Reflection from Fr. Joseph

After a week’s hiatus, we conclude our three-part series about growing older with a reflection on wisdom. What is it, and how do we obtain it?

For about nine months, I had the interesting opportunity to live at the priest retirement home in Stamford while the rectory at my old parish was being renovated. When my friends heard I was living there, many of them commented, “That must be wonderful, you must be surrounded by so much wisdom!” But I must admit – although some of the priests were wise, not all of them were!

Growing older does not automatically make one grow in wisdom – just look at Congress! There can be old fools, and there can be young people with great wisdom. What is wisdom, anyway?

Wisdom is seeing the entirety of the world through the lens of Christ. Wisdom allows us to evaluate everything in the light of eternity. What is the proper use of money, time, sex, talents? How are we to view suffering and death, pleasure, friendship, work? How do we best handle authority, use our tongue well, take care of our bodies and souls? If a person understands these questions in light of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church – seeing the world through the eyes of Christ – then they are wise.

But this does not automatically come with age. I know a man in his 80s who constantly makes racist jokes; I know elderly people who waste time on soap operas and have never developed a real prayer life; I know people who have carried around an unforgiving grudge for seventy years and never dealt with it. So how do we grow in wisdom?

First, seek communion with God. Wisdom does not come in “ten easy steps” but rather from a deep intimacy with the Lord. It is through our connection with Him that we can begin to view the world through His eyes.

Second, learn the lessons that God wants to teach us through the events of our life. God forms His Mind within us when we see every experience (both the good and the bad) as opportunities to learn and grow. A wise person asks, “Lord, where are You in this, and what are You trying to teach me?”

Third, seek holiness…simplicity…integrity. A wise person is a person of integrity, because the live out what they believe. They see the world through God’s eyes because they have truly “taken on the mind of Christ” and love as He loves.

Fourth, seek out wise people and learn from them. Wisdom is a tree grown in the soil of humility. We can learn from the example of the saints, Doctors of the Church, and the writings of the Scriptures – along with wise people we know here on this earth.

Perhaps one of the wisest people I have ever had the privilege to know was Fr. Michael Scanlan, the former president of Franciscan University. His story is absolutely remarkable. Franciscan University was a college in the tanks – it was bankrupt, both financially and morally (one year it made Playboy Magazine’s “Top 25 Party Schools” list!). The Board of Directors wanted to close the school. But Fr. Scanlan agreed to take over as president, and tried to bring it back to life.

He made many unpopular but wise decisions as president. First, he suspended the sports program, recognizing that it had brought in many partying jocks who cared nothing for academics or the mission of the school. His first Sunday at the University, only six people attended Sunday Mass, so he decided…to make Mass longer! He began preaching 45-minute homilies and encouraging the music ministry to lengthen the time of their worship music…and people started to be drawn to Mass! He eliminated the fraternities and instead established “households” – small Christ-centered groups of young men and women – and made it mandatory for students to join. He fired most of the faculty and instead brought on unknown teachers…who were faithful to the mission of a solidly-Catholic school. He encouraged the Theology department, even when everyone said that undergrads were not interested in Theology, and brought on obscure professors like Dr. Scott Hahn!

But Fr. Scanlan did nothing without consulting the Holy Spirit. His secretary used to say that he would never arrive in the office until 11am, because the entire morning was spent in prayer, seeking to know God’s will for the university. He didn’t follow “best principles” or a ten-step program – he sought God, lived in intimacy with God, and that is how he grew wise. I knew him after he had retired, but I always sensed that I was in the presence of a man who was a friend of God. He would often close his eyes after Holy Communion at Mass and it was amazing to watch him pray – that man was in intimate union with God, sometimes even groaning with a deep longing for God (which St. Paul describes in Romans 8:26!).

He was so effective that Franciscan University is now considered one of the finest Catholic Universities in the world, known for students seeking holiness along with a solid Catholic education.

I pray that I too may become wise as I get older – this should be the goal of all of us! There are far too many “old fools” out there. Only a man or woman who lives in communion with God, who has learned the lessons of life, and who is living in integrity will possess the enviable gift of wisdom. May we all pursue and live it!

Diocesan Eucharistic Renewal

The Diocese of Bridgeport will be having several events in conjunction with the 2024 Eucharistic Congress happening in Indianapolis this year.

2024 Diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving - June 1, 2024, Fairfield University 

 Invitations are available to all parishes in the Diocese, please see Father Joseph after Mass if you are interested in attending.

Diocese of Bridgeport 2024 Eucharistic Procession - May 19 - May 22

See enclosed flier. Copies of the flier will also be available in the vestibule.

Questions: please contact Betty Henn, 203-261-0762, ehennsr@gmail.com

National Day of Prayer

This coming Thursday, May 2, is the National Day of Prayer. Fr. Joseph and parishioners of St. Jude's will be joining our other Christian brothers and sisters for a time of prayer on the Stepney Green from 12noon-1pm that day - please come and join us to pray for our nation and our world, in this ecumenical gathering!

Dash Through the Creed - Now Online!

