Reflection from Fr. Joseph

In every age, God provides unique blessings for His Church, specifically suited to the time. During the Albigensian heresy, when people were denying the goodness of creation, God gave the Rosary to the Church to meditate on the Incarnation, when God entered His creation to redeem it. When the Church fell into Jansenism, which focused on the judgment of God, He appeared with His Sacred Heart aflame to reconvince mankind of His great love.

In this time when we are constantly bombarded by noise…in this time when many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist…in this time when the sense of the supernatural is dulled or absent, even for most Christians…God is leading many Catholics to rediscover a beautiful encounter with Him, in Eucharistic Adoration. I truly believe that Adoration is the answer to this most chaotic of times – the simplicity of just being with our Eucharistic Lord can quiet our frantic minds, bring peace to our troubled souls, and overwhelm us with a sense of His love.

As you read this, I am currently at Camp Veritas with several of our young people from the parish, and it amazes me to see that Adoration is the highlight of their day! Last night we spent 2+ hours on our knees in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord as a priest brough the Eucharist in the monstrance to each and every camper, counselor, and volunteer in the building. It was a profound moment – and not only did no one complain about the length of time kneeling, many of them stayed for longer after the Eucharist was reposed! Eucharistic Adoration is truly the solution that the world needs, because it is God Himself!

As we continue our three year Eucharistic Revival campaign from the US Bishops, here at St. Jude’s we are expanding the time for our Adoration of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. Every Monday from September 11 until Memorial Day, we will be having Eucharistic Adoration from 9:30am-9pm. Almost twelve hours per week of face-to-face time with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

We cannot leave Jesus in the monstrance alone, however, which is why we need your help! Consider signing up for an hour to be an “adorer” – committing to one hour per week of being with Our Eucharistic Lord. It can absolutely change your life!

It certainly changed my life for the better when I began spending an hour with the Eucharistic Lord every week, when I was about fifteen years old. That hour helped me clear my mind of all the trivialities of everyday life, and it made me realize that God is real and that He truly loves me. It gave me a peace I had never experienced, and what a joy it is to find the peace of Christ in our mixed-up world!

As we prepare for another academic year, why not focus on your spiritual growth this year by spending an hour with Him every week? We have 168 hours in the week – is it too much to give Him our undivided attention for a bit?

We are looking for at least 30 people to commit to adoring Our Lord every Monday. If you can commit to an hour a week, you can sign up in the coming weekends at Mass, or on this sign-up sheet:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday . This sign-up is for every Monday (not just one Monday) from September 11 until Memorial Day. If you can’t commit to every week, you can sign up as a “substitute”. Of course, even if you don’t sign up, you can certainly go and spend time with our Eucharistic Lord on Mondays!

As St. Josemaria Escriva said, “When you approach the tabernacle remember that he has been waiting for you for twenty centuries.” He is inviting – will you respond?

Our newly revamped Parish Website launched!

Our Parish is pleased to launch a newly revamped website this weekend. The address of the website remains the same https://www.stjuderc.org/. The new website features easier navigation and topic organization. Upcoming events are highlighted on the home page. Please take a few minutes to take a look at the website. You may be surprised at the amount of parish information is available!

Kudos to Deacon John Tuccio for his many hours and hard work in leading this effort for the parish!

We have had an amazing first six months of our 50^thAnniversary Year!

Many more events and celebrations to come!

SAVE THE DATES

August 23-26:  St Jude Italian Festival 

September 17:  Sunday, Funday, Sundaes

                             Bounce House, Lazar Tag, Axe throwing, many other games

                             Ice Cream Sundaes

October 28:  Closing of St Jude Novena

                      9:00am Mass and celebration of St Jude Parishioners

                             Coffee social

October 28: Dinner Dance to celebrate 50^th Anniversary of our Parish

                     Details to follow

November 18: 9:00am Mass of Thanksgiving – Pastors, Priests and Deacons

                          who have served in our parish

                           Social to follow

December 3: Rededication of our Church by Bishop Frank Caggiano

                        Blessing of new relics for our altar

                        Social to follow

Please join us for any and all these events

COMING SOON this Fall - the next Walking With Purpose Bible study!

All women of the parish are invited to join us for "Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point"

This study explores the fundamental questions of our Catholic faith and our relationship with Jesus Christ. Please join us as we examine the core questions that we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us, and to discover a deeper relationship with God and each other.

