Reflection from Fr. Joseph

It’s amazing how they have days for everything. For example, there is National Cheese Doodle Day (March 5), National “Letter to an Elder” Day (February 26) where you’re encouraged to write to our older friends and family members, and World Reef Awareness Day (June 1) where, I guess, we become aware that reefs exist??

April 20, however, is a particularly well-known example in our modern culture: National Marijuana Day. What is our Catholic position on the use of cannabis?

As of January 2023, marijuana became legal for recreational use in Connecticut (it had been legal for medicinal use for many years). I must admit that I’ve undergone a serious change of mind on this issue – when I was in high school I wrote a paper advocating for the legalization of marijuana (which, for the record, I have never used!). In part, I was struck by a line from the Bible: “For He fashioned all things that they might have being, and the creatures of the world are wholesome; There is not a destructive drug among them.” (Wisdom 1:14). When I was younger I questioned why God would make such a plant if He didn’t want us to use it!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a very clear teaching: “The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.” (CCC Paragraph 2291)

So, it is very clear that the Church allows for the use of marijuana medicinally, but not recreationally (although in today’s world it can be fashionable to blur the lines between the two…). But why is it so wrong to get high?

After much wrestling with this topic and reading on it, it strikes me that as human beings with a soul, we are “like God” in two ways: we have an intellect and a free will, to know and to choose freely. But when we are high, we abandon our intellect and our free will. We become less than the animals, since we have suppressed the two faculties of our soul which make us most like God. Thus, any action to deliberately compromise (even temporarily) our freedom and intellect is an offense against our Creator.

This is why pot is different than alcohol. One can drink alcohol, in moderation, without losing one’s intellect and free will. But drunkenness, because it also suppresses our spiritual faculties, is equally as wrong as drug use.

Now, this is not absolute, and there are times that we can suppress our freedom and intellect for a good reason – for example, using marijuana or opium for pain relief or other legitimate medical needs. So dispensaries are not wrong. But it’s interesting to note that when Jesus was hanging on the Cross, He was offered a mixture of sour wine and gall – and He refused to drink it, because it would have been a painkiller that would have “drugged” Him so that He couldn’t feel the pain of Crucifixion (Matt 27:33-34). We are not required to go to that extreme of refusing pain medication, but He did set a heroic example of fully-conscious suffering out of love.

So, in summary, on National Marijuana Day, let’s instead celebrate National High-Five Day, National Lima Bean Respect Day, and Get-To-Know-Your-Customers Day, all of which are celebrated on 4/20!

It is with great joy that we invite you to participate in the many celebrations and activities planned throughout this coming year to celebrate our Parish 50th Anniversary. Please see the Schedule of planned events on our website. https://www.stjuderc.org/50-years.html

PARISH SOCIAL HALL CLEANUP

Saturday, May 6th, 9:00 A.M.

Last year we made a great start cleaning up the Storage Room in our Parish Social Hall. There is still much more work to be done.

Please join us. VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!

We also ask that someone from each Ministry who uses the Storage Rooms for their various materials join us on Saturday, May 6th at 9:00 A.M.  There are still many signs, posters and boxes that Ministries may want to keep, but anything not labeled or deemed damaged will be disposed of.



We thank our B&G Ministry who will assist in removal of the trash later that day.

Questions or need help ordering online? Email Jessica Iannotta

One In Christ – The 2023 Bishop’s Appeal

Your gifts at work

Future priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport receive comprehensive formation in theology, pastoral ministry, personal growth, and, most importantly, the spiritual life at seminaries chosen by the Bishop to best suit the needs of the seminarian and of the diocese. Preparation for the Priesthood takes anywhere from six to eight years, depending on the age and educational background of the man when he enters. All of our seminarians receive graduate degrees in theology prior to their ordination.  Through your generous gift to the Bishop's Appeal, the Diocese will be better able to support men who are discerning priesthood and may respond generously and courageously to that call. 

Thank you for your gift.

To make a gift, or for more information, please visit us at 2023BishopsAppeal.org, call (203) 416-1470 or scan with your phone.

Annual Bishop's Appeal Brochure and Home QR

Parish News

2^nd Annual St. Jude/St. Stephen

Parish Picnic

Holy Ghost Park

70 Nells Rock Road

Shelton

Fellowship, Food, Fun

Notes From the Music Ministry

Music Ministry Sunday Afternoon Pizza & A Movie

The Music Ministry is hosting a Sunday afternoon Pizza & a Movie in the Church Hall on SATURDAY May 6th after the 4:30 P.M. Mass.  We will be showing the acclaimed film "I Can Only Imagine" based upon the life and times of the man who wrote the amazing and moving song that has sold millions of copies worldwide. This is the story of how that song came to be: "Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe." It was through music that Bart found his own redemption and was able to make peace with his troubled past. When the film was released in 2018, one reviewer wrote: " I saw it for the first time tonight, although I've been loving the song for years. It was cathartic. I didn't bawl, but I teared up quite a bit at several points. The amazing grace and love of God and the life changing power of forgiveness through Christ were on full display. Amazing how God works through our worst circumstances to bring about our best outcomes!" During this season of Easter, come and watch a real-life account of God's power of forgiveness and redemption. The film is riveting and moving at the same time. It will be a fun time had by all ages. The film is rate PG due to some strong themes. Bring the entire family and make it a great afternoon! Again, pizza will be provided along with popcorn and soda.