Did you miss Fr. Joseph's adult faith class, "Dash Through the Creed", which he presented on Monday nights this past year? The recordings from that class are now online! Check it out at http://aflameforchrist.podbean.com to listen!

Parish News

St Jude-St Stephen Seniors News

The St Jude-St Stephen Seniors will meet on Thursday, May 9^th. at 1:00 PM.

The topic for May will be Novenas.  

We will explore the rich tradition of novenas in our Catholic faith.

The meetings are at 1:00 PM on the 2^nd Thursday of each month in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. The entrance is in the back of St Jude Church. 

 All are welcome. No need to register. 

This will be our last meeting until September.

Any questions, or if you need a ride, please contact Ellen or Doug at 203-268-9229

Italian Festival News

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

We are forming a Sponsorship Sub-Committee which will be headed up by Tom Colville and need your help! We have the data base of all past corporate sponsors so it’s just a matter of contacting them. If you would like to be part of this very important committee or to learn more information, please email Paul at seperackpaul@sbcglobal.net 

THANK YOU

NEEDED

LARGE CHEST FREEZERS

If you have a large chest freezer you’d like to donate to the Italian Festival it would be greatly appreciated. Please email Paul at seperackpaul@sbcglobal.net

ALSO

Do We Have A Freezer Repair Expert In The Parish?



The large chest freezer in the Social Hall

has not worked for quite some time.

If you can tackle this repair or know someone who can,

please email Paul at seperackpaul@sbcglobal.net 

Thank You!!

Family News and Updates

Bingo with the Sisters of Nazareth

Join the Be a Saint Kid's Club on May 5 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm for Bingo, Crafts, Pizza and Adoration at the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on Monroe

Email Jessica to RSVP or donate a food item to bring

Join us Next Month on the Feast of the Visitation

WOODEN ROSARY HOLDER CRAFT NIGHT!

The Painted Plank Studio is coming to the St. Jude’s Social Hall to create personalized wooden rosary hangers!! 

Open to all and hosted by Saint Jude Mom's Group

When: Friday 5/31 at 6 pm

Where: Saint Jude Social Hall

Advanced sign up required by 5/27- see below

https://www.thepaintedplankstudio.com/product-page/friday-may-31-2024-st-jude-s-women-s-group

Email Jessica to donate an appetizer to share!

Calling all Young Adults and Couples! 

Please join us for an evening dedicated to helping young adults and couples navigate what a flourishing, healthy and holy relationship could look like. This evening is hosted by licensed professional counselors who embed Catholicism into their counseling practices. 

You will learn practical strategies to improve communication, align more clearly on values and goals, and learn how to turn toward each other in hard times and approach life as a team. 

This workshop is geared toward young adults who are trying to discern what they should look for in a relationship and for couples who would like strategies to assist them in living out a healthy and holy relationship. 

This workshop is hosted by St. Jude Parishioner, Lauren Buckley, LPC, who specializes in couples counseling and perinatal (pregnancy through postpartum) counseling. It is co-hosted by Eric Zeitler, LPCA, a parishioner of St. Rose, who specializes in men's issues, addiction and trauma. 

May 16, 2024 at 6:30 pm, St. Rose of Lima Church, Holy Innocents Center

Please see the flyer for more information and we look forward to seeing you there! 

Youth Encounters

All of our young people grades 6-12 are invited to join us for our Youth Encounters! These nights of games, food, fun, prayer, fellowship, and honest conversation about our Catholic Faith have been awesome...come and join us for a new year! This year for the first time, we'll be having separate tracks for high school and middle school. 7-9 pm at St. Jude Social Hall.

Please click on the image to view the flyer.

Mom's Group Announcements

INVITING ALL PARENTS (mothers and fathers) to our 2024 weekly Zoom Rosaries on Wednesdays at 9 pm. Please email Jessica Iannotta for more information. To submit prayer intentions for our monthly Rosaries, click here.

Next Mom's Group meeting Friday, May 31 for Rosary Holder Making Night

Camp Veritas Catholic Summer Camp!



It's time to start signing up for Camp Veritas Catholic Summer Camp! Each year we get a group to go to the best week of sleep-away camp you will ever experience. Camp Veritas (www.campveritas.org) combines sports, swimming, boating, zip-lines, go-karts, and all the fun camp activities with daily Mass, Rosary, Adoration, spiritual talks, and a powerful encounter with Jesus. Every single kid who went last year had a blast and we hope to double attendance this year! We are offering a special scholarship for kids who are part of Youth Encounter - $300 off! Sign-up online and experience the fun!

Knights of Columbus News

The Knights of Columbus Council 5987 and the Columbiettes are co-sponsoring a blood drive in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall on Sat May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. To donate, go to redcrossblood.org and search for our drive. 

The Knights of Columbus are once again sponsoring a Needs/Food, clothing, & diapers drive on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 8AM to 11AM. No FURNITURE items are being collected. Please bring your donated items to the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall. These items will be distributed to the St Jude Pantry, Blessed Sacrament parish & food pantry, Hopeline, & the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. 

To simplify our distribution process during the day of the drive, it would be much appreciated if you labelled your donated items in boxes & bags for St Jude pantry, Blessed Sacrament/Father Skip, Hopeline & Bridgeport Rescue. Please review the attached flyer for specific items needed for each.  Any questions, please contact Rocky Scali, 203-767-6053 or Frank Flynn, 203-556-5016.

