St. Jude Catholic Church Newsletter — Aug-Sep-Oct 2021

aug/sep/oct

2021

St. Jude School

Ready to Kick Off Exciting New School Year

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hen St. Jude School opens on Aug. 4, the students and teachers will be celebrating being together again with the theme “To Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”

“Besides offering acts of service, we’ll be bringing back song and laughter and a sense of community and helping each other, celebrating with joy being together,” says principal Beth Meece.

In the wake of last year’s pandemic restrictions, the students and teachers were unable to celebrate Mass together. Social distancing required them to have several Masses with fewer attending each, and classes alternated weeks with virtual and in-person learning. This year, however, everyone can celebrate Mass together.

“We’re looking forward to building a sense of community and bringing back the joy that was somewhat missing,” Mrs. Meece says.

As the school year gets underway, the faculty and staff will be helping the students grow stronger in their faith. Students will be given concrete ways to apply their Catholic faith as they live it daily. They

St. Jude students share a spirit of joy and community with each other and their teachers.

will receive opportunities to perform acts of service, as well as to show gratitude and celebrate all God has given them.

“We’re building on the parish’s theme of ‘Rebuild My Church,’” Mrs. Meece says. “We’ll find ways for families to rebuild as well, and bring faith to the forefront.” continued on page 2

St. Jude School Ready to Kick Off Exciting New School Year continued from front cover As school life anticipates returning to normal activities, students who may have struggled with virtual learning have been attending summer school.

Our lower grade teachers have been receiving training through the Orton-Gillingham method to help students with their reading and writing skills. A grant has made it possible for our teachers to receive support for helping ESL students, and another grant has enabled the school to upgrade its technology. In addition, progress is being made on the playground project.

Before the school year begins, students in the lower grades have been attending the “Jump Start” session.

“This weeklong activity gets them familiar with their teachers and gets them back into a learning mode as well,” Mrs. Meece says. “It’s a refresher.”

Support from our parish and parishioners is a vital community effort on behalf of St. Jude School.

“Faith isn’t something that can be compartmentalized,” Mrs. Meece says. “It has to be the [primary] aspect in all parts of life. This is where the sense of community is so important. Students see role models from the parishioners on weekends and see them living their faith. This will help sustain the students after their years here, as well.”

“Faith isn’t something that can be compartmentalized. It has to be the [primary] aspect in all parts of life. This is where the sense of community is so important. Students see role models from the parishioners on weekends and see them living their faith. This will help sustain the students after their years here, as well.” — Mrs. Beth Meece, Principal

The students at St. Jude School are looking forward to attending in-person classes this upcoming school year.

As the school year gets under way, the faculty and staff will be helping the students grow stronger in their faith.

Enrollment at St. Jude has been ongoing through the summer. Parents interested in enrolling their children may call the school at 317-784-6828. With the expansion of the state voucher program, the tuition has been made more affordable.

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A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?

Dear Parishioners,

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e are called to be the disciples of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is our calling — stewardship is the way we are to live the life we have been given. I don’t think we believers would or should argue the point. It begins with our Baptism and our new life as members of the Church.

There are no questions about it, even though we may not always remember that we have been called to discipleship — it is a lifelong process, and we are all works in progress. But please remember, we are God’s “works” that evolve moment by moment, day by day, and year after year.

To get more specific, we need to not only understand that stewardship is the expression of discipleship, but it is also the way in which we are to live our life. It is not a program — it is a way of life. I suppose at least once in our lifetime, we have been asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” Usually, that will happen at graduation, and how many of us have followed the path we thought we would at that time in our life? Perhaps we replied with a certain profession that may have interested us at the time. But there is always more to our answer than the title of a profession, just as there is more to our lives than just breathing. How do we use the gifts God has given to us? How we do so will define the life we live for God and the Church. That is our call to discipleship. It is how we should understand stewardship.

