Reflection from Fr. Joseph

As we approach the holy feast of Christmas, it is customary for many Catholics to come to Confession. We have opportunities tonight (7-8pm) and throughout the weekend (before and after all the Masses). But how do we make a good Confession? There are five steps. 

First, we must examine our conscience. This means that we look back over the weeks/months/years since our last Confession, and try to ascertain where we have sinned and fallen short of living like Christ. It is often helpful to go through the Ten Commandments or to use a guide (such as this online one: https://www.ncregister.com/info/confession-guide-for-adults or the paper ones we provide in the back of church). Do not forget sins of omission – perhaps we haven’tdone anything hugely wrong, but have we neglected to practice virtue, to serve others, or to cultivate a deep relationship with God? 

Second, we must have contrition. This means that we are sorry for our sins. This is NOT primarily a feeling – sometimes we feel sorry, but sometimes we simply recognize our sins as displeasing to God and disobedience to His commands. It helps to consider the effects of our sins – how it has harmed relationships, brought a lack of peace and integrity, and wounded our friendship with God. 

Third, we must be firmly resolved to sin no more. This means avoiding “near occasions of sin” – being willing to avoid persons, places, or situations that lead us into sin. 

Fourth, we must confess openly and honestly. Do not hold anything back – if something is deliberately withheld in Confession, it is not forgiven! It is much like going to the doctor and not showing them the true place where we are wounded – we will never be healed. It is especially important to confess all mortal sins, such as intentionally missing Mass, getting drunk or using drugs, dabbling in the occult such as palm readers or psychics, or any sexual activity outside of marriage and not open-to-life. But never fear that the priest will judge you or think badly of you. I can tell you that as a priest, I am amazed at the real courage and honesty of so many people who bring some dark parts of their past to the Sacrament. When someone confesses a difficult sin, I think more highly of them, because I know they are serious about holiness and willing to make whatever courageous sacrifices are necessary to be liberated from the past. Plus – we have the guarantee that whatever is said in Confession will stay confidential – this is called the seal of Confession and priests guard the Seal with their lives. The penalty for a priest who breaks the seal of Confession is excommunication (getting kicked out of the church) so we take it quite seriously! 

Now, with that said, Confession is not therapy. There is no need for long, drawn-out explanations of our sins – or, what happens commonly, people just come to Confession to tell me their troubles. That is not the place for it. Neither is it the place to complain about your spouse’s sins – only yours! 

Fifth, we must do the penance assigned. Sin not only ruptures our relationship with God – it also causes all sorts of bad effects in our lives. Habits are formed, relationships are hurt, we find ourselves enslaved by unruly desires. Thus, the priest gives us a medicine (the penance) to begin the process of healing within us. 

If you are unsure of how to go to Confession, don’t be afraid to ask the priest! He will happily help guide you through the process. It’s really not scary! And honestly, sometimes we think that our sins are so horrible that no one can understand. Trust me – most people’s sins are rather humdrum, and as a priest I am very conscious of my own sinfulness and my unworthiness to be Christ’s instrument in this Sacrament. 

Finally, never forget that “Confession is a place of victory!” as Fr. Mike Schmitz likes to say. It is a place where God’s mercy meets our misery. I confess every 3 weeks, and I recommend that Catholics confess monthly for good spiritual health. If it’s been a while – why wait? Let this Christmas season be one of new starts and internal transformation by God’s grace, given to us through the Sacraments! 

OUR "GALA" PHOTOS ARE HERE!!

The GALA was a great evening for all involved!!

Many photos are be available for viewing at the following link:

Candlelight Advent Rorate Mass

It has been an ancient tradition to celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent Mass completely by candlelight. Called the "Rorate Mass" (after the first word of the Latin introit, "Rorate Caeli", asking God to "drip down the Heavenly dew" of peace and mercy in Jesus Christ), this Mass is celebrated by candlelight, with beautiful chant singing God's praises. An evocative, powerful, solemn evening of praise, to prepare our hearts for the coming Messiah.

Parish News

Advent Adoration

Join us for Adoration in anticipation of our Newborn King:

Every Monday from 9:30am-9pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

Friday, December 1 from 7-8pm

Friday, December 15 from 7-8pm

Friday, December 22 from 7-8pm (with Confessions offered)

Advent Confessions

Confessions are offered:

Every Saturday from 3:30-4:20pm

Friday, December 22 from 7-8pm

Before and after every Mass on December 23 and December 24 (in the morning Masses).

Sunday Vigil Mass

Fourth Sunday of Advent Vigil - Dec 23: 4:30pm

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Dec 24: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am



Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Masses

Christmas Eve - Dec 24: 4pm, 5:30pm, 10pm

Christmas Day - Dec 25: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am



Please note: as Catholics, we are obligated to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent on either Dec. 23 (Vigil) or Dec. 24 in the morning, in addition to attending Mass for Christmas (either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). Attending an afternoon/evening Mass on Christmas Eve doesn't "count" for both obligations!

