Reflection from Fr. Joseph

In the Middle Ages, it was customary for like-minded people to form organizations that bonded them together into a community, called Guilds. Guilds were approved by the King, and had certain strict rules about membership, dues, and obligations. There were merchant guilds, with traders and shopkeepers…there were craftsman guilds, for those who produced the necessities of life…there were religious guilds which brought people together under a common devotion or spirituality.

It is in this vein that our Bishop recently reinstituted the idea of the Guild! Through his leadership, we now have four Guilds in our diocese.

We have the Guild of the Sacred Heart, which seeks to cultivate a relationship with the Lord through beauty. It has hosted icon writing workshops, Catholic literary groups, gatherings of Catholic musicians, a stellar choir, and the Heart-to-Heart nights that have been so popular here at St. Jude’s. You can find them online athttps://jesusguild.org/

The Bishop also started the St. Luke’s Guild for healthcare workers. As St. Luke was a physician, this guild seeks to help Catholic healthcare workers form friendships, support each other, and grow in holiness together as they see their work of medicine as a mission of mercy, continuing Christ’s healing ministry. Here is their website: https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/guilds/st-luke-guild/

A third Guild is dedicated to St. Paul: the St. Paul Guild for Evangelical Outreach. As St. Paul was a missionary to the pagan world around him, so those passionate about evangelization are encouraged to join this guild. They will find events that they can invite their unchurched friends to attend, and tools to make them better evangelists in their workplace and neighborhood. You can find them here:https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/guilds/st-paul-guild/ .

Finally, with this great emphasis on Eucharistic Revival, our Bishop has launched the Guild of the Most Blessed Sacrament. This Guild helps to spread devotion to the Lord through Adoration and formation, all centered around the Blessed Sacrament. https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/guilds/guild-most-blessed-sacrament/

In the new year, Bishop Caggiano hopes to start other guilds: for lawyers, for those in business, and more.

I encourage all parishioners to discern whether they are called to join a Guild! Membership involves taking promises and having retreats, evenings of formation and fellowship, and a community of other Catholics with the same passion and spirituality that may burn in our hearts!



As an aside, speaking of the Guild of the Blessed Sacrament, did you know that several parishes in our diocese have Perpetual Adoration (that is, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours/365 days per year)? What a blessing to know that you can always go and stop by and visit our Eucharistic Lord, exposed upon the altar and prepared to pour out His blessings! The closest church to us with Perpetual Adoration is St. Theresa’s Church in Trumbull – if you ever desire to visit Him and adore, all are welcome to stop by their Adoration chapel for a time of love and worship!

Diocese of Bridgeport

Save the Date!

Young Adult Event with Bishop Caggiano

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Late afternoon/evening

Parish News

October & The Salve Regina

During October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, Holy Mother Church remembers the Blessed Mother of Jesus, Mary Immaculate Queen of the Universe. We will pray to Mary for her intercession through song by singing the "Salve Regina" prior to the recessional hymn at the Sunday Masses. One of the 4 Marion Antiphons, the "Salve Regina" (translated to "Hail Queen") is traditionally said or sung after night prayer, from the end of Eastertide until the beginning of Advent. It is also the final prayer of the Rosary. Musicologists trace the song's origins back to the 11th or 12th Century, but has, over the last 800+ years, been adapted for many rituals of the Church. It holds a very special place for monks and nuns as a processional hymn while they walk to their sleeping quarters at the conclusion of their evening prayers. The chant we sing today is based upon a 17th Century melody. It is sung at the ending of a priest's funeral as well. We pray for Mary's intercession to guide us during this month dedicated to her Holy Rosary. Please raise your voices in prayer together over the next 4 weeks. 

The song is found at #697 in the Breaking Bread hymnal. Out of an abundance of reverence, please remain in the pews until the song is completed and one verse of the closing hymn sung. Here is a link to listen to this beautiful sung prayer to Mary.

 Salve Regina (tono simple) | 450 voces – coro virtual | Música Católica

Blood Drive Thank You and update

To those who donated at the recent blood donation drive at St. Jude's in Monroe, let me tell you that you contributed towards a successful drive. Red Cross was looking for 48 good pints and we all gave them 53. That's a success and we thank you for your donation and continual support. Keep up the good work! Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes.

Our next drive will be co-sponsored with Monroe EMS on Saturday, January 4 at EMS HQ. We hope to see you there. If at any time you wish to donate blood, please go to www.redcrossblood.org to search for a drive.

St. Jude Italian Festival Thanks You!

We would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to all our festival volunteers, donors and corporate sponsors! This great tradition would not exist without you! And a BIG THANK YOU to all the parishioners who came with your friends and family to enjoy all that the Festival had to offer. Because of your support, this year’s Italian Festival was a huge success. We hope you had a wonderful time.

See you all next year!

Thinking About Becoming Catholic? Adults Needing Sacraments?

If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming Catholic, or if you're already a Catholic adult or teen but are missing your Sacraments, check out RCIA! RCIA stands for "Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults" and it is a series of classes for adults or older teens who are interested in learning more about Catholicism, becoming Catholic, or receiving Sacraments. To inquire more, please contact Deacon Dave at deacon.flynn@stjuderc.com, as classes are beginning soon!

St. Francis Pet Blessing

Our annual pet blessing is coming up this Sunday, October 6, at 2pm! Bring your dog, cat, hamster, bird, rabbit, or any other domestic pet to pray together and receive a blessing on the plaza in front of the St. Jude statue. All are welcome!

