Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Last week we looked at nine classic Catholic movies that are must-see. I would add nine more to that list, which can be great for those lazy summer nights!

Hacksaw Ridge: While not explicitly Catholic, this Mel Gibson movie tells the true story of Desmond Doss, whose Christian faith prevented him from fighting in World War II. Despite his pacifism, he served as a medic and is credited with saving dozens of men through heroic and virtuous actions in the face of heavy enemy fire at Okinawa. He is the only non-combatant to win the Medal of Honor. Caution: a very bloody movie, but definitely an excellent film.

Passion of the Christ: Of all the movies ever made about Jesus (The Greatest Story Ever Told, King of Kings, Jesus of Nazareth), the Passion is by far the finest and most profound. It is indeed bloody, but also a true work of art. Everyone should see this movie at least once. Just don’t bring the popcorn – you won’t want to eat it!

Song of Bernadette – A simple, straightforward story about St. Bernadette Soubirous, who saw Our Lady at Lourdes. All are familiar with the story of how she saw Our Lady, but how did she deal with the skeptics and disbelievers? How did her life continue after the visions ceased? This part-biography, part-hagiography delves into the beautiful story of this great saint and her self-offering to the Lord.

The Mission: The Jesuit missionaries to South America sought to provide places of refuge and culture to the natives, along with sharing the Good News of Christ with them. This infuriated the Portuguese government, who saw the natives as potential slaves and financial benefit. The conflict between the Church and the government over the humanity of these natives provides a gripping story amidst stunning scenery and excellent acting – with a very surprising and powerful ending.

Lilies of the Field: Another old classic from 1963, this humorous film features a Black itinerant worker who stumbles upon a group of German nuns in the American southwest. Much to his surprise, the nuns prevail upon the laborer to build them a chapel. Despite the differences in race, religion, and culture, the laborer finds unexpected blessings when he is finally convinced to work for them, realizing that their prayers are far better than any monetary reward he could want!

John Bosco: Mission to Love: Another great saint movie, this recent Italian classic shows the life of St. John Bosco, the great friend of youth. Bosco’s life and work is itself a miracle: against all odds, he opens a school for poor boys in Turin.

I Confess: Alfred Hitchcock was a devout Catholic, and his faith shines through this excellent thriller. A murderer confesses his sin to a priest, and then frames the priest for the murder. Can the priest keep the seal of confession, while also trying to clear his name. An exciting nail-biter, this story is classic Hitchcock with a surprise ending.

The Scarlet and the Black: The Nazis and the Vatican stood in opposition during World War II. Many heroic priests and bishops risked their lives to protect the Jews from deportation and death. This old movie tells the story of these heroes, who did everything they could to save lives during that dangerous era.

Of Gods and Men: Equally heroic were the Trappist monks in Algeria, who continued their ministry to the poor and sick Muslims in Algeria during their civil war. As the war crept to the door of the monastery, they were forced to choose whether to abandon their mission and flee to safety, or continue to serve the people and possibly be captured or killed. This fascinating but slow-paced movie examines the intricacies of making such a momentous decision.

I hope during this summer that you’re able to take some time to be uplifted, edified, and entertained by these excellent classic Catholic movies!

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

Check out the Summer Edition of the Saint Jude Family Newsletter!

Save the Date - Summer Family Game Night

August 7th - 6:30 pm

Saint Jude Social Hall

RSVP Here

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: [email protected]

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 THIS 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    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

Mon  July 24       9:00am                 Edward Kovac

Tue  July 25       9:00am                 Evie Andrejczyk

Wed  July 26       9:00am                 Marie Goss

Thu   July 27       9:00am                 Patrick Ryan

Fri    July 28       9:00am                 Anne McCabe                

Sat    July 29       4:30pm                John Koch

Sun   July 30      7:30am                 Erika and Michael Gulyas

Sun   July 30       9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   July 30      11:30am               The Domkowski Family

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 [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 3:30 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.