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Parish Handbook |
A copy of the Parish Handbook can be found here in pdf format. It is found directly below in indexed format.
Saint Jude the Apostle
Catholic Church
2007-2008 Parish Handbook
Clergy
Reverend Monsignor James J. Fennessy, Pastor
Reverend Sebastian Andrade, Parochial Vicar
Reverend Martin Kopchik, MSFS, Parochial Vicar
Reverend Mr. Robert G. Riddett, Permanent Deacon
Reverend Kevin Peek, in Residence
Mass Schedule:
Sunday: 7 AM, 8:30 AM, 10 AM, 11:30 AM, & 6 PM
2:00 PM en Español, 7:30 PM em Português,
Saturday: 8:30 AM and Vigil Mass 5:30 PM
Weekdays: 7:30 AM & 6 PM
7171 Glenridge Drive
Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328
Office: 770-394-3896 Fax: 770-399-7866
Website: www.stjudeatlanta.com
WELCOME
We are a faith community of people
in the fullness of the Roman Catholic tradition,
serving one another and the larger community
in the name of Jesus Christ
crucified, risen and glorified.
SAINT JUDE THE APOSTLE PARISH was founded in 1960, in what
was then an undeveloped area of Sandy Springs, on land generously
donated by the Spalding family. Under the leadership of seven successive
pastors, we have developed into a lively and faith-filled parish which
includes people of all ages and backgrounds. Many parishioners have come
here from other places in the U.S., or from various countries around the
world. Our excellent parochial grade school serves the families of our parish
and the surrounding area, and we have many strong links with the local
civic community. As a parish, we are focused on the Eucharist, but we also
know how to celebrate, study and work together in a variety of other ways.
This handbook is a guide to our parish and its various ministries. Please
refer to the weekly bulletin for contact numbers and the most updated
information concerning events, programs and ministries.
CONTENTS
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
EDUCATION MINISTRIES
YOUTH MINISTRY
ADMINISTRATIVE MINSTRIES
PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
SPANISH & PORTUGUESE COMMUNITY
PARISH STEWARDSHIP
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
PARISH FACILITIES MAP
TO CONTACT ANY MINISTRY DESCRIBED IN THIS
BOOKLET, PLEASE REFER TO THE CURRENT CHURCH
BULLETIN .
The Liturgy Committee coordinates and plans Sunday, seasonal and special
feast liturgies. The ministry’s purpose is to facilitate the public worship of the
parish in a way that invites the full, conscious and active participation of all
the faithful. The committee includes four seasonal coordinators responsible
for Advent, Lent, Marian feast days and Holy Days, and eight coordinators
of liturgical ministries.
CONTACT: Bob Riddett, Parish Administrator (678-252-6111)
briddett@stjudeatlanta.net
The liturgical ministries are as follows:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Tuesday in
the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from 8AM until the 6PM Mass,
throughout the school year.
Altar Servers include boys and girls, grades 4 through 12, who are
trained to serve at all Sunday and Holy Day Masses, as well as at
weddings and funerals.
Art and Environment selects and arranges all flowers, designs and
places sacred art and decorations appropriate to each liturgical
season. They accept donations for altar flowers in honor of, or in
memory of individuals.
Baptismal Preparation is on the third Sunday of each month.
They teach the Sacrament of Baptism to parents of children who
will be baptized the following Sunday. The brief class is required.
Elijah Cup is a ministry of prayer by families in the Parish for
vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life, and the Permanent
Diaconate. Families in the parish volunteer to receive the Elijah
Cup and a diary at a Sunday Mass. The Elijah Cup is placed in a
prominent place in their home to remind them of their ministry of
prayer for vocation. Each member of the Family makes an entry in
the journal to describe the experience for the next family who takes
the cup. They return the cup on the next Saturday afternoon in the
sacristy, so that other families can continue this ministry.
Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest-celebrant in ministering the
Eucharist under the form of both bread and wine at Sunday and
daily Masses and at special feasts during the year. Mandatory
training is provided.
