Reflection from Fr. Joseph

This weekend is one of my all-time favorite feasts, the Feast of Corpus Christi. This feast is magnified by the context, since we are in the midst of a Eucharistic Revival campaign, seeking to re-invigorate our Church’s love and understanding for the Holy Eucharist, which is truly the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith. Tomorrow, Bishop Caggiano will be celebrating a special Mass at the Arena at Fairfield University (and many parishioners, including myself, will be in attendance), as he refocuses all of our diocese’s pastoral initiatives around the Eucharistic Love of Jesus.

On this holy feast, it’s good to consider our own personal devotion to the Eucharist. Do we truly believe He is here? Do we demonstrateour belief through a reverent reception of the Holy Eucharist? As human beings, we are made of both body and soul – hence, what we believe in our souls must be lived-out in our flesh.

Approaching the Lord, Truly Present in the Holy Eucharist, should cause us to tremble. Who are we, that we dare to approach Him? Look in the Scriptures and see the reaction of people who approach the Lord – Isaiah fell to his knees and proclaimed his sinfulness aloud; St. Peter did similar and said, “Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man!” St. Thomas, upon seeing the Risen Christ, fell to his knees and declared, “My Lord and My God!” Likewise St. John, when having his visions of Christ’s glory in Revelation, “fell down as if dead” (aka, passed out!) because he was so overwhelmed (Revelation 1:17).

In God’s abundant mercy, He hides His glory in the Holy Eucharist, so that we do not see Him as He is, but rather in a hidden manner so that we are unafraid to approach Him. But unafraid should not mean that we are unaware of Who is present. The same reverence shown by these great saints and prophets should be shown by us who truly believe. That’s why I encourage all of those who are physically able to kneel to receive Holy Communion. After all, “at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend” (Philippians 2:10) – how much more should we fall down in worship before the True Presence of the Lord!

This same awe and wonder should inform how we receive Him, too. I’ve made no secret of my preference for the ancient and venerable tradition of receiving Jesus on the tongue, which has been the unbroken tradition of the Church for thousands of years until an unauthorized “experiment” started to catch on in the 1970s, allowing for Holy Communion on the hand. Seeing how it was starting to spread, Pope Paul VI reluctantly permitted it, but warned in his document “Memoriale Domini”: It carries certain dangers with it which may arise from the new manner of administering holy communion: the danger of a loss of reverence for the August sacrament of the altar, of profanation, of adulterating the true doctrine. I think we have clearly seen this in the past fifty years!

But going back further from the zeitgeist of change and revolution that was in the air during that tumultuous time, we see that Communion on the tongue has a rich theological basis. Here is what St. Thomas Aquinas says about it: Because the priest is the appointed intermediary between God and the people, hence as it belongs to him to offer the people's gifts to God, so it belongs to him to deliver the consecrated gifts to the people. Also, because out of reverence towards this sacrament, nothing touches it but what is consecrated, hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament. Hence it is not lawful for anyone to touch it, except from necessity, for instance if it were to fall upon the ground, or else in some other case of urgency.

And going back further, Pope St. Leo the Great declared that “This (the Body of Jesus) indeed is received by means of the mouth which we believe by means of faith.” Pope St. Gregory the Great tells a story of when a sick man who was mute was brought to an earlier Pope, Pope St. Agapitus. He writes: When he placed the Lord’s body in his mouth, the tongue which had so long been speechless was loosed.

Of course, it is one’s choice on how to receive the Holy Eucharist – with one’s hands (which was also practiced in the early church, albeit differently than we do today) or on one’s tongue. I like the rich symbolism of receiving on the tongue – it makes it clear that we are receiving (not “taking”) Communion; it is the posture of a child receiving food from his parents; it gives a visceral demonstration that this is not ordinary food, for there is no other food that I allow anyone to place within my mouth; it shows a recognition of the utter sanctity of Whom we are receiving. And in today’s world with all the loss of faith in the Real Presence, it has powerful sign-value to an unbelieving world.

As we continue our Eucharistic Revival this year, let us make it our aim to show the maximum reverence to our Eucharistic Lord!

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!

Mass for the Unborn

Please support Service Corps missionaries!

