Stewardship is something we do, and there are a number of ways to share time and talent with the Church. The following groups and committees are some of the primary ways to participate in the life of the Church; see the Time and Talent handout for a complete listing of parish groups.

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is the primary directive and visionary body of St. Jude. The council provides a voice for parishioners and sets parish goals with the pastor through meetings typically on the second Thursday, every other month or as needed. Pastoral Council members are elected through a vote by existing council members.

Altar servers

Being an altar server is a great way for youth to participate actively in Mass, take a leadership role in the church, and serve the parish and the priest. The ministry of altar serving gives our youth a way to increase their faith, their knowledge of Mass and the Eucharist, and their understanding of what it means to be a Catholic. The altar servers at St. Jude find great satisfaction in being a part of Mass and find deeper meaning in serving God and the Church. If you are interested in learning more about being an altar server, contact the office.

Justice and Peace

Here at St Jude the Justice and Peace committee works to educate our members and parish in the area of Catholic Social Teaching and how this effects our daily lives locally and globally. Justice and Peace works closely with our local ministries to assist with help where its needed.  We assist The Haitian ministry,  the Catholic College Ministry,  prison ministry as well as other community programs that help the less fortunate people that are in our own back yard. As Catholic Christians we are called to promote justice and peace in our daily lives many times in the Bible.  It is our responsibility to respond to that call with dignity and respect. We raise awareness and help with topics such as abortion, capitol punishment, euthanasia, hunger, poverty, religious liberty, unemployment and many other issues that are locally and globally faced on a daily basis. The justice and peace committee meets every month and we invite you to join us to help evaluate these social concerns as well as keeping God's work alive in our daily lives as Catholics. 

Sanctity of Life

The St. Jude Sanctity of Life Committee (SLC) promotes and defends the sanctity of life from conception until natural death according to the teachings of the Catholic Church through prayer, service and education. The SLC leads, coordinates and participates in various activities including the annual March For Life event in Washington D.C.; the prayerful and peaceful 40 Days For Life campaigns; the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) fundraising efforts to provide educational and material alternatives to pregnant women in distress; and garnering diocesan funding for sanctity of life activities. Additionally, the SLC strives to educate the faithful on Church teaching concerning marriage, family, and the sanctity of life in all stages through media and speakers. The SLC collaborates with numerous St. Jude parish organizations, neighboring Catholic churches, and the campus ministries of Radford University and Virginia Tech. This committee meets every other month. All are welcome to attend and participate as they are able.

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary ministers assist with distribution of the Eucharist at Mass, and may be asked to bring Communion to the homebound or sick. Training is provided; one must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation to be eligible.

Lectors

Parishioners with the ability to speak out clearly and proclaim the readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Training is required and provided, one must be 16 years or older.

Choir

The choir is a vital aspect of music ministry whose primary purpose is to enhance worship. All parishioners with an interest in singing are welcome to join the choir. The choir has weekly rehearsals during the school year.

Finance Council

Volunteers review and discuss the parish budget, financial statements, and advise the pastor. Finance Council works with other parish committees and makes financial recommendations and oversees fund drives. The council meets every other month (and only once during the summer). 

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. St. Jude Council 11639, with over 50 members, meets monthly for dinner at the homes of members. Being a Knight involves a commitment to our community, St. Jude Church, and our families. We welcome Catholic men 18 years of age and older. To learn more about our council, feel free to attend one of our monthly meetings.

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee's function is to ensure the celebration of Mass is reverent and that it elevates the worship of parishioners. The committee works with the pastor in planning and execution of the Mass and other liturgical activities in accordance with the USCCB and Diocesan guidelines. Committee members also decorate the church based on the liturgical season.

Women of St. Jude

The Women of St Jude exists to encourage socializing opportunities and friendship among women in our Parish. All are welcome! There is no requirement for any type of membership other than interest in our activities and meetings. We meet monthly and hold one major fund raiser event biannually, a yard sale at the church with which we support youth ministry and respond to modest requests from our parish and parish groups.