When: Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 PM, Start date: Sept. 20th

                    OR

       Friday Mornings from  9:30-11:00 AM, Start date: Sept. 22nd

Location: St. Jude Social Hall

Contact: Jessica Iannotta for more information

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Virtus (Safe Environment) Training for the Festival Volunteers.

The Diocese requires that all volunteers for any parish event be Virtus Certified. Virtus Certification allows you to volunteer at any Catholic Church or School in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

We are holding a special training session for our Festival Volunteers. It will be held at St Jude on Friday August 18 starting at 7 PM and will run approximately 2 hours.

If you are not sure of your Virtus Certification status or have any questions about the Virtus Program, please contact Deacon John Tuccio at deacon.tuccio@stjuderc.org.

+ PIPE ORGAN RESTORATION COMPLETE +

All Glory and Praise be to God! Two weeks ago on Friday the retrofitting of our 1995 Cassavant Ferres Pipe Organ was completed. In next week's newsletter, I will provide a more detailed update and explanation. Additionally, I have pictures of the project that I will share with descriptions of what was actually done. For now, a brief note. With the work complete, that first Sunday may have been a bit rough on the ears. Thought bright and crisp, the sound was rough at times. My apologies. Last weekend, however, after hours of "resetting" done by me, a more mellow and fuller, not louder, sound was heard. It is wonderful to have everything communicating correctly and well. This weekend there should be more of the same. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please see me after any mass. I promise to listen attentively as I'm happy to discuss this project with you - done in our 50th Anniversary Year! With God, all things are possible. Blessings to you. 

-Lou Vollono, Jr., Parish Director of Music

Fr. Joseph and some of our Camp Adore team went down to Long Island this past week to visit Heather Kid's original Camp Adore at her parish of Christ the King in Commack, New York!

It was such a blessing to experience their camp and see how they do things! We came home with some great ideas for next year's Camp Adore here at St. Jude's!

Mom's Group Announcements

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

Next meeting is Thursday 8/31 at 7:30 pm in the Social Hall

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

Hopeline Pregnancy Center Diaper Needs

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on sizes 3, 4, 5 & 6 and baby wipes. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers in the outer vestibule of the church. Monetary donations, with checks made out to the Hopeline Pregnancy Center, as well as gift cards from Amazon, Target and grocery stores are most welcome. As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated.

St Jude-St Stephen Seniors

The St Jude-St Stephen Seniors will resume their monthly meetings on Thursday, September 14^th.

The meetings are at 1:00 PM on the 2^nd Thursday of each month in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. The entrance is in the back of St Jude Church. All who consider themselves seniors are welcome. No need to register. 

We will continue celebrating our joyful journeys as together we draw closer to our Lord.

Special note: If you have unwanted religious “treasures” that you don’t know what to do with but aren’t sure of how to dispose of them, bring them to the September meeting. Many of us have items that we received in the mail or picked up in our travels.  

Let’s collect them and make our homes “lighter”.



Any questions, call Ellen or Doug Stevens at 203-268-9229

Or bring your questions to the meeting!

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, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Violeta Shala, 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, Lor C., Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Susan W. and Janet 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 August is:

We give thanks for the many programs and events which enhance our Spirituality and Community, and for our Clergy and volunteers who make them possible.



We pray, especially, for the success of St.Jude Parish Italian Festival.....

    We pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Aug 19       4:30pm                Bobby Gioscia

Sun   Aug 20     7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Aug 20      9:30am                 Marica Jovic and Gojko Jovic

Sun   Aug 20      11:30am               Maria Emilia Monteiro

Mon  Aug 21       9:00am                 Gerry Kennedy              

Tue  Aug 22       9:00am                 Marie Goss          

Wed  Aug 23      9:00am                 Luis Ferreira

Thu  Aug 24      9:00am                 Evie Andrejczyk   

Fri   Aug 25       9:00am                 Gerry Kennedy              

Sat   Aug 26       4:30pm                Istvan and Jolan Holecz

Sun  Aug 27      7:30am                 Anthony Vitti

Sun  Aug 27      9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun  Aug 27       11:30am               John and Olga Saad

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Andrew Henn during the month of August

Weekday Masses (Monday thru Thursday) 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 mjrob08@gmail.com

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 4:00 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 3:30 to 4:15 pm on Saturdays. Come take advantage of God's great mercy by coming to the Sacrament of Confession.

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