When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. - Luke 6:13-16
St. Jude is known as Judas or Thaddeus in the Bible. He was one of the original 12 Apostles called to follow Jesus. He listened to Jesus' words and immitated his actions. After the Resurrection, he carried Jesus' message to the world, showing all of us how to be disciples of Jesus. Here are some of the activities of St. Jude Parish that help us to follow Christ as disciples and to help others become better disciples of Christ:
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council exercises leadership in the parish by clarifying parish vision, facilitating and implementing the parish mission statement and determining parish priorities.
Involvement: The council consists of nine members who are selected for a three year term. The members are selected by a random drawing during a liturgy in May. Each year two trustees are elected to serve on the Parish Council. Trustees serve a functional and legal role, and attend either the Pastoral Council or Finance Committee meetings.
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings.
Contact: Fr. Tom at 235-7412
Finance Council
The Finance Council oversees the financial accounting and planning for the parish community. Members review the annual budget as well as plan for the financial future of the parish.
Involvement: The council consists of one lay trustee, the pastor, and additional members (with specific skills) invited by the Pastor.
Time Commitment: Meetings are held monthly.
Contact: Tom Donovan at 235-7412
Spanish Ministry
Our monthly liturgy in Spanish brings a multi-cultural presence to St. Jude the Apostle Parish. Formation, festivals, traditions and cultural integration allows us to grow and share our hospitality. Join us at the 1:00 pm Sunday Mass.
Contact: Mary Carmen at 235-7412
Community Life Committee
The goal of this group is to build up the community of the St. Jude the Apostle Parish family. It provides activities and programs that encompass both specific age groups and intergenerational groups.
Contact: Patti Christensen at 235-7412
Liturgical Ministries
Vibrant liturgies provide prayerful and inspiring celebrations that praise God and revitalize personal and community faith. The following ministries are overseen by our Worship & Spiritual Life Committee. Training for all ministers is provided.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the Scripture readings to all the faithful gathered at liturgy. Anyone with a good reading ability and a good reading voice may be a lector.
Time Commitment: Once a month at a specific mass.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Communion Ministers assist in serving the Body & Blood of Christ to the community. They may also wash and clean the vessels after Mass. Ministers must be confirmed, have a love and understanding of Eucharist, and attend a training session.
Involvement: Ministers are assigned to specific week(s) and mass times(s) each month. Training is provided.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Sacristans
There are various aspects of this ministry. This ministry is open to individuals who want to assist with liturgy preparation, care and maintenance of liturgical vessels, and many other areas. Liturgy preparation is also a good ministry for families.
Area of sacristan ministry: Altar Set-up before mass (individuals or families).
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Ministers of Hospitality
Hospitality Ministers extend a welcome to all people as they enter the church. This act sets the tone for a warm and inviting community and is crucial to the growth of our parish. Families are encouraged to sign up together.
Time Commitment: once or twice a month.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Ushers
Ushers share in the ministry of hospitality by creating an atmosphere of welcome and comfort for the weekend liturgies. The help find people seating, collect and present our financial offerings, and usher the community to receive Eucharist. All members are invited to participate in this ministry.
Time Commitment: Specified weekend masses at a monthly basis or specified weeks each month.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the priest during the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies. Altar servers (male and female) range in age from fourth grade through adult.
Time Commitment: Once or twice a month.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Funeral Altar Servers
Funeral Altar Servers are needed to give assistance to the presider and families at funeral liturgies.
Time Commitment: Two hours, usually in the morning, as needed.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Art and Environment Committee
This committee is a sub-comittee of the Worship and Spiritual Life Committee. It plans and prepares the worship environment from the moment people walk in the door of the church including the various flowers or banners. The goal of the ministry is to show the movement of the liturgical season through its arts. Many hands are welcomed as we change from one season to another.
Involvement: Volunteers are needed throughout the year. Extra help is especially needed at Christmas and at Easter.
Contact: Sue Martin at 233-3154, or Faye Gospodarek, 233-1507
Alter Linen & Vessel Ministers
These ministers assist with the laundering and repair of altar linens, sewing and repair of server and priest albs, changing of candles, and candle holder maintenance.
Time commitment: once or twice a month.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Music Ministries
These ministires invite the parish community into the prayer of song during our liturgical celebrations.
Adult Choir
This organization provides music leadership for the congregation. Choral arrangements are prepared to enhance liturgical music with harmonies and descants, yet still encouraging the congregation to sing along with the prayers of song. The choir is comprised of adults and young adults from grade 9 and up. Through rehearsals, individuals learn parts and read music from the scores. Volunteers are also introduced to vocal techniques to improve signing.
Time Commitment: Rehearsals are once a week from September through May, on Wednesday. The choir sings two Sundays a month and at special liturgical celebrations
Contact: Cynthia Hopkins, Director at 233-4044
Children's Choir
Children ages 7 - 10 are invited to share their gift of music, both vocal and instrumental, within our community through participation in our children's choir.
Time Commitment: The choir sings during Christmas and other seasons
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Funeral Choir
The Funeral Choir sings at funerals as requested. Most funerals are during the weekday. Rehearsals are conducted one hour before the funeral.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Instrumentalists and Cantors
Together, cantors and accompanists offer support for community prayer through song and reflection. Anyone with good vocal sound or an ability to play an instrument are encouraged to help in the power of prayer though song. We are in need of all instruments.
