Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Today is the feast day of one of the most significant saints…that most people have never heard of: St. Martin of Tours.

Martin was from the early church – born around 316 and died in 397. Against his pagan parents’ wishes, he converted to Catholicism at the age of ten. In those days, the process for becoming baptized (officially called the “catechumenate” when prospective Catholics, called “catechumens”, were instructed in the faith) was many years long, so it took a few years for him to be officially a Catholic, but his faith gave him great strength when, at the young age of 15, he was drafted into the Roman army.

One day, young Martin was accompanying his regiment into a city, and he saw a poor beggar outside of the city gates shivering from the cold. He quickly tore his cloak in half and gave half to the shivering man. That night in a dream, Martin saw the Lord Jesus wearing the half of the cloak, and Martin realized that he was called to become a soldier for Christ.

A short time later, he was baptized and refused to fight in the army. Normally this desertion would be punishable by death, but Martin’s strong faith prompted him to tell his commanding officer that he would enter into the battle unarmed, trusting that the Lord would keep him safe. His officer accepted the terms, but a few hours before the battle was to begin, the opposing army surrendered, much to everyone’s surprise. The officer saw this as confirmation of Martin’s great faith, and they dismissed him from the army.

He quickly became a disciple of St. Hilary of Poitiers (despite the name, this saint was a man and a bishop!). Martin learned the spiritual life from this great master, and then became a hermit for ten years. But his reputation for holiness spread far and wide, and the people of Tours, France petitioned him to become their bishop. He refused, hiding in some bushes, but was betrayed when a flock of geese began honking loudly, alerting everyone to his presence. He reluctantly accepted, and served as a holy bishop for the remainder of his life.

So what makes this story unique (other than the very cool vignettes and miracles!)? He was the first non-martyr to have a feast day in the Church. Up until this point, all feast days were for those who shed their blood for Christ. But Martin was considered a “confessor” (this is the technical term for a non-martyr saint).

Martin’s story shows us that there are many paths to holiness. Some are called to be martyrs, priests or nuns, married couples, single people. Some are called to glorify God through failure, or through success. Some are called to suffer for God, while others glorify God through the blessings in their life. No matter what our calling is, or how the circumstances of our life has unfolded, God is working and able to make us saints.

It is also beautiful that Martin’s feast falls on Veteran’s Day, being a veteran himself. He shows that the military is a noble profession. There are quite a few soldier-saints: St. Sebastian, from the early Church…St. George…St. Joan of Arc…and more recently, Servant of God Fr. Emil Kaupan and Fr. Vincent Capodanno, who were military chaplains whose cause for canonization is opened. For all those in our parish who have served us in the military – thank you for your sacrifice and your service, defending the freedoms that we cherish as Americans!

Parish News

Notes from the Organ Bench

"Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza!"

Saturday, December 3, 2022

1:30 P.M. - Church and Social Hall

Our younger parishioners are invited to a fun and interactive program featuring St. Jude's beautiful Cassavant Ferres Pipe Organ! Any student, especially those interested in music or currently taking lessons, are encouraged to RSVP. Students will go on a tour of the instrument, actually going into the pipe chambers, learn how the instrument works, listen to me play several concert pieces to feature specific sounds, and finally get to play the instrument! With supervision, there is nothing they can break. After an approximate 45 minute program, we will have pizza and light refreshments in the Social Hall. The "Pedal, Pipes, and Pizza" presentation is a nationally recognized program from the American Guild of Organist for which I am a member and have been trained to facilitate. Its ultimate goal is to build interest in the instrument with the hope of recruiting the next generation of organists. RSVP via email, please, to lvollono@stjuderc.com. To allow the program to run smoothly and plan for the pizza and goodies, I have to limit the group to 20 students of reading to high school age level. If a wait list occurs, I am willing to run another program in the new year. Please see me with any questions you may have! -Lou 

Important Thanksgiving Request

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching which means our holiday distribution is as well. With this in mind we are requesting the following items: stuffing mix, turkey gravy, chicken broth, boxed/pouched potatoes, cranberries and canned peas or corn. 

