Reflection from Fr. Joseph

A couple weeks ago, AP News ran an interesting article about the future of the Catholic Church in America. It is well-worth the read, although read it with a rather large grain of salt, because the author is a bit biased in his take. Here is the article: https://apnews.com/article/catholic-church-shift-orthodoxy-tradition-7638fa2013a593f8cb07483ffc8ed487

A couple of thoughts came to mind after reading this article. First, there is a huge ideological distinction between “cultural” Catholics and “practicing” Catholics. Cultural Catholics tend to be indistinguishable from the zeitgeist (the “spirit of the age”, the cultural milieu in which we live), while practicing Catholics are countercultural. Seventy years ago, one might identify as a Catholic for various reasons – one always had to have a religion in acceptable society, even if they didn’t believe it – but in today’s world, those reasons are quickly dissipating, so the only ones who remain are those who truly believe.

Another thought that came to mind when reading the article is that Catholicism is very much a both-and religion. We hold many seeming contradictions in a creative tension. We believe in social justice and personal piety; we preach both sin and forgiveness, mercy and justice; we care for the environment and we care for the unborn; we strive for Heaven while we seek to improve this world. In our polarized and political society, there is no room for this both-and type of vision, so an authentic Catholic would be seen as an odd duck indeed – and be blasted from both the political left and the political right.

Finally, the article spoke about a renewal of traditional practices and beliefs among Catholics, particularly of the younger generation. I definitely do see a desire for a full-strength Catholicism. Bishop Barron would often criticize what he called a “beige Catholicism” which emphasizes the “nice” parts of our Faith but downplays the challenging and countercultural teachings (https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/barron/the-evangelical-path-of-word-on-fire/ ). But these challenging parts – practicing virtue, self-denial, coming to Confession, humility, chastity, being open to life – are what give our faith, and our lives, meaning. Authentic love always requires sacrifice, and the deep hunger of the modern human heart is precisely that desire for meaning and authentic love. We are always willing to rise to the challenge when we see it pointing to Life!

Take, for example, the movement in France where young people have banded together to begin to restore the roadside shrines and crucifixes which have fallen into disrepair (see the article: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/you-have-to-get-off-your-sofa-young ). In a country that was at the vanguard of secularism, it’s exciting to see a small but mighty minority of faithful Catholics embracing the full challenge of Catholicism – living according to its teachings, seeking reverent worship, finding meaning in a faith that is “ever ancient, ever new” (as St. Augustine said).

While the AP News article took a slightly negative view toward the future of the Church, I see only signs of hope – of a core of Catholics who are more serious about their Faith, in all its challenge and fulfillment, than ever before. In the fantastic closing line of the article, quoting Fr. Emerson, “The Church has buried every one of its undertakers!”

Pentecost Vigil

The third-biggest Feast in the Church Year is fast approaching - Pentecost, which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. As we did last year, we will celebrate the Pentecost Vigil, which is an extended Mass with extra Scripture readings focusing on the Holy Spirit through Salvation History. Come and join us for the 4:30pm Mass on May 18 for the beautiful, holy Vigil Mass of this great feast!

Corpus Christi Procession

We are bringing back our annual Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession on June 2nd! Join us immediately following the 11:30am Mass as we process with our Eucharistic Lord around our campus, giving Him the honor that is His!

Confession Weekend

Spring into summer with a clean conscience! Confessions will be offered before and after every Mass on the weekend of May 25/26. Take advantage of the lavish mercy of God!

The Music of May

For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month, not just a day but a month, to honor Mary, the Mother of God. That month, May, is upon us. In medieval times, customs and rituals abounded to "expel winter" as May 1st was considered the beginning of new growth, and yet again we see how the seasons in nature were influences for the supernatural. May would be called "Mary Month" later during the baroque period with special devotions that frequently lasted a 30 day period. With the change in the natural season in full bloom and life budding from the colder winter months, just like Mary gave new life to the world when she carried and bore a son, Jesus Christ, Mother Church has retained May as a special give thanks to the Mother of our Savior. As music is twice praying, the hymns on Sunday will reflect our special devotion to Mary as a parish. Each weekend, a different Marian Hymn (or two) will be in the rotation. Please lift your voices in song to honor this most-amazing woman! 

