AFLAME WITH LOVE FOR CHRIST
St. JUDE & St. STEPHEN parishes
Aflame with Love for Christ
Opportunities to Grow in Discipleship, 2022-23 Bible Studies / Faith Studies
Dash Through the New Testament – Monday nights, 7pm-8:15pm, starting September 19
The New Testament is the place where we encounter Jesus Christ, His life, and His message. Join us as we take a quick dive into the riches of the Gospels, the Letters of Paul, and the life of the early Church! Every Monday from Sept. 19-Easter (except for holidays), 7-8:15pm at the St. Jude Social Hall. No cost - no sign-ups, just show-up - and bring a Bible! Great for adults and teens alike! For more information, please contact Fr. Gill at frgill@diobpt.org.
Walking With Purpose – A Women’s Bible Study Coming This Fall!
Women of the parish are invited to stay tuned for Walking With Purpose, a Catholic women’s Bible Study launching this Fall! For more information contact Mary Beth Rauser at mbrauser@hotmail.com.
Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study – Saturday mornings, 8am in the School Meeting Room
All men are invited to join parishioner Bob Lux for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings starting September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob at mjrob08@gmail.com.
At Home With the Word – Sunday mornings, 8:30-9:30am at St. Stephen’s
All parishioners are invited to reflect on the Sunday readings as we seek to apply them to our daily lives. Join us at St. Stephen’s on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:30am!
Prayer
Thursday Night Prayer Group - Thursday nights, 7-7:30pm in the Church
Hungry to pray with others? Join Deacon John Tuccio and parishioners for a half-hour of intercessory prayer,
silence, and worship in the presence of God. Every Thursday at 7pm.
Children’s Rosary – First Sundays at 12:30pm in the Church
All children and their families are invited to join us for a Rosary after 11:30 am Mass on every first Sunday of the month. This is a worldwide devotion that teaches kids to have a devotion to the Blessed Mother! No experience necessary – all are welcome! For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
First Saturday Devotions – First Saturdays at 8:30am in the Church
When Our Lady appeared at Fatima, she asked all people to attend Mass and Confession on First Saturdays as a means of reparation for sins against Her Immaculate Heart. We seek to honor her request with Mass, devotional prayers, and Confessions every first Saturday at 8:30am. For more information, contact Mary Beth Rauser at mbrauser@hotmail.com.
First Friday Adoration – First Fridays, 7-8pm in the Church
There is no better way to be close to Jesus than to receive Him and adore Him in His Eucharistic presence. Come
and join us for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration every month on First Fridays!
Confession Weekend – Confessions offered before and after all Masses
Come and have your soul cleansed in the Sacrament of Confession before and all Masses on the weekends of Sept 10/11, Oct 8/9, and Dec 17/18 at St. Jude’s. All other weekends have Confessions at 3pm on Saturdays at St. Jude, and 3:30pm on Saturdays at St. Stephen.
Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosaries – Weekly opportunities to pray with others
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed together every Wednesday at St. Jude’s at 3pm. We also pray the Rosary 20 minutes before the Saturday vigil Mass, and the Flame of Love Rosary is prayed every Thursday after the 9am Mass at St. Jude’s. For more information, contact Antia Flynn at anita@anitaflynn.com
Heart-to-Heart Healing Adoration Nights – An encounter with our Merciful Lord
Everyone of all ages is invited to join us at St. Jude’s for three evenings of Adoration, praise music, prayer teams, a talk, and a powerful encounter with the Eucharistic Lord. 7pm on December 17, January 28, and February 25 at St. Jude’s. This is led in conjunction with the Sacred Heart Guild, an apostolate of beauty and the arts in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Media
Formed – A Netflix-like streaming service for the Catholic Faith!
The best in Catholic content is now available for free! Go to www.formed.org/signup and put in the name of St. Jude’s to find free access to all kinds of Catholic movies, music, talks, podcasts, and even free books to download or stream! Something for everyone: kids, teens, adults, the whole family!
Podcasts & Radio Shows – Restless & Aflame for Christ
Did you know that Fr. Joseph has a radio show? Every week, he and several young adult Catholics discuss their Faith and their lives from a humorous, zany, inspiring Catholic perspective. You can find it on 1350AM (Veritas Catholic Radio) on Fridays at noon or you can download the podcast version from Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music, or http://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com. His homilies are also available in a podcast format called“Aflame for Christ,” which can be found on the St. Jude website or at http://aflameforchrist.podbean.com .