Virtual Tea Party

The Saint Pope John XXIII Columbiettes from St Jude Church cordially invite you to a virtual tea party fundraiser to support our charitable works. After all masses the weekends of April 13 and 14 and April 20 and 21, 2024, members of the Columbiettes will be distributing invitations to parishioners.

Each envelope includes a tea bag, a request for prayer response card and a return envelope. Please write the names of your loved ones, living or deceased that you would like us to include in prayer. At the Columbiettes May meeting we will pray a rosary and include the names of all your intentions.

Please return the response card with your donation by May 4, 2024. You can drop the response card in the envelope provided in the basket at mass, drop off at the parish office or mail to:

St Jude Parish 

Columbiettes

707 Rt 111

Monroe, Ct 06468

We appreciate all your support.

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on size newborn and wipes, as well as bottles and pacifiers.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 by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.

A message from Hopeline:

In 2023 we administered 807 free pregnancy tests. Of the positive tests, 97.1% of those women chose LIFE for their unborn children.

Thank you for all the ways you support Hopeline and the unborn! Your prayers are coveted, and your gifts are cherished.

Food Pantry Update

"....and the cupboard was bare"... Following our successful Easter distribution we are in need of the following items to replenish our pantry: pasta, tuna, oatmeal, jelly, jarred pasta sauce and Mac & cheese. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.  

Pray the Rosary with SoulCore at St. Jude!

SoulCore is now offered at St. Jude Church!

Sessions are held the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm

St. Jude Social Hall – 707 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT

Please wear comfortable clothing; bring an exercise mat and water

(Please enter the social hall through the rear doors of the church, adjacent to the parking lot)

Every fitness level is welcome – participants are encouraged to honor their mobility and capabilities during prayer

A $10 donation to St. Jude is welcome but not required

Sessions will be led by Christine Peterson, Certified SoulCore Leader and Personal Trainer



Please contact Christine.Peterson@snet.net with questions or to register

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Manny Cambra, Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, John Sansone, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Barbara Tranchese, Mary Lopresti, Lou DiMartino, Lor C., Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Susan W. and Janet C, Larry Pisani, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Michael Merola & Family, Martha Mencseli, Mildred Blasko, Father Krzysztof, and Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Becky M., Flo Guite, Michael J. Russell, Mary Ann Voytek, Michael, and Donna, Evan Tedesco, Darryl Patterson



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 April is:

May we honor Christ's True Presence in

the Blessed Sacrament, and deepen our personal relationship with Him during Eucharistic Adoration in our Parish...

   We pray to the Lord

PARISH 2025 MASS INTENTION BOOK

The 2025 mass intention book will open on Monday, April 8.

Helpful information to guide you when you are requesting a Mass.

ANNOUNCED MASSES: Offered for a particular intention on a particular date. It can be in honor/memory of someone or for a special intention. 

We are offering weekday masses (Monday-Thursday), 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.

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

ADORATION CANDLES: The candles burn in honor/memory of someone or a special intention at our Monday Adoration and any other Adoration times for a particular month.

WINE AND HOSTS: The wine and hosts used at all masses can be in honor/memory of someone or for a special intention for a particular month.

Requests can be made through e-mail, by phone, or by visiting the parish office

Stipend: Mass $10.00

             Sanctuary Candle (month) $75.00

             Adoration Candles: (month) $40.00

             Wine/Hosts: (month) $25.00

Payment by cash or check at time of request (No credit cards) 

Mass Intentions for  April 27 – May 5

Sat    Apr 27       4:30pm       Isabel Dantas Teixeira and Jose Dantas

Sun  Apr 28        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Apr 28        9:30am       The Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Sun  Apr 28        11:30am     Domkowski Family

Mon  Apr 29        9:00am       Robert Kilpatrick

Tue   Apr 30        9:00am       Patrick Ryan

Wed  May 1         9:00am      Angelo Magliocco

Thu   May 2         9:00am      Joan Dellolio

Sat    May 4         8:30am       The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Sat    May 4        4:30pm       Howard Saad

Sun  May 5         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 5         9:30am       Maximino Monteiro

Sun  May 5         11:30am     Christine Grinavic

Tabernacle Candle: April: In memory of Vittoria & Nunzio Guerrera

Wine And Hosts: April: In memory of Marie Goss

Tabernacle Candle: May: Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon

Weekday Masses (Monday thru Thursday) 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 ) Please note that the link is slightly changed from the previous link due to the change in the website.

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Bible Study will meet Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM, in the school building. Each week we will take up the readings for that weekend. All men of the parish are welcome. 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 4:00 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.

First Friday

Eucharistic Adoration

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30



The time that we spend with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time we will spend on earth. Please join us on the first Friday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group . Email Jessica for more information

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.

COMMUNION ITEMS ARE IN!

Call Fran Cambra for more information:

203-400-5119

Confession Hours



Confessions on Saturday afternoon will be in the day chapel at 3:30 to 4:15 pm on Saturdays. Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession.

Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.