Reflection from Fr. Joseph

We conclude our three-week series looking at the Church Fathers with a connection to yesterday’s feast – did the Church Fathers have anything to say about Our Lady?

Absolutely! It would be hard to find a group of men more devoted to Her. Their writings reflect their great love and esteem for the Mother of God. The first one I quote was not a saint because of the dubiousness of his personal life, but still has some of the best theological writings: Origen. He writes this about Mary’s Perpetual Virginity:

[It is tradition that] the brethren of Jesus were sons of Joseph by a former wife, whom he married before Mary. Now those who say so wish to preserve the honor of Mary in virginity to the end, so that body of hers which was appointed to minister to the Word . . . might not know intercourse with a man after the Holy Spirit came into her and the power from on high overshadowed her. And I think it in harmony with reason that Jesus was the firstfruit among men of the purity which consists in [perpetual] chastity, and Mary was among women. For it were not pious to ascribe to any other than to her the firstfruit of virginity.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the greatest of the Church Fathers, St. Augustine. The patron saint of our diocese (whose feast we celebrate later this month), his writings still inform our understanding of the Faith. He was one of many Fathers who clearly believed that Mary had no sin. He writes this:

Having excepted the holy Virgin Mary, concerning whom, on account of the honor of the Lord, I wish to have absolutely no question when treating of sins—for how do we know what abundance of grace for the total overcoming of sin was conferred upon her, who merited to conceive and bear him in whom there was no sin?—so, I say, with the exception of the Virgin, if we could have gathered together all those holy men and women, when they were living here, and had asked them whether they were without sin, what do we suppose would have been their answer?

Finally, it was hotly debated in the early Church as to whether we could call Mary the Mother of God. Wouldn’t that somehow make Her greater than God? How could God need a mother? Certainly she gave birth to the human nature of Christ, but does that mean she is the mother of His Divinity? The Fathers were unanimous in calling Her “Mother of God”:

St. Gregory of Naziansus: If anyone does not agree that holy Mary is Mother of God, he is at odds with the God Himself.

St. Jerome: Do not marvel at the novelty of the thing, if a Virgin gives birth to God!

St. Theodore of Mopsuestia (who wins the award for coolest name!): When, therefore, they ask, ‘Is Mary mother of man or Mother of God?’ we answer, ‘Both!’ The one by the very nature of what was done and the other by relation.

St. Cyril of Alexandria: I have been amazed that some are utterly in doubt as to whether or not the holy Virgin is able to be called the Mother of God. For if our Lord Jesus Christ is God, how should the holy Virgin who bore him not be the Mother of God?

So, my friends, it’s amazing to see that all of the Church Fathers believed the same things we do! Our faith is not some later Medieval invention – no, it has been handed down from the very beginning, from those Fathers who were the pillars of what we believe!



If you’d like to read more about the Church Fathers and their views on many topics, I encourage you to visit https://www.churchfathers.org/ - they have a great library of resources!

Attention Designers - St. Jude's is undertaking a special project and is in need of interior design expertise and advice. If you have experience in this area, please let Father Joseph know, or contact Bernice in the office. Thank you!

Confession Weekend

Fall means a new school year, and a new start. Let's make a new start spiritually with our regular Confession weekend before and after every Mass on August 31/September 1. Come and have your soul cleansed by the mercy of God!

Monday Adoration Resumes - Adorers Needed!

Once again this year, we will be offering weekly Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9am-9pm, starting Monday, September 9th. We are in need of parishioners who can commit to a weekly Holy Hour of Adoration in the presence of the Lord Himself in the Eucharist! If you are interested, please sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A45ABA62FA0F49-monday#/ . Even if you are unable to commit, please make an effort to stop by the Church to visit Our Lord and keep Him company on Mondays - He will richly reward you with graces beyond measure!

Backpack Blessing

Our annual Backpack Blessing takes place the weekend of August 31/September 1 (Labor Day Weekend) - be sure to bring your backpacks to Mass to have them blessed as we embark upon a new school year!

Young Parishioners Heading To Seminary - Wish Them Well!

We are blessed to have not one but TWO native sons of the parish who will be starting or resuming seminary in the Fall! Colin Firda, a recent graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Trumbull and an active member of our parish, will be starting at St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia (studying for our diocese) this coming week. Max Lock, whose family has been parishioners for three years, continues his studies at St. Charles as well. Both young men will be serving every Mass this coming Sunday and we will have a small coffee and donuts reception after Mass to wish them well - please plan to join us to offer your prayers and well-wishes as these two young men take another step towards the priesthood!

Family Retreat!

For many years, I've been longing and desiring to do something for families...a summer getaway where they can combine their Catholic Faith with a ton of fun in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Well, I'm happy to announce that this dream has become a reality! The West Point Mini Family Fest will take place September 6-8 near West Point, NY! What is a Family Fest?



• Daily Mass
• Beach and water fun on the lake
• Confession
• Talks for different age groups
• Adoration
• Sports
• Games
• Hiking
• Rosary
• Roasting Marshmallows
• Good food
• Hanging out with other awesome families who love the Lord!



This Family Fest is being put on by the Apostolate for Family Consecration, which is an organization that hosts family retreats all over the country. It is not an exaggeration to say that I owe my priestly vocation to them, as I used to go on their Family Fests when I was growing up! It was hugely impactful in my own faith journey - and a tremendous amount of fun!

It is my hope to get five families from St. Jude's to give it a try this summer.

You can find out more information at https://afc.org/catholic-family-retreat-weekend/ - I'll be there - and I hope to see you there, too!