Each year we provide our families with all of the “fixin’s” for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We wish to make this year no different. If you are interested in donating a frozen/fresh turkey for either of these distributions, please contact us at your convenience to make arrangements. We can be reached via email at lizromeo65@gmail.com  / jromeo9701@charter.net or you can text Jeff at 914-954-1160. Donations for Thanksgiving will need to be received by Friday November 18^th.

Our gratitude for your continued generosity and support of our ministry”

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: The Christmas Schedule!

We have gotten many inquiries about our Christmas Mass schedule! So, here it is:

Christmas Eve

4pm

5:30pm

10pm

Christmas Day

7:30am

9:30am

11:30am

Please note that if we need overflow seating, people are invited to go to the Social Hall downstairs where the Mass will be livestreamed on our screen.

 ST. JUDE PRO-LIFE MINISTRY

Members of our Pro-life Ministry witnessed to the sanctity of life during the 40-Days-For Life Prayer Vigils on October 30th in front of Planned Parenthood on Main Street in Bridgeport. This year's Prayer Vigils closed on November 6th, with Fr. Joseph leading participants in the Rosary and singing of God Bless America.

Please continue to pray for an end to abortion and for a culture for life in

our Country.

Thank you to all who contributed to the Appalachian Christmas Drive

We received Cash $390 and 8 Walmart Gift Cards !

Good Shepherd Catholic church is most appreciative.

Thank you all for your continued generosity and support of this annual drive!

Laundry – we all need to do it!  But did you know that the Church has laundry to do as well? Our altar linens, which take on a sacred character due to their use in the Liturgy, need to be washed with care and respect. The Parish is in need of several parishioners to undertake this service for us.  With a few volunteers, each person would only need to help out once every six months. Full instructions will be provided.  Please call Bernice at the office (203-261-6404) if you can help out, or would like more information. Many hands make light the work!

Our Religious Education children will be writing letters to Veterans this month, click here if you would like to submit one to be delivered to the VA hospital.

Drop off completed letters at the Family Ministry table or religious education class by Sunday 11/13.

Parish Pilgrimage to St Margaret's Shrine - 11/26 

Saturday 11/26 from 12-2 pm

For more information, e-mail Jessica Iannotta

To learn more about the Shrines see here

Download the map of the Shrines on the property

Save the Dates for Upcoming Advent Activities

Family Advent Candle Lighting: We are looking for families to light a candle in the Advent wreath at each Mass beginning Saturday 11/26 .  You can sign your family up here.

Friday, December 9: Mother's Holiday Gathering

7:30 pm, Social Hall  Reserve your project here (code: St. Jude)

Saturday, December 10: Children's Happy Birthday Party for Jesus sponsored by the Columbiettes

10-1 pm, Social Hall

Tuesday, December 13 (3:30-5 pm) and Sunday, December 18 (2-5 pm): Christmas Caroling. Contact Jessica Iannotta for more information

Mothers Holiday Gathering

When: Friday 12/9 at 7:30 pm

Where: St. Jude Social Hall

What: Get in the holiday spirit by making a Board and Brush Christmas sign and enjoy some time to get to know other mothers at St Jude's

Who: All women and mothers are welcome! You are welcome to bring a friend or adult daughter as well!

ORDER LINK: Click here (code: St. Jude)

Order by 12/2; projects will be picked up for you on 12/7 in advance of event on 12/9 (note: date listed on link is pickup date; event is Friday 12/9)

E-mail Jessica Iannotta if you would like to bring an appetizer or dessert

Mom's Group Announcements

Next meeting Wednesday 11/30 at 7 pm. We will be doing an Advent service project writing handwritten letters to new moms.

