As Catholic Christians, the people of St. Jude Catholic Parish are a worshiping community and a sacramental people. As a people who have passed through the waters of Baptism, we are called to celebrate our faith in a public manner. The purpose of our liturgy is to proclaim and invoke the reign of God; to do what Jesus has done and what He has commanded us to do in His memory. To accomplish this, the liturgy requires the full, active, conscious participation of the assembly. Our sacramental tradition also allows us to be public persons of faith, to experience God and reflect on that experience in deeply powerful ways. Sacraments are means of divine grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, which truly make present what they signify. Because we understand Baptism to be primary, all ministers come out of the assembly of the baptized.
It is encouraged that candidates for these sacraments be enrolled and in regular attendance in christian formation classes the year prior to, as well as the year of, the celebration of the sacrament. It is also expected that children and their parents will participate in preparation in addition to their regular class time.
It is encouraged that candidates for these sacraments be enrolled and in regular attendance in christian formation classes the year prior to, as well as the year of, the celebration of the sacrament. It is also expected that children and their parents will participate in preparation in addition to their regular class time.
Baptism
Baptism is the beginning of our journey of faith, a journey that deepens as we grow and mature in our relationship with the Lord. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated periodically throughout the year at the weekend liturgies. Baptism preparation classes for parents are required by the diocese. To assist the parents of this community who want to share their faith with their children and have them baptized, St. Jude offers a program of preparation. Please contact Sue Ellerbrock for more information.
A godparent must be a baptized, practicing Catholic in good standing, at least 18 years old. If married, a godparent must have a valid Catholic marriage. Parents are not eligible to be sponsors. The sponsor does not need to be a member at St. Jude, but must submit a letter from their pastor saying they are eligible to be a sponsor.
A godparent must be a baptized, practicing Catholic in good standing, at least 18 years old. If married, a godparent must have a valid Catholic marriage. Parents are not eligible to be sponsors. The sponsor does not need to be a member at St. Jude, but must submit a letter from their pastor saying they are eligible to be a sponsor.
Reconciliation
“When he was still far away, his father saw him and was moved with mercy. He ran to him and embraced and kissed him.” (Lk 15:20)
“The Church is solicitous in calling the faithful to continual conversion and renewal. It desires that the baptized who have sinned should acknowledge their sins against God and their neighbor. . . . The Church carries this ministry out by the Good News of salvation. . . .” (Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, 1973)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the way the church celebrates repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, our giftedness, and ongoing conversion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation presents us today with the task of healing and transforming our own individual hearts, as well as furthering Jesus’ mission of healing and transforming the sinful and unfinished condition of the world. The revised rite allows for the celebration of reconciliation of individual penitents as well as the celebration of a reconciliation service prior to individual confessions, emphasizing the relation of the sacrament to the community. Reconciliation, then, is an across-the-board matter: individual, familial, social, ecclesial. This Sacrament may also be celebrated at any time by scheduling an appointment with a priest. There are two parish reconciliation celebrations each year; one during Advent and one during Lent. We celebrate First Reconciliation annually for children in preparation for baptism.
First Reconciliation
The parish community supports and assists parents in preparing their children for the initial celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is a regular part of baptismal preparation.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments which initiate us into the Church.
“Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. Confirmation signs us with the gift of the Spirit and makes more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit so that we may bear witness in the world. Eucharist brings us to the table of the Lord for our eternal life and shows forth the unity of God’s people.” (Christian Initiation, Introduction)
In the early church all three initiation sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) were received at the same Easter Vigil. Through the centuries these sacraments have become separated and administered over a period of years. All three sacraments should be received before celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage and must be received before ordination to priesthood or taking of vows as a sister or brother in religious community.
The parish community supports and assists parents in preparing their teens for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. We follow the Guidelines of the Diocese of Richmond. In this Diocese, teens may prepare for and receive the Sacrament in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades. Each family and each teen are unique and at different places on their faith journey. Your teen should attend Mass regularly and express a desire to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Attending Christian Formation classes and youth group may also help in the spiritual journey.
Requirements for confirmation preparation:
Requirements for confirmation sponsors:
Youth must first be registered for christian formation classes at St. Jude or enrolled at home school. A separate confirmation registration form MUST be completed and submitted to the parish office along with a copy of the candidate’s baptismal certificate.
“Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. Confirmation signs us with the gift of the Spirit and makes more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit so that we may bear witness in the world. Eucharist brings us to the table of the Lord for our eternal life and shows forth the unity of God’s people.” (Christian Initiation, Introduction)
In the early church all three initiation sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) were received at the same Easter Vigil. Through the centuries these sacraments have become separated and administered over a period of years. All three sacraments should be received before celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage and must be received before ordination to priesthood or taking of vows as a sister or brother in religious community.
The parish community supports and assists parents in preparing their teens for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. We follow the Guidelines of the Diocese of Richmond. In this Diocese, teens may prepare for and receive the Sacrament in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades. Each family and each teen are unique and at different places on their faith journey. Your teen should attend Mass regularly and express a desire to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Attending Christian Formation classes and youth group may also help in the spiritual journey.
Requirements for confirmation preparation:
- Weekly attendance at Mass
- Faithful attendance at Sunday night christian formation classes or attendance at a separate confirmation preparation class
- Participation in at least one parish youth retreat
Requirements for confirmation sponsors:
- Baptized, practicing Catholic in good standing, at least 18 years old.
- Parents are not eligible to be sponsors.
- The sponsor does not need to be a member at St. Jude, but must submit a letter from their pastor saying they are eligible to be a sponsor.
- The sponsor meets at least once a month with the candidate
Youth must first be registered for christian formation classes at St. Jude or enrolled at home school. A separate confirmation registration form MUST be completed and submitted to the parish office along with a copy of the candidate’s baptismal certificate.
