Reflection from Fr. Joseph

I’ve been involved in the pro-life movement since I was about five years old, when my parents took me to my first March for Life in Washington, DC. Growing up, it wasn’t unusual to spend a Saturday morning praying for an end to abortion in front of an abortion clinic in my hometown, and we could always count on joining the Life Chain where hundreds of people stood along a major highway holding signs defending life. We volunteered at Birthright crisis pregnancy center, and my parents made sure to add a petition for an end to abortion in our family Rosary.

I must admit that I’m beginning to despair of the future of the pro-life movement, however. Not because more people are becoming pro-choice, but because I see nothing but apathy among the vast majority of Catholics. Perhaps people thought that once Roe vs. Wade was overturned, the battle was won – but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, last year there were 1.13 million abortions in our country, which is a 20% increase over the past six years. The other reason for the apathy is perhaps a resignation that since abortion has been the law of the land for over 50 years, some may believe that there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

But as Edmund Burke famously said, “The only thing needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” We may wring our hands over this topic – or perhaps just ignore it – but as Mother Teresa said, “The greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion. It is a war against the child.” Indeed, it is the preeminent moral issue of our time (as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated) for three reasons: first, because of the vast numbers of lives lost; second, because of the total innocence of the baby; and third, because of the fundamental rupture of the most sacred human bond: that of mother and child.

Please know that if you have suffered the regret of having an abortion, God is waiting to forgive you. This article is not meant as a judgment upon the women who, out of fear or distress, made the choice to end the lives of their children – only God knows the anguish you endured. But then, once we have accepted God’s forgiveness for the abortion, we can make a powerful witness to the sanctity of all life by speaking up against it. The most moving part of the March for Life, which unfailingly brings tears to my eyes, is the line of women holding signs that say, “I Regret My Abortion.” What a powerful statement – one that can move hearts!

As we are in Respect Life Month, it’s worth reflecting upon both the urgent need for Catholics to renew the mantle of standing up for life, and the ways in which we are called to do so. First, the need – we are legitimately horrified at the townspeople of Dachau who allowed the concentration camp to run its machinery of death in their backyard, without protest. How are we not horrified by the fact that unborn babies are killed right down the street in Bridgeport, a mere eight miles from Monroe? We cannot plead ignorance – we can only plead apathy, and what a flimsy excuse that is. If we knew that a school shooting was taking place daily at a certain place, we would move with utmost urgency to stop it. Are we more callous to this invisible but even more egregious violation of the dignity of human life?

Once our hearts have been convicted, we must act! Certainly that means prioritizing the pro-life cause come November, when polls open which can determine the fate of legalized abortion in our country. If every Catholic prioritized this issue, then abortion would essentially be over in this country. Second, we ought to pray for an end to this travesty. Changing laws is less vital than changing hearts – and only God’s grace, brought into this world through prayer, has the strength to bring to conversion those who support this barbaric practice. Third, support alternatives – support the Hopeline Crisis Pregnancy Center in Bridgeport through financial donations or baby supplies. Fourth, teach others about this issue – I was very young when my parents taught me about the reality of abortion, and although it shocked me, it also galvanized within my young soul the desire to end this atrocity. Don’t be complicit through silence – we ought to make our voice heard through letters to the editor, teaching our kids in an age-appropriate way, and not being ashamed to bring up Christ’s teaching on this matter when it surfaces during conversations with friends.



But finally, and perhaps most pertinently, come to a peaceful and prayerful protest. This Sunday, October 18, from 1-3pm, our parish will be standing in front of the Planned Parenthood in Bridgeport (4697 Main Street, Bridgeport) for a time of prayer and witness. Our physical presence shows drivers and passers-by that we will not allow this atrocity to take place unmourned, that these unborn children will not have their lives snuffed out unwitnessed and unloved. We will mourn for them; we love them; we stand for them – and for their mothers, who need our love and support to raise their children amidst difficult circumstances. Please come and join us for this peaceful, prayerful protest. It is very safe – in all my years I have never encountered any violence at a peaceful protest. It is also good for all ages and a powerful demonstration to our kids that there are some issues in this world worth taking a stand for. I will be out there, and I hope to see you there.

SAINT JUDE NOVENA BEGINS

THIS WEEK!

Our annual nine days of prayer and Masses is quickly approaching, as we prepare to celebrate our patronal feast of St. Jude's! Here are the schedule of Masses and preachers:

Oct 20 - Deacon John DiTaranto

Oct 21 - Canon Francis Altieri

Oct 22 - Fr. Sean Kulacz

Oct 23 - Fr Jozef Ukaj

Oct 24/25 - Deacon John and Deacon David Preach at weekend Masses

Oct 26 - Fr. Sam Kachuba

Oct 27 - Deacon Pat Toole

Oct 28 - Fr. Joseph Gill

The weekday Masses take place at 7pm and are followed by the St. Jude's Novena. Please join us for this wonderful feast for our parish!



**NOTE: There is no 9 am morning Mass during the Saint Jude Novena.

When you come to St Jude’s there are flowers and plants to greet you outside the entry doors, a vase of flowers in the vestibule, as well as the flowers and plants in the sanctuary and by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph statues. As often as possible, members of the Floral Ministry create these arrangements that are liturgically inspired as well as being beautiful, raising our hearts and souls to Our Creator. 

We also create vase arrangements from time to time to deliver to St Jude ill, homebound or bereaved parishioners as well as local Senior Living Communities. If you or someone you know could use a little cheer, please contact Betty Henn, ehennsr@gmail.com.

