Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Two topics of importance this week…

First of all, a huge THANKS are in order for our amazing Italian Festival!

First, THANKS be to God for allowing such beautiful weather! So much is dependent upon the skies, and considering how rainy this summer has been, it is almost a miracle that we have four dry, beautiful days which allowed the Festival to be such a success. Indeed, God blessed us amazingly this past week!

Second, THANKS to Paul and Nanette Seperack for once again spearheading the entire event. As always, it is a yeoman’s effort, involving late nights, tons of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape, much back-breaking labor, time off of work…and so much more. These two, and the entire Festival Planning Team, spend months in preparation for this amazing event, and are there every night – and day! – making sure we have enough food, making sure the electricity works, schlepping sausages and chairs and everything else to put together this amazing event. THANK YOU to the Seperacks and the entire Festival Committee.

Third, THANKS to all of the many volunteers who came out! It was wonderful to see some new faces in the food tent and selling ride tickets and taking out the trash. So many people came early for set-up or stayed late for clean-up. There were so many behind-the-scenes volunteers too, such as those who chopped all the onions and peppers and those who parked cars and everything in between! We truly have all ages working hard together and having fun doing it. For me, the best part of the Festival is great time spent with fellow parishioners working alongside them and getting to know them better – I hope our communal efforts have truly bonded us as a community!

Finally, THANKS to all those who came and supported the Festival. It is truly a family-friendly event as I see families of all ages coming out to support it. It’s such a delight to see the kids dancing on the dance floor, the teens riding the crazy rides, and our older parishioners enjoying the music and the food.

I was told that this may have been a record year for the Festival in terms of number of attendees and money raised. Although we don’t have any firm numbers yet, stay tuned and we’ll announce them – and again, know of my gratitude for all those who participated in this wonderful St. Jude’s tradition!

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The other topic on hand is the start of the new pastoral year. As we wrap up summer and begin fall, I want to be direct – every parishioner should be doing something to nurture their Faith in this new year. We sometimes think that “faith formation” is something we get when we’re in elementary school, but that we adults do not need to learn more. No! The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word meaning “learner”. To be a disciple is to continually grow in our knowledge and love for the Lord. This is not optional if we wish to follow Christ more faithfully in our daily life.

Many parishioners are content just to go to Mass on Sunday but resist any other invitation to a Bible study, retreat, or prayer time outside of Mass. My friends, this is the great error of “minimalism” – that we do the “bare minimum” out of obligation but do not desire to actually grow a living relationship with Jesus Christ. But if we love Him, we ought to want to know Him and follow Him more closely. Otherwise, we really don’t love Him and we’re just treating our Catholic Faith as “fire insurance”.

This weekend at Mass, you will receive a flyer outlining all of the Faith Formation opportunities for adults that are starting back up this Fall. Did you know we have two different men’s bible studies, a women’s bible study, one for parents, and one for all parishioners? Did you know about the weekly opportunities to pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet with parishioners? Have you heard about Senior’s Group or Kids’ Club? I want to challenge ALL parishioners to choose one – maybe outside of your comfort zone – to come to this Fall. I believe God will bless your efforts with new friends, and a new and deeper relationship with Christ.



You can also find this same flyer in digital format on our website, or further down in this newsletter.

Monday Eucharistic Adoration Resumes on September 14th!

Starting on September 14th, every Monday you are invited to find your peace in Jesus as we resume our weekly Eucharistic Adoration from 9:30am-9pm. Please come and worship our Eucharistic Lord and find the peace and tranquility in the midst of this chaotic world. We need two people to commit to being present at each hour - would you consider being a "guardian" of the Eucharist and having a regular hour of Adoration each week? If so, please sign up here:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday or in the back of church. Spending time with the Eucharist will absolutely change your life - please consider making the commitment to keep him company weekly, and see the joy that comes from His love!

Calling all crafters, sewers, woodworkers, makers, local artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. We are looking for Parishioners that would like to sell some of their creations at the St. Jude Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5^th, 2026.

Please attend our exploratory meeting Wednesday September 16^th at  6 pm in the social hall.



This is our last chance to organize if we want to have a Christmas Festival this year.

Volunteer Opportunities At St. Jude's!

We are in need of some volunteers here at St. Jude's! Might you have the time to help with these ways to serve?

Collection Counters - The group that counts the collection on Monday mornings at 9am. Commitment is only 1x/month. No experience necessary!

Youth Encounter Core Team - We need adults who have a heart for youth! Do you have a desire to form mentoring relationships with our young people to introduce them to a living relationship with Christ? Our Youth Encounters are looking for more members of the adult Core Team who plans the nights, gives presentations, leads small-groups and games, and helps young people fall in love with Christ by mentoring them as disciples. Commitment is to come to all of the Youth Encounters (2x/month on Fridays).