Our next monthly mother's Zoom rosary is Wednesday 12/7 at 9 pm and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month e-mail Jessica Iannotta for more information.

Save the Date: Holiday Get Together and Board and Brush Event - Friday 12/9 at 7:30 pm. Order your project here (code: St. Jude)

Youth Encounter nights start September 16th, see you there! Next meeting is tonight Friday 11/11 at 7 PM.

MAGNIFICAT

A Ministry to Catholic Women invites you to a prayer breakfast on Saturday November 12th, 9:30-12:30 at 

Tashua Knolls

40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull CT  

Our Guest speaker, Louise Carson, will share her testimony and lifelong ministry and devotion to God. 

Cost $25.00 per person, reservations required by October 31, 2022. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, please call

Carol Flynn  203-775-3875 or email  magnificatthmi@gmail.com

Invitation is available in the Women's Ministry Section of the Diocese of Bridgeport website.  

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or Use your phone camera, hover over QR Code and it will take you directly to Eventbrite to register for the Breakfast

By attending a Magnificat meal, a woman hears the witness at her table or as a speaker and is encouraged to stay the course of faith during difficult times. At a Magnificat meal, we give praise to God in song, in scripture and in prayerful teachings that lift our spirits. It is truly a wonderful opportunity for women to meet and greet other women as Mary did when she greeted Elizabeth. It is awesome to witness the transformation of women from when they come into the breakfast and when they leave. There is such love in the room and we all become Sister's in Christ. After hearing a testimony of one’s life it gives the listener hope and joy that God is ever so present in their own life.

Please remember to invite your friends, relatives, church members, and even strangers to this event.  We are hoping to get more than 200 women to witness and experience what love, faith, and mercy can bring to their lives.

Please remember in your daily prayers:

Marge Tranzillo, David Nicolett, Maria Bertone, Marie Micholovich, Vincent Daniello, Dyana vander Wielen, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu, Alfred Zawadski, Dr. John Kezel, Joseph Sheridan, Francisca Testa & family, Catherine Belanger, Stephen Henn, Manny Cambra, Bennett Gulyas, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Violeta Shala, Vito Melfi, Amanda Alarcon, Patti F. , Anne DeVita, Anna Harper

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 December is:

May the star which illuminated the Child Jesus in the Manger in Bethlehem, illumine our hearts and souls to the Real Presence of the Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist....

     We pray to the Lord 

Upcoming Mass Intentions

Sat    Nov 12       4:00pm                Mary and Margaret Gallagher

Sun   Nov 13       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Nov 13       9:30am                 Ivan Gospic

Sun   Nov 13       11:30am               Peter Bendlak and Lorraine Bendlak

                                                         Miller

Mon Nov 14       9:00am                 Marion Casali

Tue   Nov 15      9:00am                 Sezerina DosSantos Ferreira

Wed Nov 16       9:00am                 Lucy Quinto

Thu  Nov 17       9:00am                 Gustav and Elsa Lemos

Sat    Nov 19       4:00pm                Luis and Elvira Ferreira

Sun   Nov 20       7:30am                 St Jude Parishioners

Sun   Nov 20       9:30am                 Pinto and DeAndrade Family

Sun   Nov 20       11:30am               Maria Emilia Monteiro

The Tabernacle Candle will burn in memory of Luis & Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon during the month of November.

If the 9:00 am Weekday mass is not listed, an intention has not been requested. Also, there are no public Masses on Friday mornings.

Monday through Thursday Weekday Masses will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.

The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:00 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.html )

Men’s Bible Study

All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the School Meeting Room beginning September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.

All kids are invited to join Mary's Messengers Prayer Group conveniently in between Wednesday’s Religious Education class sessions from 6-6:30 pm. We will learn to say the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other special prayers for the intentions of our families and Parish. If your child would be interested in participating, contact Jessica Iannotta

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: Gifts and cards, statues, rosaries and more. Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.