Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Our Bill of Rights enumerates four of the great freedoms that our nation is built upon: freedom of speech, worship, assembly, and press. Specifically, the Bill of Rights states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This means that, as Catholics, we can expect from our government the freedom to live out our faith as Catholics, even in the public sphere.

Unfortunately, not everyone in the government has gotten the memo. In fact, here in our country there have been several very subtle attempts to encroach on religious freedom. For example, did you know that the FBI has been investigating Catholics specifically, targeting us as “extremists”? (See https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/fbi-slammed-for-using-undercover-sources-in-catholic-churches-to-monitor-suspicious-activity/ ). Or that recently the Department of Justice chose not to seek jail time for a terrorist attack on a Catholic Church in Washington State? (https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254083/biden-doj-recommends-no-jail-time-for-attack-on-catholic-church-in-washington-state ). Another case: Walter Reed Military Hospital, perhaps the most famous and important military hospital, run by the Department of Defense, recently chose to purposely exclude the Archdiocese of Military Services from providing priests as chaplains for their hospital – during Holy Week, no less. (https://catholicvote.org/cease-and-desist-order-to-catholic-chaplains/ ).

And yet, there is still more. The Biden administration is recommending that the Free Inquiry Rule be rescinded, which essentially means that college campuses can eliminate funding for any club that believes in traditional marriage or other positions that may “offend” others – with a pretty clear aim at Christians. (https://religionnews.com/2023/03/03/biden-administration-seeks-to-rescind-trump-era-rule-about-faith-on-campus/ ). The Biden administration recently issued a recommendation to force doctors to participate in medical procedures such as abortion that violate their conscience, or they may lose their license (https://www.familyheritagealliance.org/biden-administration-attempts-to-strip-medical-professionals-of-their-conscience-rights/ ). Add to this the 300+ attacks on Catholic Churches in the USA in the past three years, with only 25% of them prosecuted (https://catholicvote.org/tracker-church-attacks/ ).

Around the world, this is a trend that is picking up speed. You may have seen recently that people have been arrested for merely praying outside of abortion clinics in Great Britain (https://reason.com/2023/02/10/in-britain-you-can-be-arrested-for-silently-praying-outside-an-abortion-clinic/ ). Priests and nuns are being expelled in Nicaragua ( https://www.ncregister.com/news/8-nicaraguan-priests-expelled-by-ortega-regime-celebrate-mass-for-first-time-in-6-months ) and a bishop is currently in prison with a 26 year sentence for speaking out against the corrupt government. The situation in China continues to get more tense for Catholic believers, as they are often interrogated, imprisoned, and forbidden from practicing their Faith (  https://catholicherald.co.uk/catholics-still-persecuted-in-china-confirms-taiwan-government/ ).

Why is this important for us? First, because we must be aware! Many times these efforts to slowly erode our freedoms come very subtly and without front-page news. We need to keep our eyes and ears aware in a current cultural climate that is often anti-Catholic and anti-religion.

Second, because we must speak out! Speak to our elected leaders, urging them to continue to offer protection for the free exercise of our Faith, even in the public square. 

Doctors, teachers, hospital chaplains, and business executives should not have to check their faith at the door when they go to work; nor should they have to worry that staying true to their faith might mean losing their job. Freedom of religion is not the same as freedom from religion, which some people are trying to impose. When Thomas Jefferson wrote in his letter to the Danbury, CT Congregational Church that there would be a “wall of separation” between church and state, he did not intend at all to mean that faith could not be lived out in the public square. Rather, if one reads the letter in context, he only meant that the government would not enact laws that prohibit or restrict the freedom of an American to practice their own religion in any way, shape or form – including in our businesses, schools, and civic affairs. It is precisely this freedom that is being restricted in our country and abroad.

We must understand that secularism is a religion which seeks to impose itself upon our nation. Rather than being a neutral worldview, secularism is distinctly anti­-religious. Those who seek to impose a purely secular worldview seek to keep the values of religion (the support of life, family, integrity, etc) within the church itself and not allow it to spill out into the streets or workplaces. But by its very nature, religion is not just a Sunday thing – it is something that must radically change how a believer views the entirety of this world, which means that his or her values will impact what they do and how they act from Monday to Saturday as well. We must insist that we will have the freedom to live and practice our Faith in every aspect of our lives, in the freedom that our Bill of Rights explicitly guarantees.

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.

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.

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

Music Ministry Saturday Afternoon Pizza & A Movie

The Music Ministry Saturday afternoon Pizza & a Movie scheduled for SATURDAY May 6th is POSTPONED. This event will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time for all.

Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive 

Thank you to everyone who supported the Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive on Saturday April 29th. Despite the weather, we once again had a successful drive. We received 1150 pounds of clothing, shoes, & miscellaneous items for Bridgeport Rescue, food to replenish the St Jude Food Pantry & share food & personal care supplies with Blessed Sacrament parish as well as provide Hopeline with 476 diapers, $100 check, 10 packages of wipes, 8 bars of soap, 1 container of baby snacks, 3 baby shampoos, & 1 baby toy.  



Overall, a great success made possible by our St Jude parishioners support to help our less fortunate neighbors & community. Our next drive is tentatively scheduled for October. Please have a fantastic Spring & Summer and stay safe. 

May God Bless you all.... 

Rocky Scali & Frank Flynn

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!

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

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

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

Cost for book - $20

Congratulations to all of our families whose children recently received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion! Photos can be viewed and downloaded on the St Jude website by clicking here.

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: 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 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 & Kid's Club this Sunday 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.

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 Signore

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, parish.office@stjuderc.comor 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 6         8:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sat   May 6         4:30pm                Isabel Dantas-Teixeira

Sun   May 7        7:30am                 Andrew Henn

Sun   May 7         9:30am                 Christine Grinavic

Sun   May 7         11:30am               Howard Saad

Mon  May 8         9:00am                 Maria Emilia Monteiro

Tue   May 9        9:00am                 Andrew Henn

Wed  May 10       9:00am                Margaret Mende

Thu   May 11       9:00am                 Joseph Sidarweck

Fri    May 12       9:00am                 Rosemary Riesinger on her 90^thbirthday

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

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 4:00 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 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.