ANNUAL BISHOP'S APPEAL:
Please consider supporting the Appeal this year. If you have already made your gift to this year’s Appeal – thank you! If you haven’t done so yet, your help is still very much needed. Every gift makes a difference. Early gift pledges allow a payment plan. Many companies offer a matching gift program. You may also visit www.bridgeportdiocese.com to make a pledge or donate by credit card. Please participate in the Appeal to the best of your ability. Pray for its success and let us remember God’s love for us and the grace and blessings of sharing that which we have with others. Pastoral Plan-Active in Charity

ALTAR SERVER INSTALLATION:
This weekend at the 9:00am Mass, 18 new Altar Servers will be installed. Quintin B., Noreen B., Alejandro C., Alex D., Tim D., Karen G., Briana G., Caroline G., Danielle K., Anna M., Karissa M., Meagan M., Duncan M., Jennifer P., Nick P., Christopher P., Colleen R., Ginny S. These new servers have been attending weekly class with Msgr. Sabia since January. We congratulate them and thank them for their commitment to serve at the altar.

LITURGY COMMITTEE:
Our monthly meeting will be held on Mon., May 5 at 7:30pm. New members are always welcome.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY:
On Sun., May 18 our 9:00 Mass will be celebrated with our youngest parishioners in mind. Please join us for the planning meeting in Msgr. Sabia’s office on Tues., May 6, 7:00-8:00pm.

ALLELUIA CHOIR:
We invite men and women who have a free hour in the morning to sing at funerals. No rehearsals. And come when you can. Call the Parish Office to add your name to the call list.

MAY IS MISSION MONTH:
Please help the Mission Committee with the toiletry drive for the families in Appalachia. These poor people cannot buy toiletries with food stamps, so the Sisters at Good Shepherd Catholic Mission have requested toiletries. See today’s flier. Pastoral Plan-Active in Charity

PENTECOST:
We celebrate Pentecost on May 11. We would like to continue our tradition of having some petitions read in foreign languages on Pentecost Sunday. This is an external way to show that our Church is universal – Catholic. Do you speak a second language (German, Portuguese, Polish, etc.)? Would you like to read a petition for the Prayer of the Faithful? The petitions are already written in the foreign language. Please call the Parish Office (261-6404) to volunteer. We also invite all parishioners to wear something red at the Masses on Pentecost Sunday. A symbol for Pentecost is the Flame – the tongue of fire, the power of the Holy Spirit.

ALTAR SERVERS:
Do you have any extra white albs at home? If so, please return them to the Sacristy so other servers may use them.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT:
When asked to volunteer and help, be empowered to say YES! Join the 1,235 parish/school volunteers in compliance. All volunteers 18 and over must do the 4 part mandate. Plan ahead and be ready to volunteer for Rel. Ed., School, Emmaus, all committees and ministries.
Seminars are scheduled throughout the diocese. Next parish sponsored seminar here is May 10. Call the Parish Office for dates and to register: 261-6404.
*Video/Discussion Virtus "Protecting God's Children"
*Policy & Procedures Signed Receipt
*Background Check
*Code of Conduct Receipt
If you attended a seminar in another location, please return the paperwork to the parish office. Pastoral Plan-Adult Enrichment

BAPTISM POLICY:
Please prepare for the baptism before the baby is born by attending a Pre-Baptism class which is held the 1st Sunday of every month. Call the Parish Office to register for the class. The Catholic Godparents chosen should go to their pastors to get a letter stating that they are qualified to act as godparents for Baptism. After receiving both Godparents’ letter and filling out the baptismal registration form, bring them to the Parish Office. Baptism celebrations are held on the 2nd Sunday of every month. No date may be set for the baptism until all the papers have been received in the parish office.

VBS 2008:
Son World Adventure Park. Our Vacation Bible School program has been very successful due to the wonderful volunteers that donate their time and talents during the VBS week. VBS will be held the week of July 14-18 from 9am – Noon. We are looking for volunteers to fill the following Coordinator positions for us: Recreation, Youth Aides, Crafts, and Teachers. Please consider volunteering to ensure our children are given the opportunity to have a beautiful and safe week experiencing Jesus’ awesome LOVE! To volunteer, please call Donna Lane at 459-4852. Pastoral Plan-Inspiring Youth

SAINT JUDE RELIGIOUS GIFT SHOP:
Many Communion & Confirmation gifts/sets, bibles, rosaries, ties, medals, statues and new items. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-2pm. Located in the Parish Center (school).