Many people ask me why I am so convinced that stewardship is a way of life. The simple answer I give is always the easy one and the most practical. My life as a faithful steward makes sense. The story of Christianity is filled with people like you and me who wonder and desire how to live as a disciple of Jesus

Christ. It is what we are to do with our lives. Our attitude must be formed to spend the time and the talents we have, to do our part for God’s Church. When does that become our priority? When does it become our way of life? These are the questions any believer must ask themselves when we think about our relationship with God, His Church, and the people around us. But, throughout my time in life as a priest, stewardship as my way of life makes sense and is more than possible with what God has given me to work with. It is the same with each of us. I am grateful for what God has given me and thankful I can live my life as His disciple. I say that not just as a priest, but as a baptized member of His family. I am thankful my parents brought me to be baptized a Christian and begin a life that would lead me, like all of us, to be the disciple we are called to be.

When we were baptized, no one asked us, “What are you going to do with your life?” If my parents and Godparents understood why we were all there, it should have been clear that we are all to be faithful stewards of all that God provides, beginning with the gift of life. That is why stewardship as a way of life is in my mind, heart and soul. That, too, was a gift from God for which I am most grateful. This is my calling, and “this” is what I am going to do with the rest of my life. What will you do with yours?

In Christ, Fr. Peter Marshall Pastor 3

Basic Questions About Our What is a Stewardship Renewal?

This isn’t a parish fundraiser – far from it. Our annual Stewardship Renewal is the time when we ask each other to re-prioritize the way we use God’s gifts in the Church. It is the time we write down how we will support St. Jude.

means.” So if you lose your job, you may be unable to give at the level you pledged. Likewise, if you get a promotion, you may be able to give more. That is why at St. Jude, our standard of giving is based upon a percentage of income.

What happens if I don’t fill out a commitment card?

Returning a card is an important part of being an active member of St. Jude. If for some reason you lose your card, we’ll send you a reminder letter with an extra commitment card. Please make every effort to return it!

Why should I fill out a commitment card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving, or what we at St. Jude call “time, talent, and treasure.” There’s a two-fold reason to complete your card. First, it is an excellent opportunity to move forward spiritually and personally. Second, when you fill out a card, our parish is much better able to manage our many volunteers and make budgeting decisions.

TIME, TALENT & TREASURE

Please bring your Commitment Card to Mass on Commitment Sunday, September 25-26. How will you use your time, talent and treasure in our parish?

How many parish ministries are there at St. Jude?

“Ministry” is a general term for any parish group, organization, or regular activity. There are dozens of ministries in our parish. You can sign up for certain ministries, or re-commit yourself if you’re already involved.

Stewardship of Time Our definition of Stewardship of Time: Using my

time on earth wisely; making time for personal prayer, family prayer, and quality time with friends and loved ones.

The bottom line about prayer: Without prayer, we cannot thrive spiritually. As Catholic Christians, it is a necessity to spend time each day speaking to God. This includes reading Scripture and saying prayers such as the Our Father and Hail Mary, but even more importantly, it should include a heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus. He wants us to bring him all our fears, longings, needs, and desires.

What if I sign up for a ministry, but later find I’m not very interested?

You are not making a solemn promise to participate in a particular ministry when you mark it on your commitment card. If you find that the parish group is different than you thought, or simply that their meeting time doesn’t fit your schedule, you can change your mind. There are plenty of other ministries to consider.

What kind of Time commitments should I make?

Your commitment card lists several suggestions for how to spend time with God in prayer. Review your current prayer life and take a step forward. For instance, start having daily prayers with your children or spouse. Commit to praying the rosary on the way to work or reading scripture before bed each night.

I’m hesitant to make a firm financial pledge. What if I lose my job?

Your commitment card isn’t a legal contract. If your circumstances change, your gift will change.

In Scripture, we are asked to “give according to our 4

Stewardship Renewal Stewardship Ta le n tof Talent

(continued)

Ta le n t

Our definition of Stewardship of Talent: Using my

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= Currently Involved = Inter God-given abilitiesested to strengthen in Joining Clearly write the first name of family memb er(s) on the line.

the= Church and help Currently Involved = Interested in Joining Clearly write the others, especially through parish ministries and firstactivities. name of family member(s) on the line.

Youth & Young Adult Ministry (cont.)