October - Month of the Rosary

A basket full of rosary beads will be available in the foyer of the Church during October. The rosaries are not blessed but please help yourself and pray the rosary as a family or individually especially during the upcoming Month of the October.

It is never too late to learn more about our faith! This weekend, we are encouraging all parishioners to sign up and take advantage of our parish subscription to Formed.org. Formed is a dynamic library of books, videos, talk, studies and more for the WHOLE FAMILY!

One parishioner shared "I am so grateful for the parish's subscription to Formed. I use the weekly gospel reflections, listen to talks in the car and enjoy all of the faith based movies that are offered. It is amazing to have all of this Catholic content in one place! "

Any questions? Need some suggestions on programs that are good for you, your teens or kids? Email Jessica for more information!

Family News and Updates

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.

Calling All Parents!

Please email Jessica Iannotta for more information on the below opportunities (or if you have other ideas that you would like to see!).

INVITING ALL PARENTS to our weekly prayer group over Zoom on Wednesdays at 9 pm. To submit prayer intentions for our weekly rosary, click here. We welcome all to join us when able!

Current Events:

Join us in our 54 day rosary novena ending on October 7th

Remote Bible Study - Walking with Purpose: Ordering Your Priorities

Beginning October 6 - Parent Formation Class during 10:30 am religious education

October 5th - Women's Rosary Brunch - 10:30 am at one of our member's homes.

Save the Date! Saturday evening 3/1 Parent and Family Retreat (email Jessica if you'd like to help plan and run the event)

The St Jude-St Stephen Seniors

will meet on Thursday, October 10th at 1:00 PM in the St Jude Social Hall.

We will continue our joyful journey in October by honoring the Blessed Virgin.

All are welcome. No need to register.



Any questions, or if you need transportation to the meeting, please contact:

Ellen or Doug at 203-268-9229

FOOD PANTRY UPDATE

As the season change, so do the needs in our pantry. Currently we are in most need of pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned soup, rice sides (Rice-a-Roni etc) and there is always high demand for boxed children’s cereal. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Knights of Columbus News

Sponsored by the K of C to Help Promote the Praying of the Rosary on a Regular Basis.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

PASTA DINNER HOSTED BY THE 4^TH DEGREE

DATE:       SATURDAY Oct 19th

PLACE:    Msgr. John Sabia SOCIAL HALL

TIME:        5:30 PM

Tickets Will Be Sold After Masses On Oct. 12 & 13

Tickets At The Door Or PLEASE CALL KEVIN DONOVAN - 203-570-4372

50% OF NET PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE Homes for the Brave

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive



The Knights of Columbus are once again sponsoring a Needs/Food, clothing, & diapers drive on Saturday October 26, 2024 from 8AM to 10:30AM. No FURNITURE items are being collected. Please bring your donated items to the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall behind the Church. 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.

Rev. James McCarten Assembly 119 Will Be Collecting

Veterans’ Day, Thank You Cards & Letters

To Be Sent To Fr. Krzysztof Kuczynski Lt USN Chaplain

For The Sailors & Marines At Bethesda Naval Hospital

There Will Be A Box In The Church Foyer every Weekend in October

Fr. Krzysztof Grew Up At St. Jude

& Is A Member Of Our Knights Of Columbus Council & Assembly

Tootsie Roll Drive

The Knights of Columbus will conduct its annual campaign to raise funds to help adults, teens, and children with intellectual disabilities over two weekends on September 21^st and 22^nd and October 5^th and 6^th. Knights of Columbus volunteers collecting donations will be wearing bright yellow aprons and handing out Knights of Columbus branded Tootsie Rolls in front of Stop & Shop, Capital Spirits and Dunkin Donuts in Monroe and Stop & Shop in Newtown. 100% of your contribution goes toward Knights of Columbus programs helping people with intellectual disabilities including the Southbury Training School, a local home for individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Manny Cambra, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Patti F., Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Frank Kerekes, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, 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, Mildred Blasko, Father Krzysztof, and Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Becky M., Flo Guite, Michael, and Donna, Darryl Patterson, Louise Noll, Chrystal Archuletta and Alice Gumpert, Diane Cummings, Chloe Capra, Lucy Hanson, Mia

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for October is for PRO-LIFE

During the month dedicated to honoring Our Blessed Mother, may we ask for Her intercession as MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY, for an end to abortion and for a culture for life in our Country....

As we pray:

 The ROSARY daily as Mary has requested.

Mass Intentions for  October 5 – October 13

Sat    Oct 5          8:30am       The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Sat   Oct 5          4:30pm       Gertrude M. Mason

Sun  Oct 6          7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Oct 6          9:30am       Angelo Mancini

Sun  Oct 6          11:30am     Deceased members of the Tranzillo

                                          and Bonitatibus families

Mon  Oct 7          9:00am       Denis and Michael Gallagher

Tue   Oct 8          9:00am       Mario “Chick” Alberghini

Wed  Oct 9          9:00am      Lola Stephanic

Thu   Oct 10        9:00am      Deceased members of the Corrigan Family

Fri    Oct 11        9:00am       Frank Polney

Sat   Oct 12        4:30pm       Harry Burns

Sun  Oct 13        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Oct 13        9:30am       Carlo Longo

Sun  Oct 13        11:30am     Maria Emilia Monteiro

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of James Tierney, Sr.

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

Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study resumes: All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 14, as we study the week’s Sunday readings. 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.

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

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.