Retreats & Events
America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally – October 15, 12noon
Only prayer can save our nation and allow it to flourish! Join parishioners as part of a national movement to pray the
Rosary in public. We will pray alongside Route 111 in front of St. Jude’s on October 15 at 12noon.
A Day With Mary – A Eucharistic, Marian retreat – September 10, 9am-2pm at St. Jude’s
Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate for a free, day-long retreat held at St. Jude from 9am-2pm. This retreat includes Adoration, Confessions, Mass, a movie about Fatima, talks, a procession, and time of fellowship with other Catholics. The Franciscans of the Immaculate with inspire and encourage you into a deeper love for Jesus and His Blessed Mother! No cost, and you can find out more information at www.daywithmarywest.org .
Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference – A men’s conference in West Hartford, Sept. 25
Calling all Catholic men! The 15th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference brings together men from all across the state for a day of dynamic talks, rousing music, times of prayer, and fellowship with other men who love Jesus. Bishop Caggiano is the keynote speaker, along with such big Catholic names as Fr. Chris Alar and more. We’re trying to get a group to go, and the first ten people to register will go for FREE (contact Fr. Joseph for more information). You can register online at www.ctcatholicmen.org .
Blessing of Pets – In honor of St. Francis, on October 2 at 2pm at St. Jude’s
Bring your pets for a special blessing on the plaza of St. Jude’s on Sunday, October 2nd, in honor of the feast of St.
Francis!
Praying for the Deceased – All Souls Day, November 2 at 4pm
All parishioners are invited to join us for a pilgrimage to three cemeteries on the Feast of All Souls (Nov 2). We will meet at St. Jude’s at 4pm and travel together to several cemeteries, praying special prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. All are welcome.
Groups & Ministries
Men’s Group – Every 2nd and 4th Monday, at St. Stephen’s Rectory
All Catholic men are invited to gather for fraternity, prayer, and sharing their Faith every other Monday at St. Stephen’s Rectory. Come and build friendships in Christ while growing in your relationship with Him. For more information, contact Gerard Agoglia at gfxagoglia@gmail.com .
Mom’s Group – Every 4th Wednesday, in St. Jude’s Social Hall
All moms are invited to gather for prayer, discussion, food, and fellowship with other mothers! Join us every last Wednesday of the month for book discussions, conversations on parenting and faith, and social time. 7pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com .
Women of St. Stephen’s – Every Second Tuesday at St. Stephen Rectory at 12noon
All women are invited to join us for prayer, fellowship and community, and to plan, promote and carry out events
for the parish. For more information, contact Pat McLean at papem4ever@gmail com
Bereavement Group – Every Tuesday from 4-5:30pm at St. Stephen’s Rectory from Sept 13-Nov 15
If one suffers the grief of losing a loved one, they needn’t suffer alone. Bereavement groups can be an aid to healing the pain of loss. We invite all those who struggle with grief to attend the bereavement group at St. Stephen’s rectory every Tuesday from 4-5:30pm. There is hope in our Faith and in our community! Contact Carol Gannon for more information at cgannon1626@gmail.com.
Youth
Kid’s Club – Monthly on First Sundays for all kids grades 1-5
All kids are invited to join us for a fun monthly gathering! Prayer, games, crafts, and encountering Jesus! We will meet every first Sunday of the month, starting in October, from 3-5pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. This year’s theme is “Be A Saint!” Virtus-trained parents are welcome to help chaperone! For more information, please contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
Mary’s Messengers Children’s Prayer Group – Wednesdays from 6-6:30 pm in the St Jude Parish Center
All kids are invited to join a special children’s prayer group conveniently in between Wednesday’s Religious Education class sessions. We will learn to say the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other special prayers for the intentions of our families and Parish. For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
Youth Encounters – For all youth grades 6-12, on Fridays from 7-9pm
Young people are invited to join us for food, games, fellowship, prayer, and honest conversation about our Catholic Faith on Fridays during the Fall. Our Youth Encounters will take place on Sept 17, Sept 30, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 2, and Dec 16 from 7-9pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. All young people grades 6-12 are welcome! No cost, no sign-up, just show up!