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 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

St. John XXIII Council 5987

Family Rosary

Sunday December 31, 2023

Following 11:30AM Mass

Open to all Parishioners

Adults and Children

Please Join Us

                       December Intention

We pray for World Peace

The Annual Blessing of the Creche

The Knights of Columbus thank everyone who sent cards to Fr. Krzysztof for the Sailors & Marines. Because of your generosity we were able to send 212 cards.

Children in grades K - 8 are invited to submit a poster centered around the theme “Keep Christ in Christmas”. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to be creative, to be involved in their faith, and to have fun while experiencing the true meaning of Christmas! Posters must 11×17. (If pastels, chalk, or charcoal are used, the poster must be laminated or covered in clear plastic).

Deadline extended to January 2 for poster submission. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. Winning entries will also be advanced to the district and then to the state.

Materials can be picked up at the Family Ministry Table, at the Parish Office or at Religious Education. For entry form and rules, see here

Advent Wreath Lighting Sign Up

Families are invited to sign up in the Church foyer to light the Advent wreath before Masses through the season of Advent.

E-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information

Mom's Group Announcements

INVITING ALL PARENTS (mothers and fathers) to our 2024 monthly Zoom Rosaries on the First Wednesdays at 9 pm. Next one: Wednesday, 1/3 at 9 pm - email Jessica Iannotta for more information. To submit prayer intentions for our monthly Rosaries, click here.

Next Mom's Group meeting Thursday January 25 at 7:30 pm in the social hall. New members are always welcome!

Saint Jude's traveling statue of

the Holy Family is in need of hosts for 2024!

Materials will be included to do a 7-day preparation for Consecration to the Holy Family. To learn more, visit: https://afc.org/family-consecration/ May God bless you and your family through the intercession of the Holy Family!

Click here to sign up

Check Advent and Christmas Resources!

Thank you from Blessed Sacrament Church

Thank You all for your generosity in giving Gift Cards and Monetary gifts to BLESSED SACRAMENT Church.

Father Skip and the TEENs appreciate the kindness and generosity from St Jude Parishioners.

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. 

HELP WANTED

The Parish Office is in need of a few good men or women to help with the weekly counting of the mass contributions.

Volunteers will work on a team of 6

who are responsible for the counting and recording of the weekend contributions.

The team is scheduled to meet once a month on a Monday.

We start at 9:00am and are usually finished by 11:00am.

If you are interested in volunteering or want more information

call the Parish Office during working hours

Monday-Thursday 9-3

Volunteers must be Virtus trained.

OPLATKI CHRISTMAS WAFERS

Considered the most ancient and beloved Easter European tradition, the sharing of the Oplatki thin wafers, similar to communion hosts, before The Christmas Eve meal, symbolizes the unity of the family and forgiveness and reconciliation.

Wafers are available in the Parish Office Monday-Thursday during office hours 9-3

Donation: $2.00

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, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, John Sansone, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Robert Freeman, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, 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, Bill MacDonald, 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 December is:

     We pray for World peace

Jesus, Prince of Peace, with great hope in

Your infinite Mercy, and through the intercession of Our Most Holy Mother Mary,

we pray for an end to terrorism and for the gift of peace in our troubled World...

    We pray to the Lord.

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions for  December 23 – December 31

Sat    Dec 23       4:30pm       Joseph and Margaret Mende

Sun   Dec 24        7:30am       Joseph and Rose Scali

Sun   Dec 24        9:30am       James and Lucille Fischer and John, Dot

                                               and Rich Grabowski

Sun   Dec 24        11:30am     Richard Meade

Sun   Dec 24        4:00pm       Vincent Nemergut

Sun  Dec 24        5:30pm       Mary Charlotte Braccio

Sun   Dec 24        10:00pm    St Jude Parishioners

Mon  Dec 25        7:30 am      Dom Arribas

Mon Dec 25        9:30am       The Broomfield and Kiernan Families

Mon  Dec 25        11:30am     Garry Gasso

Tue   Dec 26       9:00am       Nicholas and Mario DeLeo      

Wed  Dec 27       9:00am       Joe Buturla, Jr.

Thu   Dec 28        9:00am       Isabel Dupont

Sat   Dec 30        4:30pm       Jose Dantas

Sun   Dec 31        7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Dec 31        9:30am       Natalina and Sebastiano Magliocco

Sun  Dec 31        11:30am     The Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Jose Dantas during the month of

                             December

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.

Bookstore News



Advent items are in. We will be selling wreaths, candles, calendars, ornaments, cards, Fr Joseph’s books and CD’s after Thanksgiving Day Mass, 11/23, weekends of 11/25 &26, 12/02 & 03. More information call Fran - 203-400-5119. 

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.