Reflection from Fr. Joseph

We have entered into the shortest month of the year (although the weather sometimes makes it feel like the longest!). It is also the month marked by a holiday dedicated to Cupids, hearts, romance, and everything pink: St. Valentine’s Day!

In honor of St. Valentine’s Day, we’ll have a series of newsletter articles on the beauty of marriage in God’s magnificent plan.

It’s remarkable to think that marriage was one of the first things God created! When He created the human race, He made them “male and female” and instructed them to “be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen 1:27-28). Remember that we are created in the image of God, Who is a Trinity (a communion of life and love) – so marriage, as the most fundamental communion of life-giving love, is a beautiful reflection of the Trinity within creation.

In Genesis 2, which looks at the creation story through a different lens, God notes that it is “not good for man to be alone”. This is more than mere loneliness on the part of Adam – rather, it was a recognition that Adam needed someone with whom he could share his whole life. Adam was incomplete without Eve. He was made in the image of God Who is love, and every lover needs a beloved. So to find fulfillment, Adam needed to find completion in self-gift – he needed someone who he could lay down his life for, and someone who would return that self-gift to form a true communion of persons.

This is why God says, when creating Eve, “I will make a suitable helper for him.” The word “helper” is, in Hebrew, ezer kenegdo, which literally translates as life-saver. She completes him – not in an emotional, sentimental way, but on the level of his being. St. John Paul II said, “Man can only find himself in a sincere gift of himself.” So Adam needed someone to receive his self-gift in order for him to be truly human – and he finds this in his beloved, Eve.

This gift of marriage was established, then, as part of the very fabric of creation itself. Even when sin entered the world, God did not revoke the blessing of matrimony. In fact, in Jesus Christ, it was elevated to the level of a Sacrament. Notice how Jesus’ first miracle is at a wedding feast – His presence there sanctified it. The significance of this miracle (changing water into wine) means that Jesus took the natural good of marriage and elevated and transformed it into the supernatural good of the Sacrament of Matrimony – a source of grace and holiness.

But the Scriptures are not finished in speaking about marriage. On the Cross, Jesus swears a wedding vow. How? Consider – He calls it the “new and everlasting covenant” – and the only other covenant we enter into in our everyday life is the marriage covenant. On the Cross, Jesus was stripped naked, as if on a marriage bed. Just as Adam’s bride came forth from his ribs when asleep, so from Jesus’ side came forth blood (the Eucharist) and water (Baptism), the two Sacraments that constitute His Bride, the Church. Jesus’ final words were, “It is consummated!” – and what is consummated if not a marriage on its wedding night! On the Cross, Jesus enters into a covenantal marriage with His Bride, the Church. Every groom is called to make Christ’s words his own: “This is my body, given up for you”. This self-gift leads to suffering – both on the Cross, and in marriage…but this suffering is also profoundly fruitful and fulfilling. Marriage, then, is a visible icon in the world of Christ’s love for His Church (for more on this, see Ephesians 5).

But just as every human marriage is imperfect, so the Bride of Christ (the Church) is imperfect here on earth. But it will not be that way forever. Just as the Bible begins with a marriage (between Adam and Eve), it also ends with a marriage (between the Lamb and the Church). In Revelations 21-22, St. John has a vision of “the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” He then hears a voice from Heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is among men!” God desires to give Himself so completely to the Church that He unites Himself to our souls for eternity in Heaven, much like a bride and groom unite themselves to “dwell with” each other until death. So marriage is even a foretaste of Heaven, in that total self-giving love exchanged in a perfect union of souls.

So marriage, then, is not merely a human reality. Even less is it a contract for people’s happiness. Rather, it expresses something deep and profound about the nature of humanity, revealing to the world the depths of Christ’s love on the Cross and being a glimpse into the nature of eternity, when the “two” (God and our souls) will truly become “one”.

To be continued next week…

It is with great joy that we invite you to participate in the many celebrations and activities planned throughout this coming year to celebrate our Parish 50th Anniversary. Please see the Schedule of planned events in our website. https://www.stjuderc.org/50-years.html

My Dear Friends in Christ,

“One in Christ” is the theme of the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal, and I believe this message is more important than ever as we work toward unity in our Church and in our society. In that spirit, I ask you to consider the many ways the Appeal unites the diocese in service, compassion, and faith.

All of the good works we perform are accomplished in the name of Christ and are expressions of our oneness in Him. As we work toward the renewal of the diocese, our task is nothing less than to invite people into the mystical Body of Christ by creating welcoming, vital and loving communities of faith. The Bishop’s Appeal is an important vehicle to make that possible, by advancing our mission of engagement and accompaniment.

This year’s Appeal goal of $8.1 million remains unchanged from last year. Thank you for your past support for our programs and ministries, and all you do for your parish, other families and those you may never meet. It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that I once again ask for your generous support of the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal.