Red Cross Blood Drive Thank You

The recent Blood Drive in the Social Hall resulted in 42 usable pints of blood. Red Cross targeted 38 for collection so this drive is considered a success! While we would always hope for a higher number, July is vacation time and many of the regular donors would likely be away. So thank you to those who donated and, to those who might be interested in donating, the next drive at St. Jude's is on Saturday, September 21. You can sign up by going to www.redcrossblood.org

Diocese of Bridgeport

Save the Date!

High School Youth Event with Bishop Caggiano

Saturday, September 21, 2024

3:00 - 9:30 pm

Saint Matthew, Norwalk

Young Adult Event with Bishop Caggiano

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Late afternoon/evening

Parish News

First-Class Relic of Knights of Columbus Founder

Blessed Michael McGivney will be available for veneration on August 24 and August 25, 2024 at Saint Jude Church.

A first-class bone relic of Blessed Michael McGivney, a Connecticut priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus, will be available for public veneration:

Saturday August 24, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Sunday August 25, from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Viewing before and after all weekend masses.

The Catholic Church declared Father McGivney “blessed” in October 2020 after a miracle was attributed to him concerning the health of a boy in his mother’s womb. Blessed McGivney is now one step from canonization as a saint.



Since Father Michael McGivney’s beatification in October 2020, countless people around the world have sought his intercession in times of need. Touched by grace, many have attributed to Blessed Michael McGivney to answered prayers.

 Sponsored by St. John XXIII Council 5987

St Jude Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference

The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference will take place this year on September 21, 2024 at North West Catholic H.S. West Hartford , CT. The Keynote speaker will be Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM. 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 Ken Noonan at  kjnoonan19@gmail.com or call at 914-837-3588. 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.

Italian Festival News

ST JUDE ITALIAN FESTIVAL

707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468

August 21-24, 2024

Dear business neighbors,



It’s that time of year and the Italian Festival is back! St Jude parish is delighted to invite you to join the business sponsor program for our 34th annual Italian Festival held this year from August 21st through the 24^th. Thousands of people will be attending the festival to enjoy rides, games, raffles, nightly entertainment and of lots of great food.

For our business sponsors, we offer a display of a professionally made sign (18” x 24”) for your business throughout the festival. As a bonus, a complete list of all the sponsors will be added to the weekly newsletter following the festival. Please complete the form below and mail into St Jude Parish by August 12^th. Please make your checks payable to St Jude Parish (707 Monroe Turnpike) or call the parish office at 203-261-6404 to pay by credit card or if you have any questions.

Business Name _____________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________   Phone No ____________________

Check One Option

_______ One Sign ($150)                              ________ Two Signs ($250)

Outdoor Music Festival at Saint Jude!

Join Us for an Outdoor Music Festival at St. Jude Church!

Please bring a lawn chair and a picnic and celebrate the end of summer.

Enjoy performances by Matt and Ranae Sperrazza, the Angelo Natalie Band, Fr. Joseph Gill, the Contemporary Choir and more

Free babysitting and games in the hall (rsvp below)

We can't wait to see you there for a night of music, community, and celebration! 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP/RSVP!

Summer

BACKYARD ADORATION

Monday, August 26 - Backyard Family Adoration, 6:30 pm

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Email Jessica for more information and to RSVP!

Family News and Updates

Upcoming Youth Retreat!



Hey parents of teens: can your child use a little more PEACE in their life? All students entering 7th grade through graduated seniors are welcome to join us on Saturday, August 17, at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown for a special All Day event sponsored by St. Rose of Lima Youth Group. The theme for the day is "Peace of Christ” and will include fun, food, games, prayer, confession, talks, discussion and more. National speaker Oscar Rivera will spend the day with our students and share his witness to the Catholic Faith. Come listen, learn, and understand how you can find "the peace of God, which passes all understanding" 9am-9pm. Contact Fr. Joseph if interested!

Saint Jude Parish has received a Foundations in Faith Grant for family formation and plans to host a Parent Retreat some time this Fall or early Spring. If you would like to be on the planning committee, email Jessica.



Part of this project will also include parent formation sessions during religious education. We are planning to offer a class during the 10:30 am Sunday session and possibly other days if interest. If you would be interested in attending a parent class during your child's religious education class, email Jessica.

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.

Sign up to bring an item for our service project for 8/5: https://stjude19.flocknote.com/signup/174100

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 Rosaries, click here.

If you are interested in joining us in our 54 day rosary novena or have input on Fall events, email Jessica

Knights of Columbus News

Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers. They are currently low on sizes 4 & 5, wipes and jars of baby food 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

With school in recess the summer now upon us our pantry needs shift a bit to with the season. Current items in greatest need are jarred pasta sauce, beans, children’s snacks and boxed cereal. Please keep checking the newsletter for additional information regarding the Knights of Columbus upcoming CHRISTMAS IN JULY food drive to be conducted at Stop & Shop the week of July 27-28. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

David Nicolett, 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, 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, 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, Darryl Patterson, Louise Noll, Chrystal Archuletta and Alice Gumpert, Diane Cummings, Chloe Capra

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.

Our Petition for August is:

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we pray for peace in our Country and in our increasingly trouble World....



      WE PRAY TO THE LORD

Mass Intentions for  August 17 – August 25

Sat   Aug 17       4:30pm       Theresa Martire

Sun  Aug 18       7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Aug 18       9:30am       Angelina Medieros

Sun  Aug 18       11:30am     Judith Galaty

Mon  Aug 19       9:00am       Bobby Gioscia

Tue   Aug 20       9:00am       Wendy Bansak

Wed  Aug 21       9:00am      Gerry Kennedy

Thu   Aug 22       9:00am      Jose Rosa

Sat   Aug 24       4:30pm       Maximino Monteiro

Sun  Aug 25       7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Aug 25       9:30am       Rino and Jane Servadio

Sun  Aug 25       11:30am     Stephanie Rossi

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Elaine and George Edgerton

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 and may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses

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.

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.