SAINT JUDE SENIOR CITIZENS:
All Seniors of the parish are invited to attend the monthly meeting on Wed., May 7, 2:00-4:00pm in the Parish Center. The afternoon will include a video presentation, discussion, and refreshments. Pastoral Plan-Adult Formation

MAINTENANCE COLLECTION:
Next weekend we will have our monthly collection for the repair and maintenance of our buildings and grounds. Thank you for your support.

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME:
Thanks to all of you who asked about, and offered prayers for, our Catholics Returning Home series. We had three participants who joined us, and it was a very meaningful journey for them, and for the team as well. We may offer the program again in the fall, so please continue to pray for the family and friends in your life who have drifted away and need a welcoming hand to help them back to our Catholic Church. Stay tuned to the bulletin for future announcements.

PARISH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
On April 28, the current members of the Parish Advisory Council prayed over the names of the nominees for the 2008-2009 council. Four parishioners were selected by lot for a three-year term. Welcome to the new council members, Paul Seperack, Kermit Bierut, Bernie Prendergast, and Jill Massari. Many, many thanks to Lorraine Costello, Cathy Ritch, Hav Tweedy and Kerstin Winkler who have completed their term. You have been very generous in sharing your time and talents for the benefit of St. Jude Parish. We wish you all the best as you continue your stewardship in different ministries.

PILGRIMAGE:
Msgr. Sabia will be the Spiritual Director for a pilgrimage Sept. 10-27, to Garabandal, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima, Lourdes & Medjugorje. Cost: $4,999.00 per person from JFK. Includes: round trip airfare from NY, 16 nights at first class or 4 star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, transportation by air-conditioned motor coach, guided tours and admission fees, hotel taxes and service charges, baggage handling, flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents, airport taxes, security fees and fuel surchages. Daily Mass will be celebrated by Msgr. Sabia. For more info call the Parish Office 261-6404.

MAY ROSARY:
Join the K of C on Wed., May 7 at 7:00pm for a rosary service at the statue of Mary, Madonna of Peace. (Rain location: inside the church.) All St. Jude parishioners & guests are invited.

PARISH REGISTRATION:
We welcome all Monroe residents to our Parish Community. Please register at the Parish Office Mon.-Fri., 9:00am to 5:00pm. We want to know and serve you, and hope you become an active part of our parish family. Parishioners please notify the Parish Office regarding change of address or phone number.

HOSPITAL VISITS:
When hospitalized at either Bridgeport or St. Vincent’s Hospital – please be aware that there are strict legal and ethical guidelines regarding patient information given by the hospital to clergy. Therefore, if you are hospitalized and desire pastoral support, you or your family members must do two things: First, notify us of your hospitalization several days before a scheduled admission. Second, upon admission to the hospital, state that you are Catholic and you’re a St. Jude (Monroe) Parishioner for inclusion in your medical record. If you fail to do either of the above, the clergy have no way of knowing you are a patient at the hospital. Please note: If a family member is admitted to the hospital through the emergency room, they might not be included in the list given to clergy. Please call the Parish Office to inform us of the admission.

PAPER REQUEST:
Is your company merging or changing its logo? The Parish Office, Religious Education Office and School Office would make good use of cases of 8½ x 11 paper for copying fliers, etc. Please call the Parish Office at 261-6404.

TRAVELING:
Nationwide Mass locations and times are available at 1-800-MASS TIMES and www.masstimes.org

SCHOOL NEWS

1. Registration is ongoing for Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Please call the school office for information. (261-3619)
2. Please Join us on Friday, May 9th for Art Smart! Exhibition of student artwork on display in the school gym, during school hours and an Evening reception beginning @ 7:00pm. All are welcome!
3. Save the date: Golf Tournament, Mon., May 19.

HAPPENINGS IN THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT
If you are looking for a special group call
the CatholicCenter @ 372-4301.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY CATHOLIC:
The monthly newspaper of the Diocese of Bridgeport is mailed free of charge to every Catholic household in Fairfield County. If you are not receiving Fairfield County Catholic, please call 203-372-4301 ext. 452 or email your name and address to: fcc@diobpt.org

CT CATHOLIC CONFERENCE:
The CT Catholic Conference has created a new web site (www.ctcatholic.org) to help keep you informed, and educated, on current issues of concern to CT Catholics. Please visit the web site, save it as a favorite site to visit, and sign-up to receive informative emails and action alerts related to pending State/Federal legislation.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS WEBSITE:
HEAR THE CALL! Please visit the Vocations website of the Diocese of Bridgeport, www.HearTheCall.org, for info on upcoming events and activities for men and women, as well as a schedule of prayer requests and intentions.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Bishop William Lori has started a "blog" to share news, perspectives, and information about the Church directly and frequently. The blog is for everyone with a Internet connection. Simply log onto www.BishopLoriBlog.org to read the latest post or ask a question. Bishop Lori intends to have a new post each week and answer some questions from previous posts. Please visit and participate in this new way to communicate and share perspectives on our faith!