Involvement: A schedule is set up for the weekend services and cantors or instrumentalists will be scheduled within their time availability. Practices will be scheduled as necessary.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Small Music Groups
For musicians who are not able to join the choir, singing or playing in a small group my be an appealing option. Small groups provide music at various liturgies. Practice occurs one hour before the specific mass.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Faith Formation Board
This board promotes and oversees Catholic faith formation for all members of our parish. The following ministires promote the fostering of Christian development for all ages.
Time Commitment: quarterly meetings
Contact: Deacon Kurt Grube at 235-7412
Unified Catholic Schools of Oshkosh
Our Catholic schools plan an important role in our faith development. Our children receive a quality education, as well as a solid basis for their Catholic faith development. Unified Catholic Schools offer a safe community for our children to develop as a person of faith. We support our schools through prayer, finances, and service.
If interested in quality Catholic education, please contact our school offices at 426-3626
Religious Education - Children's Liturgy of the Word
Our Liturgy of the Word Program is offered as part of our 9:30am Mass on Sundays during the School year. Young children age 3 to 1st grade are gathered together at the beginning of Mass to hear a reflection on that Sunday's Gospel in age-appropriate, bite sized portions. The children return to the congregation to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their families.
This program is FREE to all parish members! It is a great way for our little ones to begin their faith formation and offers parents the opportunity to concentrate on the Gospel more fully without distractions.
Contact: Michele Zowin at 235-7412, ext. 4
Religious Education - Elementary Program
It is our belief and understanding that the home is the most influential force in the life of a child. Religious education is the HELPMATE of the home. Our parish, in partnership with its families, serves to educate and share God's love with the youth in our community. The Elementary Religious Education Program offers numerous opportunities to participate in community service projects, prayer, and worship. Your child will not just learn ABOUT their faith in a classroom setting, but learn to LIVE faith in their daily lives. We welcome you to be involved! Warning: Extremely rewarding!
Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Children's Liturgy of the Word, Catechists, Classrom Aide, Summer Vacation Bible School, Children's Choir Assistant, and Event Planners.
Contact: Michele Zowin at 235-7412, ext 4
Religious Education - Middle School Program
The Middle School Religious Education Program is a three year design (grades 6 through 8) that covers the major topics, in an age-appropriate manner, addressed the the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students cover these topics every other week in their small group sessions with the catechists. On the opposite weeks, students meet in large groups with students from all three grades. These meeting include special presentations, guest speakers, videos, prayer, and worship, etc. The goal of the Middle School Religious Education program is to teach the teens about the belief system of the Church in a manner that relates to their everyday lives.
Contact: Deacon Kurt Grube at 235-7412
Youth Ministry / Religous Education - High School Program
Our High School Ministry moves beyond a traditional understanding of religious education. We implement an all-inclusive youth ministry program that addresses the many different needs of teenagers, including: pastoral care, evangelization, catechesis, prayer & worship, community life, justice and service, and advocacy. This vision includes increasing the offerings and expectations for high school students beyond the sacrament of Confirmation and traditional classes. Our youthministry programming includes large and small group gatherings, and non-gathered activities, and provides many different volunteer opportunities for adults of all backgrounds, ages, and faith levels.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Catechists, Classroom Aides, Volunteer Youth Ministers, Confirmation Preparation Assistants, Office Duty Assistants, and Event Planners.
Contact: Kristin Bird at 231-9782
Adult Education
The learning process continues as we mature. Adults are urged to continue to grow in the knowledge and practice of their faith and in their spiritual life. During the year, there will be programs, activities, and events that will shape our minds and hearts as spiritual people.
Contact: Patti Christensen at 235-7412
Young Adult Ministry
Reaching out to single and married young adults challenges all of us to continue to grow inour faith. Various means are being pursued to bring this group together.
Contact: Fr. Joel at 235-7412
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
This initiation process begins the Catholic journey of faith. It is a gathering of parishioners and those interested in becoming fully accepted into the Catholic Church to learn Catholic doctrine, study scripture, and share life and faith experiences. There are three ways to be involved:
Catechist - If you are confirmed and would enjoy explaining and teaching the Catholic Faith to other adults, become part of the RCIA team. Training is provided.
Sponsor - Choose to walk with a candidate by being their sponsor. There is a six month commitment for this process.
Prayer Partner - Choose to pray for a candidate by being their prayer partner. This is a six month commitment.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412
Specialized Ministries
Marriage Preparation Ministry
FOCCUS stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study. FOCCUS Ministry consists of couples who help 'facilitate' the process of preparing our engaged couples for marriage. We are in need of couples who are willing to work with engaged couples. Training is provided.
Contact: Fr. Tom at 235-7412
Baptism Preparation Team
The purpose of the team is to prepare parents of the infant candidates for the sacrament of Baptism and to help them understand the commitment they, as parents, are undertaking. The Baptism Preparation Team builds up the community of Christ within the parish.
Contact: Rhonda Uschan at 235-7412 |
