Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Rightly we hold up our Founding Fathers as those architects who had the vision of what our country could become. In the same way in the Church, we have fathers – the Fathers of the Church!

These men are the ones whose teaching and example built the very foundations of our Church in the first seven centuries after Christ’s death. Many of them had close connections with the Apostles themselves – for example, St. Polycarp was a follower of St. John the Apostle, while St. Irenaeus of Lyon followed after Polycarp. Reading their works make us realize that what we believe today is the same as the early church believed – the message from Christ was not corrupted over the centuries. I’d like to look at a few Church Fathers and their messages over the next few weeks.

First, let’s look at their belief in the Eucharist. All of the Church Fathers agreed that Jesus Christ was truly present. We start with St. Justin the Martyr, who wrote around the year 150AD. He was the first one to write an explanation of the Catholic faith for the surrounding pagans. His “First Apology” was a great defense of the Church (“apology” does not mean saying sorry – it rather means “an explanation” – which is why we say that those who defend the Church are called “apologists”, as they explain Church teaching to others). He writes these words:

We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration [Baptism], and is thereby living as Christ has enjoined.

For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, AND BY THE CHANGE OF WHICH our blood and flesh is nourished, IS BOTH THE FLESH AND THE BLOOD OF THAT INCARNATED JESUS.

Another Church Father, St. Irenaeus of Lyon, was a bishop in southern France around 180AD. Around that time, many Christians were being swayed by a heretical sect called the Gnostics, which believed that the material world was evil, and that the Sacraments were therefore not needed. To combat this, Irenaeus wrote his “Against Heresies” in which he explained the Eucharist thus (remember that he is combatting both the heresy that the body is bad, and also the disbelief in Christ’s True Presence):

He took from among creation that which is bread, and gave thanks, saying, "THIS IS MY BODY." The cup likewise, which is from among the creation to which we belong, HE CONFESSED TO BE HIS BLOOD.

But what consistency is there in those who hold that the bread over which thanks have been given IS THE BODY OF THEIR LORD, and the cup HIS BLOOD, if they do not acknowledge that He is the Son of the Creator… How can they say that the flesh which has been nourished BY THE BODY OF THE LORD AND BY HIS BLOOD gives way to corruption and does not partake of life? …For as the bread from the earth, receiving the invocation of God, IS NO LONGER COMMON BREAD BUT THE EUCHARIST, consisting of two elements, earthly and heavenly… (Against Heresies 4:18:4-5)

If the BODY be not saved, then, in fact, neither did the Lord redeem us with His BLOOD; and neither is the cup of the EUCHARIST THE PARTAKING OF HIS BLOOD nor is the bread which we break THE PARTAKING OF HIS BODY…He has declared the cup, a part of creation, TO BE HIS OWN BLOOD, from which He causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, HE HAS ESTABLISHED AS HIS OWN BODY, from which He gives increase to our bodies.

When, therefore, the mixed cup and the baked bread receives the Word of God and BECOMES THE EUCHARIST, THE BODY OF CHRIST, and from these the substance of our flesh is increased and supported, how can they say that the flesh is not capable of receiving the gift of God, WHICH IS ETERNAL LIFE -- flesh which is nourished BY THE BODY AND BLOOD OF THE LORD…receiving the Word of God, BECOMES THE EUCHARIST, WHICH IS THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST.

One final Church Father who wrote on the Eucharist (although I could mention many more) is St. Athanasius, the great defender of the Trinity. Living during the 300s, he struggled to fight the Arian heresy, which denied that Jesus was truly God (they believed that He was only a good man, adopted as the son of God). He also discussed the Eucharist in his “Sermon to the Newly Baptized”:

You shall see the Levites bringing loaves and a cup of wine, and placing them on the table. So long as the prayers of supplication and entreaties have not been made, there is only bread and wine. But after the great and wonderful prayers have been completed, then the bread is become the Body, and the wine the Blood, of our Lord Jesus Christ….Let us approach the celebration of the mysteries. This bread and this wine, so long as the prayers and supplications have not taken place, remain simply what they are. But after the great prayers and holy supplications have been sent forth, the Word comes down into the bread and wine -- and thus is His Body confected.

The Church Fathers are still critically important to the Church today, as they are evidence that we believe the same things that came from the lips of Jesus Christ Himself! It’s good to get to know them, to read them, and to digest them – as they are fascinating and important to know!

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

Youth & Young Adult Program - 2024 Schedule

Day of Encounter for College Students

August 10, 2024

1:00 - 7:30 pm

Join us for worship, fellowship, service, Mass with Bishop Caggiano and more! Keynote speaker Sister Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ, will share her story. 

Schedule

1:00 pm Catechesis and small group discussion

2:30 pm Service project

3:30 pm Catechesis and small group discussion

5:00 pm Vigil Mass with Bishop Caggiano

6:00 pm Dinner with Bishop Caggiano

7:30 pm Adoration and Confession

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

St Jude Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

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)

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy Announcement

HTCA is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. Unlike our Public School counterparts, HTCA will be using December 31st as a cut-off date for Kindergarten age requirements. Tell your friends and family. Interested families should call 203-929-4422 for more information.

If you or someone you know wants to make some extra cash, HTCA has the following positions available:

-After School Supervisors

-Part Time Spanish Teacher

-Part Time Admissions Director

For more information, please reach out to our Head of School, Mrs. Lisa Lanni, at (203) 929-4422.

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

Our monthly digital subscription to Rooted Magazine has arrived for August, the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary!

It is full of ways to bring the faith alive to children and families.

Email Jessica for access to the issue or for the links to any past issues that you may have missed!

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 participating in a Fall bible study, email Jessica for more information

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, 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, 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, Michael, Debra and Mike Patten, 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 3 – August 11

Sat   Aug 3         8:30am       Jean Elizabeth DeVietro

Sat   Aug 3         4:30pm       Isabel Dantas Teixeira and Lucinda Dantas

Sun  Aug 4         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Aug 4         9:30am       Marica Jovic and Gojko Jovic

Sun  Aug 4         11:30am     Maria Emilia Monteiro   

Mon  Aug 5        9:00am       Theresa Dyer

Tue   Aug 6         9:00am       The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Wed  Aug 7         9:00am      Mary Charlotte Braccio

Thu   Aug 8         9:00am      Patrick Ryan

Sat   Aug 10       4:30pm       St Jude Parishioners

Sun  Aug 11       7:30am       Margaret Schwartz

Sun   Aug 11       9:30am       Elaine Edgerton

Sun  Aug 11       11:30am     Enzo and Alda Melissano

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.