Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all those women who show a mother’s love! I hope that your family does something special to honor you, expressing their gratitude for the multitude of sacrifices and the depths of love that you have shown to them.

On this Mother’s Day, it’s good to reflect upon our relationship with our parents. God has given us a commandment – honor your father and mother – as a guide. Notice that, unlike the other commandments, this one does not include a “Thou shall not…” – this is a verypositive commandment, meant to foster love and mutual respect. Also notice that this is the only commandment with a promise – honor your father and mother, that you may have long life in the land that the Lord God is giving you.

It is so important because, in a sense, parents take the place of God for us! This is why, when we are under 18, honoring our parents meansobedience and respect. Young people should obey their parents because they are entrusted with the task of forming their children to become good Catholics, good citizens, virtuous people, and saints!

Even after we turn 18, we still must honor them. What does that mean, practically? First, it means to continue to treat them with respect. It means to not speak badly about them, or to argue with them unnecessarily. We ought to pray for our parents, and ask their advice and opinions. We should not abandon them in the trials of old age, and bring them comfort and help when they are weak or lonely. Remember their birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events. Call them and visit them often. Honor means to take care of their physical needs, as well, whenever possible.

But I think there is another element of honor, which is not as well-known. To honor one’s parents means to live a life that makes them proud. Our parents should be proud to call us their son and daughter because we live a life of integrity, using our gifts and talents to succeed, and keeping our Catholic faith alive. How many parents have had their hearts broken because their sons/daughters have abandoned the Faith? How many parents have prayed and sighed when their children live lives of dissolution instead of virtue and integrity? To truly honor our parents is to bring them honor by the way we live our lives.

Of course, we ought to honor God first, before our parents. I know parents who have discouraged their kids from following the Lord, or been so worldly that they have pressured their kids to embrace material success instead of following God’s call for their life. In such a case, our first responsibility is to follow God’s plan for our life, even over our parents’ wishes.

With that said, sometimes we have challenging parents. Perhaps we don’t get along with them, or maybe they have hurt us deeply. If that is the case, we can always turn to our Heavenly Father to make up for any lacks in our earthly parents, and take Mary as our mother. No parents are perfect, and forgiving our parents is sometimes difficult – but a necessary part of our spiritual life.

Also, too, parents have responsibilities to their children as part of this Fourth Commandment. Parents owe their kids love, food and shelter, clothing, education, support, and ultimately they owe them the gift of passing on the Catholic Faith to them. Children do not belong to their parents – parents are stewards of the children who ultimately belong to God. So we have a responsibility to God to love our children as God loves them, and form them to become like Christ!

On this Mother’s Day, we thank all of our parents who have done so much for us in truly showing us the love of God from the moment we were conceived. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

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

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Fr. Joseph's 10th Ordination Anniversary to the Priesthood

Thursday, May 25th. 9:00 A.M. Mass

 It is with great joy that we give thanks to God as Fr. Joseph celebrates his 10th Ordination Anniversary to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ!

 All are welcome to join us for Mass and a celebration to follow in the Social Hall.

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

2nd Annual St. Jude & St. Stephen's Parish Picnic!

Save the Date!

Sunday, June 4 1-4 pm

Note new location: St Rose of Lima, Newtown

RSVP by May 28th

Food Pantry Update

Weekly demand on our pantry continues to be above average. As a result, the items in greatest need at this time are: peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal, pasta, tuna and boxed children's cereal.

Thank you again for your continued support of our ministry!

Thank you!

The Columbiettes of Saint John XXIII of Auxiliary #5987 want to acknowledge everyone who supported the recent Virtual Tea Party. We thank you for your generous donations.

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, 6/4, & over the summer

“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

It is not too late to join! Register at: https://www.osvhub.com/st-jude-church-monroe/forms/wwp2023-1 Questions?

Contact Annette Bonomo at [email protected] or MaryBeth Rauser at [email protected]

Cost for book - $20

The May Family Newsletter is available - click below!

Save the Dates for Summer Family Events!

Thursday, June 15: Family Bingo with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

Sunday, July 9: St Jude Summer Softball Game - 2 pm

Thursday, July 20: Family Ministry Summer Backyard Adoration

Monday, August 21: Family Ministry Summer Backyard Adoration

Family Game Night - Coming Soon!

Summer Rosary Challenge - Coming Soon!

email Jessica Iannotta for more information

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 this Sunday, May 21, 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: [email protected]

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 by June 11



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 is the Rosary making event on Thursday 5/25 at 7 pm

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 6/7 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 current book study, 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley starting this week, email Jessica Iannotta

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Next Encounter 5/19

No Kid's Club in June due to VBS

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 [email protected]. Let him know a preferred time and he will insert your name.



Hope to see you there.

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, Jenn Katz and Marie Signorem, Judy Thomas 

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 May is:

We pray through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, especially by recitation of the Rosary as She has often requested, that peace may be achieved in this increasingly troubled world...

   We pray to the Lord

Saint Jude Parish Office 2024 MASS BOOK IS OPEN

Helpful information to guide you when you request a Mass.

ANNOUNCED MASSES: Offered for a particular intention on a specific date. It can be in honor/memory of someone or for a special intention. They are announced at Mass and published in our newsletter.

SANCTUARY CANDLE: The candle burns in honor/memory of someone or a special intention for a particular month. The intention is published in our newsletter.

We are offering weekday masses, weekend masses, and our monthly first Saturday mass.

Please Note: By Papal Decree a mass every weekend is to be said for the parishioners of St Jude. Therefore, we have only 3 masses a weekend available for intentions and will need to be limited.

Requests can be made through email, [email protected]or by phone (203)261-6404 or by visiting the parish office Monday-Thursday 9-3.

Stipend: Mass $10.00

        Sanctuary Candle (month) $75.00



Payment by cash or check at time of request

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat   May 13       4:30pm                Luis & Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon

Sun   May 14      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 14       9:30am                 The Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Sun   May 14      11:30am               In Thanksgiving – Al and Rita Melissano

Mon  May 15       9:00am                 Anthony and Veronica Felice

Tue   May 16      9:00am                 Edward Burns

Wed  May 17       9:00am                Thomas Cunningham

Wed  May 17       7:00pm                Margaret and Frank Kunak

Thu   May 18       9:00am                 Rudolph and Emily Henn

Thu   May 18       7:00pm                John Kiernan

Fri    May 19       9:00am                 Marie Goss

Sat   May 20       4:30pm                Kevin and Carolyn O’Neall

Sun   May 21      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 21       9:30am                 Ivan Gospic

Sun   May 21       11:30am               Robert Kilpatrick

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

Weekday Masses 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.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 as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at [email protected].

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.