Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Today is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a feast that originates with the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, in the 1670s in France. During that time, a very cold spirituality had taken over the Catholic Church: Jansenism, which emphasized the judgment of God, over His mercy. These apparitions were meant to display the human Heart of Jesus Christ, aflame and passionate with love for His own people.

Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary: “Behold this Heart that has so loved men. Instead of gratitude I receive from the greater part (of humankind) only ingratitude.” His Heart burns for love, but so often receives only coldness in return. Jesus’ Heart is one that is meek and humble, as He Himself said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

It is so fitting that as the world proclaims this to be “pride” month (pride being the worst of the deadly sins), this is also the month that the Church dedicates to the humble Heart of Jesus Christ. This is the Heart that we ought to imitate.

Humility does not mean thinking poorly about ourselves. Nor does it mean hiding our gifts. Rather, humility recognizes that everything we have and are is a gift from God and not our own doing. A humble heart does not seek to promote its own interest or to look for praise from the world, but rather seeks the glory of God. It is enough if God is praised because of the way we live our lives – regardless of whether or not we receive complements, fame, or accolades for it.

There is a beautiful prayer called the Litany to the Sacred Heart, which is prayed to give honor to the human Sacred Heart of Christ and to offer reparation for sins against His burning charity and love for souls. You can find the litany here:https://www.usccb.org/prayers/litany-sacred-heart-jesus . Our US Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked us to pray it together today in reparation for the blasphemy that is being honored at Dodgers Stadium tonight (see https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/catholics-invited-pray-act-reparation-solemnity-sacred-heart) . We prayed the beautiful litany at Mass this morning.

This month, we keep the flame of the Sacred Heart before our eyes. It is love for mankind - broken, weak and sinful though we are - that fills the Heart of Christ. We also ask Jesus to set our hearts aflame with love for Him, that He may share the passionate love that fills His Divine Heart with our frail human hearts!

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

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

VBS Items Needed!

In search of some heart shaped silicon or metal cookie molds for a VBS craft!

Do you have a statue or image of the Sacred Heart or Immaculate Heart that you'd be willing to lend us for the week? We will plan to create a prayer corner for the children.

If you have any you'd be willing to lend or donate, email Jessica Iannotta. Thank you!

Bingo with the Sisters of The Holy Family of Nazareth

A group of St Jude parish families visited the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth yesterday for a fun evening of Bingo, pizza, ice cream and fellowship! The Sisters enjoyed having many young families around and look forward to having another event in the future!

View more picnic photos at https://saintjude.smugmug.com/St-JudeSt-Stephen-Parish-Picnic-230604/

Thanks to generous family ministry donors, we have purchased a Parish license to the book Write Our Name on Your Heart: Family Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We will be using as a complement to Camp Adore this year since our theme is "Summer with the Sacred Heart" .

The book will help you and your family explore the plan God has for your family, the rich symbolism of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the powerful example of the Habsburg family, what it means to be devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the remarkable example of the Martin family, obstacles to union with Jesus, and the incredible way that Jesus loves us.

For a free link to access the digital book, e-mail Jessica Iannotta

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in You!

To access a Consecration Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in this month of the Most Sacred Heart, click here

Sacred Heart hand drawing 2016, by Alina Kaufman, a member of the Children's Rosay

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 meeting will be Sunday, June 25, 5:30-7:00 PM. Pizza and wine will be served.

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

Please indicate if childcare needed at the event.

Mom's Group Announcements

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 7/5 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

If you are interesting in joining our summer book club, email Jessica Iannotta

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!

Click here to sign up

Food Pantry update

As the school year closes out and the weather warms our requirements also change. Items in greatest need at this time are: jarred pasta sauce, canned tomato products, pasta, snack foods and boxed children’s cereal. Thank you again for your continued support of our ministry!

Hopeline Pregnancy Center Diaper Needs

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers and Baby Wipes. They are currently low on the Newborn size. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers in the outer vestibule of the church. Your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and the Knights of Columbus.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, 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, John Sansone, Barbara Tranchese, Joe Tavella, Ed Brady, Mary Lopresti, Lou DiMartino and Lor C.

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 June is:

In this month dedicated to the MOST LOVING SACRED HEART OF JESUS, may we ask for more loving, forgiving hearts as we pray....

    JESUS I PLACE MY TRUST IN YOU!

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, [email protected]or 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   June 17      4:30pm                Deceased members of the Henn Family

Sun   June 18      7:30am                 Kenneth Keegan

Sun   June 18       9:30am                 Helen Nipert

Sun   June 18      11:30am               Mary Ellen Walsh

Mon  June 19       9:00am                 Marthe Villela

Tue   June 20      9:00am                 Thomas Smaldore

Wed  June 21       9:00am                 Theresa Tuccio

Thu   June 22      9:00am                 Anthony D’Angelo                  

Fri    June 23       9:00am                 Evie Andrejczyk

Sat    June 24       4:30pm                Dr. Richard and Eileen Sekerak

Sun   June 25      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   June 25       9:30am                 Maria Emilia Monteiro

Sun   June 25      11:30am               James Tierney, Sr

Hosts and Wine: LaBella and Tortora Family during the month of June.

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 )

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Bible Study is currently on a Summer break. We will resume meeting in September. For more information, contact Bob Lux at [email protected]

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.

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.