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick assist our priests in bringing
communion to parishioners who are sick, whether at home or in
the hospital. Mandatory training is provided. In addition, they
visit pregnant mothers in the hospital to deliver communion and
baptize the child if the child is in a life-threatening situation.
Lectors are trained to proclaim the Word of God to the assembly
in all the liturgical celebrations of the parish.
Sacristans care for altar cloths, vestments, candles, flowers and
sacred vessels. They clean the church for feast days and liturgical
seasons.
Ushers assist in seating people at Mass. They provide coordination
for the orderly reception of Communion, take up the collections
and assist parishioners and clergy as required.
Wednesday Rosary following the 6PM Mass each Wednesday.
Wedding Coordinators assist engaged couples with church related
details regarding their wedding. A wedding coordinator will meet
with the bride 3 – 4 weeks prior to the wedding. The coordinator
and the assistant are also present at the rehearsal and one hour
prior to the wedding to assist with the organization of the wedding
party and other details.
Nocturnal Adoration Society involves people of the parish in
teams, each one committed to one hour of prayer and adoration
before the Blessed Sacrament for First Friday Devotions, 10:00PM
Friday until 8:30AM Saturday.
Sacrament of the Sick is administered on the first Monday of the
month after the 6PM Mass.
Divine Mercy following the 6PM Mass each Thursday.
6 St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church
Music Ministry’s purpose is to glorify God and edify the people.
By empowering God’s people to pray through sung prayer, the
Church “prays twice”. Through choir, cantors and instrumentalists,
we seek to offer God and the gathered assembly at Mass the best
we have.
CONTACT: Alan Brown, Director of Music (678-252-5688)
alannotes@yahoo.com
The Parish Choir was founded by the first pastor of Saint
Jude, Monsignor John Stapleton who, following the directives
of the Second Vatican Council encouraged congregational
singing. He supported the development of a choir to enable
the assembly to “find its own voice in worship”. It is in that
spirit that the choir leads in sung prayer each week at the
Sunday 10AM Mass and on major feast days. Rehearsals take
place every Wednesday in the church from 7:30 to 9:30PM.
No auditions are required.
The Cantor Program is open by audition. Cantors lead all
Masses and are especially needed for the Saturday Vigil at
5:30PM and Sunday at 8:30AM. Our cantors provide
leadership at weekend liturgies throughout the year, and sing
on Holy Days as well.
Life Teen Band leads the congregation in song for the 6:00
PM Sunday Mass, utilizing the latest music from both
Catholic composers and Contemporary Christian artists.
Along with our Youth Ministry, they seek to draw young
people closer to God and to each other through sung prayer.
High school age or older instrumentalist or singers are all
welcome to join us. Rehearsals are in the church on Tuesdays
from 7:30 to 9:00 PM and Sundays at 4:30 PM.
CONTACT: Jeff Jetton, Life Teen Band Leader (678-358-5849)
Hispanic Choir leads the 2:00 PM Mass each Sunday. They
rehearse each Wednesday evening in the music room from
8:00 – 9:30 PM.
CONTACT: Jerry Landeo (770-310-9383)
Education Ministries
Religious Education and Faith Formation offers the ministries below:
CONTACT:
Martha Robert, Director of Religious Education (678-252-5676) mrobert@stjudeatlanta.net
Marilyn Anderson, Director of Adult Religious Education and Christian
Initiation (678-252-5687) manderson@stjudeatlanta.net
Parish School of Religion is offered for children ages 3 through 5th
grade with an emphasis on family participation. Please refer to the
Families of Faith Handbook for more details.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is religious formation for
children 3 to 12 years old. This Montessori and Liturgical
formation process provides hands-on material for children to
experience their faith through scripture, liturgy and sacraments.
We meet the needs of children with multi-ages and multi-abilities
together in an environment prepared just for them. CGS is self
guided to meet the needs of each child, where they are in their
personal relationship with God. CGS meets multiple times on
Sunday in the D’Youville Center.
