Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Human beings love choices and variety. Thirty-one Baskin Robins flavors, hundreds of television channels, customizable everything. Which is why it is so beautiful that there is not just one cookie-cutter spirituality – there are many different ways to serve and love the Lord. And did you know that you don’t have to join a monastery or become a hermit to participate in one of those beautiful varieties of spiritualities? 

There are many “lay movements” in the Church which provide a unique spirituality, community, and participation in the richness of more-established religious communities. Some of the more recent lay movements include Cursillo, which some of our parishioners have participated in, and the Neo-Catechumenate Way, which is very popular among the Hispanic community in our diocese. 

But there are more ancient spiritualities which we can also tap into – the Third Orders. Back when St. Francis, St. Dominic, and others were forming their religious communities, laypeople also wanted to participate in their spiritual works, but they couldn’t leave behind their farm life and families. So there became a tradition of Third Orders springing up – laypeople serving as auxiliary members to these great religious communities of monks and nuns. These Third Orders are still around today! 

For example, locally there is a group of Third Order Dominicans based out of St. Theresa’s in Trumbull. The Dominican spirituality is one of balancing study, prayer, and service to souls. They are having an Informal Inquiry Meeting on Thursday, September 14th @ 7 PM; St. Theresa School. For more information, call or email: Ginny Silva @ [email protected] or (203) 556-3468. 

A parishioner recently told me that he is in formation for the Third Order Franciscans, based out of Griswold, CT. Their spirituality focuses on penance, prayer, and living simply in the midst of the world. You can find out more information at https://marymediatrix.com/who-we-are/third-order/ . 

Recently you may have seen in the Fairfield County Catholic that there is a growing group of Third Order Carmelites in our diocese. Carmelites focus on the contemplative life – intimate union with God, seeking holiness in simplicity and interceding for the needs of the world. Following in the footsteps of some of the greatest mystics of all time like St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila, Carmelites focus on developing the interior life. Definitely worth looking into! 

And as a personal note, growing up I was very influenced by the lay branch of the Legionaries of Christ, called “Regnum Christi” (https://rcnytristate.org/). Regnum Christi seeks to form leaders from every walk of society who can evangelize society by sanctifying their everyday work and life, winning souls to Christ. I was even a member of Regnum Christi for a time during college! 

Of course, these spiritualities are options – no one is required to adopt a specific spirituality in order to be holy or to become a saint. But what a blessing it is for those who have a spiritual hunger for more formation and a more intentional Christian life! We have so many spiritualities that can fit every need! 

(As an aside, our radio show “Restless” put out an episode on lay spiritualities last winter on December 30…you can find it here:http://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com ). 

Confession Weekend

As we prepare for a new school year, let's make a fresh start in our spiritual lives! Confession will be offered before and all Masses during this weekend August 26-27. Come and meet God's mercy in this beautiful Sacrament!

Backpack Blessing

Our annual Back-to-School tradition at St. Jude's! All young people are invited to bring their backpacks to church on thi weekend August 26-27 for a special blessing and gift, as we ask God to be with you during this upcoming school year!

Eucharistic Adoration

As we mentioned last weekend, we will be beginning Monday Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from Sept 11 - Memorial Day. Every Monday, our Eucharistic Lord will be exposed in the monstrance for almost 12 hours of Adoration (from 9:30am-9pm). We need your help to be a "guardian Adorer!" Our Eucharistic Lord cannot be left alone, so we need people to commit to an hour of worship every week. Spending an hour with Christ is a sure way to experience peace, joy, and the love of the Lord in a new and powerful way. You can commit to an hour by signing up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday . Eucharistic Adoration completely changed my life and made me aware of God's personal, passionate love for me - He wants to do the same for you! He is inviting - will you say yes?

Our newly revamped Parish Website launched!

Our Parish launched a newly revamped website last 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, Laser 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

Donations Needed!

We would like to decorate a fun youth group room in the school building and we need your help!

Do you have any used couches, easy chairs, beanbag chairs, or fun decorations that you'd like to get rid of so we can stock this room with fun stuff for our teens? Email Jessica if you have anything you'd like to donate!

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

About 25 teens and parent chaperones went to the Thomas Merton House in Bridgeport this past Tuesday for a youth day of service.

We helped sort donated clothing that they give to their guests in need and also helped weed and care for their garden.

It was a very meaningful experience for all to be able to give of our time to help those less fortunate.

Please pray for all those that they serve and for the Merton House staff and volunteers as they prepare to move to a new location!

The last day of the Festival is tomorrow from 5 to 10!

Hope to see you there!!

This summer we were blessed to have two beautiful Family Backyard Adoration events! We had a great turnout for this past Monday's event.

Thank you, Jesus for these wonderful opportunities to praise and worship You!

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 8:00 pm **over ZOOM (note change for back to school)

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 our families children are returning to school, we would like to request snack foods for the children's lunches. Other items in need at this time are jarred pasta sauces, canned fruit and boxed children's cereal. Thank you again for your continued support. 

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, John Sansone, 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 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

Mon Aug 28       9:00am                 Estelle Murray               

Tue Aug 29        9:00am                 Estelle Murray               

Wed  Aug 30       9:00am                 Maria DeLeo

Thu   Aug 31       9:00am                 Gail Iannotta

Sat    Sept 2         8:30am                 St Jude Parishioners                          

Sat  Sept 2          4:30pm                John and Rose Nigro Capoccitti

Sun   Sept 3        7:30am                 Charles Todd

Sun   Sept 3         9:30am                 Maria Luisa Muriel

Sun   Sept 3         11:30am               Lorraine and Henry Pacheco

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

                             In memory of Marie Goss during the month of September

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 [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 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.