Reflection from Fr. Joseph

I’m not much of a tech guy. I still use a dumb phone and would much rather be in nature than playing around on computer. But I’ve definitely been interested in the more philosophical questions that have arisen due to the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Catholic Church is watching and evaluating the pros and cons of such advanced technology – just recently on my radio show we did an episode on it (it’s episode 130 of “Restless” athttps://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com/ ).

But one very cool thing that has come out of AI is the Catholic Chatbox (https://catholic.chat/). Check it out – it’s really cool. Using the Catechism and other trustworthy Catholic sources, you can ask it any question you ever wanted about Catholicism, and it’ll give you a solid answer. Definitely a cool way to integrate our Faith into AI!

At the same time, there’s been a quiet, interesting movement away from technology – smartphones, specifically. My alma mater, Franciscan University, recently started a scholarship fund for students who were willing to give up their smartphones for a year – and about 170 students applied for it. It’s been a refreshing experience for these college students who had never known life without technology. They said it was so much easier to pray and to foster healthy relationships with peers – and they didn’t miss it much! (seehttps://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254255/these-catholic-college-students-dumped-their-smartphones-for-the-year-here-s-what-happened).

Which makes us wonder – is it possible to live the modern world without a smartphone? Recently a tech startup company named LightPhone is designing phones that have everything you want (talk, text, even GPS) and nothing we don’t need (like all the apps that keep us distracted from everything else). Check it out – it’s a pretty cool phone (https://www.thelightphone.com/) . Other non-smartphone options are out there – I use a Gabb phone which is similar. (And no, I’m not getting paid to endorse these!)

This came up recently in a discussion with a parish family who was debating what to do with their son who was entering into middle school. Complicated schedules, peer pressure, and the need to stay in contact with parents seemed to necessitate some sort of device, but studies continue to show the close connection between smartphone use and poor mental health, poor self-esteem, social media addictions, lack of social skills…not to mention easy access to inappropriate and impure websites. So it’s good to see that these options like LightPhone and Gabb Phone exist, to provide for connectivity without the risk of these other negative side-effects…and it’s not only for kids, but for parents too, who want to live their life free from the obsessive “dings” and buzzes of incessant notifications!

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

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

Goodbye to Fr. Claudiu!

We are grateful for the presence of Fr. Claudiu with us! He has been assigned, starting July 1, to St. Lawrence in Shelton, where he will be with a Romanian pastor. This will be his final weekend with us, and we will be having Coffee And after each Mass. Please come and thank him for his service to St. Jude's!

Please support a parish Eagle Scout Project!

My name is Christopher Maslar and I am a member of Troop 203. I`m a parishioner of St.Jude and have been altar serving most of my life and I am a sophomore at Masuk. I am working on my Eagle Scout project that will benefit St. Jude Church. This project will re-landscape the hill leading down to the rectory on the St.Jude campus. I will be mulching 995 sq ft of land, planting 381 prairie drop seed plugs and 8 juniper plants. This project will take 4 days and will be completed by the start of August. In order to complete this project, around 1,500 dollars for mulch and all the plants will be needed. I would appreciate any support to help me complete this project. You may donate to help at this link, https://www.osvhub.com/st-jude-church-monroe/giving/funds. Thank you in advance for your support!

• - Christopher Maslar

VBS Items Needed!

In search of some heart shaped silicon or metal cookie molds for a VBS craft!

Do you have a statue or image of the Sacred Heart or Immaculate Heart that you'd be willing to lend us for the week? We will plan to create a prayer corner for the children.

We are also looking to borrow some pop up tents for some outdoor activities in the event of prolonged rain next week.

If you have any you'd be willing to lend or donate, email Jessica Iannotta. Thank you!

Please keep our campers and volunteers in your prayers this upcoming week for a great week as we set the hearts of our youth on fire with love for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!

Please support Colin Firda

Our very own parishioner and weekly altar server, Colin Firda, will be joining the St Thomas More Youth Group traveling to Jamaica and supporting the Mustard Seed Organization. He will help care for disabled children, and young adults, build gardens, landscaping and painting on their grounds. Your prayers are needed and donations of any amount will be used to buy, in bulk, much needed medical and daily supplies for the children they are helping. Thank you for supporting Colin and the mission. 

