Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Tomorrow, our diocese will celebrate an event of great joy – the ordination of six men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Bridgeport! We look forward with eager anticipation for the many years of ministry that Frs. Jim DiVasto, Ferry Galbert, Andrew LeFleur, Ricardo Comim, Matthew Loman, and Miguel Lenis. All of these men are deeply spiritual, pastoral, and will make excellent priests.

On the whole, the number of priests in our diocese is much healthier than in many other dioceses. We have not had to endure the painful parish closings of surrounding dioceses. But there is still a need. For example, due to the lack of priests, starting this Fall all of our Catholic high schools will have part-time priest chaplains instead of full-time. Many parishes that used to have three priests are now down to two or only one. Many priests are older, and many other priests wear multiple hats in the diocese.

But even beyond the practical needs, there is a spiritual need for priests. The more holy priests there are, the more the message of the Gospel is preached. There is something powerful about a man giving up his life for the sake of Christ – it is a statement that Jesus Christ is real, and is worth sacrificing everything for. Plus, the best way for the people of God to grow in holiness is through the Sacraments, which are passed on through the hands of the priest.

It’s uncommon, though, for parents or other Catholics to encourage young men to enter seminary or to consider the priesthood. We all acknowledge the stain that the sexual abuse scandals has left upon the priesthood…many parents are concerned that their sons would be lonely or unfulfilled as priests…many parents, particularly if they have only one or two children, desire grandchildren and “passing on the family name”…and the priesthood is not held in high honor in society like it used to be.

Yet, it is still a tremendously joyful life! A recent survey found that 92% of priests are happy with their lives (in contrast, a recent survey found that only 74% of marriages report that they’re happy!). It is a calling that is meaningful – a priest is blessed to enter into the most sacred and important moments of peoples’ lives: celebrating the birth of a baby, rejoicing at a wedding, helping people grieve, walking with them through sickness, giving people the freedom from their sins and the joy of God’s mercy and love. Every vocation has its challenges, and the priesthood has plenty of them, but despite them all, it is a beautiful, joyful life.

So – parents, please encourage your sons (and grandsons) to consider the gift of the priesthood! Priests don’t grow on trees, they come from families – ordinary families, messy families, families who aren’t necessarily perfect but who live a life of faith, centered around the Eucharist. It is a great grace for parents to support their sons/grandsons to pursue God’s will, wherever it leads.

Vocations come when a young person is serious about discipleship. So it becomes necessary to help our young people develop a personal relationship with Christ, one that includes asking the question, “Lord, what do You want me to do with my life?” We can help that through good catechesis, and bringing our kids to youth groups and retreats, and witnessing to the power of Jesus Christ in our own life. When I first started as a high school chaplain, I would ask kids, “What do you want to do in the future?” (College, career, etc). But I realized that’s the wrong question – so I started asking, “What do you think God wants you to do?” Asking young people that question will help them realize that it is God Who directs our lives, not we ourselves. 

Pray, too, for vocations. Our Lord said that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, so ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest.” My home parish had not had a vocation to the priesthood in its 162-year history when it started Perpetual Adoration in 1998. Since then they have had somewhere around twelve vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and diaconate…all because of prayer!!

We’ve been blessed with several vocations from St. Jude’s in recent years (I think of Sr. Meghan Thibodeau SOLT and Fr. Krzysztof, both of whom are natives of the parish). As I get to know the parish families, I see many more young vocations to the priesthood and religious life. St. John Bosco, who worked with youth his entire life, said that one in ten children have a religious vocation. It is my hope that at the end of my tenure at St. Jude’s, we can count 5 or more young men or women who have heard God’s call to pursue Him alone in a religious vocation – and we can only do that through your encouragement and prayer!

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 on our website. https://www.stjuderc.org/50-years.html

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Fr. Joseph's 10th Ordination Anniversary to the Priesthood

Thursday, May 25th. 9:00 A.M. Mass

 It is with great joy that we give thanks to God as Fr. Joseph celebrates his 10th Ordination Anniversary to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ!

 All are welcome to join us for Mass and a celebration to follow in the Social Hall.

Pentecost Vigil!

