Ambrose showed that Mary is the “New Eve” – as much as Eve, a woman created without original sin and the mother of all flesh, had fallen through her disobedience to God, so Mary – another woman created without original sin and the mother of all souls – had been preserved incorrupt by her complete obedience to God. 

The Franciscans, following from the great scholar Bl. John Duns Scotus, were great promoters of the Immaculate Conception. One argument from a British Franciscan scholar reasoned: Potuit, decuit, fecit, "it was possible, it was fitting, therefore it was done.” It was possible for God to preserve Her from sin; it was fitting that God should preserve Her from sin; thus, God did preserve Her from sin. This became a popular devotion among the common people, too – the Feast of Mary’s Conception originated in the Eastern Church in the 7^th Century and had spread to the universal Church in the 1600s. 

Even Mary’s apparitions revealed that she was immaculately conceived. For example, when She appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in Paris in 1830, She instructed that the Miraculous Medal be struck with the words, “O Mary, Conceived Without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse to Thee.” And when Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes in 1851, She called Herself “The Immaculate Conception”! 

With such a remarkable and beautiful feast – which, incidentally, is also the Patronal Feast of the USA, as our country is dedicated to Her Immaculate Conception – it is fitting that we attend Mass to honor Mary and receive Her Son! It is indeed a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics – one more chance for Mass today (7pm!) 

As we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Our Lord, we pause to reflect upon the beautiful Vessel Who gave Him His humanity: Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception! 

MEMORABILIA

As our 50th Anniversary year is drawing to a close, we have some interesting memorabilia available for you to enjoy!

Each week we will have one or two posters in the Lobby highlighting events or celebrations which occurred over the years.

It is our hope that they bring back fond memories of the history of our wonderful Parish.

OUR "GALA" PHOTOS ARE HERE!!

The GALA was a great evening for all involved!!

Many photos are be available for viewing at the following link:

Candlelight Advent Mass

It has been an ancient tradition to celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent Mass completely by candlelight. Called the "Rorate Mass" (after the first word of the Latin introit, "Rorate Caeli", asking God to "drip down the Heavenly dew" of peace and mercy in Jesus Christ), this Mass is celebrated by candlelight, with beautiful chant singing God's praises. An evocative, powerful, solemn evening of praise, to prepare our hearts for the coming Messiah. All are welcome to our first Rorate Mass on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30pm!

Parish News

Immaculate Conception Masses

This Holy Day of Obligation celebrates the day that Our Lady was conceived without original sin, in the womb of St. Anne, her mother. Catholics must attend Mass to celebrate this Feast Day! Our Mass times are:

December 7 - 7pm

December 8 - 9am

December 8 - 7pm, followed by the lighting of our Christmas Tree.

Advent Adoration

Join us for Adoration in anticipation of our Newborn King:

Every Monday from 9:30am-9pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

Friday, December 1 from 7-8pm

Friday, December 15 from 7-8pm

Friday, December 22 from 7-8pm (with Confessions offered)

Sunday Vigil Mass

Fourth Sunday of Advent Vigil - Dec 23: 4:30pm

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Dec 24: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am



Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Masses

Christmas Eve - Dec 24: 4pm, 5:30pm, 10pm

Christmas Day - Dec 25: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am



Please note: as Catholics, we are obligated to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent on either Dec. 23 (Vigil) or Dec. 24 in the morning, in addition to attending Mass for Christmas (either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). Attending an afternoon/evening Mass on Christmas Eve doesn't "count" for both obligations!

Advent Confessions

Confessions are offered:

Every Saturday from 3:30-4:20pm

Friday, December 22 from 7-8pm

Before and after every Mass on December 23 and December 24 (in the morning Masses).

Our Parish Pilgrimage to The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and The Abbey of Regina Laudis the weekend after Thanksgiving was wonderful! Fr. James Sullivan, the Pastor of The Basilica, gave us a beautiful tour and showed us the biblical meaning of much of the architecture in the church and the new painting being done in the basement. We then visited the Abbey listen to the sisters sing the Divine Office psalms and prayers in Gregorian chant and visited their beautiful creche scene.

You can view a 3D tour of the Basilica on their website. The Abbey's creche is open to the public through January. For more information see here

Family News and Updates

Advent Family Newsletter is now available!

Children in grades K - 8 are invited to submit a poster centered around the theme “Keep Christ in Christmas”. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to be creative, to be involved in their faith, and to have fun while experiencing the true meaning of Christmas! Posters must 11×17. (If pastels, chalk, or charcoal are used, the poster must be laminated or covered in clear plastic).

Deadline extended to January 2 for poster submission. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. Winning entries will also be advanced to the district and then to the state.

Materials can be picked up at the Family Ministry Table, at the Parish Office or at Religious Education. For entry form and rules, see here

Save the Date for Christmas Caroling!

Tuesday, December 19th - Homebound and Senior Caroling. 3:30 pm Spring Meadows in Trumbull across from Saint Stephens and homebound caroling to follow.