Lou Vollono, Jr.

Director of Music & Organist 

Diocesan Eucharistic Renewal

The Diocese of Bridgeport will be having several events in conjunction with the 2024 Eucharistic Congress happening in Indianapolis this year.

2024 Diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving - June 1, 2024, Fairfield University 

Invitations are available to all parishes in the Diocese, please see Father Joseph after Mass if you are interested in attending.

Diocese of Bridgeport 2024 Eucharistic Procession - May 19 - May 22

See enclosed flier. Copies of the flier will also be available in the vestibule.

Questions: please contact Betty Henn, 203-261-0762, ehennsr@gmail.com

Dash Through the Creed - Now Online!

Did you miss Fr. Joseph's adult faith class, "Dash Through the Creed", which he presented on Monday nights this past year? The recordings from that class are now online! Check it out at http://aflameforchrist.podbean.com to listen!

Parish News

St Jude-St Stephen Seniors News

The St Jude-St Stephen Seniors will meet on Thursday, May 9^th. at 1:00 PM.

The topic for May will be Novenas.  

We will explore the rich tradition of novenas in our Catholic faith.

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 are welcome. No need to register. 

This will be our last meeting until September.

Any questions, or if you need a ride, please contact Ellen or Doug at 203-268-9229

Save the Date - Pentecost Birthday Party !

All are invited to join us for some birthday cake, crafts, food and fellowship to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, our Church's birthday!

When: Sunday, May 19 after 9:30 Mass

Where: Saint Jude Social Hall

What: Hospitality, Cake, Crafts for children

All are welcome!

Italian Festival News

Family News and Updates

Seeking children who just received First Communion to help carry flowers for our May Crowning after 4:30 Mass on Saturday, 5/25

Email Jessica if your child is interested!

Bingo with the Sisters of Nazareth 

We had another great visit with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on Sunday! The Kid's Club children made paper Mary statues and added them to plants which we gave to the Sisters as their own Mary garden. We then played Bingo, attended Adoration in their chapel and enjoyed pizza and desserts together! We plan to visit again in December for Christmas Caroling!

Join us on the Feast of the Visitation 5/31

WOODEN ROSARY HOLDER CRAFT NIGHT!

The Painted Plank Studio is coming to the St. Jude’s Social Hall to create personalized wooden rosary hangers!! 

Open to all and hosted by Saint Jude Mom's Group

When: Friday 5/31 at 6 pm (you can arrive any time after 6 pm)

Where: Saint Jude Social Hall

Advanced sign up required by 5/27- see below

You can order a premade sign or kit to go even if you can't make it!



Email Jessica to donate an appetizer to share!

Calling all Young Adults and Couples! 

Please join us for an evening dedicated to helping young adults and couples navigate what a flourishing, healthy and holy relationship could look like. This evening is hosted by licensed professional counselors who embed Catholicism into their counseling practices. 

You will learn practical strategies to improve communication, align more clearly on values and goals, and learn how to turn toward each other in hard times and approach life as a team. 

This workshop is geared toward young adults who are trying to discern what they should look for in a relationship and for couples who would like strategies to assist them in living out a healthy and holy relationship. 

This workshop is hosted by St. Jude Parishioner, Lauren Buckley, LPC, who specializes in couples counseling and perinatal (pregnancy through postpartum) counseling. It is co-hosted by Eric Zeitler, LPCA, a parishioner of St. Rose, who specializes in men's issues, addiction and trauma. 

May 16, 2024 at 6:30 pm, St. Rose of Lima Church, Holy Innocents Center

Please see the flyer for more information and we look forward to seeing you there! 