 The flowers come from several sources including the St. Jude campus (planted many years ago by Msgr Sabia and Building and Grounds), funerals (occasionally), and Floral Ministry members' gardens. We buy flowers from a wholesale florist as needed. Our budget depends on donations through envelope and online giving mostly during the Easter and Christmas flower collections. We want to sincerely thank parishioners who have contributed and we are grateful for your generosity.

If you have suggestions for our displays or would like to help in any way, please contact Cathy Ritch, cathy.ritch.ct@gmail.com

October is World Mission Month

We Celebrate 100 Years of World Mission Sunday!

This World Mission Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment by Pope Pius

XI in 1926. This centenary is an opportunity to celebrate with renewed missionary zeal. Last year, Pope Leo XIV made an appeal to us in a personal video for World Mission Sunday. His request echoed around the world: “Please help me help missionaries everywhere.”

That’s what World Mission Sunday does: it helps Pope Leo care for the 1,130 missionary

dioceses and territories under his supervision through the Dicastery for Evangelization.

We are all called to be a part of this missionary work and we have a singular means to do

so: World Mission Sunday.

The second collection we take up at Masses this weekend helps extend the Church’s evangelization work to missionary lands where the Gospel is being proclaimed for the first time, as well as to places where the Church barely exists, or is too young, too persecuted, or too poor to sustain herself.

Thank you for responding to Pope Leo’s call to help him help missionaries everywhere!

Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 100th World Mission Sunday

Please join St. Jude Pro-life Ministry as we gather to pray in front of Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion and for a greater awareness of the sanctity of all life.

PRO-LIFE VIGIL

Sunday, October 18th

1:00-3:00 p.m    

Commerce Park

4697 Main St.

Bridgeport

Please contact Karin Tierney, kjt1046@att.net if you will be joining us.

Resources for the Month of the Rosary

Click here are some great resources from the Diocese of Bridgeport

You can also join in on the One Million Rosary Campaign by clicking here!

Family News and Events

Parent Bible Study each Sunday during Religious Ed


We meet during religious education on Sunday mornings

from 10:30 am to 11:15 AM

We are doing the study Living Joy by Chris Stefanick. All are welcome!

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

MOMS GROUP

Upcoming moms group meetings:

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

Next Meeting: Wednesday 11/4

Moms group Friday evening event dates

Friday - 12/11 ADVENT WOMENS TEA more info coming soon! Email if you would like to help plan this event.

All are welcome to join our November Kids Club which will be an All Saints Day Costume party - open to all children of the parish grades 1-5! Email Jessica for more information

December's Kids Club will be our annual Christmas Caroling visit to the Sister of Nazareth in Monroe

Columbiettes News

The Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church in Monroe will be hosting their GIFTOBERFEST! fundraiser taking place throughout the month of October 2026.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to various causes that the Columbiettes sponsor - such as special needs camperships, Hopeline, Christmas baskets for the disadvantaged and other local charitable organizations. 

GIFTOBERFEST! Is a raffle that consists of a daily drawing from October 1-31, 2026. Each day a gift card in various denominations will be awarded to a lucky winner. Participants can win multiple times. Raffle tickets will be $10.00 each and are good for the entire month.

The raffle calendar and daily winners will be announced on the Saint John XXIII Columbiettes Auxiliary Facebook page

The Columbiettes will be selling tickets after Saturday and Sunday masses at St. Jude’s Church at 707 Monroe Turnpike throughout September or if you would like to purchase a ticket and cannot attend mass, please contact Elizabeth Edgerton at 203-258-3354 or Jan DeMayo at 203-520-9796 or you can email eaedgerton24@gmail.com.

Knights of Columbus News

October Rosaries

will be held on

October 12, 15, 20 and 28

6:30 PM

Location will be outside at the Mary Madonna statue

Please bring your own chairs. 

Annual Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs/Food, Clothing, & Diaper Drive

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring our annual Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs/Food, Clothing, & Diaper Drive on Saturday October 24, 2026 from 8AM to 10:30AM. Your donated items of food, clothing, and diapers/wipes can be brought to the Church parking lot in front of the Monsignor Sabia Social hall. These donations will be distributed to Blessed Sacrament parish, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Hopeline.

To simplify our distribution process during the day of the drive, we would appreciate it if you labelled your donated items in boxes & bags for Blessed Sacrament/Father Skip, Bridgeport Rescue, & Hopeline. Please review the attached flyer for the specific items needed by each (click for a printable copy). Any questions, please contact Rocky Scali, 203-767-6053 or Frank Flynn, 203-556-5016. Thank you!!!

 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, Baby Stevie P, Steve P, Sharon K, Robert P

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for October is for: Increased Devotion to Our Blessed Mother

May we pray to honor our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Rosary, by praying the rosary more frequently...

We pray to the Lord

Mass Intentions for October 17 – October 25

Sat Oct 17 4:30pm - The Lluch Family

Sun Oct 18 7:30am - Kenneth P. Keegan

Sun Oct 18 9:30am - The Andrade and Pinto Family

Sun Oct 18 11:30am - St Jude Parishioners, Helen Ryan, Robert Fallon

Mon Oct 19 9:00am - Maria Emilia Monteiro and Artur Fernandes Monteiro

Tue Oct 20 7:00pm - Edward G. Fagan

Wed Oct 21 7:00pm - Daniel and Tosa Tranzillo

Thu Oct 22 7:00pm - Nicholas and Maria DeFeo

Fri Oct 23 7:00pm - Stephen Henn

Sat Oct 24 4:30pm - Rick D’Amore

Sun Oct 25 7:30am - St Jude Parishioners

Sun Oct 25 9:30am - Leroy and Elaine Byron

Sun Oct 25 11:30am- Carol Ann Babina, Mario and daughter Lily Pirulli, Anna and Ersilio Tartaglia   

Mass Schedule

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.