WORLD YOUTH DAY:
World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI will be held in Sydney, Australia, July 12-24, 2008. The Diocese of Bridgeport is organizing a pilgrimage for youth, parents, and adults. Registration is OPEN. The itinerary begins with a New York City departure on July 12 and arrival to Sydney on July 14 in time for the opening ceremonies the following day. Subsequent mornings will be taken up with catechesis, with festivals following in the afternoon. Pope Benedict will join the celebration on July 17 and celebrate a closing Mass on July 20. The trip concludes on July 24th. The pilgrimage package includes: roundtrip airfare, taxes and fees, WYD registration fees; budget accommodations; transportation; meals during the WYD, and tours of the South Coast and Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains and a Sydney Harbour Cruise. The total cost is $3,506. For more information, please contact Sr. Ana Montoya: 203-416-1449 or e-mail srmontoya@diobpt.org, or visit www.officepastoralservices.org/world.htm.

NEW MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM:
“Together In Life and Love” is a two day program conducted every month (except July/August) throughout the diocese. Couples intending to marry must attend both days of the program. Please contact the Parish Office at least nine months prior to the wedding.

YOU ARE INVITED
to register online now to join Bishop William Lori and the Diocese of Bridgeport at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada, June 14-23. A dedicated link is posted on the diocesan website, www.bridgeportdiocese.com. Please come as a family for this "Eucharistic Vacation"!

SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER CAMPS:
The Sequela Christi Camp for Girls will be held Mon.-Fri., June 23-27, and the Quo Vadis Days Camp for Boys will be held Sun.-Thurs., June 29-July 3, at the Seton/Neumann Center on the campus of Immaculate High School, Danbury. The Camps are open to boys and girls ages 13-18. There is a $25 registration fee per camper. To register, please visit www.HearTheCall.org. If you have any questions or need additional materials, please contact the Office of Vocations at (203) 322-5331 or e-mail vocations@HearTheCall.org.

PASTORAL PLAN:
"Do not be afraid!" Pope John Paul II continually repeated these words to the faithful. In today's responsorial psalm, we heard these words: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?" Scripture also says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) If we are to tell others the good news of Christ, we have to overcome our fear of the world and rejection. In the New Testament it seems God is always telling man not to be afraid. We have to take Him at His word and be fearless disciples. For more info on spreading the good news, check out the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Evangelization at its Web site, www.footstepsofchrist.org.

MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATION:
Bishop William E. Lori will celebrate a Mass, in which the commemoration of significant marriage anniversaries will occur, at Saint Theresa Church, Trumbull, on Sun., June 1, at 3pm. Bishop Lori will be the homilist and will administer both the renewal of marriage vows and the presentation of commemorative certificates. Couples who have or will be celebrating (during the months of January - June, 2007) one of the following wedding anniversaries -- 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, and 50-plus years -- are invited to participate with family and friends. Interested couples should register with the parish office as soon as possible. The deadline for registration is May 19.

U Remember in your prayers the sick of the parish!

SAINT JUDE YOUTH GROUP!!

All teens (6th-12th grade) are welcome. Any questions or if you would like a copy of our Mission Statement - please call the parish office at 261-6404. The Mission Statement is also available on the Youth Group Page of our website.

1. .5 HOUR OF PRAYER:
   Every Thursday 7:00-7:30pm. Each week we will offer prayer for a Special Intention:
   5/8 For all mothers and for those who will feel sadness on Mother’s Day.
2. EMMAUS: Reunion #2, 5:30 on Sun., 5/4.
3. YOUTH BOARD: Tues., 5/6 at 7:30pm.
4. RICE KRISPIE TREATS: Sale after Masses on 5/11.
5. YOUTH NITE: 5/18 for Gr. 6-8, 6-7pm.
6. YOUTH NITE: 5/18 for Gr. 9-12, 7-9pm.
7. 18 YRS AND OLDER: Please attend a Safe Environment Seminar and be ready for all youth and parish activities. Attend our seminar on Sat., May 10. Call the parish office to register.