Reflection from Fr. Joseph

This past Sunday almost 200 parishioners of all ages joined us for our Sunday Funday Sundaes! It was a very joyful experience! From bounce houses to dodge ball, laser tag to ice cream, there was something for everyone and we all had a great time. We had the opportunity to get to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere! Some of our older generations may remember the days when a parish was the centerpiece of the community - the places where you celebrated together, wept together, learned together, played together, and prayed together. Many times, especially during the days of mass immigration to America, the local parishes kept cultures alive and provided material and spiritual support to the entire neighborhood. In our fractured and often-lonely society, I hope that we can grow our parish to be more than just a place that we gather on Sundays - I hope it can become the center of your family's social lives, too. We are more likely to follow Jesus if we do so in a rich community!

This year, being our 50^th Anniversary as a parish, we have a unique opportunity to come together as friends. The next big event coming up is the Novena and the Dinner Dance. For those who are new parishioners here, the Novena is a series of nine evening Masses leading up to the Feast of St. Jude on October 28th. We will conclude with a festive brunch after a 9am Mass on Saturday the 28^th - all are invited!!  And then, in the evening, is our Dinner Dance, held at Whitney Farms. An evening of dancing, good food, good conversation. We need to rejoice and celebrate all that God has done in fifty years at this parish - and ask His blessings for the next 50. We are working on having free childcare for the evening, too, so that parents of young kids can attend as well. Mark your calendars - and plan to join us!

Need more peace? Searching for love and meaning? Broken and in need of healing? All are welcome to join us for a powerful encounter with our Eucharistic Lord. Every Monday from 9:30am-9pm, the Lord will be exposed in the monstrance for Eucharistic Adoration. Stop by for five minutes, or stay for an hour - in Him will you find the peace you need! No need to sign-up, just show up. He has been awaiting you!

Dash Through the Creed & Sacraments

Every week we profess the Creed, but do we really know what it means? Every week we receive a Sacrament, but why do we do what we do? All parishioners of all ages are welcome to join Fr. Joseph for the third installment of the "Dash" series - this time dashing through the Creed and the Sacraments! Learn all about those fundamental truths that we believe about the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Church, Mary, and the Afterlife...and dive into the Seven Sacraments which apply those truths to our lives! Every Monday from September 18 until Easter, all adults and teens are invited to join Fr. Joseph in the Social Hall from 7-8:15pm to learn more about our Catholic Faith!

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

Many more events and celebrations to come!

SAVE THE DATES

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 below!

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

  Music Opportunities at St. Jude

Do you like to sing? 

Do you like to give your time and talent to the Lord? 

Then joining one of our music ensembles could be for you! 

The Adult Choir sings each Sunday from mid-September to mid-June at the 11:30 A.M. Mass, although we will be singing at 9:30 A.M. too now and then. The only requirement for joining is the ability to follow music out of a hymnal, literally the ups and downs, and a commitment to attending rehearsals when scheduled for special occasions, typically on Monday evenings. 

The Contemporary Choir leads music at our 4:30 P.M. Vigil Mass. Please see Vin before or after Mass if interested in joining who can fill you in on rehearsal times. Previous experience in singing the style of music or playing guitar would be ideal, but it is not a requirement.  

The St. Jude Children's Choir is going to get back together again after singing beautifully this past Christmas Eve Mass. We would love to have them as regular participants, even once a month, leading the music on Sundays. If your child is of reading age and up, loves music/singing, and like to have a fun time, please reach out to me by email ASAP. 

Thank you for supporting these liturgical ministries at St. Jude. If you are not able to participate, however, I would ask that you offer prayers for those who dedicate their time and talent to enhancing our worship. We are very blessed. 

Have a blessed week!

Lou Vollono, Jr.

Director of Music & Organist 

[email protected]

OCTOBER 14-15

SATURDAY: 3 PM-7 PM

SUNDAY: 8 AM-2 PM

Take a few minutes before or after masses to browse

And choose which baskets you’d like to take a chance on!

OVER 60 BASKETS!

SO MANY TREASURES TO FIND!

$20 for a sheet of 25 Tickets

Msgr. Sabia Social Hall

BABY – GIRLS – BOYS – DOGS – CATS – FALL – CHRISTMAS

ITALIAN MEAL – MOVIE NIGHT – EASTER – PATRIOTIC

AND MANY, MANY MORE!!

DRAWING FOR WINNERS BEGINS: SUNDAY, 10/15 @ 2:30 PM

NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

BASKET PICK UP FOR WINNERS, SUNDAY, 10/15 4 – 6 PM

QUESTIONS CALL ANITA FLYNN – (203)984-5166



Check out the baskets on Facebook! – SEARCH “COLUMBIETTES BASKET BONANZA FUNDRAISER”

EVENING WILL INCLUDE:

6:30 – Hors D’Oeuvres

7:00 – Guest Speakers

7:15 – Dinner is Served

Dancing through 10:30 with music provided by JMG

TICKETS:

$50 per person – (CASH BAR)

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT CAN BE MADE ONLINE

Use link below to reserve and remit payment no later than 10/6:

Formal invitation with meal selection will be mailed after registration, so please register by the deadline.

RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults)

A wise pastor once said, “A key trait of a Catholic is someone who believes life is worth living!” If you or someone you know is interested in exploring the truth for living life and how that truth is found in the Catholic faith, please join me, Deacon David Flynn, on October 7^th at 2:30 PM at St. Jude Church. Together we will begin the journey of learning how the Catholic faith makes life worth living by bringing us closer to Christ and experiencing Him in your life each day.  We will have an introductory discussion about the process and how you can join in it. Please contact me at [email protected] to let me know that you are coming and to answer your questions. 

Thank you, Deacon David

Parish News

Join St Jude families to worship Our Eucharistic Lord in a backyard gathering of food and fellowship.

Click here for more details and to RSVP

When:  Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 pm

Come and have an easy dinner after a long week and enjoy the company of other Saint Jude families! Dinner will be from 6:00 - 7:00 pm so that families can then go up to the Church for Adoration at 7:00 pm. 

Click here to RSVP and select an item to bring

Save the Dates!

First Friday Family Potluck Dinners - Friday 10/6 and Friday 11/3, 6 pm before Adoration

Women's Morning Retreat: "The Power of Ordinary: Reclaiming Who You Are and Whose You Are" with author and speaker Laura Roland. Saturday, November 4

Fall Parish Pilgrimage: Saturday, 11/25 Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and the Abbey of Regina Laudis in nearby Bethlehem, CT email Jessica if you would like to join us!

Youth Encounters

All of our young people grades 6-12 are invited to join us for our Youth Encounters! These nights of games, food, fun, prayer, fellowship, and honest conversation about our Catholic Faith have been awesome...come and join us for a new year! This year for the first time, we'll be having separate tracks for high school and middle school. 7-9pm at St. Jude Social Hall, beginning on September 8th!

We have close to 40 children signed up! Register your child soon in order to ensure you get a Be a Saint challenge book before they sell out!

Mom's Group Announcements

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 10/4 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Next meeting is THIS COMING Thursday, 9/28 at 7:30 pm in the Social Hall

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

Do you enjoy using our Parish's subscription to Formed? If you haven't registered, click the image and check it out!

The annual subscription price has been covered by Saint Jude's for many years for our parishioners to enjoy!

This year's annual subscription cost, however, has increased to over $2,000. We are accepting donations to help offset the cost to parish. Since we have many registered users, even a small donation can make an impact!

You can easily donate through OSV under the "FORMED" section or drop a check at the Parish office with "Evangelization" in the subject line. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

St. Stephen Bereavement Support Group 

Have you suffered the loss of a special person in your life? Our Bereavement Ministry can offer you hope of coping with your grief. It is open to anyone you may know who needs help. The 10-week course with a guided workbook provided will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 19th from 3:00-4:30pm. Registration is required. Please call the rectory at 203-268-6217. A call will be returned to you by one of the bereavement facilitators. Information pamphlets at the doors of the church.    

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.

Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference

The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference will take place this year on September 23, 2023 at North West Catholic H.S. West Hartford , CT. The Keynote speaker will be Father Larry Richards. This is a day of spiritual reflection, prayer, and fellowship with Catholic men from across the state. To access more information on this faith filled day please visit https://ctcatholicmen.org/ .



If you wish to attend, the cost will be covered by St. Jude.

For further questions please email Jim Bifulco at [email protected] or call at 203-581-3071. This is an opportunity open to all the men of the parish. There may be a chance for carpooling also for this truly inspiring day.

St Jude - St Stephen Seniors

The St Jude-St Stephen Seniors will meet on Thursday, October 12th at 1:00PM. 

Since we will be exploring the St Jude Church stained-glass windows, our meeting will begin upstairs in the church for this one month.

All are welcome. 

No need to register.  

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

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, 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, Barbara Tranchese, Ed Brady, Mary Lopresti, Lou DiMartino, Lor C., Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Susan W. and Janet C, Larry Pisani, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Michael Merola & Family, Martha Mencseli, Mildred Blasko

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 September is:

During our "NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITIES" on September 9th, and through the month of

September as well, may we open our hearts and minds to pray for the healing needed in our larger Community, our NATION.....



        We Pray to the Lord

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Sept 23       4:30pm                William and Alberta Villella

Sun   Sept 24      7:30am                 Andrew Henn

Sun   Sept 24       9:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Sept 24       11:30am               Rino and Jane Servadio

Mon  Sept 25       9:00am                 Evie Andrejczyk            

Tue  Sept 26       9:00am                 Frederick Biondi            

Wed  Sept 27       9:00am                 Mary and Margaret Gallagher

Thu   Sept 28       9:00am                 Ben Seamons

Sat    Sept 30       4:30pm                Susan Sherman and Ann DeFelice

Sun   Oct 1          7:30am                 Romeo and Catherine Sanna

Sun   Oct 1          9:30am                 Maria Sanzo

Sun   Sept 1         11:30am               The Pacelli Family

Tabernacle Candle:

In memory of Marie Goss during the month of September and

In memory of Isabel Dantas-Teixeira during the month of October

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 ) Please note that the link is slightly changed from the previous link due to the change in the website.

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Bible Study will begin meeting September 23, on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM, in the school building. Each week we will take up the readings for that weekend. All men of the parish are welcome. 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.