Reflection from Fr. Joseph

A few weeks ago, I gave a homily which spoke about the spiritual authority of parents – to bless, defend, and protect their children. As we begin a new school year, I’d like to offer parents some tools to exercise that spiritual authority over their children.

There are many ways to exercise that spiritual authority for protection of our children. Fathers and mothers can make the sign of the cross on their child’s forehead before bed or before they leave the house. They can sprinkle holy water on their children or in their children’s room. They ought to fast and make sacrifices for their children, and certainly keep sin out of their homes by setting strict safeguards on any technology that their kids use.

There is also a type of prayer called a “Deliverance Prayer” which is a way in which people can ask for spiritual protection from evil. This can be especially powerful when a parent invokes the Blood of Jesus, the Name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit upon their son or daughter. Here are a couple of beautiful deliverance prayers that can be prayed by parents over, with, or on behalf of their children:

“Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I come to you praying for my child [full name] to be free from all generational sins, iniquities, and their results, which may have an influence upon my child. Lord, I thank you for saving me and cleansing me of my sin. I confess that I belong to you, and I dedicate my child [give full name] to you.

I now confess and repent of all my sins, known and unknown. God, I now confess the sins of my forefathers. In the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now renounce and ask you to break the power of all generational sins, iniquities, and curses that were passed down to me by the sins or actions of others. I now renounce and ask you to break and loose me and my family from all demonic subjection that would seek to influence or control me or my family in any way contrary to the Word or will of God. Father, I claim release and freedom through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that my son/daughter would fear you, and that from now on righteousness would be the heritage of my family, of my children, and of our future generations.

Lord, I pray that [give full name] will receive you as his/her Savior at an early age. Place within his/her heart a desire to follow you all the days of his/her life. Keep him/her pure and willing to wait until you reveal your life partner for him/her in your perfect will. If it is your will for him/her to be married, I ask that you would set apart for yourself a life partner for him/her and that he/she would keep himself/herself pure. Amen.”

Here is another one that comes from a particularly powerful website which has a large number of Deliverance Prayers for use by the laity (https://www.catholicexorcism.org/deliverance-prayers-for-the-laity) – check out the whole website for prayers that can be used for yourself, your family, or in any need! Here is a great one for parents to pray for their kids:

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for all you have given us. Please cover my child N. with the protective, precious blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, and increase your Holy Spirit in them with His gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, hunger for prayer, guidance and discernment to help him/her know your will and surrender to it more completely. Father please heal their negative emotions and any wounds in their heart and spirit. Send the sword of your Holy Spirit to sever and break all spells, curses, hexes, voodoo and all negative genetic, inter-generational and addictive material, past, present or to come, known or unknown, against them, their relationships and family, finances, possessions and work. Father I forgive and I ask forgiveness for my sins and failings and I ask that my whole person, and my child N., body and mind, heart and will, soul and spirit, memory and emotions, attitudes and values lie cleansed, renewed and protected by the most precious blood of your Son Jesus. In the name, power, blood and authority of Jesus Christ I bind and break the power and effect in or around my child N. of any and all evil spirits who are trying to harm him/her in anyway and I command these spirits and their companion spirits in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to leave them peacefully and quietly and go immediately and directly to the Eucharistic presence of Jesus Christ in the closest Catholic Church tabernacle, to be disposed of by Jesus and never again return to harm them. Dear Holy Spirit please fill up any void in them to overflowing with your great love. All this Father I pray in the name of Jesus Christ by the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Immaculate Heart of Mary, spouse of the Holy Spirit, please pray for us and with us. Amen.

Many parents wring their hands when looking at the spiritual battle that their kids must fight. But why wring our hands? Let us take up the armor of salvation and equip our kids with the weapons of holiness and righteousness, clothing them in the Precious Blood and the Holy Name of Jesus Christ! Before you send your kids off to school this week, commit their lives to the protection and love of Jesus Christ!

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!

Outdoor Music Festival at Saint Jude!

Tonight!

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!

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 Dates!

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 was available for veneration on August 24 and August 25, 2024 at Saint Jude Church.

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.

Family News and Updates

Our monthly digital subscription to Rooted Magazine has arrived for September, the month of the Our Lady of Sorrows and celebrating the upcoming feast day of Saint Padre Pio!

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

Check out the latest issue here! You can also view any past issues that you may have missed here!

Copies will be available at the Family Ministry Table in the vestibule.

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.

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, Lucy Hanson

Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention.



Our Petition for September is:

We pray our schools are a welcoming place for our students and teachers, and that parents are assured their family values

are being protected...

   We pray to the Lord

Mass Intentions for  August 31 – September 8

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

Mon  Sept 2         9:00am       Robert Annan, Sr. and Jay Colville

Tue   Sept 3         9:00am       John Braccio

Wed  Sept 4         9:00am      Charles J. Olivia

Thu   Sept 5         9:00am      Carolyn Miressi

Fri    Sept 6         9:00am       Rosa Muscarella

Sat    Sept 7         8:30am       Nicole LaQuesse

Sat   Sept 7         4:30pm       Efrem Ortiz

Sun  Sept 8         7:30am       St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Sept 8         9:30am       John and Gladys Maloney

Sun  Sept 8         11:30am     Lorraine and Henry Pacheco

Tabernacle Candle: In memory of deceased members of the

                                               Tranzillo and Bonitatibus families



Wine and Hosts: 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.