Reflection from Fr. Joseph | |
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As you read this, I am in the mountains! I hope to be summitting some of the Adirondack’s highest peaks today, enjoying God’s creation. Some people are “beach” people, but I find God more in the mountains than along the seashore.
And mountains are very much places of encounter with God! Consider all the mountains of Scripture, and how people have always encountered Him there. For example, Mount Zion is the mountain upon which Jerusalem was built, where the Temple was located. Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor; and He taught the people through a sermon on the Mount. Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and died overlooking the Promised Land on Mount Nebo. Elijah heard the voice of God at Mount Horeb, and spent time recovering from a difficult and taxing ministry on Mount Carmel. It was on the Mount of Olives that Jesus ascended into Heaven, while Noah’s ark came to rest on the top of Mount Ararat in modern-day Turkey (where archeological studies have found evidence of the ship itself!).
As one climbs a mountain, one gains a new perspective on the surrounding territory – and frequently a new perspective on life. Mountains are often solitary, due to the difficulty of the climb, which prepares us to hear the voice of God more strongly. There is a sense of awe and wonder at the grandeur of the mountain, as we feel so small compared to the greatness of the creation of God. There is also a sense of permanence about a solid, unchanging mountain – as Psalm 125 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken, that stands forever.”
But it is very difficult, if not impossible, to grow crops on the mountain. For this reason, while it is good to climb mountains to gain a new perspective, we must then descend to live in the valley. The valley is fertile, but often bland and boring. In the same way, many people want to have lots of “mountaintop” experiences in their spiritual life – awesome prayer, deep consolations, experiencing miracles, a great retreat, an unforgettable community…but we cannot have them always. We must descend from the “mountaintop” to do the hard, difficult work of tilling and harvesting in the valley (through the humdrum of our everyday lives, the boring job, the difficult marriage, the never-ending tasks). It’s through these valleys that we actually grow and see spiritual fruit, not through the “mountaintop” experiences.
If you are headed to the mountains this summer, enjoy! Make it truly a time of encounter with God, and let it remind you of His rock-solid faithfulness!
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FLORAL MINISTRY
On July 14th, Msgr Sabia will celebrate the 11:30am mass at St. Jude’s. In thanksgiving for his spiritual direction, counseling, leadership and support for 36 years to the parishioners at St. Jude, the Floral Ministry has chosen apricot and white flowers for the arrangements that will be placed in front of the altar. Our choice of flowers is always prayerfully made based on the liturgical season, special feasts, and special reasons. In this case, we have been led to apricot roses and white flowers to symbolize gratitude, genuineness, sincerity and purity.
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We had a great turnout to our 3rd annual softball game!
Some great hits, lots of runs and more importantly great fellowship and fun.
We will definitely do it again!
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ST JUDE ITALIAN FESTIVAL
707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468
August 21-24, 2024
Dear business neighbors,
It’s that time of year and the Italian Festival is back! St Jude parish is delighted to invite you to join the business sponsor program for our 34th annual Italian Festival held this year from August 21st through the 24th. Thousands of people will be attending the festival to enjoy rides, games, raffles, nightly entertainment and of lots of great food.
For our business sponsors, we offer a display of a professionally made sign (18” x 24”) for your business throughout the festival. As a bonus, a complete list of all the sponsors will be added to the weekly newsletter following the festival. Please complete the form below and mail into St Jude Parish by August 12th. Please make your checks payable to St Jude Parish (707 Monroe Turnpike) or call the parish office at 203-261-6404 to pay by credit card or if you have any questions.
Business Name _____________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Contact Person ________________________ Phone No ____________________
Check One Option
_______ One Sign ($150) ________ Two Signs ($250)
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St. Jude Blood Drive - Saturday July 20th
A blood drive is being held in the Social Hall on Saturday, July 20 9 AM until 1:45 PM. The drive is being co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes. If you care to donate, please log into www.redcrossblood.org and search for our drive. There are quite a few slots still available. Thank you.
Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their blood donation. Why? Because helping others in need just feels good. Donate blood today to help those in need.
www.redcrossblood.org
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Holy Trinity Catholic Academy Announcement
HTCA is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. Unlike our Public School counterparts, HTCA will be using December 31st as a cut-off date for Kindergarten age requirements. Tell your friends and family. Interested families should call 203-929-4422 for more information.
If you or someone you know wants to make some extra cash, HTCA has the following positions available:
-After School Supervisors
-Part Time Spanish Teacher
-Part Time Admissions Director
For more information, please reach out to our Head of School, Mrs. Lisa Lanni, at (203) 929-4422.
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Friday, August 30
End of Summer Music Festival, 5:30-7:30 pm
(rain date 8/31)
More details coming soon!
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Summer
BACKYARD ADORATION
NEXT WEEKEND!
Sunday, July 28 - Backyard Family Adoration, 7 pm
Monday, August 26 - Backyard Family Adoration, 6:30 pm
Email Jessica for more information and to RSVP!
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Seeking Parents Interested in Growing in their Faith | |
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Saint Jude Parish has received a Foundations in Faith Grant for family formation and plans to host a Parent Retreat some time this Fall or early Winter. If you would like to be on the planning committee, email Jessica.
Part of this project will also include parent formation sessions during religious education based on interest. If you would be interested in attending a parent class during your child's religious education class, email Jessica.
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Next Youth Encounter 7/26!
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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 this summer!
Please click on the image to view the flyer.
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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.
If you are interested in participating in a summer book club, email Jessica for more information
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Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on sizes 4 & 5, wipes and jars of baby food as well as bottles and pacifiers. They have also requested baby formula such as “Similac 360 Total Care”. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers, etc. 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. | |
With school in recess the summer now upon us our pantry needs shift a bit to with the season. Current items in greatest need are jarred pasta sauce, beans, children’s snacks and boxed cereal. Please keep checking the newsletter for additional information regarding the Knights of Columbus upcoming CHRISTMAS IN JULY food drive to be conducted at Stop & Shop the week of July 27-28. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. | |
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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, 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, Darryl Patterson, Michael, Debra and Mike Patten, Louise Noll, Chrystal Archuletta and Alice Gumpert, Diane Cummings, Chloe Capra
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Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.
Our Petition for July is: NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL PILGRIMAGE
May the graces and fruits of this Holy Spirit-
inspired Pilgrimage be a source of healing, conversion and increased devotion to the Blessed Sacrament in our hearts, our Diocese and our Country...
We pray to the Lord
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Mass Intentions for July 20 – July 28
Sat July 20 4:30pm Lori Conwell
Sun July 21 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun July 21 9:30am The Pinto and DeAndrade Family
Sun July 21 11:30am Brett Southard
Mon July 22 9:00am Lola Stephanic
Tue July 23 9:00am Manuel Andrade
Wed July 24 9:00am Edward Brady
Thu July 25 9:00am James Lyman
Sat July 27 4:30pm John Koch
Sun July 28 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun July 28 9:30am Deceased members of the Bonitatibus family
Sun July 28 11:30am Maria Emilia Monteiro
Tabernacle Candle: July: Blessings during the 1st wedding anniversary
month for Marianne and John Hagendorf
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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 and may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church
"Jesus we Trust in You"
thedivinemercy.org
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop | |
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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.
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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.
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Parish Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
Please call (203-261-6404) or e-mail (parish.office@stjuderc.com) before coming to the office. Much can be accomplished through a phone call or email, such as requesting masses/mass cards; sacramental records; registering for Baptism; etc.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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