General Information
St. Jude Commission for Faith Formation Ministry
On this page... Most ministries include calendars & registration forms
- Our Faith Formation Mission
- Adult Formation Opportunites
- Welcoming Catholics Back Home
- Cherub Church07 Program Information Available)
- Religious Education - Elementary
- Family Days - Family-Centered Religious Education
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Kamp
- Adults Seeking to Become Catholic
- Adults Seeking Confirmation
- Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
- Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion
- Vacation Bible School
- Young Adult (20's) Gatherings
Mission and Commission Information
By teaching Catholic beliefs, traditions and values the Faith Formation Commission of St. Jude seeks to invite and empower those members of our parish and surrounding community to strengthen their relationship with God and enhance the spiritual life of our parish.
Three Year Goals (2007-2010)
- To renew the Traditional Elementary Religious Education program to foster community and invigorate the children's faith formation which will lead to better weekly attendance.
- To foster and grow the Family Centered Religious Education programs in our parish.
- To initiate a Confirmation program for adult Catholics separate from the RCIA. This program would be geared towards people who have had a fair amount of catechesis in their childhood, but missed RCIA for some reason. There might still be people better served by RCIA.
Commission Members for 2008-2009
Rachel Dees (2006), Bob Degitz (2006), Barb Fahringer (new 2010), Kelly Keenan (2008), Dennis Mack (new 2010) Sally McCarthy (new 2010) Tracy Smith (2008), Ron Sondgerath (2005), John Stewart (2005), Casey Strange (2009), Ryan Thomas (2009), and Melinda Wiley (new 2010)
Ex-officio, Non-voting Members
Annette Calloway (Director of Religious Education), Tammy Stewart (Level Coordinator, Children’s Ministries) and Nic Kovatch(Religious Education Apprentice)
Programs....
Adult Formation
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
St. Jude Parish is committed to offering a variety of quality adult formation programs. The selection of programs is always changing so please check out our adult formation web-page using the link below for more information. Some of things to look for 2010-2011 program year; the Great Adventure Bible Program, Financial Peace University, Indiana Master Naturalist Program, a Morning of Funeral and Estate Planning, a Marriage Encounter Weekend and a Parish Mission.
Adult Formation schedule at St. Jude & other formation in the area
On the adult formation page...
- Great Adventure Bible Study Series
- Financial Peace (Dave Ramsey)
- First Friday Coffee Club
- Funeral and Estate Planning Morning Seminar
- Morning of Reflection - Fruits of the Spirit
- Marriage Enrichment Weekend
- Indiana Master Naturalist Progrm
- 2011 Parish Mission
Other Adult Spirituality Available in the Parish ...
Welcoming Catholics Back Home
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
Have you been away from the Church for a while? Have you been hurt or angered by the Church? Maybe you have just drifted away? Have you ever thought about returning? If so, we would like to welcome you back to St. Jude Parish. We have a special ministry for people just like you who have been away from the Church. This group meets on 5-6 Thursdays, beginning after Easter, watch this space for more information. We would like to address your questions and make you feel at home once more in the Catholic Church. .
Cherub Church (Preschool Religious Education)
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
Cherub Church is a place where the little ones of our parish are cherished and discover God’s love through Bible stories, art, games, prayer, music and snacks. Cherub Church is offered to children ages 3 to 6, from September to April. Parents wishing to involve their youngsters, bring them to the gym during the 10:30 am Mass. This program is a beautiful way for children to develop a sense of community and belonging to the parish of St. Jude.
Religious Education
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
Let your community of faith help you as parents grow your children’s love for God and understanding of our Catholic Faith through the St. Jude Religious Education Program. This program takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:45-11:45 am in the school beginning on September 19th, 2010. Our sessions are split into two “semesters”, Fall Semester: September-November (ending before Thanksgiving with a Christ Our King Feast Day celebration) and Winter Semester: January-March (ending before Spring Break). This schedule frees up more Sundays for family time and allows for flexibility in which Mass families attend (8:30 or noon).
Anyone wishing to participate in this ministry as a catechist, or substitute catechist, should contact Tammy. Training for Catechist's is provided and includes RCL curriculum Echoes of Faith.