Parishioners Marguerite and Philomena Lock will have the privilege of serving this summer at the Apostolate for Family Consecration’s “Catholic Familyland” as Service Corps missionaries! Catholic Family Land offers seven one-week-long spiritual retreats for families offering encouragement and growth in relationship with Our Lord and Our Lady - it’s like Camp Adore or Camp Veritas, but for whole families. In order to serve the 5,500 people coming this summer, they have been asked to raise $2,000. Any support raised will go toward the Apostolate to cover the basic costs of hosting a missionary, such as food and lodging. Any donations above their goal will go towards funding other missionaries. Donations can be made at https://rootfunding.com/campaigns/philomena-and-marguerite-lock-afc-missionary-campaign-2024 or by the QR code underneath. Marguerite and Philomena wrote, “We humbly ask that you consider supporting us during our time of missionary service. We are truly grateful for any way you can support this mission!” You can contact us at margueritelock1@gmail.com for more information, or visit afc.org. Thank you for your support and prayers! Please be assured of ours!”  

1,000 Friends of Blessed Sacrament

To the Friends of Blessed Sacrament Church and Father Skip:

The fundraising committee of Blessed Sacrament invites you to become one of the “1,000 Friends of Blessed Sacrament”. Over 100 years old, the Church needs many improvements and repairs to keep the buildings safe and functioning, and to keep the Food Pantry open which distributes 700 bags of groceries to the hungry each week. The cost to do this is substantial.

Father Skip, amazingly, by all his hard work physically, and in so many other ways, has given tirelessly to keep Blessed Sacrament open and well maintained for almost 12 years. In order to continue doing so, he needs our help. That is why the Parish’s Fundraising Committee is reaching out to friends and asking 1,000 people to donate $100 each to help with these needs, and to become one of the “1,000 Friends of Blessed Sacrament”. In Thanksgiving for your gift, a permanent memorial will be erected outside the church with your name engraved on it.



To donate online click the link below.  https://www.osvhub.com/blessedsacramentbpt/giving/funds/1000-friends-of-blessed-sacrament

Or, make your check out to Blessed Sacrament Church, and in the memo write

                       1,000 Friends of Blessed Sacrament

Mail to: Blessed Sacrament, 275 Union Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06607

In the Notes section online, or with your check, please indicate how you would like your name displayed (ex: John Doe, Doe Family, Mr. and Mrs. John Doe) 

If you have any questions, please contact Lori Black at 203-258-6380.

Blessed Sacrament, and Fr. Skip, are very appreciative of your support. God bless you for your help!

Parish News

Italian Festival News

Family News and Updates

The June issue of our Parish subscription to Rooted Magazine is hot off the press. Access the digital version by emailing Jessica Iannotta or find some printed copies at the Family Ministry Table!

Since June is the month of the Sacred Heart, you will find a wealth of activities and resources in here to celebrate this month!

In addition, there are free Sacred Heart images and activities at the Family Ministry Table this month as well.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in You!

Summer Events - Save the Dates

Wednesday, June 19 - Family Hike at Great Hollow Lake - 6pm

Sunday, July 14 - Parish Softball Game - 2pm Wolfe Park Field 4

Sunday, July 28 - Backyard Family Adoration

August Backyard Family Adoration - date coming soon!

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 this summer!

Please click on the image to view the flyer.

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 tonight Friday, May 31 for Rosary Holder Making Night

Mom's group dinner gathering: Friday June 28

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

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. 

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

Items in greatest need at this time are oatmeal, chili, coffee, condiments of any kind, canned tomatoes and boxed children’s cereal.



Thank you again for your continued support!

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, Michael, Debra and Mike Patten, Louise Noll



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 June is: 

  Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

We consecrate ourselves to Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as we pray...

      JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU

Mass Intentions for  June 1 – June 9

Sat    June 1         8:30am       Michael Gallant

Sat   June 1         4:30pm       John and Olga Saad

Sun  June 2         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   June 2         9:30am       Ivan Gospic

Sun  June 2         11:30am     Trudy C. Gardecki

Mon  June 3         9:00am       Mary Charlotte Braccio

Tue   June 4         9:00am       Rose Scali

Wed  June 5         9:00am      Maximino Monteiro

Thu   June 6         9:00am      Nicholas Boland

Sat   June 8         4:30pm       Luis and Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon

Sun  June 9         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   June 9         9:30am       Tina Pechulis

Sun  June 9         11:30am     Paul Sideleau, Sr

Tabernacle Candle: June: Isabel Dantas Teixeira and Lucinda Dantas

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.

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



Divine Mercy Chaplet

Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church

"Jesus we Trust in You"

thedivinemercy.org

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.