Sacramental Programs Young Adult Ministry Marr iage Preparati The bottom line about parish ministry: No on Cath Participant  Engaged Couple  Core Team olic Christian exists in a vacuum. Scripture makes it  Sponsor Couple clear that we must function within the wider faith Faith & Spir itual Formation  Vocations Committee community, putting  Cherub Church Volunteerour gifts in the service of others. sh Life  Children's Liturgy of the Wor It’s Volu notntee enough to go todSundayPari Mass; we need to be r  Men’s Club Family Form involved in parish life and ministry.  Paris ation Program h Festival Leadership Team  Participant  Women’s Club  Catechist  Young at Heart What kind of Talent commitments should I make?  Ministry of Mothers Sharing Past oral Care If you’re (MOMS)not involved in anything in our parish, now is  Parish Nursery Volunteer  Bereavem ent Support the perfect opportunity to take a step forward.

Check  Cancer Care Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RC IA) out our commitment card for a list of ministries.

If hers  Caring for Ot  Participant  Hom ebou nd/In  you’reCate already involved, re-commit yourself to the stitution chist Ministries important work you do. And if you feel God isitalit calling Hosp Rite of Christ y Committee ian Initiation for C hildren (RCIC)  Meals Ministry  Parti cipan t you forward – sign up for something new!  Mercy Meals  Catechist  Prayer Shawls couting Stewardship of Treasure Social Justice & Outreach  Cub Scouts (Participant) Our  Cubdefinition  Beggars The Scouts (Leader)of Stewardship of Treasure: for the Poor and Girl Scou resources; Changing Live articipant) s Forever wise justts (P management of my financial giv Girl Scouts (Leader)  Christmas Giving Tree ing a Scou proportionate amount of my income to Inte thernati parish.   ts BSA (Participan onal Outreach t)  Scouts BSA (Leader)  Pro-Life Ministry/Birthline  Rosary Makers The line about financial support: We need  Scrip ture bottom  Society Study of St. Vincent de Paul  Small Church Communities to take seriously the Biblical concept of the tithe, and  Vacation Bible School Voluntee r

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start giving based on a percentage of income. It’s our continued on next panel responsibility to support the Church with our personal involvement and our financial support.

What kind of Treasure commitments should I make? Our goal at St. Jude is to give five percent of income to the offertory. Grab a calculator and figure out your target gift based on your total household income. Then make a plan for increasing your gift incrementally to reach five percent. During our Stewardship Renewal, choose a weekly or monthly gift to the parish, and be faithful to it for the next year.

Spouse: Phone Spouse: Email Address City

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Please complete this card and bring it to Mass, mail it using the envelope provi ded or fill it out online: www.stjudeindy.or g.

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Meet the Homebound Ministry W

HEARTWARMING OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE IN FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

hether parenting, teaching, or volunteering, we may not see the fruits of our labor right away. When visiting our homebound faith community members, however, you see their joy and their gratitude instantaneously.

“We are so very much appreciated for visiting with the homebound,” says Patti Collins. “You see that immediately when you visit with them one-on-one and get to know them.

Going into a home or a facility isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it is a very heartwarming experience.”

St. Jude’s Homebound Ministry offers pastoral outreach from the parish to those who aren’t able to physically come to the church. This ministry is available for any parishioner who is unable to come celebrate the Mass in person.

Some parishioners might need long-term home visits because of infirmity or disability, while others might be temporarily recovering from surgery.

“Whether they’re at home or in a facility, we try to minister to them,” Patti says. “We bring Communion to them in their homes or if they are in one of the facilities that we visit through a Communion service or to their individual rooms.”

Typically ministry volunteers visit five facilities, and the volunteers are on a rotating schedule so that they only go once every four weeks.

“We are at each facility once a week, and we have two Communion services that are on Sunday and one on Thursday,” Patti says. “Then, we have two facilities where we go to individual rooms.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ministry members were unable to visit the homebound for some time, and instead, volunteers made phone calls, sent cards, and did groceries for

these faith community members so that they would still be connected to the life of the parish.

“Then we started back with the homebound much sooner than those in facilities,” Patti says. “We were wearing masks and gloves and were able to start visiting facilities again in the spring of 2021.”

The ministry also began sending bulletins to homebound parishioners and then started an electronic bulletin.

“Many of our homebound don’t have access to the internet though,” Patti says. “We were mailing out 65 or 70 a week and were printing the whole newsletter. Sometimes it would be 91 cents per newsletter in postage. Now we are mailing to about 33 people and are only sending the adult-related information.”

