Parish Ministries-Social Outreach

Bereavement
Members serve as facilitators between the grieving family, the Church office, and the parish community. Members visit and offer emotional, spiritual, and practical help to the family in their time of grief along with a lap blanket made by the St. Martha Ministry.

Bereavement Support Group
Parishioners are offered an opportunity to meet privately or in a group session with a local bereavement counselor. To make an appointment, contact Charmaine Biossat at 766-2431.

Blood Drive
Bi-annual( September and May) drive allows St. Jude parishioners to donate their blood for the good of the St. Jude and larger communities. Coordinated with the OLOL Blood Bank.

Catholic Daughters
Join a group of ladies who truly reach out and care. CDA is a fraternal organization of Catholic women (18 or older) providing individual, corporate, social, and spiritual service on the parochial, diocesan, state and national levels. CDA members host a monthly Coffee and Doughnuts (second Sundays) Reception in the Parish Hall after 8 AM Mass and have their Corporate Communion Sunday that day. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the St. John Room. Other activities include: National CDA Sunday, Christmas Party, Annual Women’s Morning of Reflection, Religious Article Sale, Annual Easter Egg Hunt, First Eucharist Reception, and the Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser.

Giving Tree
Volunteers are needed to assist with making ornaments and Christmas Tree decorating for the church, sorting and collecting packages and assist with preparing packages for distribution. This time sensitive program is usually done over a one month period during November and first week of December for a commitment of 1-3 days of assisting the church. Contact: Charmaine Biossat ,766-2431

Greetings by Mail
Mail cards to St. Jude parishioners in area hospitals. Get-well, sympathy, etc. are gladly sent upon request. A beautiful expression of saying “We Care.”

Homebound Ministry
Parishioners who visit homebound parishioners and offer prayer and the Sacrament of Eucharist; also includes visits by the pastor for the sacrament of reconciliation. Contact: Charmaine Biossat at 766-2431

Hospital Visitation
This group visits St. Jude parishioners in area hospitals, bring a lap blanket made by the St. Martha Ministry and will do home visits upon request. A smile, prayer and comforting heart are a must to be a part of this ministry.

Hospitality - The “Triple A” (AAA) Club - Adult Activity Assistants
Be available to offer assistance with parish receptions and/or other social events, especially Missions, Receptions, First Communion, and Confirmation (4-5 times a year.) Share your talents of organizing, floral arranging, baking, being hosts/hostesses, offering a friendly smile, etc.

Men's Club
Any male parishioner (age 21+years) is invited to join to assist and support the parish and school in projects, programs, events, grounds keeping, etc. Meetings are held quarterly. The SJMC sponsors a grant program to assist with funds for various ministries. Visit the St. Jude Men's Club website. The SJMC will be hosting the Feast of St. Jude Picnic this year on Sunday, Nov. 2nd after the 11:30 AM Liturgy on the deck.

Ministry of Diversity Awareness
A ministry in progress that seeks to understand and celebrate the cultural diversity of our faith community.

Prayer Line
Brings people of St. Jude together in prayer for the needs of fellow parishioners or anyone requested. Prayer requests are called in and passed on to other members who pray for those needs at a time of their own choosing.

Prison Outreach
Group of men who volunteer their time once per month to bring Eucharist to Maximum Security Inmates at Angola. Currently exploring ministry to include RCIA and the Faith Sharing communities programs. A chance to make a real difference in a person’s life.

Knights of Columbus
A Catholic, family-oriented, fraternal organization. The Knights work toward the Christian goals of unity, fraternity, and charity. They endeavor to set examples of Christian charity and promotion of Catholic values both in the church parish and in the community. KC members sponsor a monthly Coffee and Doughnuts Reception (fourth Sundays) after 8:00 AM Mass where the Family of the Month is announced and recognized. Any adult male who is a practicing Catholic and is 18 or older is eligible for membership. KC Officer’s Meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the St. Mark Room at 7:00 PM KC Business Meetings are usually held on the 4th Thursday of every month in the Parish Hall at 6:00 PM. Other activities include Barbecue Dinner Fundraisers and Desserts, Annual Tootsie Roll Drive for Mentally Handicapped, Christmas Party, and Past Grand Knights/Awards Banquet. Visit our Web site.

Kaycee Ladies Auxiliary
Ladies promote fellowship through religious and social activities by assisting our Knights of Columbus in all of their endeavors.

Parish Disaster Preparedness Team
In the wakes of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Gustav so many parishioners came forward to lend a helping hand. We would like to form a structured team now to promote effective planning for the parish for disaster preparedness and response. Please consider committing to be a Parish Disaster Volunteer (PDV).

St. Anne
Members welcome newly baptized infants in our community and support their families by sending cards and/or visiting.

St. Martha Ministry
Members gather (either day or night groups) to knit and crochet lap blankets, shawls, and hats for the homebound, ill or bereaved in our parish. Contact: Mary Rogers, 766-2431

St. Vincent de Paul
Men and women show dedicated love and care in personal service to the poor. The members of this ministry conduct independent interviews with each applicant at the parish ministries building. Assistance is provided on the basis of need after screening of applicants. They also prepare and distribute Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets to the needy each year. The members meet on Monday afternoons (except for holidays) from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Ministry/Education building. Recipients of funds must bring a picture ID, a copy of their lease agreement and the bill they need assistance with. Visit the St. Vincent de Paul Web site.

Scouts
Boys and girls scouting troops are very active as they continue to develop Christian ideals and values. Visit the Boy Scout Web site.

Welcome New Parishioners
Members of the staff and the Area Representatives seek to welcome our new parishioners on a monthly basis through a phone call and visit (if desired)