If you've ever been to the Easter Vigil, you know that it is a powerful night of readings, darkness & light, and music. Did you know, though, that the Feast of Pentecost (the third-most important Feast in our church year, after Easter and Christmas) also has a unique Vigil? Our 4:30pm Mass on Saturday, May 27^th will be the "Extended Vigil" of Pentecost, featuring SIX Scripture readings, incense, and a special service of darkness and light. The Mass will be approximately 15 minutes longer than normal. What a way to celebrate our great Feast!

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

2nd Annual St. Jude & St. Stephen's Parish Picnic!

Sunday, June 4 1-4 pm

Note new location: St Rose of Lima, Newtown

RSVP by May 28th

Food Pantry Update

Weekly demand on our pantry continues to be above average. As a result, the items in greatest need at this time are: peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal, pasta, tuna and boxed children's cereal.

Thank you again for your continued support of our ministry!

Thank you!

The Columbiettes of Saint John XXIII of Auxiliary #5987 want to acknowledge everyone who supported the recent Virtual Tea Party. We thank you for your generous donations.

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 3:30 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.

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!

We need families for the weeks of 5/28, 6/4, & over the summer

Save the Dates for Summer Family Events!

Thursday, June 15: Family Bingo with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

Sunday, July 9: St Jude Summer Softball Game - 2 pm

Thursday, July 20: Family Ministry Summer Backyard Adoration

Monday August 7: - Family Game Night

Monday, August 21: Family Ministry Summer Backyard Adoration

Summer Rosary Challenge - Coming Soon!

email Jessica Iannotta for more information or to RSVP!

Join us and meet other young couples and learn 7 Steps to a Superabundant Marriage - a series of talks to enhance your marriage and your spirituality. There is no cost.

Next meetings will be this Sunday, May 21, 5:30-7:00 PM and in the St Jude Social Hall. Pizza and wine will be served.

RSVP: Mike Bonomo phone/text 203-257-3224. Email: mbonomo200@earthlink.net

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 by June 11



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 is the Rosary making event on Thursday 5/25 at 7 pm

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 6/7 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

If you would like to join our current book study, 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley starting this week, email Jessica Iannotta

Youth Encounter and Kid's Club Reminders

Next Encounter TONIGHT 5/19

No Kid's Club in June due to VBS

Photos from Mass for the Unborn

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, Rosario Pacheco, Antonia Tedeschi, Charles Metoyer, Liz Guaglianone, Tip B., Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Lewis Family and John Sansone

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 May is:

We pray through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, especially by recitation of the Rosary as She has often requested, that peace may be achieved in this increasingly troubled world...

   We pray to the Lord

Saint Jude Parish Office 2024 MASS BOOK IS OPEN

Helpful information to guide you when you request a Mass.

ANNOUNCED MASSES: Offered for a particular intention on a specific date. It can be in honor/memory of someone or for a special intention. They are announced at Mass and published in our newsletter.

SANCTUARY CANDLE: The candle burns in honor/memory of someone or a special intention for a particular month. The intention is published in our newsletter.

We are offering weekday masses, weekend masses, and our monthly first Saturday mass.

Please Note: By Papal Decree a mass every weekend is to be said for the parishioners of St Jude. Therefore, we have only 3 masses a weekend available for intentions and will need to be limited.

Requests can be made through email, parish.office@stjuderc.comor by phone (203)261-6404 or by visiting the parish office Monday-Thursday 9-3.

Stipend: Mass $10.00

        Sanctuary Candle (month) $75.00



Payment by cash or check at time of request

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat   May 20       4:30pm                Kevin and Carolyn O’Neall

Sun   May 21      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 21       9:30am                 Ivan Gospic

Sun   May 21       11:30am               Robert Kilpatrick

Mon  May 22       9:00am                 Isabel Dupont

Tue   May 23      9:00am                 Andrew Henn

Wed  May 24       9:00am                 Preciosa B. Nunes

Thu   May 25       9:00am                 Evie Andrejczyk

Fri    May 26       9:00am                 Carolyn O’Neall

Sat   May 27       4:30pm                Janis Buturla Moran

Sun   May 28      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 28       9:30am                 Donato DeSanctis

Sun   May 28      11:30am               Ida and Julius Servadio

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Andrew Henn during the month of May

Weekday Masses 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.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 as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group . Since RE is finished for the year, a new time will be announced soon.

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 3:00 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.

Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.