Reflection from Fr. Joseph

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is, perhaps, one of the least understood Sacraments. Let’s take a look at it – and how to use it for great spiritual benefit!

Anointing of the Sick is found in Scripture. In Mark’s Gospel (Mark 16:17-18), Jesus instructs His Apostles to lay hands on the sick as part of their ministry. It was clearly practiced in the early church – in James Chapter 5, St. James writes, “Are there any among you sick? Let them call for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven.”

Those two actions – laying-on of hands and anointing with the Oil of the Sick – are the constitutive actions of the Sacrament, along with the words, “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord Who frees you, save you and raise you up.”

So what are the effects of this Anointing? It is very possible for physical healing to be an effect – I have seen that happen, even in miraculous ways – although that is rather rare. More commonly, it helps the person to unite their suffering to the Cross, brings them the consoling presence of Jesus, and gives them the strength to fight against evil, especially since the Evil One tries hard to get a sick or dying person to deny their faith amidst their suffering.

So who is this Sacrament for? It is for anyone with a serious illness. We want to avoid two extremes: we don’t anoint people who have the common cold or minor aches and pains, but it’s also not only for those who are dying. Any serious illness, before serious surgery, or those who are very advanced in age should ask for this Sacrament. It’s important to note that this Sacrament is repeatable – I know people who have hesitated to ask for it, because they were afraid that to receive it meant that they were dying! This is not the case. Please do request this Sacrament for your loved ones when they are seriously ill, even if the illness is not necessarily fatal.

When someone approaches death, they (or their loved ones) can ask for Last Rites, which are NOT exactly the same as Anointing of the Sick. Last Rites are actually four rituals in one. The Last Rites includes Anointing of the Sick, the person’s last Confession, their last Holy Communion (which is called Viaticum, meaning food for the journey), and the Apostolic Pardon, which is a prayer given by the Church with the power to take away the temporal punishment due to sin (aka Purgatory time). Don’t wait until the person is unconscious to ask for Last Rites – it’s best when the person can still make a good Confession and receive Communion.

What a blessing to have such a beautiful Sacrament in our time of need!

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

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

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

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.

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, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Jack Lane, Frank Kerekes, 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, Mary Ann Voytek, Michael, and Donna, Darryl Patterson, Louise Noll, Chrystal Archuletta and Alice Gumpert, Diane Cummings, Chloe Capra, Irma Camacho 

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 24 – September 1

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

Mon  Aug 26       9:00am       Gerry Kennedy

Tue   Aug 27       9:00am       Dom Arribas

Wed  Aug 28       9:00am      Lucy and Matthew Farrell

Thu   Aug 29       9:00am      Margaret Ann Tranzillo

Sat   Aug 31       4:30pm       Gail Iannotta

Sun  Sept 1         7:30am       Andrew Henn

Sun   Sept 1         9:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun  Sept 1         11:30am     In Thanksgiving – Al and Rita Melissano

Tabernacle Candle (August): In memory of Elaine and George Edgerton

                           (September): In memory of deceased members of the

                                               Tranzillo and Bonitatibus families

Wine and Hosts (September): In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Piazza

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

Men’s Bible Study resumes: All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 14, as we study the week’s Sunday readings. 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.