Baptism is the primary sign of initiation into the family of God and an exciting time for families. Your parish family at St. Jude wants to join in that celebration. Parents should be registered and active members of the parish. We also want you to fully understand the commitment you are making when deciding to baptize your children as Catholics. First time parents need to attend a two meetings focusing on the purpose, effects, rite and symbols of the sacrament. There is an introduction to the seven sacraments, and we discuss raising your child in the Catholic faith traditions.  It is recommended that both parents attend the meetings before the birth of your child so that there will be no delay in scheduling a baptism date once the baby is born. It is strongly encouraged to attend the class prior to choosing Godparents.  If you have not attended a baptism class in the last five years, we strongly encourage you to attend one of the classes as a refresher.

Meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the parish center. Baptisms are usually scheduled on Sundays at 12:15.  Dates can be scheduled once the meetings have been completed.

Please call the Director of Religious Education, Julie Schleitwiler (260-484-6609), to register for the classes. Children in grade 2 through high school who seek Baptism will attend classes themselves. Call Julie  (484-6609) for further information. Adults who wish to be baptized will learn about the Catholic faith through the RCIA program. Call Deacon Jim Tighe (260-484-6609) for further information. 

Preparation for reception of First Eucharist takes place in second grade. The St. Jude School and the Religious Education Program thoroughly prepare the students through various activities over a period of months. A Rite of Enrollment is celebrated  and two parent sessions are scheduled. All students must have at least 2 years of religious formation to be prepared for the reception of First Eucharist. All students attend Gathering Day, a retreat, formation and practice day, prior to First Communion. Older students seeking to receive their First Eucharist should contact the Director of Religious Education, Julie Schleitwiler (260-484-6609).

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation takes place during the seventh and eighth grades in Religious Education and St. Jude School. At least two years of religious education are required as preparation.  Two parent meetings are held to share the preparation of the youth and to have an opportunity to renew and grow in our understanding of the depth of the sacrament. A Saturday evening retreat is held for candidates and sponsors prior to Confirmation. Older students or adults who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation should contact Deacon Jim Tighe with the RCIA program.

Preparation for first Reconciliation of children takes place in the second grade in our parish school and the Religious Education Program. Parents are required to attend two classes to assist them with this preparation so the home and school/Religious Education program can work together.  First Reconciliation is a family celebration.

See the Home page or bulletin for listing of regularly scheduled Reconciliation times.

This sacrament is offered to Catholics who have a serious illness or are infirmed by age. Please call the parish office if you or someone you know is hospitalized, facing surgery, or otherwise in need of the sacrament. Communal anointing services are offered in the church four times a year. Watch the bulletin for dates.

We ask for at least six months preparation time in planning a wedding. Marriage preparation includes meetings with a priest and with an assigned married couple, and a day-long diocesan workshop. The ceremony can be planned with the priest and with our parish music director. Contact Msgr. Robert Schulte at 260-484-6609 ext 1001 or rschulte@stjudefw.org or with any questions or to start marriage preparation.

If you, or someone you know, would like to discuss the steps to serve the church in the priesthood, please contact Msgr. Robert Schulte at 260-484-6609 ext 1001 or rschulte@stjudefw.org