Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Ireland is my favorite place on earth. I’ve been there three times and absolutely love the country: the people, the landscape, even the crazy weather and proliferation of sheep.

But, I’m not Irish. And neither was St. Patrick.

Did you know that St. Patrick was originally from England? He had a faith that was forged in incredible suffering. Not much is known of his early life, but he was likely a wealthy, hearty, and strong lad. When he was only sixteen, Celtic pirates raided the British mainland and kidnapped young Patrick. For six long years, he was forced into labor as a shepherd. While this sounds pretty idyllic, it was grueling labor, as he basically spent his entire life outdoors in every kind of weather – from the chilling rain to thick fog to the heat of summer – and had to protect the flock from wild animals and other marauders. God used this time, however, to draw the young man to himself. Although a lax believer in his youth, this trial forced him to trust in God, and he spent his time in prayer and seeking the Lord.

One night, he had a dream in which he heard the Lord Jesus tell him that his labors were at an end, and that his ship was ready. The next day he fled, traveled hundreds of miles to the nearest port, and was able to catch a ship back home. Reunited with his family, he began to study the Catholic faith earnestly, and became a priest.

Unsure of where to serve as a priest, he had a vision in which an Irish man begged him, “We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.” He returned to the Emerald Isle and spent the rest of his life converting the natives, at great personal cost. A number of the Druid priests opposed him; nobles worried about losing their lands and their influence; and he faced demonic hatred on many occasions. Undaunted, though, he persevered and is considered the father of Christianity in Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the day of his death.

Nevertheless, the many traditions of St. Patrick’s Day are mostly American-born among Irish immigrants, and not real traditions in the Old Country. Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and parades were primarily an American custom. Nevertheless, in Ireland, this feast day was considered a Holy Day of Obligation, so it is a respite from the fasting of Lent (which used to be very difficult, as my last newsletter article mentioned).

This year, though, it falls on a Friday. So, can Catholics eat meat on St. Patrick’s Day? This year, Bishop Caggiano has given Catholics in the Diocese of Bridgeport a dispensation to eat meat today in honor of St. Patrick, under two conditions:

First, that general moderation of food and drink be practiced (so no gluttony, and no drunkenness either, even if it is a Guinness).

Second, if you choose to have meat on St. Patrick’s Day, you must choose another day during the week to abstain from meat as a sacrifice and penance.

Enjoy celebrating this Feast Day of a great saint, the evangelizer of Ireland, St. Patrick!

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

SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT 50th ANNIVERSAY CELEBRATION EVENT!!

OUR PARISH SEDER MEAL

Monday March 27 - 6:30 PM St Jude Social Hall

Passover and the story of the Exodus have great symbolism for Christians and the Last Supper was a Passover meal. Come experience a traditional Passover Seder. SIGN UP BY MONDAY 3/20

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

March 18

Please join us for the third lecture of the first phase of the Ignatian Parish Pilgrimage we are co-sponsoring with St. Stephen’s on Saturday morning, March 18^th starting at 10:30 in St. Jude’s Social Hall. It will be led by Fr. John Murray a Jesuit priest with the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University.  The lectures will be held each Saturday morning during March. Bring a friend. The Pilgrimage is an important part of our Lenten journey for deepening our relationship with Christ, improving our relationship with each other and helping us grow in personal holiness. Please see our parish website for more details.

Notes From the Music Ministry

Music and Lent

Having begun this Ash Wednesday and lasting through Good Friday, you will find at the ends of each pew pieces of cardstock. On that sheet is the Mass Setting, otherwise known as the Mass Ordinaries, that we will be using during Lent. During this more penitent liturgical season, we will sing the Kyrie and of course replace the Alleluia with an acclamation. We will also change the Holy, Holy (the Sanctus) to the familiar Latin Chant that should bring back some memories. All the music you need is right before you. Please participate - you will catch on quickly. 

Additionally, the music during the Lenten Season is also noticeably different. There will not be prelude or postlude music before or after Mass. This is to encourage quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament present in the Tabernacle. Musical interludes are omiited as well, and hymns are frequently set in a minor key, typically less pleasent to the ear. Liturgically, Lent is not "business as usual", just like our personal approach to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. We have to enter the fallow desert with Christ in anticipation of a joyous Easter. 