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. 7-9 pm at St. Jude Social Hall.

Please click on the image to view the flyer.

Save the dates for summer Youth Encounters:

Friday July 12 & July 26

Monday August 5 & Tuesday August 20

Mom's Group Announcements

INVITING ALL PARENTS (mothers and fathers) to our 2024 weekly Zoom Rosaries on Wednesdays at 9 pm. Please email Jessica Iannotta for more information. To submit prayer intentions for our monthly Rosaries, click here.

Next Mom's Group meeting Friday, May 31 for Rosary Holder Making Night

Camp Veritas Catholic Summer Camp!



It's time to start signing up for Camp Veritas Catholic Summer Camp! Each year we get a group to go to the best week of sleep-away camp you will ever experience. Camp Veritas (www.campveritas.org) combines sports, swimming, boating, zip-lines, go-karts, and all the fun camp activities with daily Mass, Rosary, Adoration, spiritual talks, and a powerful encounter with Jesus. Every single kid who went last year had a blast and we hope to double attendance this year! We are offering a special scholarship for kids who are part of Youth Encounter - $300 off! Sign-up online and experience the fun!

Knights of Columbus News

The Knights of Columbus Council 5987 and the Columbiettes are co-sponsoring a blood drive in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall on Sat May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. To donate, go to redcrossblood.org and search for our drive. 

St. Matthew Parish Family extends an invitation to the St. Jude Parish Family to join us on Saturday May 18th at our 4pm Mass as we celebrate the remarkable milestones of Msgr. John Sabia - his 90th Birthday and 60th Ordination Anniversary! A reception will follow the Mass in the Great Room, 216 Scriber Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854.

Msgr. Sabia Communion Breakfast Celebration

St. Matthew's K of C in Norwalk is having their annual communion breakfast 6/2 & Msgr. Sabia is the guest speaker. Msgr. Sabia will be celebrating his 90th birthday, 60 year ordination anniversary & 10 yrs of helping at St. Matthew's. Attached is the flyer/order form if you would like to attend. 

MAY FAMILY ROSARY

 May is a month traditionally dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Join Us in Prayer at The

“Mary, Madonna of Peace” Statue

7:00 P.M.

Weather permitting if not in the church.

Please bring your own chairs

Monday May 6          Joyful Mysteries                    

Tuesday May 7         Sorrowful Mysteries             

Wednesday May 15   Glorius Mysteries                            

Thursday May 16      Luminous Mysteries  

May Crowning

Mary, Madonna of Peace Statue

Saturday, May 25 After 4:30 PM Mass

May Crowning is a ritual celebrated in the month of May where the statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers and honored as the Queen of Heaven and the Mother of God.

Rededication of Memorial

To the Unborn

This is an outdoor mass to thank God for the gift of life, to atone for the sin of abortion, and to pray for an end to abortion and the remembrance of the unborn. 

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Daniel’s Farm Rd.

Trumbull, CT.

Saturday May 18th 9:00 A.M.

Celebrant Father Joseph Gill



Please join the Knights of Columbus

In praying for the

Souls of the Unborn

A sincere thank you to all St Jude parishioners for their generosity supporting the Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive last Saturday. We collected clothing, shoes, etc for Bridgeport Rescue Mission, much needed food along with bedding & blankets for Blessed Sacrament parish, food items for the St Jude pantry, & diapers/wipes for Hopeline. These donations mean so much for the less fortunate in our community. Father Skip, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, our Food pantry, & Hopeline thank you for your support. Also a BIG thank you to all the Knights who assisted to make this another successful event as well as Father Joseph for supporting our efforts. See you again in October.

Rocky Scali & Frank Flynn

Thank you!

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 119 and the Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church in Monroe will be jointly hosting a fundraiser tasting of wines, whiskeys and beer presented by 574 Wines of Monroe.   The event will take place on May 17, 2024. Admission is $25.00 per person. 

