Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Many years ago I was blessed to invite NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion Matt Birk, a devout Catholic, to speak to a youth group I was leading. Matt used to live in Stamford, CT, and won a Super Bowl with my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. One of the students asked him what faith was like as part of an NFL team. He shared that there were four separate Bible Studies going, simultaneously, among the men on the Ravens – including one being led by Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis!

For some reason, football seems to have faith deep within its DNA. Even the New York Times ran an article about that phenomenon last spring (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/us/damar-hamlin-prayers-football-religion.html). Think of how many public high school teams still pray before games. When I was chaplain at Trinity High School in Stamford, the entire football team – half of whom were not Catholic – would attend Mass together before every game. No other sports team asked for such spirituality!

A recent article from September 2023 estimates that three-quarters of NFL quarterbacks are evangelical Christians (https://churchleaders.com/news/331424-15-players-of-faith-to-watch-this-year-in-the-nfl.html), and famous Catholics in the NFL included Vince Lombardi (a daily Massgoer), founder of the NFL Timothy Mara, and Steelers owner Art Rooney.

Even recently there’s been a quiet highlighting of devout Catholic football players and coaches. For example, last year’s Super Bowl champion kicker, Harrison Butker of the ‘49ers, was spotted hitting with winning field goal in the Super Bowl…with his scapular hanging out! (A scapular is a sacramental in the Catholic Church – it is a brown cloth necklace symbolizing devotion to our Blessed Mother). Later on, it was revealed that Butker continues to be an altar server of the Latin Mass!

Another kicker, the Ravens’ Justin Tucker (who holds the record for the most accurate kicking in NFL history, with over 90% of field goals made, along with the longest field goal in history at 66 yards), is a devout Catholic who makes the sign of the Cross before every kick. He recently gained some notoriety for singing “Ave Maria” for a Catholic Charities event!

I was amazed to see Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh speak at this year’s March for Life! What a wonderful testament from a devout Catholic in such a public sphere, speaking about the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

And finally, what about the infamous “Hail Mary” pass, that last-ditch effort to save a game? It takes its name from Roger Staubach, Cowboys QB, who made a seemingly-impossible 50-yard pass to win a playoff game against the Vikings in 1975. He later described himself as “a Catholic kid from Cincinnati” and revealed that he had prayed a quick Hail Mary before the game-winning play. Ever since then, the “Hail Mary” play has been synonymous with last-ditch efforts with the game on the line!

Back by popular demand! Please join us for a powerful night of Adoration, praise and worship music, prayer teams, and a dynamic talk from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. A great way to experience the love of Christ this Lent! February 16 and March 15 from 7-9pm at St. Jude's Parish. 

Ash Wednesday Schedule

7am - Service with Ashes

9am - Mass with Ashes

5:30pm - Service with Ashes

7pm - Mass with Ashes

8:30pm - Service with Ashes

Stations of the Cross Schedule

February 16 - 5:30pm Stations, Heart-to-Heart Adoration begins at 7pm

February 23 - 7pm, followed by silent Adoration until 8:30pm

March 1 - 7pm, followed by silent Adoration until 8:30pm

March 8 - 7pm, followed by silent Adoration until 8:30pm

March 15 - 5:30pm Stations, Heart-to-Heart Adoration begins at 7pm

March 22 - 7pm, followed by silent Adoration until 8:30pm

March 29 - Living Stations of the Cross at 7pm

Parish News

Youth Encounter Sky Zone Trip!

Youth Encounter is taking a trip to Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Trumbull (formerly Rockin' Jump). Please note that we have a new date: February 18 from 2-4pm. Drop off at 2pm with the permission slip (attached!) at Sky Zone. Cost is $20 per person. We do need Virtus-trained parents to chaperone - let us know if you're available!

Please note: only kids who attend Youth Encounters are eligible for this trip.

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!

Do you make GREAT chili? Join the contest!  

All kinds of CHILI welcome-beef, chicken, pork, white beans, vegetarian, etc.

Sign up online below or on the sheet in the Lobby this weekend.

  LET'S SEE IF LAST YEAR'S WINNER'S

     CAN RETAIN THEIR TITLES!!

PRE -SUPERBOWL PARTY:

Football Tailgate-type foods requested:

Chips, dips, cheese and crackers, mini hotdogs, fruit and veggies trays.

Desserts: Cookies, Brownies, Munchkins.

Please join us for this wonderful event

      ALL ARE WELCOME!

PRO-LIFE MINISTRY

January is National PRO-LIFE Month.

There are many opportunities for everyone to participate in saving the lives of our precious preborn babies.

You may wish to participate in the 9-Days-for Life Novena from January 16-24.

(9daysforlife.com)

Please pray for the safety of all those participating in the MARCH FOR LIFE in

Wash., D.C. on January 19th.

On January 22nd, please join in praying with

the USCCB, the DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UNBORN.

Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, may we soon see an end to the tragedy of abortions in our Country and our World.