Adult, Children's Choir, and Contemporary Choir

Now is a great time to consider stepping up and joining our group of volunteers in our Music Ministry. Please see me if you would like to participate in either any of our musical groups. 

Floral Ministry News

In keeping with celebrating St Patrick’s Day and St Joseph feast days, the Floral Ministry made an arrangement at the left side of the altar to celebrate these special patrons of our Catholic church and heritage.



St Joseph is often depicted with a Lilly symbolizing his purity and to celebrate his marriage to Our Blessed Mother.. The bells of Ireland (the green flower) are a symbol of good luck although not native to Ireland.

 St Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17 around 450 A.D. He was taken prisoner by Irish pirates to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. He escaped and return to Britain to his family but eventually had a vision of a man coming from Ireland with a letter from  the Irish asking him to return. He then brought Christianity to its people. His most well known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

Mass Intentions

Have you ever heard someone announce that "This Mass is offered for John Doe"? Most Masses are offered for specific intentions, usually for the repose of the soul of someone who is deceased. It's a way to apply the prayers, graces, and merits of the Mass for the soul of our deceased loved one (or for a living person, if Mass is offered for the living). Currently we have a number of daily Masses in March and April, and throughout the rest of the year, which no one has requested. If you have a loved one that you would like to pray for in a special way (living or deceased), consider having a Mass offered for them. Contact the parish office for available dates. The usual stipend for each Mass is $10.

St. Stephen Bereavement Support Group

Have you suffered the loss of a special person in your life? Our Bereavement Ministry can offer you hope of coping with your grief. It is open to anyone you may know who needs help. The 10-week course with a guided workbook provided will begin on Tuesday, March 21st from 4:00-5:30pm. Registration is required. Please call the rectory at 203-268-6217. A call will be returned to you by one of the bereavement facilitators. 

Food Pantry Update



Your continued support of our ministry is always appreciated. Items of greatest need at this time are canned beans, pancake mix and syrup, rice sides and of particular need are coffee and tea (our inventory for these items is depleted), and of course, boxed children’s cereal which is always on our list.

Easter is rapidly approaching and preparations are well underway for our upcoming distribution. At Easter we provide each of our 15 families with a ham and other perishable items so they can enjoy a “traditional holiday meal”. If you are interested in donating a baked ham, please text/call Liz Romeo at 203-417-5298 or via email at [email protected]for details.

The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, our Sr Megan Mary Thibodeau’s religious order is asking for our help. During Lent they are asking for prayers and for donations to help them build a Mother House in Corpus Christi Texas, where Sr Megan is the General Superior of the order. +

To quote their request:

It’s Lent and we are excited! ON Ash Wednesday we kicked off our 40 Days + 40 Dollars + 40 Friends campaign to raise funds for our new Motherhouse. We humbly ask you to consider donating 40 dollars during these 40 days of Lent and sharing our need with 40 friends or 10 friends to share with 4 of their friends. Please also keep an eye out for our Behind the Habit posts on Facebook which are short glimpses of the lives of our sisters who may one day live in this new Motherhouse.

Since Sr Megan was formed here at St Jude and we are her home parish it would be great to support this effort. If you feel the Lord move you to help, please send donations to: SOLT Sisters, PO Box 4116, Corpus Christi’s TX 78469.

HEALING SHAWLS ARE AVAILABLE!  

The Healing Shawl Ministry would like you to know that they are free of charge and are made with love and prayers for the purpose of providing a tangible form of caring and compassion to those who are sick, bereaved, or in need of a hug. WE NEED YOU to let us know when someone in your family, a dear friend, or a neighbor might be in need of one. To request a shawl (we have them for men, women, and children), contact Angela Baril,  [email protected] or 203-452-0432. All requests are confidential.

Consider giving a PRAYER SQUARE (which are blessed and located in baskets in the church entries) to anyone you know who might need to have a pocket size reminder that God is always with us. 