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to various charitable efforts that the Knights and Columbiettes sponsor. Attendees must be 21 years of age to attend (Proof of Age will be requested to enter the event). 

Cost of admission will include a pasta dinner, dessert and a tasting of various wines, whiskeys and beers as presented by 574 Wines.   Only orders for alcohol will be taken by 574 Wines on the night of the event. Alcohol will not be sold and only samples will be available. 

You can pay for the event at the door using credit card, cash or check. 

The event will be held in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT 06468. Hours for the event are 6:30-9:30pm.  Doors will open starting at 6:15 pm. Seating will be limited. So sign up as soon as possible!

For additional information, please call (203) 258-3354 or e-mail eaedgerton24@gmail.com. You can also RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D48ABAA2AA4F49-49011209-tasting. 

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on all sizes from Newborn to size 6, wipes, as well as bottles and pacifiers. They have also requested baby formula such as “Similac 360 Total Care”. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers, etc. 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 by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.

Food Pantry Update

Pantry items in greatest need at this time are pasta, pasta sauce, Mac & cheese, snack foods and the always needed boxed children's cereal. Thank you for your continued support.  

Catholic Charities Kitchenware Needs

Once again there is a great need through Catholic Charities for gently used kitchenware for people getting off the street in Bridgeport and into section 8 housing. Currently the need is for pots and pans, silverware, kitchen utensils like large spoons, spatulas, can openers, glasses (not wine glasses), dishes with no cracks or chips, cereal bowls and serving bowls and dish towels. There are collection baskets in the doorways of both entrances to the church. The collection will begin the weekend of May 4-5 and will run for three weeks ending the weekend of May 17-18

We are most grateful for your contributions!!! Thank you!!

Pray the Rosary with SoulCore at St. Jude!

SoulCore is now offered at St. Jude Church!

Sessions are held the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm

St. Jude Social Hall – 707 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT

Please wear comfortable clothing; bring an exercise mat and water

(Please enter the social hall through the rear doors of the church, adjacent to the parking lot)

Every fitness level is welcome – participants are encouraged to honor their mobility and capabilities during prayer

A $10 donation to St. Jude is welcome but not required

Sessions will be led by Christine Peterson, Certified SoulCore Leader and Personal Trainer



Please contact Christine.Peterson@snet.net with questions or to register

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Manny Cambra, Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, John Sansone, Paul Verespej, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Frank Kerekes, Marian Nanchy, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Judy Thomas, Barbara Tranchese, 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, Father Krzysztof, and Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Becky M., Flo Guite, Michael J. Russell, Mary Ann Voytek, Michael, and Donna, Evan Tedesco, Darryl Patterson



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:

As we celebrate our own Mothers this Mother's Day, may we always be grateful 

for the gift of Our Blessed Mother Mary,



Queen of Peace, as we pray for peace in our Country and our World....

     We pray to the Lord

Mass Intentions for  May 11 – May 19

Sat    May 11      4:30pm       Deceased members of the Chiappetta and

                                               Tomasello Family

Sun  May 12       7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 12       9:30am       Margaret Mende

Sun  May 12       11:30am     Maria Emilia Monteiro

Mon  May 13       9:00am       Maria Signore

Tue   May 14       9:00am       Joseph Sidarweck

Wed  May 15       9:00am      Edward Burns

Thu   May 16       9:00am      Denis and Michael Gallagher

Sat    May 18      4:30pm       Stephen Labowsky

Sun  May 19       7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   May 19       9:30am       Anthony and Veronica Felice

Sun  May 19       11:30am     Vittoria Guerrera

Tabernacle Candle: May: Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon

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 meet 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 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.

First Friday

Eucharistic Adoration

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30



The time that we spend with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time we will spend on earth. Please join us on the first Friday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Mary's Messengers Prayer Group . Email Jessica for more information

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.

COMMUNION ITEMS ARE IN!

Call Fran Cambra for more information:

203-400-5119

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.