Please RSVP to the parish office so me may have an accurate count for planning by Friday, April 21 and/or email our Director of Music, Lou Vollono at lvollono@stjuderc.com

The Knights of Columbus will once again sponsor the Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive on Saturday April 29, 2023 from 8:00am to 10:30am. Your donated items of Food, Clothing, Diapers, & Wipes can be brought to the front of Monsignor Sabia Social Hall. They will be distributed to the St Jude pantry, Blessed Sacrament parish, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, & Hopeline. 



Although the coronavirus has lessened, we still have certain limitations on items being collected so please refer to the attached flyer (click on image on the right). To minimize contact & ease of distribution, we ask that you label the contents of your donated items in bags & boxes brought in your vehicles. WE ARE NOT COLLECTING FURNITURE ITEMS for this drive!!! Any questions, please contact Rocky Scali at 203-767-6053 or Frank Flynn at 203-556-5016.

Food Pantry Update

Our Easter distribution was successfully completed. Thank you to all who responded to our requests. As a result, we were able to provide an Easter meal and additional groceries to fourteen families. 

We now need to restock for our regular weekly requirements. Items in greatest need at this time are tuna, pasta, canned fruit, oatmeal and boxed children's cereal. As always, your generosity is appreciated. Please also see the note regarding the Knights of Columbus Needs Drive on April 29th for additional items to be shared with Blessed Sacrament. 

Feed my People

A St. Jude ministry, "Feed my People" as named by the founders, Hank and Kathy Banville, is active every day of the year. Each morning one of the members picks up excess and day old bread from the Purdy Hill Bakery, Stop and Shop and very soon from Panera's.

The food (mostly bread, some sweets and some miscellaneous items from the deli in the S&S) is taken to multiple locations across Bridgeport, depending on the day. Among them are Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Merton House, Homes for the Brave, St. George, St. Charles, Blessed Sacrament and Missionaries of Charity.

The photo is of a recent day when Bob Blackwell had his granddaughter 

along as his assistant. Contact Kathy Banville (khbanny617@gmail.com)

for more information.

Dear parishioners,

It was a privilege to bring all of your anonymous prayer intentions to the holy land. Your intentions went to 50 holy sites and touched the birthplace of Jesus, the Basilica of the agony, the via Delarosa, place of Jesus, is crucifixion, the empty tomb in the Jewish Wailing Wall.

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on sizes 4, 5 & 6 and baby wipes. 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.

“Flowers bring smiles to everyone's faces”.

The Floral Ministry has just launched an Outreach program.  Our mission is to keep our parishioners connected to our church community. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in bringing smiles to our home bound St. Jude parishioners faces.  

It is a “work in progress" but here are some baseline expectations of the ministry, which may evolve as we work together and tweak the process.  Volunteers will:

• be notified by email 
• create small floral arrangements (flowers and container will be provided, flowers from your garden are always welcomed)
• take arrangements to homebound parishioners (list to be provided)
• spend a little time with homebound parishioners, if asked

The frequency of deliveries will be based on availability of flowers. Contact Betty Henn if you are interested in learning more: ehennsr@gmail.com, 203-261-0762

The Columbiettes of Saint Pope John XXIII of Auxiliary #5987 cordially invite you to a virtual tea party fundraiser to support our charitable works. After all masses the weekend of April 22 and 23, 2023, members of the Columbiettes will be distributing invitations to parishioners.

Each envelope includes a tea bag, a request for prayer response card and return envelope. Please write the names of your loved ones, living or deceased that you would like us to include in prayer. At the Columbiettes’ May meeting we will pray a rosary and include the names of all your intentions.

Please return the response card with your donation by May 6th. You can drop in the basket at mass, drop off at the parish office or mail to:

St Jude Columbiettes

707 Monroe Turnpike

Monroe, CT 06468

We appreciate all your support.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

MAGNIFICAT, a Ministry to Catholic Women invites you to our 20th Anniversary prayer breakfast on Saturday April 22nd, 9:30-12:30 at Ethan Allen Hotel, 25 Lake Avenue, Danbury CT. 

Our Guest speaker, Fran Fraleigh Karpiej, OFS will share her testimony and lifelong ministry and devotion to God. 

Cost $25.00 per person, reservations required by April 8, 2023. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, please call

Carol Flynn  203-775-3875 or email  magnificatthmi@gmail.com

Invitation is available by clicking here or in the Women's Ministry Section of the Diocese of Bridgeport website.  