Bingo with the Sisters of The Holy Family of Nazareth

A group of St Jude parish families visited the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth yesterday for a fun evening of Bingo, pizza, ice cream and fellowship! The Sisters enjoyed having many young families around and look forward to having another event in the future!

View more picnic photos at https://saintjude.smugmug.com/St-JudeSt-Stephen-Parish-Picnic-230604/

West Point Mini Family Fest 

For many years, I've been longing and desiring to do something for families...a summer getaway where they can combine their Catholic Faith with a ton of fun in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Well, I'm happy to announce that this dream has become a reality! The West Point Mini Family Fest is going to launch August 18-20 near West Point, NY!

What is a Family Fest?

• Daily Mass
• Beach and water fun on the lake
• Confession
• Talks for different age groups
• Adoration
• Sports
• Games
• Hiking
• Rosary
• Roasting Marshmallows
• Good food
• Hanging out with other awesome families who love the Lord!

This Family Fest is being put on by the Apostolate for Family Consecration, which is an organization that hosts family retreats all over the country. It is not an exaggeration to say that I owe my priestly vocation to them, as I used to go on their Family Fests when I was growing up! It was hugely impactful in my own faith journey - and a tremendous amount of fun!

It is my hope to get five families from St. Jude's to give it a try this summer. To make it possible, we are offering a half-price discount for all parish families who want to attend!

You can find out more information at https://afc.org/catholic-family-retreat-weekend/ - I'll be there - and I hope to see you there, too!

~Fr. Joseph

Now that school is out, keep the faith alive this summer with our Summer Family Rosary Challenge - open to all families with children/teens.

Use this link to maintain a "Living Rosary" by adding your prayers onto the previous family's (even if just a few Hail Mary's or a single decade - anyone can participate!).

Participants will receive one of these beautiful Marian rosary pouches (while supplies last)!

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.

Next meeting will be Sunday, June 25, 5:30-7:00 PM. 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.

Mom's Group Announcements

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 7/5 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

If you are interesting in joining our summer book club, email Jessica Iannotta

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

Food Pantry update

As the school year closes out and the weather warms our requirements also change. Items in greatest need at this time are: jarred pasta sauce, canned tomato products, pasta, snack foods and boxed children’s cereal. Thank you again for your continued support of our ministry!

Hopeline Pregnancy Center Diaper Needs

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers and Baby Wipes. They are currently low on the Newborn size. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers in the outer vestibule of the church. Your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and the Knights of Columbus.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, 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, Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, Tip B., Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Lewis Family, John Sansone, Barbara Tranchese, Joe Tavella, Ed Brady, Mary Lopresti, Lou DiMartino and Lor C.

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 June is:

In this month dedicated to the MOST LOVING SACRED HEART OF JESUS, may we ask for more loving, forgiving hearts as we pray....

    JESUS I PLACE MY TRUST IN YOU!

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    June 24       4:30pm                Dr. Richard and Eileen Sekerak

Sun   June 25      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   June 25       9:30am                 Maria Emilia Monteiro

Sun   June 25      11:30am               James Tierney, Sr

Mon  June 26       9:00am                 James Tierney, Sr.

Tue   June 27      9:00am                 Richard Spede

Wed  June 28       9:00am                 Isabel Dupont

Thu   June 29      9:00am                 Francis Dunne                

Fri    June 30       9:00am                 Mary Ellen Mason

Sat    July 1         8:30am                 Judy Beth Raine

Sat    July 1         4:30pm                Isabel Dantas Teixeira and Lucinda Dantas

Sun   July 2        7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   July 2         9:30am                 Jack Hurley

Sun   July 2        11:30am               Enzo and Alda Melissano

Hosts and Wine: LaBella and Tortora Family during the month of June.

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of the Tranzillo and Bonitatibus Families

                            during the month of July

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 )

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Bible Study is currently on a Summer break. We will resume meeting in September. 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 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.

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.