Email Jessica Iannotta to RSVP and for more information. Join us in bringing Christmas cheer to our community!

Advent Wreath Lighting Sign Up

Families are invited to sign up in the Church foyer to light the Advent wreath before Masses beginning next weekend through the season of Advent.

E-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information

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 for a new year! This year for the first time, we'll be having separate tracks for high school and middle school. 7-9pm at St. Jude Social Hall.

Mom's Group Announcements

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 1/3 at 9 pm and continues the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information. To submit prayer intentions for our monthly Rosaries, click here. Next meeting Thursday January 25 at 7:30 pm in the social hall.

E-mail Jessica if you would like to join our Advent journal study group.

Bring home Saint Jude's traveling statue of

the Holy Family.

Materials will be included to do a 7-day preparation for Consecration to the Holy Family. To learn more, visit: https://afc.org/family-consecration/ May God bless you and your family through the intercession of the Holy Family!

Click here to sign up

Check out New Upcoming Advent Resources!

New Friendly Visitor Ministry - Please volunteer!

Do you have a few hours a month to visit a homebound Monroe resident?  St Jude Parish would like to begin a ‘Friendly Visitor’ program and is seeking volunteers.  Think of what it might mean to your fellow citizen and/or parishioner to spend a little time with someone who is lonely and might enjoy your company. ‘Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give’ Matt 10:8  If you are interested in joining this new mission, please contact….

Elizabeth Lynch 203-270-9072

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on size newborn and wipes, as well as bottles and pacifiers. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers 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.

Food Pantry



Final preparations are being made for our Christmas grocery distribution. We will be providing Christmas dinners for fifteen families this year. We are currently in need of coffee, tea, oatmeal, pasta and boxed children’s cereals (ie..Captain Crunch, Reese’s etc..). Kindly considering bringing an item or two when you attend Mass or simply drop in the baskets located in the foyer at your convenience. Thank you again for your continued response and support! Blessings to all!!

HELP WANTED

The Parish Office is in need of a few good men or women to help with the weekly counting of the mass contributions.

Volunteers will work on a team of 6

who are responsible for the counting and recording of the weekend contributions.

The team is scheduled to meet once a month on a Monday.

We start at 9:00am and are usually finished by 11:00am.

If you are interested in volunteering or want more information

call the Parish Office during working hours

Monday-Thursday 9-3

Volunteers must be Virtus trained.

OPLATKI CHRISTMAS WAFERS

Considered the most ancient and beloved Easter European tradition, the sharing of the Oplatki thin wafers, similar to communion hosts, before The Christmas Eve meal, symbolizes the unity of the family and forgiveness and reconciliation.

Wafers are available in the Parish Office Monday-Thursday during office hours 9-3

Donation: $2.00

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, John Sansone, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Robert Freeman, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Barbara Tranchese, Ed Brady, Mary Lopresti, Lou DiMartino, Lor C., Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Susan W. and Janet C, Larry Pisani, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Michael Merola & Family, Martha Mencseli, Mildred Blasko, Father Krzysztof, and Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Becky M., Flo Guite, Bill MacDonald

All healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and the men and women in the military.

If you have anyone that you would like to add to the list, please call the office or email with the name to be added.

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for December is:

     We pray for World peace

Jesus, Prince of Peace, with great hope in

Your infinite Mercy, and through the intercession of Our Most Holy Mother Mary,

we pray for an end to terrorism and for the gift of peace in our troubled World...

    We pray to the Lord.

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions for  December 9 – December 17

Sat    Dec 9        4:30pm                Thomas J. Mason

Sun   Dec 10        7:30am                 Garry Gasso

Sun   Dec 10        9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 10        11:30am               Maria Emilia Monteiro

Mon  Dec 11        9:00 am                Maria DeLeo

Tue  Dec 12        9:00am                 All Souls in Purgatory    

Wed  Dec 13        9:00am                 Maria DeLeo

Thu   Dec 14       9:00am                 Sharon Lockshier 

Sat    Dec 16       4:30pm                Luis & Elvira Ferriera and

                                                         Jennifer Cannon

Sun   Dec 17        7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 17        9:30am                 Jonathan and Lucas Sideleau

Sun   Dec 17        11:30am               Tina Pechulis

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Jose Dantas during the month of

                             December

Weekday Masses (Monday thru Thursday) 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.

(Live-streamed Masses may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses ) Please note that the link is slightly changed from the previous link due to the change in the website.

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Bible Study will begin meeting September 23, on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM, in the school building. Each week we will take up the readings for that weekend. All men of the parish are welcome. For more information, contact Bob Lux at [email protected].

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.

Bookstore News



Advent items are in. We will be selling wreaths, candles, calendars, ornaments, cards, Fr Joseph’s books and CD’s after Thanksgiving Day Mass, 11/23, weekends of 11/25 &26, 12/02 & 03. More information call Fran - 203-400-5119. 

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.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group . Email Jessica for more information

We learn to say the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other special prayers for the intentions of our families and Parish.

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

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.