PRO-LIFE MINISTRY

Please join our Pro-life Ministers for a Prayer Vigil on Sunday, March 19th from 2-4pm in front of Planned Parenthood on Main Street in Bridgeport as we pray for an end to abortions including the abortion- inducing medications now available over-the-counter. 

MARCH FOR LIFE in Hartford. We encourage participation in this important March on March 22nd, especially since we have our own bus leaving from St.Jude's.

If you are unable to participate in the MARCH, please prayerfully consider joining us for ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT in Church following the 9:00 Mass any time between 9:30- 4:30.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH

       Shelton, CT

LENTEN FISH FRY

MARCH 3^RD • 10^TH • 17^TH 5-8 pm

Clam Chowder, Fried Fish, Baked Fish,

Cole Slaw, Raffles and Much More…

50 Fairmont Place • Shelton

Parish Hall (Lower Church)

203-924-8611

www.SJCshelton.org

Bring home Saint Jude's traveling statue 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!

Seeking Prayer Intentions to bring to

the Holy Land!

We have a group of parishioners who will be visiting the Holy Land next month. They have offered to take our Parish's prayer requests with them.



Communion Gift Sale after 9:30/11:30 Mass THIS Sunday 3/19

St Jude's religious gift shop has many beautiful communion items available for purchase. See list here. Contact Fran Cambra to purchase. Items will be available in the church foyer for purchase this Sunday 3/19 (or by appointment).

Save the Date! Women's Rosary Making Event

Thursday 5/25 7:30 PM

More details coming soon!

~

We are seeking gently used children's toys for children who come for childcare during the Choice Wine program below. If you have anything that you are interested in donating, e-mail Jessica Iannotta

Do you want to have a superabundant marriage?

If so, come join us and meet other young couples and learn 7 Steps to a Superabundant Marriage.

We invite you to join us in a series of talks to enhance your marriage and your spirituality. There is no cost.

First meeting for couples will be an introduction and social night on Saturday, March 25 at 5:30 PM in the St Jude Social Hall. It will be a pizza and wine event!

RSVP: Mike Bonomo phone/text 203-257-3224. Email: [email protected]

Please indicate if childcare needed at the event.

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"

To register click here. Space is filling quickly - sign up early to secure a spot!

Email Jessica Iannotta if you are an adult or teen interested in volunteering or helping with preparation or donations.

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Thursday 3/30 at 7:30 pm (note corrected date from last bulletin).

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 4/5 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

***SAVE THE DATE - THURSDAY 5/25 7:30 PM - WOMEN'S ROSARY MAKING EVENT. ALL ARE INVITED! MORE DETAILS COMING SOON

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Next Encounter tonight 3/17 & Kid's Club 4/2

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, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, Tip B.

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.

MONTHLY PARISH PETITION

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for March is:

We pray that parents considering aborting their preborn babies, receive the grace to remember that God has given life to their babies and entrusted them to you....

    We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Mar 18       4:00pm                James Tierney, Sr.

Sun   Mar 19      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Mar 19       9:30am                 Ljuba Jovic and Dragica Jovic

Sun   Mar 19       11:30am               Maria Emilia Monteiro

Mon  Mar 20       9:00am                 Andrew Henn

Tue   Mar 21      9:00am                 Domenico Liberati

Wed  Mar 22       9:00am                Gino Magliocco

Thu   Mar 23       9:00am                 Michael and Mary Mulroy

Fri   Mar 24       9:00am                 Anne McCabe

Sat    Mar 25       4:00pm                John Koch

Sun   Mar 26      7:30am                 Andrew Henn

Sun   Mar 26       9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Mar 26       11:30am               Jean Murphy

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Marie Goss during the month of March

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 )

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy

503 Shelton Avenue

Shelton, CT

For more information, go to:

www.holytrinitycatholicacademy.org

or call: 203-929-4422

Pre-K 3 through 8^th Grade

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. St. Jude Religious Gift Shop will be selling Communion items at the 9:30 & 11:30 Masses on March 19th. 



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 an appointment or email the office.