If you have a desire to help with either one, please contact Bernice in the Parish Office at parishoffice@stjuderc.org

Red Cross Blood Drive

Brothers/Fellow parishioners: The next blood drive is being held at the Church Social Hall on Saturday, September 19, 8 AM until 1 PM. This drive is being co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Columbiettes and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). If you wish to donate, please search for our drive at www.redcrossblood.org. We hope to see you there.

Family News and Events

Consider Joining our Parent Bible Study Group this Fall!


We meet during religious education on Sunday mornings

from 10:30 am to 11:15 AM

beginning on Sunday 9/27

All are welcome!

Email familyministry@stjuderc.org if you are interetsed or for more information

September Rooted Magazine

Here is the link to September's Rooted Magazine. This issue is dedicated to Saint Mother Theresa whose feast day is tomorrow!

Here is a link to past issues to use for family formation and faith enrichment throughout the year.

Save the Dates!

for upcoming moms group meetings

First Wednesdays of the month after 9:00 AM Mass in the Saint Jude Social Hall

Moms group Friday evening event dates

Friday - 9/18 CRAFT NIGHT 7PM

Friday - 12/11 ADVENT WOMENS TEA more info coming soon!

Knights of Columbus News

 Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study will resume on Saturday September 26^th. All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8:00am in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall, as we study the week’s Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers, etc. They are currently low on sizes Newborn,4, 5, & 6, wipes and jars of baby food as well as gently used Baby clothes (boys and girls, up to 18 months), Baby blankets, crib sheets, Onesies, socks, strollers, bottles and pacifiers, strollers, baby toys and baby monitors. 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. They may be mailed to: Hopeline Pregnancy Center, PO Box 110658, Trumbull, CT 06611.

Hopeline reports that donations from the parishioners at St Jude’s, thus far for 2026, total 4,095 diapers, 6,800 wipes, plus formula, blankets, clothes, etc. Thank you.

 As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.

Please contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu , Darryl Patterson, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & Family, Catherine Belanger, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Patti F, Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Frank Kerekes, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Susan W, Mary Lopresti, Lor C, Janet C, Larry Pisani, Becky M, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Mildred Blasko, Michael Merola & Family, Father Krzysztof, Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Alice Gumpert, Michael, Donna, Chrystal Archuletta, Lucy Hanson, Jesse Hurst & Family, Maryann Lapinski, Andrea Paddock, Nadine Alusik, Margarida Andrade, John, Jimmy Forno, Matthew Van der Wielen, George N., Milenka Gospic, Benjamin Gray, Chris McCarthy, Leo B., Edward Isales, MaryAnn Voytek, Sal Guerrera, Anne Gulia, Raymond Gosselin, Nancy Czupkowski, Virginia LaQuesse, Ed Marencik, Dan Mongillo, Lawrence Cofone, Mary Witkowsky, John Rizzitelli, Dan Hermansson, Allison H., Dawn S., Sonny T., Nancy St. Pierre

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for September is for: Teachers and Students

As the new school year begins, may it be a time of excitement and joy for students and teachers returning to classes.  

May those entering school for the first time find it a welcoming and positive experience as they begin their educational journey...

    We pray to the Lord

Mass Intentions for September 5 – September 13

Sat      Sept 5              4:30pm            Mia Morse

    Sun     Sept 6            7:30am            Maria and Joao Leandres

Sun     Sept 6              9:30am            Mamie Fascigone

Sun     Sept 6              11:30am          St Jude Parishioners

                                                           Thomas Gabianelli

                                                           Mia Morse 

                                                                                                                                           Mon    Sept 7             9:00am            Mary Conley

Tue     Sept 8             9:00am            Mildred and Nicolo DeAngelis    

Wed    Sept 9             9:00am            Angelo Mancini

Thu     Sept 10            9:00 am           Anna and Louis Mancuso

Fri       Sept 11            9:00am            Maria Emilia Monteiro and

Artur Fernandes Monteiro

Sat      Sept 12            9:00am            Barbara Tranchese

Sat      Sept 12            4:30pm            Sam Quinto

     Sun     Sept 13           7:30am            St Jude Parishioners

Sun     Sept 13            9:30am            Maria Cabral

Sun     Sept 13            11:30am          Frank and Fedela Tranzillo

                                                            Graciela dePelaez

                                                            Jimmy O’Connor  

Weekday Masses (Monday thru Friday) 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

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.

Flame of Love Rosary

Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass * on break for summer will resume in September *

"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

St. Jude Religious Gift Shop

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

We are adding an additional Confession time starting February 1, through Easter (at least - if it is popular we will keep it). Monday nights from 8-9pm (the last hour of Adoration). 

Confessions will now be on Saturdays from 3:30-4:30pm and on Monday nights from 8-9pm. 

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

Parish Office Hours

THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:

MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00

Please call (203-261-6404) or e-mail (ParishOffice@stjuderc.org) 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.