Spiritual Life

Altar Servers

Students in levels 4 through 8 who are members of St. Jude Parish have the privilege of serving on the altar. Altar servers receive training under the direction of a priest and parish sacristan. Students who choose this privilege are expected to fulfill assigned responsibilities and be on time. They are to be in the sacristy 10 minutes before the Liturgical Service.

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week is usually the last week in January in celebration of Catholic education nationwide. A new theme is chosen each year. Teachers, staff, students, and parents celebrate the theme and Catholic education with special assemblies, breakfasts, and school-wide activities. The Educational Enrichment Committee assists the teachers and staff in preparation of this week.

Sacramental Preparation

Preparation for the reception of the sacraments is an integral part of the ongoing process of religious instruction and formation at Sacred Heart. Specific preparation for the celebration of Reconciliation and First Communion takes place in second grade; preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation takes place in eighth grade. In addition to classroom instruction, students take part in programs provided by the parish (prayer services and rituals, family talks, retreats, service opportunities, etc.) which enrich and deepen sacramental understanding. A traditional St. Jude Parish schedule for these sacraments would the celebration First Reconciliation at the beginning of Lent and the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation in the Eastertime (between Easter and Pentecost).

School and Class Masses

Students attend Mass as a school community twice a month, usually once with the whole school and once with their own and one other grade. At the liturgy, children participate as readers, singers, altar servers, and gift bearers. Paraliturgical celebrations mark special events throughout the year—for example, the Advent Prayer Circle, the Christmas Lessons in Carols, and the Epiphany Blessing of the classrooms.

Service Learning

To follow Christ’s example to serve one another, students participate in service-learning experiences throughout the year. Older students have organized food drives, worked at a food bank, and sold coupon books of school privileges (no homework passes and so on), with the money going to charity. Younger students have written letters to soldiers, collected pennies for the poor, and gathered gifts for children from the parish’s Angel Tree Christmas program, as well as participating in the projects organized by the older students.