Reflection from Fr. Joseph

It is impossible to escape the rainbows that have taken over our civic life this time of year, as the world observes LGBT Pride month. Much ink (and pixels) have been spilled on the topic of the LGBT community and Catholicism, but I don’t intend to wade into the debate here. Instead, I wanted to share the very good news of two powerful outreaches/apostolates within the Catholic Church to those who are within the LGBT community.

The first is an organization called Courage (www.couragerc.org) . Courage is a comprehensive community for those who struggle with same-sex attraction. It sees people as more than just a sexual orientation – rather, they begin from the perspective that all human beings, regardless of desires and drives, are made in the image and likeness of God, and thereby are both worthy of respect and love, and called to the heights of holiness and virtue. Courage is an international Catholic organization based locally out of Norwalk, CT, and it offers retreats, support groups, talks, and resources for those who struggle with same-sex attraction and those who love them. Their mission is that through the Sacraments and community, those in the LGBT community can find real holiness and virtue.

The other one, a newer organization, is Eden Invitation (www.edeninvitation.com) . In many respects similar to Courage, Eden Invitation frames their ministry through the lens of the original personhood that God created back in the Garden of Eden. It invites LGBT Catholics to see themselves “beyond the LGBT paradigm” (as they put it) and focuses on holistic personal and spiritual identity. Their website features amazing testimonies from members of the LGBT community who have found God’s grace and mercy, and provides an online community and book club as members accompany one another towards the Heart of Christ.

I have often heard the false narrative that members of the LGBT community have no place in the Church. But these two apostolates prove otherwise – there are specific Catholic ministries and outreaches to those in this particular segment of the population. The world says that there only two options: to live the LGBT lifestyle, or to repress and hide one’s feelings. The Church says that there is a third way – one can acknowledge one’s homosexual inclinations, and also seek fellowship with Christ and with other believers to pursue a life of purity and integrity. 

All are welcome in the Church. All are loved by God. All are called to holiness, continuing conversion, and virtue. Don’t let the world tell you otherwise!

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

Welcome to our Summer Seminarian!

This summer, let us welcome Joseph Ukaj, a seminarian for the Diocese of Bridgeport! He will be with us for the next seven weeks, gaining pastoral experience as he continues his journey to the priesthood. Here is his biography:

I am the youngest of 4 children and was born in Europe. I moved to the States when I was 12, settling in New York. I was baptized Catholic as an infant but did not really practice my faith growing up. In early twenties I had a conversion experience which transformed my life. A few years after that I felt that I was being called to the priesthood, and after a period of struggle I accepted God’s invitation, which brought me much joy.



In 2015 I entered seminary for the Archdiocese of New York and continued my formation with them until recently switching to the Diocese of Bridgeport.

I am very excited to be, God-willing, serving God and his Church as a priest in the near future.

Apparel Order Pickup This Weekend 6/3-6/4

50th Anniversary Apparel orders are in and can be picked up in the Social Hall before and after all Masses this weekend!

Come get yours in time for the Parish Picnic!

Fr. Joseph's 10 Ordination Anniversary

A wonderful day for our Parish as Fr. Joseph celebrated his 10th Anniversary Mass followed by a reception in the Social Hall with 65 people attending.

May God continue to bless him as he shepherd's our Parish.

PENTECOST VIGIL

The "extended Vigil" of PENTECOST was celebrated at the 4:30 Mass on May 27th. A special Service of darkness and light with incense and additional Scripture readings.



A wonderful experience of this great FEAST!

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

This Sunday, June 4, 1-4 pm

Note new location: St Rose of Lima, Newtown

RSVP by May 28th

Families Needed to Bring Cheer and Fellowship to the Sisters! Join us for Family Bingo on 6/15!

We have a local community of mostly retired nuns, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who live right on Route 111 in Monroe!

We visited them to do some caroling during Christmas time and they invited us back this month for Bingo and Hotdogs!

It is a great opportunity for our Parish families to do a joyful act of service!

Please e-mail Jessica Iannotta if you are interested in joining us so that we can have a headcount. We plan to meet there at 5 pm .

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

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. Sign up by June 11



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

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 6/7 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

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 and Joe Tavella

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, [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 3        8:30am                 Art and Kaye Sheehan

Sat   June 3        4:30pm                Bernard Steinke

Sun   June 4        7:30am                 Andrew Henn

Sun   June 4         9:30am                 The Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Sun   June 4        11:30am               Paul Sideleau, Sr.

Mon  June 5         9:00am                 Tom McDonald

Tue   June 6        9:00am                 Deceased members of the Ashe and Eddy

                                                         Families

Wed  June 7         9:00am                 Andrew Henn

Thu   June 8        9:00am                 Garry Gasso

Fri    June 9         9:00am                 Filippo Muscarella

Sat   June 10      4:30pm                Lucinda Dantas

Sun   June 11      7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   June 11       9:30am                 Raymonda Blair

Sun   June 11      11:30am               Bernath Family.

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

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 [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.