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or Use your phone camera, hover over QR Code and it will take you directly to Eventbrite to register for the Breakfast

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or Use your phone camera, hover over QR Code and it will take you directly to Eventbrite to register for the Breakfast

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 3:30 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.

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!

We need families for the weeks of 5/28 and 6/4

“Reclaiming Friendships”

Walking with Purpose Bible Study

 “Reclaiming Friendship” is a six-session Bible study from Walking with Purpose. It integrates Scripture with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church to answer the core question, “What is God’s vision for friendship, and how can I experience it?”

Wednesdays, April 26 – May 31, 6-7:30 PM

Fridays, April 28 – June 2, 9:30-11 AM

Register at: https://www.osvhub.com/st-jude-church-monroe/forms/wwp2023-1 Questions?

Contact Annette Bonomo at Abonomo200@earthlink.net or MaryBeth Rauser at mbrauser@hotmail.com

Cost for book - $20

Join us and meet other young couples and learn 7 Steps to a Superabundant Marriage - a series of talks to enhance your marriage and your spirituality. There is no cost.

First meeting will be Sunday, April 30, 5:30-7:00 PM in the St Jude Social Hall. Pizza and wine will be served.

RSVP: Mike Bonomo phone/text 203-257-3224. Email: mbonomo200@earthlink.net

Please indicate if childcare needed at the event.

2023

CAMP ADORE

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Summer with the Sacred Heart

June 26-30, 2023 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

for children entering Grades 1-6.

This year's theme is "Summer with the Sacred Heart"

To register click here. Space is filling quickly - sign up early to secure a spot!

Email Jessica Iannotta if you are an adult or teen interested in volunteering or helping with preparation or donations.

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Thursday 4/27 at 7:30 pm

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 5/3 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

If you would like to join our next book study, 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley starting at the end of April, email Jessica Iannotta

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Next Encounter 4/28 & Kid's Club 5/7

Red Cross Blood Donation drive

The Knights of Columbus Council 5987 will again sponsor a Red Cross Blood Donation drive on Saturday, May 13 in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall.. The drive runs from 9 AM until 2 PM. All parishioners age 18 and above are welcome to donate. Also, tell a friend. The earlier you sign up, the more slots are available.

Here is how you can make an appointment. Go to the ARC blood donation web site,https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Click “donate blood”, insert the zip code 06468 and then click “find a drive”. In the filter area, select and click “refine search” and then click “Choose my dates”. When the calendar comes up, click on May 13, 2023 and our drive should appear. From there, you can schedule your own appointment.

You can also email Frank Flynn at bynumrun@hotmail.com. Let him know a preferred time and he will insert your name.



Hope to see you there.

The Columbiettes is an organization of Catholic women dedicated to our Patronesses, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Theresa the Little Flower and St. Joan of Arc. This national organization is comprised of auxiliaries that are affiliated with the Knights of Columbus Councils.

Our local Columbiettes auxiliary will be holding our spring new member initiation at the Tuesday, April 11 meeting. The meeting starts at 7pm. We meet monthly on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Monthly meeting attendance is preferred but not mandatory if you're tied up on Tuesday. You can still participate in the various charitable, social and religious activities throughout the year.  

Any ladies interested in more information about Columbiettes should write to us at Columbiettes@stjude.org or call Helen at 203-767-6486. 

We meet at the St Jude social hall, but membership is not limited to St Jude parishioners.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Dr. John Kezel, Joseph Sheridan, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Violeta Shala, Vito Melfi, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Robert Freeman, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Rose C., Joseph T., Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, Tip B., Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley and Jenn Katz 

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 April is:



We pray for an end to violence in our World, especially in our schools, and for improved mental health care in our Country....

    We pray to the Lord 

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Apr 22        4:00pm                Ginny Jessup

Sun   Apr 23       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Apr 23        9:30am                 John J. Tuccio

Sun   Apr 23        11:30am               In Thanksgiving – Al and Rita Melissano

Mon  Apr 24        9:00am                 Classmates of 1956 St. Vincent School of

                                                         Nursing

Tue   Apr 25       9:00am                 Estelle Murray

Wed  Apr 26        9:00am                Mieczyslaw Kopowski

Thu   Apr 27        9:00am                 Andrew Henn

Fri     Apr 28        9:00am                Peter Fox

Sat    Apr 29        4:00pm                Patrick Ryan

Sun    Apr 30       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Apr 30        9:30am                 The Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Sun   Apr 30        11:30am               Robert Kilpatrick

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Andrew Henn during the month of April

Weekday Masses will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.

The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:00 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.html )

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy

503 Shelton Avenue

Shelton, CT

For more information, go to:

www.holytrinitycatholicacademy.org

or call: 203-929-4422

Pre-K 3 through 8^th Grade

Men’s Bible Study

All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group . Since RE is finished for the year, a new time will be announced soon.

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 3:00 pm on Saturdays.  We are now offering Confession Weekend every first weekend of the month! Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession, offered before AND after every Mass.

Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.