In this year of Eucharistic Revival, please join in an effort that heals wounds, gives us hope, and brings us together as one family in Christ. May Our Lord bless you always, and be assured that you and your loved ones are remembered in my daily prayers.

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano

Bishop of Bridgeport

One In Christ – The 2023 Bishop’s Appeal

Your gifts at work

Future priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport receive comprehensive formation in theology, pastoral ministry, personal growth, and, most importantly, the spiritual life at seminaries chosen by the Bishop to best suit the needs of the seminarian and of the diocese. Preparation for the Priesthood takes anywhere from six to eight years, depending on the age and educational background of the man when he enters. All of our seminarians receive graduate degrees in theology prior to their ordination.  Through your generous gift to the Bishop's Appeal, the Diocese will be better able to support men who are discerning priesthood and may respond generously and courageously to that call. 

Thank you for your gift.

To make a gift, or for more information, please visit us at 2023BishopsAppeal.org, call (203) 416-1470 or scan with your phone.

Annual Bishop's Appeal Brochure and Home QR

Parish News

Ignatian Parish Pilgrimage

Save the Dates



St. Jude and St. Stephen parishes are sponsoring an Ignatian Parish Pilgrimage for Lent, which is designed to foster a healthy and active spiritual life. 

The dates are March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th  & 25^th with April 1^st as a “snow date”. The time is 10:30 AM to 12 PM.



Stay tuned for more information.

Confession Weekend

Now that we have two priests at the parish, we are offering Confession Weekend every first weekend of the month! Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession, offered before AND after every Mass during the weekend of February 4/5!

Food Pantry Update

Items in greatest need at this time are pasta, jarred pasta sauces, peanut butter and jelly as well as canned fruit. Of course boxed children's cereal is always appreciated. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Save the Date

Scout Sunday will be celebrated Sunday 2/12 at the 11:30 am Mass. Email Jessica Iannotta if your boy scout would like to help bring up the gifts.

Hopeline

Hopeline is offering a retreat for women in need of sexual healing on a weekend in April. More information to follow.

Bring home Saint Jude's traveling statue of the Holy Family starting this month, the month of the Holy Family!

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!

NEW LOCATION - PARISH CENTER MEETING ROOM

Pizza and Desserts served

EMAIL TO RSVP

February's Family Newsletter is now available

2023

CAMP ADORE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Summer with the Sacred Heart

June 26-30, 2023 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

for children entering Grades 1-6.

This year's theme is "Summer with the Sacred Heart"

Registration is now OPEN click here. Email Jessica Iannotta if you are an adult or teen interested in volunteering.

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Thursday 2/23 at 7:30 pm. Note change to Thursdays and later start time.

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 3/1 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Next Encounter tonight 2/3 & Next Kid's Club this Sunday 2/5

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Dr. John Kezel, Joseph Sheridan, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Violeta Shala, Vito Melfi, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Robert Freeman, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Rose C., Joseph T., Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Richard Smith

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 February is:

We pray for all Missionaries as we unite our prayers to their works asking Christ's grace to penetrate the hearts of those to whom they preach and baptize....

   We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Feb 4          8:30am                 Frederick Biondi  

Sat    Feb 4          4:00pm                Jennifer Cannon

Sun   Feb 5         7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Feb 5          9:30am                 Tina Pechulis

Sun   Feb 5          11:30am               Deceased members of the Tranzillo Family

Mon  Feb 6          9:00am                 Raymond Schwartz, Sr.

Tue   Feb 7         9:00am                 Estelle Murray

Wed  Feb 8        9:00am                 John Chop

Thu   Feb 9          9:00am                 Alicia Nielson

Fri    Feb 10        9:00am                 Garry Gasso

Sat    Feb 11        4:00pm                Denise Borrs

Sun   Feb 12       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Feb 12        9:30am                 Gloria Rodrigues

Sun   Feb 12        11:30am               Michael McAtee

If the 9:00 am Weekday mass is not listed, an intention has not been requested. Also, there are no public Masses on Friday mornings.

Weekday Masses will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.

The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:00 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.html )

Rosary Making Ministry

The Rosary making ministry is making rosaries for the sick of the parish and anyone who would like one. We have been making hand knotted rosaries for the past year. If you would like to join us, we meet on Wednesdays at 1:30 in the social hall. Please contact Karen Talloni 203-952-3451 or email [email protected]

Men’s Bible Study

All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at [email protected].

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group Conveniently in between Wednesday’s Religious Education class sessions from 6-6:30 pm. We will 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: 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 3:00 pm on Saturdays.  We are now offering Confession Weekend every first weekend of the month! Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession, offered before AND after every Mass starting the weekend of February 4/5!

Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up and appointment or emailing.