Another way the parish ministers to the homebound is through our Confirmation candidates who made cards and reached out to them during the past year. A parishioner also started a card ministry for the homebound in facilities.

“They started for Christmas and sent cards to over a thousand people,” Patti says. “They have continued doing that — buying cards, writing notes, encouraging them — and now are supported by several people.”

The Homebound Ministry needs more volunteers, and everyone is welcome to become involved. Interested parishioners will be trained as Eucharistic Ministers and should be confirmed and in good standing with the Church so that they can distribute Communion.

“We even have two groups of teens who are ministering to our homebound, and that has been awesome,” Patti says. “The people they visit just light up when they see them.”

If you would like more information about St. Jude’s Homebound Ministry, please contact Patti Collins at 317-786-4371 (parish office), 317-507-3190 (cell), or pcollins@stjudeindy.org.

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Ministry Spotlight

Altar Server and Master of Ceremony Ministry

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Faithfully Sharing Talents at the Altar of Our Lord

he sacrifice at the altar is the most important part of the Mass, and the Eucharist is at the center of the Catholic faith. Since the Mass is of the utmost importance, altar servers, lead servers and masters of ceremony play a key role. All ministries are important, but in these ministries, youth assist at the altar.

Of course, all these youth show reverence and respect for the Mass.

At St. Jude, we invite youth of fifth-grade age and up to serve as altar servers. Those in eighth grade can fill the lead server role. As young men move to high school, they can serve as a master of ceremony, or MC. Young women are invited to continue a leadership role as a Mass coordinator or sacristan.

The word “liturgy” originates partly in the Greek word for “work.” Deacon Dave Henn, who coordinates these ministries, agrees with that definition — Mass is work, but it’s good work.

“What is unique to the ministers, from priests and deacons and altar servers and sacristans, is the re-

ward is experiencing communal worship in a specific way,” Deacon Dave says. “Your work directly relates to and impacts the liturgical experience.”

These ministries are also unique in that they are in direct service to the priest and deacon. Servers and MCs set an example to the rest of the congregation with their reverence during Mass.

Each of these ministries has a different set of tasks during the Mass. Altar servers, sometimes called acolytes, assist with the basic and essential liturgical activities, such as serving as cross and candle bearers and book bearers. They help with preparing the altar as the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins and help remove the sacred vessels used during Mass.

Altar servers usually ring the bells during the consecration.

Youth in eighth grade who have experience serving in the ministry of altar serving may progress to the role of lead server. Lead servers assist the altar servers in carrying out their duties during liturgies. continued on back cover

Altar servers, lead servers and MCs assist at Mass in 2021.

These ministries are unique in that they are in direct service to the priest and deacon.

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5353 McFarland Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 786-4371 www.stjudeindy.org MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Mass Saturday Anticipation — 5:00 p.m.

Sunday — 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Weekday Mass Tuesday/Thursday — 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday/Friday — 8:30 a.m.

Holy Day Mass See Bulletin Sacrament of Reconciliation Tuesday/Thursday — 5:00-5:45 p.m.

Saturday — 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Anytime by appointment

Altar Server and Master of Ceremony Ministry continued from page 7 “Lead servers truly are the servant’s servant, as part of their role is to see to it that the altar servers perform their functions surely and well,” Deacon Dave says.

Once youth reach high school age, some young men are invited to serve as an MC. This is a chance to delve more deeply into what life as a priest is like.

“High school is the age we are going to start recognizing the difference in vocational calls between men and women in the church,” Deacon Dave says. “MCs work closely with the deacon and priest in liturgical functions. MCs must think two steps ahead of the liturgy in order to anticipate the needs of the

priest, deacon, other ministers, and the faithful assembled together.”

Deacon Dave invites all youth in fifth grade to consider stepping forward to serve as an altar server.

It’s a rewarding ministry that is so important in the Mass. And anyone with a desire to serve a Mass ministry should consider their gifts and use them for the glory of our Lord.

“A person would find these ministries rewarding if they come into liturgy with a servant’s heart,” Deacon Dave says. “They are all important — from the first person to arrive, to the person who turns the lights out on Sunday evenings.”

If you would like to learn more about serving in these essential ways, please contact Deacon Dave Henn at 317-413-0894 or dmhenn@gmail.com.