Eucharist
"And, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24–26)
“The Liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II)
The focal point of our parish community, the event which affects the most people, is the celebration of the Eucharist to Roman Catholics. We believe and hold true that the bread and wine offered at the Mass are transformed into the living body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ Jesus in the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we are brought into communion with the Lord and the Universal Catholic Church. Eucharist forms us as a community, and challenges us to mission; that is, sustains and provokes us to carry on the gospel message in our daily lives.
The presence of each member of the community is important at this public event, a sign of our faith. Parishioners are invited to take part in the preparation and celebration of Liturgy in a variety of ways: lectors, eucharistic ministers, cantors, choir members, altar servers, mass coordinators, ushers, and as members of the Liturgy Committee.
“The Liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II)
The focal point of our parish community, the event which affects the most people, is the celebration of the Eucharist to Roman Catholics. We believe and hold true that the bread and wine offered at the Mass are transformed into the living body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ Jesus in the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we are brought into communion with the Lord and the Universal Catholic Church. Eucharist forms us as a community, and challenges us to mission; that is, sustains and provokes us to carry on the gospel message in our daily lives.
The presence of each member of the community is important at this public event, a sign of our faith. Parishioners are invited to take part in the preparation and celebration of Liturgy in a variety of ways: lectors, eucharistic ministers, cantors, choir members, altar servers, mass coordinators, ushers, and as members of the Liturgy Committee.
Matrimony
“Love is patient; Love is kind; Love is not jealous. . . . Love never fails.” (1 Cor 13:4–8)
Christian marriage is a journey of faith and love, and as a vocation it is also one way of living a life of commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When a married couple attempts to grow in love through the practical concerns of each day, they make the love of Christ real and present in our world. This is why Christian marriage is a sacrament; it is a living symbol of Christ’s faithful, steadfast love the Church.
Please keep in mind that the marriage guidelines for the Diocese of Richmond require that a couple contact a parish priest or deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed wedding date.
Validation of Marriage
Since the Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament and an outward sign of grace, Christ authorized the Church through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to determine the requirements for the validity of the sacraments, including the Sacrament of Marriage. According to the Church teachings, it is a requirement for Catholics to be married according to the form (the proper rites) of the celebration of this sacrament. The Church seeks that all members of the Church be in marriages recognized, blessed, and convalidated by the Church according to the following form.
Christian marriage is a journey of faith and love, and as a vocation it is also one way of living a life of commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When a married couple attempts to grow in love through the practical concerns of each day, they make the love of Christ real and present in our world. This is why Christian marriage is a sacrament; it is a living symbol of Christ’s faithful, steadfast love the Church.
Please keep in mind that the marriage guidelines for the Diocese of Richmond require that a couple contact a parish priest or deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed wedding date.
Validation of Marriage
Since the Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament and an outward sign of grace, Christ authorized the Church through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to determine the requirements for the validity of the sacraments, including the Sacrament of Marriage. According to the Church teachings, it is a requirement for Catholics to be married according to the form (the proper rites) of the celebration of this sacrament. The Church seeks that all members of the Church be in marriages recognized, blessed, and convalidated by the Church according to the following form.
- This form requires that the marriage of Catholics be contracted in the presence of a bishop, priest or deacon. Exceptions can be made in certain circumstances, but only at the discretion of authorities of the Catholic Church. (Canon 1108) Only Catholics are bound by this form. If a Catholic party marries outside of this form and without permission, the couple needs to request the convalidation of their marriage.
- The Catholic Church does recognize the validity of marriages by non-Catholics with each other, but they are not held to this form. The Church considers the marriage between two baptized Christians (non-Catholic) as sacramental and there is no need for convalidation in this case.
- Catholics who are not living in marriages convalidated by the Church should not receive Holy Communion. The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic Communion. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1665)
Anointing of the Sick
“Is there anyone sick among you? Ask for the elders of the church. They in turn will pray among you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill and the Lord will restore you to health.” (James 5:14–15)
This sacrament is available at St. Jude to any Catholic who is ill, hospitalized, recovering from surgery or from any kind of sickness or crisis in their life. It focuses on our faith in the healing power of a compassionate God. It attempts to help those who are in need of spiritual, emotional and physical healing to experience the presence of Christ. Through the visible signs of anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, we turn to the Lord in prayer and ask for hope, comfort and healing for the sick and troubled.
This sacrament is available at St. Jude to any Catholic who is ill, hospitalized, recovering from surgery or from any kind of sickness or crisis in their life. It focuses on our faith in the healing power of a compassionate God. It attempts to help those who are in need of spiritual, emotional and physical healing to experience the presence of Christ. Through the visible signs of anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, we turn to the Lord in prayer and ask for hope, comfort and healing for the sick and troubled.
Holy Orders
The priest is ordained for a particular diocese or religious community and is a servant to that people. He is sent by the bishop and charged to ensure that the mission of Christ to teach, govern and sanctify is fulfilled in a particular place for a particular period of time. The pastor serves as the shepherd of the community, works in collaboration with the members of the parish, and as priest stands in the person of Christ in celebration of the sacraments. By ordination, the priest alone presides over the Eucharist which is celebrated by the entire community. The parish priest or deacon preaches, baptizes, witnesses marriages and conducts funerals. The pastor is assigned by the bishop to coordinate and oversee all the various ministries of the parish.
Pray for vocations to all these ministries, but especially pray for vocations to the priesthood. If you feel you may be called, contact the Diocesan Office of Vocations for more information.
Pray for vocations to all these ministries, but especially pray for vocations to the priesthood. If you feel you may be called, contact the Diocesan Office of Vocations for more information.