Aflame with Love for Christ
Opportunities to Grow in Discipleship, 2022-23 Bible Studies / Faith Studies
Dash Through the New Testament – Monday nights, 7pm-8:15pm, starting September 19
The New Testament is the place where we encounter Jesus Christ, His life, and His message. Join us as we take a quick dive into the riches of the Gospels, the Letters of Paul, and the life of the early Church! Every Monday from Sept. 19-Easter (except for holidays), 7-8:15pm at the St. Jude Social Hall. No cost - no sign-ups, just show-up - and bring a Bible! Great for adults and teens alike! For more information, please contact Fr. Gill at frgill@diobpt.org.
Walking With Purpose – A Women’s Bible Study Coming This Fall!
Women of the parish are invited to stay tuned for Walking With Purpose, a Catholic women’s Bible Study launching this Fall! For more information contact Mary Beth Rauser at mbrauser@hotmail.com.
Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study – Saturday mornings, 8am in the School Meeting Room
All men are invited to join parishioner Bob Lux for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings starting September 17, as we study the Sunday readings. For more information, contact Bob at mjrob08@gmail.com.
At Home With the Word – Sunday mornings, 8:30-9:30am at St. Stephen’s
All parishioners are invited to reflect on the Sunday readings as we seek to apply them to our daily lives. Join us at St. Stephen’s on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:30am!
Prayer
Thursday Night Prayer Group - Thursday nights, 7-7:30pm in the Church
Hungry to pray with others? Join Deacon John Tuccio and parishioners for a half-hour of intercessory prayer,
silence, and worship in the presence of God. Every Thursday at 7pm.
Children’s Rosary – First Sundays at 12:30pm in the Church
All children and their families are invited to join us for a Rosary after 11:30 am Mass on every first Sunday of the month. This is a worldwide devotion that teaches kids to have a devotion to the Blessed Mother! No experience necessary – all are welcome! For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
First Saturday Devotions – First Saturdays at 8:30am in the Church
When Our Lady appeared at Fatima, she asked all people to attend Mass and Confession on First Saturdays as a means of reparation for sins against Her Immaculate Heart. We seek to honor her request with Mass, devotional prayers, and Confessions every first Saturday at 8:30am. For more information, contact Mary Beth Rauser at mbrauser@hotmail.com.
First Friday Adoration – First Fridays, 7-8pm in the Church
There is no better way to be close to Jesus than to receive Him and adore Him in His Eucharistic presence. Come
and join us for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration every month on First Fridays!
Confession Weekend – Confessions offered before and after all Masses
Come and have your soul cleansed in the Sacrament of Confession before and all Masses on the weekends of Sept 10/11, Oct 8/9, and Dec 17/18 at St. Jude’s. All other weekends have Confessions at 3pm on Saturdays at St. Jude, and 3:30pm on Saturdays at St. Stephen.
Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosaries – Weekly opportunities to pray with others
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed together every Wednesday at St. Jude’s at 3pm. We also pray the Rosary 20 minutes before the Saturday vigil Mass, and the Flame of Love Rosary is prayed every Thursday after the 9am Mass at St. Jude’s. For more information, contact Antia Flynn at anita@anitaflynn.com
Heart-to-Heart Healing Adoration Nights – An encounter with our Merciful Lord
Everyone of all ages is invited to join us at St. Jude’s for three evenings of Adoration, praise music, prayer teams, a talk, and a powerful encounter with the Eucharistic Lord. 7pm on December 17, January 28, and February 25 at St. Jude’s. This is led in conjunction with the Sacred Heart Guild, an apostolate of beauty and the arts in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Media
Formed – A Netflix-like streaming service for the Catholic Faith!
The best in Catholic content is now available for free! Go to www.formed.org/signup and put in the name of St. Jude’s to find free access to all kinds of Catholic movies, music, talks, podcasts, and even free books to download or stream! Something for everyone: kids, teens, adults, the whole family!
Podcasts & Radio Shows – Restless & Aflame for Christ
Did you know that Fr. Joseph has a radio show? Every week, he and several young adult Catholics discuss their Faith and their lives from a humorous, zany, inspiring Catholic perspective. You can find it on 1350AM (Veritas Catholic Radio) on Fridays at noon or you can download the podcast version from Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music, or http://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com. His homilies are also available in a podcast format called“Aflame for Christ,” which can be found on the St. Jude website or at http://aflameforchrist.podbean.com .
