Reflection from Fr. Joseph

This has been quite a year for faith-based movies. “The Jesus Revolution”, “Nefarious”, and recently “The Sound of Freedom” have all done well at the box office while impressing critics. While there are certainly a fair share of corny and hokey Christian movies (a la “God’s Not Dead”), there has been a very positive shift in the quality of many Christian and Catholic movies, which are entertaining, profound, and well-worth our time.

But there has been a very long tradition of good, quality Catholic and Christian movies that are uplifting, edifying, and entertaining. In the midst of this lazy summer, here are eight great Catholic movies that are must-see, in no particular order:

The Robe: This Biblical epic movie from the 1950s tells the fictional story of the soldier who helped crucify Jesus. He won Christ’s robe in a dice game, and this cloth began to tug at his conscience – had he truly crucified the Son of God? He embarks on a journey to find out whether there is any truth to this new Christian faith, and the unexpected final encounter with Emperor Caligula is one of the most powerful and classic scenes in movie history.

Man for All Seasons: St. Thomas More was the chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. He is forced to choose between his religious loyalty to the Pope, when the King sets himself up as the leader of the Church in England. This film explores the notions of conscience and truth, and how one can remain holy in a compromising age. With excellent dialogue and some very memorable scenes, this is definitely a classic!

Molokai: One of the most Godforsaken places on the earth was the leper colony of Molokai, Hawaii. Into this dismal place of despair entered a heroic – and gruff – priest named Fr. Damien, who dedicated his life to the service of those forgotten lepers. This film chronicles his struggles and triumphs as he seeks to bring a semblance of order, humanity, and respect to the most forgotten members of society.

Padre Pio, Miracle Man: The recent (2023) movie about Padre Pio received pretty terrible reviews (and even includes a rather lascivious sexual scene). Personally I prefer the older movie (2000) about this great saint, who is one of the most beloved saints in the past century. This biopic tells the story of his life, his miracles, and the powerful ministry that he exercised in the confessional and through his powerful life.

Bells of St. Mary’s: No list of Catholic movies could exclude the classic 1940s hit, “Bells of St. Mary’s”. Featuring the star-studded leads of Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, the story unfolds about a parish priest and the nun who served as principal to the parish school. Challenged to save the parish school, the two do not see eye-to-eye, and their different styles caused comic conflict. I have always liked this movie, which is a reminiscence of a simpler time in the church and the world. It ended up being nominated for several Academy Awards (imagine a Catholic movie having such critical acclaim these days!)

Tree of Life: A mysterious, profound film – more like a meditation or an artistic piece than entertainment – this movie by Terrence Malik explores the interplay of nature and grace. Stunning cinematography, concise but profound dialogue, and excellent acting (Brad Pitt stars in it), this is a beautiful reflection of faith lived out in a normal family’s daily life. If anyone is seeking meaning in their life, this movie offers an interesting take on the purpose of life.

A Hidden Life: Another Terrence Malik work, this movie profiles Bl. Franz Jagerstatter, who risked everything in his life to stand up against the Nazi juggernaut. This beautiful film shows the immense cost of following one’s conscience while going against the tide. In the end he lost his family, his job, and his life…but he retained his integrity and eventually gained everlasting life. A beautiful, somber look at a hidden life, which is now becoming more well-known.

Into Great Silence: This is another profound meditation on people who have lost their lives – while still living. Profiling a monastery of Carthusian monks who live in silence and seclusion from the world, it shows the beauty and simplicity of a life lived for God alone. This movie is a personal three-hour retreat – you will come away, not entertained, but inspired and filled with peace.

For Greater Glory: My personal favorite movie of all time, this exciting film chronicles the Mexican martyrs of the 20^th Century. When the Communist government of Mexico outlawed Catholicism, seventy thousand Catholic men rose up in rebellion to fight for religious freedom. Their movement, called the “Cristeros”, led to several saints and heroic men and women who gave their lives in the fight to worship. A timely movie, entertaining and moving.

Stay tuned for nine more movies next week!

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

St. Jude Youth Ministry Car Wash

Service Project to benefit the Missionaries of Charity in Bridgeport, CT

Sunday July 23rd 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

St. Jude Parish Office (Side Parking Lot)

Suggested Donation $10.00

Thank you for supporting the St. Jude Youth Ministry!

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

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, July 30, 5:30-7:00 PM. 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.

Mom's Group Announcements

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 8/2 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Next meeting is Thursday 7/27 at 7:30 pm in the Social Hall

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.

We are sponsoring another blood drive in the Social Hall on Saturday, July 22, 8 AM until 1PM. Parishioners can make a reservation on redcrossblood.org.

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, 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 July is:

We pray for all those who will be affected by

heat and drought this summer including

first responders, outdoor workers, farmers 

and the homeless....

   We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Please note that the Friday morning Mass will no longer be offered.

Sat    July15        4:30pm                Joe Buturla, Jr

Sun   July 16      7:30am                 Andrew Henn

Sun   July 16       9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   July 16      11:30am               Maximino Monteiro

Mon  July 17       9:00am                 Matthew and Christina Johnston in

                                                         celebration of their wedding

Tue  July 18       9:00am                 Anthony D’Angelo

Wed  July 19       9:00am                 Mike Whiteman

Thu   July 20      9:00am                 Elaine Edgerton             

Sat    July 22       4:30pm                Deceased members of the Bonitatibus

                                                         family

Sun   July 23      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   July 23       9:30am                 Maria Emilia Monteiro

Sun   July 23      11:30am               Brett Southard

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of the Tranzillo and Bonitatibus Families

                            during the month of July

Weekday Masses (Monday thru Thursday) will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.

Please note that Friday Mass will no longer be offered.

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 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 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 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Saturdays. 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.