Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Dear parishioners, this week I share my column with a wonderful ministry in our parish: the Healing Shawl Ministry. Many of you have seen the small "prayer squares" in the back of church, or perhaps you have benefitted from a full shawl that has been knitted by these dedicated women. Here is their reflection on the Healing Shawl Ministry!

Many parishioners may be familiar with the Healing Shawl Ministry which began in 2007 at St Jude’s. To date, this active ministry has given away over 912 shawls (knitted or crocheted in prayer and blessed) to those who have benefitted from the warm comfort and caring their shawls offer. Yet, many parishioners and visitors to St Jude’s may not be as familiar with the

small colorful squares that are enclosed in a little box on the table at the entrance of our church.

These are Prayer Squares. They are small, knitted or crocheted in prayer, then blessed. The Healing Shawl Ministry started offering them in 2018 for those who may not desire a large shawl, but simply want a small, knitted square that can be carried in a purse or pocket and still convey the sense of comfort and connection of God’s presence. Each square has a tag attached that says ‘This Prayer Square was prayerfully made and blessed just for you. As you hold it, may you feel the warm embrace of our Heavenly Father. May it comfort you when you are weary and give you encouragement when you are discouraged. May it remind you that you are surrounded by the prayers of others.'

Since their introduction, the Prayer Shawl Ministry noticed that the Prayer Squares seemed to vanish from their small box, especially during special events at the parish such as funerals, novenas, or healing masses. You might wonder what has been the destination or purpose of so many of these Prayer Squares?

Prayer Squares have traveled throughout the State of CT and the USA. They have made their way to the Pro-Life Prayer Vigils in Bridgeport where they have been distributed to people praying at the vigils. They have been distributed by young participants at the March for Life in Washington DC and by Pro-Life marchers in Hartford, CT. The simple act of sharing a Prayer

Square conveys to those receiving it the love and concern of others and the presence of God.

Prayer Squares are joyously shared with parishioners during the Christmas Season during Christmas caroling to the home bound. The sharing of these sacramentals, which can be held in one’s hand during trying times of illness, can take away the sting of isolation and loneliness of being confined to home. They can be included in get well cards.

Healing Shawl Ministry Prayer Squares have found their way into medical exam rooms and doctors’ appointments. Many have been squeezed by their owners as they await the results of medical tests or a meeting with their doctor.

One parishioner has found the Prayer Squares to be a “simple, small, not overdone, entirely perfect and meaningful” sacramental that she has used often during difficult times. She developed the tradition of holding a Prayer Square when her daughter was seriously ill. The Prayer Squares helped send support and strength to her and her daughter. After her daughter’s recovery, she distributed the Prayer Squares to her daughter’s caregivers in the hospital to convey the joy and appreciation that her family felt. They were genuinely and warmly received by hospital staff.

Later, Prayer Squares gave comfort and solace to her, as she grieved the passing of her 2 year old niece, Millie, from an auto immune disease. She described the “simplicity” of the prayer square as “good by design”. She was able to send to her sister, the Grandmother of baby Millie, white Prayer Squares, which her sister described as “perfect”, as her little granddaughter was so “pure”. They were indeed spiritual hugs of love sent over the miles and through the mail, connecting two grieving sisters.

These small Prayer Squares have made some wonderful journeys and have served a meaningful purpose for many. These “user friendly” sacramentals have found their way to other parishes as well. The Healing Shawl Ministry has learned that a Prayer Square program has been started in Queensbury, NY because one of their Prayer Squares made it there. Who knows how or where these small, yet mighty, sacramentals will serve their purpose again?

Special Collection for Disaster Relief this weekend.

In light of the devastating effects of the recent storms in the southern part of our country, Bishop Caggiano has asked that we take up a special collection at the Masses this weekend. The funds will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the Catholic Church of the U.S. One hundred percent of funds received will be distributed to local Catholic Charities agencies working directly in disaster-stricken communities to care for our affected brothers and sisters. Checks can be made out to the parish, and please write “Hurricane Relief” on the memo line of your check. Thank you for your generosity.

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

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!

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.

Family News and Updates

Our monthly digital subscription to Rooted Magazine has arrived for October! It is full of ways to bring the faith alive to children and families.

Email for access to the latest issues or any past issues!

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:

Remote Bible Study - Lectio - Prayer

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

October 24th - 7 pm Attend Saint Jude novena Mass and meet in social afterwards

November 15 - Mom's event stay tuned for further details

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

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

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 12 – October 20

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

Mon  Oct 14        9:00am       Deanna Hoffman

Tue   Oct 15        9:00am       Rick D’Amore and Pasquale and Mary D’Amore

Wed  Oct 16        9:00am      Tony Costello

Thu   Oct 17        9:00am      Helen Ryan

Fri    Oct 18        9:00am       Esther Ameduri

Sat   Oct 19        4:30pm       Vincenzina and Pasquale Pontoriero

Sun  Oct 20        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Oct 20        9:30am       Maximino Monteiro

Sun  Oct 20        11:30am     Pacelli Family

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.