Retreats & Events
America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally – October 15, 12noon
Only prayer can save our nation and allow it to flourish! Join parishioners as part of a national movement to pray the
Rosary in public. We will pray alongside Route 111 in front of St. Jude’s on October 15 at 12noon.
A Day With Mary – A Eucharistic, Marian retreat – September 10, 9am-2pm at St. Jude’s
Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate for a free, day-long retreat held at St. Jude from 9am-2pm. This retreat includes Adoration, Confessions, Mass, a movie about Fatima, talks, a procession, and time of fellowship with other Catholics. The Franciscans of the Immaculate with inspire and encourage you into a deeper love for Jesus and His Blessed Mother! No cost, and you can find out more information at www.daywithmarywest.org .
Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference – A men’s conference in West Hartford, Sept. 25
Calling all Catholic men! The 15th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference brings together men from all across the state for a day of dynamic talks, rousing music, times of prayer, and fellowship with other men who love Jesus. Bishop Caggiano is the keynote speaker, along with such big Catholic names as Fr. Chris Alar and more. We’re trying to get a group to go, and the first ten people to register will go for FREE (contact Fr. Joseph for more information). You can register online at www.ctcatholicmen.org .
Blessing of Pets – In honor of St. Francis, on October 2 at 2pm at St. Jude’s
Bring your pets for a special blessing on the plaza of St. Jude’s on Sunday, October 2nd, in honor of the feast of St.
Francis!
Praying for the Deceased – All Souls Day, November 2 at 4pm
All parishioners are invited to join us for a pilgrimage to three cemeteries on the Feast of All Souls (Nov 2). We will meet at St. Jude’s at 4pm and travel together to several cemeteries, praying special prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. All are welcome.
Groups & Ministries
Men’s Group – Every 2nd and 4th Monday, at St. Stephen’s Rectory
All Catholic men are invited to gather for fraternity, prayer, and sharing their Faith every other Monday at St. Stephen’s Rectory. Come and build friendships in Christ while growing in your relationship with Him. For more information, contact Gerard Agoglia at gfxagoglia@gmail.com .
Mom’s Group – Every 4th Wednesday, in St. Jude’s Social Hall
All moms are invited to gather for prayer, discussion, food, and fellowship with other mothers! Join us every last Wednesday of the month for book discussions, conversations on parenting and faith, and social time. 7pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com .
Women of St. Stephen’s – Every Second Tuesday at St. Stephen Rectory at 12noon
All women are invited to join us for prayer, fellowship and community, and to plan, promote and carry out events
for the parish. For more information, contact Pat McLean at papem4ever@gmail com
Bereavement Group – Every Tuesday from 4-5:30pm at St. Stephen’s Rectory from Sept 13-Nov 15
If one suffers the grief of losing a loved one, they needn’t suffer alone. Bereavement groups can be an aid to healing the pain of loss. We invite all those who struggle with grief to attend the bereavement group at St. Stephen’s rectory every Tuesday from 4-5:30pm. There is hope in our Faith and in our community! Contact Carol Gannon for more information at cgannon1626@gmail.com.
Youth
Kid’s Club – Monthly on First Sundays for all kids grades 1-5
All kids are invited to join us for a fun monthly gathering! Prayer, games, crafts, and encountering Jesus! We will meet every first Sunday of the month, starting in October, from 3-5pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. This year’s theme is “Be A Saint!” Virtus-trained parents are welcome to help chaperone! For more information, please contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
Mary’s Messengers Children’s Prayer Group – Wednesdays from 6-6:30 pm in the St Jude Parish Center
All kids are invited to join a special children’s prayer group conveniently in between Wednesday’s Religious Education class sessions. We will learn to say the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other special prayers for the intentions of our families and Parish. For more information, contact Jessica Iannotta at Jessica.iannotta@stjuderc.com.
Youth Encounters – For all youth grades 6-12, on Fridays from 7-9pm
Young people are invited to join us for food, games, fellowship, prayer, and honest conversation about our Catholic Faith on Fridays during the Fall. Our Youth Encounters will take place on Sept 17, Sept 30, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 2, and Dec 16 from 7-9pm in the St. Jude Social Hall. All young people grades 6-12 are welcome! No cost, no sign-up, just show up!