Family Days
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
What are Family Days? Several Times a year the Faith Formation team will offer a program created to allow families to learn more about their faith through interactive/fun event. These programs are offered on Saturdays after the 5 pm Mass and the themes are usually chosen to match the liturgical season. Watch you bulletin for the next family days offering.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
During the readings and homily at the 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and noon Masses, the week's Bible readings are translated into an easy-to-understand child's version along with some suggested questions and activities provided in instructional material to help relate the Bible readings to a child's life. All children who are 4 years of age through 3rd grade are invited to go with the Catechist and participate. Parents are encouraged to have their children attend. Adult volunteers are needed to teach prepared lessons at these Masses on a rotating basis.
Kamp
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
Kids And Moms at Play is a group of moms and kids that get together twice a month for fun and fellowship. The gathering is hosted in each other's homes during colder months and at area parks and playgrounds when weather permits. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Adults Seeking to Become Catholic (RCIA)
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
Have you considered joining the Catholic Church, but did not know what it would involve?
The formal faith journey that leads to full communion into the Catholic Church is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. The RCIA is a process of conversion. It is designed to be a journey of faith, to help one discern whether entering the Catholic Church is what is best for them. This is done through regular meetings with other inquirers to learn, pray and begin to see what life in this community is all about. In addition to these weekly meetings there are rites that take place to punctuate the stages of the person's faith walk. At St. Jude the group usually gets started in August and meets regularly on Wednesday nights.
Introduction/information meeting for those interested in the Rite of Christian Initiation will take place August 18, 2010 at 7pm in the church. No registration necessary, all interested parties welcome.
Fuller Description of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Adults Seeking Confirmation
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
For people who were baptized as infants, Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation. Once one has completed the reception of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation they are considered to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. It is a rite of passage and a recognition of a certain level of maturity in one’s faith life.
Sadly today, many adults have not received the sacrament of Confirmation. The reasons vary widely as to why they did not get confirmed before the end of high school, but now the busyness of adult life continues to impede them from completing the preparation necessary for reception of this sacrament. Until recently our parish has offered attendance in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions as the only avenue for preparation for this sacrament. For an individual whose faith life has been sparse or for people who are coming from another Christian tradition this process might be the very best way for them to renew the spirit within and prepare for active participation in the Catholic Church. For others the RCIA may not be fruitful, they need something that reaches them in their already active faith life.
Dates have not yet been set for the Spring 2011 sessions. Watch the bulletin for more information.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
Contact: Annette Calloway
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: acalloway@stjudeindy.org
The RCIC is a process of conversion for children of catechetical age whose parents wish to be initiated into the Catholic Church. This is done through regular meetings with other children to learn about the teachings of the Church. These sessions take place during the school season on Sunday Mornings and culminate with entry into the Church at the Easter Vigil service.
Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
Sacramental Preparation Policy: Regular attendance in a formal parish religious education program such as the Sunday Morning RE Classes, St. Jude School, or verified homeschooling program is required for children who wish to participate in the sacramental preparation program of our parish for Reconciliation and First Communion. This means that if you have a child wishing to prepare for Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade they must be participating in some formal program for both their first and second grade years.
Vacation Bible School
Contact: Tammy Stewart
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: tstewart@stjudeindy.org
VBS 2010 - Spend Awhile On the Nile
VBS 2010 is going to ancient Egypt. We'll explore Pharaoh’s palace and experience thrilling “real-life” dramas, play high energy games, sample tasty snacks, and hear unforgettable music. Families, join us for family night on July 18th 6:00pm-8:00pm. The traditional day time session will be Monday, July 19 through Thursday, July 22nd and is for ages 4 yrs to 5th grade. You can also register your child online or volunteer to help http://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/stjudevbs/gpgs/Landing.aspx
Young Adult Gatherings
Contact: Nic Kovatch
Phone: (317) 786-4371
Email: nkovatch@stjudeindy.org
Are you a young adult who’s interested in meeting other members of the parish your age, forming a prayer community, engaging in service or learning more about our faith? Do you know someone who is? St. Jude is interested in growing its young adult ministry program, and needs your feedback.
Link to Theology on Tap (Archdiocese Program)