Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Our Catholic Faith is so rich with traditions that reach back hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years. One of the more beautiful traditions that has come alive again is the Advent tradition of the Rorate Mass.

This is a special candlelight Mass that is celebrated on or around the Third Sunday of Advent. It is called “Rorate” because of the first Latin words of the entrance antiphon, “Rorate Coeli,” asking the Lord to “drop down the dew of Heaven” upon our souls during Advent. It is usually celebrated on the Saturday morning prior to the third Sunday of Advent, at some early hour like 6am where the Consecration can occur just as the sun is cresting over the horizon. As I am not an early riser (and I doubt many of you would be interested in that early hour!) we are doing ours in the evening (7:30pm on Saturday, December 16), completely in darkness except for candlelight. It should be a beautiful Mass, complete with the melodies of Gregorian chant.

If you come, you will notice something different about the Mass – it will be celebrated ad orientam. “Ad orientam” means facing the East. This is how the Mass was celebrated for over nineteen hundred years until the priest began facing the people in the 1970s. Even churches in the first few centuries all faced East, and the priest would be facing in the same direction as the people.

But wait – does this mean the priest is “turning his back on the people”? Not at all. There are several reasons for the priest to face East during the Mass.

The first is that we are facing Jerusalem. Every Mass is a re-presentation of Christ’s Sacrifice on Calvary, so it is only fitting that we face together the sacred ground that received the Precious Blood from the Cross. In addition, tradition has it that Christ will come again from the East, so we face East in eager anticipation of Christ’s return.

It is also fitting for the priest and people to face the Lord together. The prayers that the priest prays are directed to the Lord, Who is truly present in the Church in the tabernacle. So, why should the priest be facing the people when he is speaking with the Lord, Who is behind him? The priest acts as mediator, offering prayers to the Lord on behalf of the people, so it is only fitting that they face the Lord together. The priest is not “turning his back on the people” but rather leading the people in a common journey to the Lord.

Now, if someone were to get out a compass in St. Jude’s Church, they would notice that our tabernacle is actually in the northwest of the Church, not the east. Yet there is something called “liturgical east” – even if a church isn’t lined up with the altar/tabernacle facing east, it is still symbolic of the longing to face Jerusalem, the coming Christ, and journeying together to the Lord.

This ad orientam orientation is only for the Rorate Mass. But come and experience it – it will be unlike anything else you have seen or experienced at Mass – and the rich symbolism may just bring you to a deeper appreciation of the richness of our Catholic Faith!

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!

The Candlelight Rorate Mass on Saturday, December 16 does fulfill your Sunday obligation.

Join Us for

Christmas Caroling

THIS TUESDAY!

Tuesday, December 19th - Homebound and Senior Caroling! Join us in bringing Christmas cheer to our community! You can join us for one or both times/locations!

3:30 pm Spring Meadows in Trumbull across from Saint Stephens Email Jessica to RSVP. 6949 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611

4:15 pm Homebound caroling to follow in Monroe. Email Jessica for itinerary.

Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik

Saint Jude Apparel Fundraiser orders can be picked up after Masses this weekend in the Social Hall. If you are unable to pick up, it will be available in the parish office Mon - Thurs 9 am to 3 pm or email Jessica to arrange a separate pick up

Parish News

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)

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).

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!

Family News and Updates

St. John XXIII Council 5987

Invites You To

The Blessing Of The Crèche

 The Monroe Town Green

Dec. 17^th at 12:30 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus thank everyone who sent cards to Fr. Krzysztof for the Sailors & Marines. Because of your generosity we were able to send 212 cards.

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

Advent Wreath Lighting Sign Up

Families are invited to sign up in the Church foyer to light the Advent wreath before Masses 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. 7-9 pm at St. Jude Social Hall.

Mom's Group Announcements

INVITING ALL PARENTS (mothers and fathers) to our 2024 monthly Zoom Rosaries on the First Wednesdays at 9 pm. Next one: Wednesday, 1/3 at 9 pm - email Jessica Iannotta for more information. To submit prayer intentions for our monthly Rosaries, click here.

Next Mom's Group meeting Thursday January 25 at 7:30 pm in the social hall. New members are always welcome!

Saint Jude's traveling statue of

the Holy Family is in need of hosts for 2024!

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 Advent and Christmas 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.

Should you wish to provide a gift to Hopeline that would help save a life here is the link to their Gift Catalog:

Gift Catalog | Hopeline PRC | Bridgeport, CT

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, George Goss, Michael J. Russell



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 16 – December 24

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

Sat    Dec 16        7:30pm       Robert Fox

Sun   Dec 17        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 17        9:30am       Jonathan and Lucas Sideleau

Sun   Dec 17        11:30am     Tina Pechulis

Mon  Dec 18        9:00 am      Mary and Margaret Gallagher

Tue  Dec 19        9:00am       Deceased members of the Coty family

Wed  Dec 20        9:00am       Noella Sidarweck

Thu   Dec 21       9:00am       Paul Reynolds      

Sat    Dec 23       4:30pm       Joseph and Margaret Mende

Sun   Dec 24        7:30am       Joseph and Rose Scali

Sun   Dec 24        9:30am       James and Lucille Fischer and John, Dot

                                               and Rich Grabowski

Sun   Dec 24        11:30am     Richard Meade

Sun   Dec 24        4:00pm       Vincent Nemergut

Sun  Dec 24        5:30pm       Mary Charlotte Braccio

Sun   Dec 24        10:00pm    St Jude Parishioners

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 mjrob08@gmail.com.

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.