The Living Stations of the Cross, which returned triumphantly to St. Jude’s last year after a three-year hiatus, is again looking for young people (school age through high school) to serve as actors, readers and members of the stage crew. Participation is a great way to grow closer to Jesus as we prepare to lead the parish in prayer on Good Friday. 

Rehearsals will be on five Sunday evenings during Lent beginning Feb. 25.

Fill out this form by Feb. 16 if you wish to participate, or email Pete at peter.j.blair@gmail.com with any questions. 

Family News and Updates

Save the Dates for 2024 Family Ministry Events!

Feb 13, 5:30 pm: Mardi Gras Family Game night is back! Pizza will be served.

March 10: Family Formation Bible Workshop

May 5, 2:30 pm: 2nd Annual Bingo with the Sisters of Nazareth

May: Women's Craft Night - Making Wooden Wall Rosary Holders! Date coming soon

June 17-21: Camp Adore VBS for children entering grades 1-6 (registration will open next month)

email Jessica if you have any ideas for events you would like to see in 2024!

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.

Knights of Columbus News

All Saint Jude Parishioners and families are invited to join the Knights of Columbus to visit the the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center and Saint Mary's church, his final resting place.

Schedule:

9:15 AM: Meet at Saint Jude to carpool

10:00 AM: Tour of McGivney Center

1:00 PM: Tour of Saint Mary's Church

The McGivney Center welcomes visitors to learn about this holy priest’s life and legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy and outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession for needs great and small in their own lives. There are many beautiful exhibit to visit (see here)

St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, is deeply tied to both Blessed Michael McGivney and the organization he founded – the Knights of Columbus. It is a special place of prayer and pilgrimage that contains the sarcophagus where the bodily remains of Father McGivney are entombed.

Red Cross Blood Donation Drive

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a blood donation drive in the Social Hall on Saturday, January 27th, from 8 AM until 1 PM. Those parishioners who wish to donate may schedule a donation time by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800- RED CROSS).

Mom's Group Announcements

INVITING ALL PARENTS (mothers and fathers) to our 2024 monthly Zoom Rosaries on the First 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 Thursday February 29 at 7:30 pm in the social hall. New members are always welcome!

Camp Adore 2024 

June 17-21 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

For children entering Grades 1-6

~Registration will open in February~

E-mail Jessica if you are an adult or teen interested in volunteering

(In the case of excessive snow days, our backup dates are August 19-23)

NEW ON FORMED.ORG!

Do you ever feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You're not alone.

This six-episode series features real Catholic families like yours sharing their daily struggles and victories and aims to encourage you as a mom or dad as you embrace your God-given role to form your family in the richness of the Catholic faith.

Watch the series with your spouse, with friends, on your own, or as part of a small group! The participant guide includes questions for group discussion, topics for personal reflection, and ideas to try at home.

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.

Should you wish to provide a gift to Hopeline that would help save a life here is the link to their Gift Catalog:

Gift Catalog | Hopeline PRC | Bridgeport, CT

Food Pantry



Our Christmas distribution was a great success! This would not have been possible without your continued support. However, our pantry is now depleted of many staple items. Please consider dropping off the following items of greatest need as you come to Mass this Christmas season: peanut butter and jelly, pancake mix and pancake syrup, canned tuna, oatmeal and pasta, pasta, pasta. Blessings and a joyous Christmas to all. 

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, 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, Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, John Sansone, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Robert Freeman, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Barbara Tranchese, Ed Brady, 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, George Goss, Michael J. Russell



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 January is:

For those who will be participating in the March for Life and witnessing to the rights of our pre-born babies, that God may guide and protect them...

     We pray to the Lord

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Petition for February is:

 THE VOCATION OF CONSECRATED LIFE

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Feb. 2nd ( Celebrated in Parishes Feb. 4-5).

May we pray for all Sisters and Brothers who have committed to the Consecrated life, that they may have the grace to persevere and serve with open hearts and willing spirits...

    We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions for  January 27 – February 4

Sat    Jan 27         4:30pm       Joseph Mende

Sun  Jan 28         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Jan 28         9:30am       Sime and Drina Jovic

Sun  Jan 28         11:30am     Ralph and Anna Lavenziana

Mon  Jan 29         9:00am       Deceased members of the Tessier Family

Tue   Jan 30         9:00am      Special intention for the St Onge family and

                                               Baby Genevieve   

Wed  Jan 31         9:00am      Thomas M. Mason

Thu   Feb 1          9:00am       Denis and Michael Gallagher

Sat    Feb 3          8:30am       Michael Gallant

Sat    Feb 3          4:30pm       Art Bellanger

Sun  Feb 4          7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Feb 4          9:30am       Anthony D’Angelo

Sun  Feb 4          11:30am     Maria Emilia Monteiro

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Dom Arribas during the month of January

                             In memory of Luis Ferreira during the month of February

Adoration Candles: In memory of Mary Charlotte Braccio during the month of   

                              January

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 begin meeting September 23, on 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.

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.