SPRED (Special Religious Education) is designed for all adults
and children five years of age or older who have special needs,
whether it be a mental handicap, deafness/hard of hearing,
blind/visual impairment, physically challenged or emotionally
disturbed. Classes are held Sunday mornings from 10:00 - 11:15
AM in the Parish School.
CONTACT: Pat Tweed (678-252-5676)
Confirmation Preparation is offered to adult Catholics who were
never confirmed in their youth and consists of 6 – 8 weeks of study
and preparation.
Scripture Study is for adults to study and examine the Bible and its
interaction with life experiences, using a variety of study materials.
Meetings are informal held on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, as
well as a comprehensive study at certain times of the year on
Wednesday nights.
Christian Initiation (RCIA) welcomes men and women to Saint
Jude who are inquiring about the Catholic church and its teaching.
Many of these inquirers choose to continue studying and growing
in faith until they are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
From Easter until Pentecost the new initiates continue their
journey of faith, and become integrated into the life of the parish
community.
Lunch with St. Francis de Sales is a ministry that comes together
to study St. Francis de Sales during lunch on Friday afternoons
from 12:00 - 1:00 PM.
CONTACT: Fr. Marty (678-252-5669) mkopchik@stjudeatlanta.net
Brown Bag Scripture Study: is a ministry that comes together to
study the scriptures during lunch on Tuesday afternoons from
12:00 – 1:00 PM.
CONTACT: Fr. Marty (678-252-5669) mkopchik@stjudeatlanta.net
Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Elementary School, with a more than forty
year history of service to families in our parish and the surrounding areas, is
an integral part of the life of the community. Students from Kindergarten
through Grade 8 are nurtured in the teachings of the Catholic faith and
challenged to reach high levels of academic achievement. Accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SAC), the school relies on
the support of parents and other parishioners to ensure continued standards
of excellence. For more detailed information about the school, the
admissions process or ways to be involved, contact the school directly at
770-394-2880 or online at www.saintjude.net.
Saint Jude Parish Preschool provides a warm, loving environment for
children ages 2 to 4. Our structured classrooms are the setting for a
curriculum begins with socialization and progresses to school readiness skills.
All that we do is founded on Jesus Christ, as revealed through the teachings
of the Catholic Church. We honor and respect the role of the family and we
hope to serve yours through this ministry. The program runs through
September through May from 9:00 – 12:30 PM, in the D’Youville Center.
For more information about the preschool, contact preschool directly at 678-
252-5981.
Board of Total Catholic Education has general responsibility for
oversight, policy-making and financial review of all educational
programs of the parish. Four sub-committees assist the Board: adults
and RCIA, religious education (K-Gr. 6) and special education, school,
and youth.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry offers the ministries below:
CONTACT Jeff Jetton, Youth Minister (678-252-5676)
jjetton@stjudeatlanta.net
Edge Middle School Program (Grades 6, 7 & 8) focuses on
Scripture and Church teachings. Social, spiritual and communal
aspects of faith are stressed along with the informational needs of
maturing young Catholics. The Youth Center is in the Ministries
Building (see Bulletin for times).
High School Life Teen Program is for all high school teens grades
9-12. Teens are brought into the real presence of Jesus Christ and,
through conversation, skits, retreats and other shared time together
build bonds of understanding. They are challenged to live the
Christian life. Mass and Youth Night are on Sundays from 6:00 -
8:45PM in the Church and the Youth Center in the Ministries
Building.
Confirmation Preparation is for all high school teens (grades 9-12)
that are registered in a Catholic school or in Saint Jude Youth
Group. The sacrament inspires each young person to understand
the call to be an active and dedicated witness to the teachings and
example of Christ.
Pastoral Council is a consultative body of elected members that share in the
pastor’s decision-making process and assist him in his leadership role in the
parish by identifying needs, hopes and dreams. The council also assists in the
establishment of priorities and policies for the good order of parish life.
Finance Council members are appointed to share responsibility with the
pastor and Parish Administrator for the financial management and planning
of the parish. They oversee all Budget, Financial and Property management
of the Parish.
Ave Maria Shop is located in the church vestibule and offers religious
articles, gifts, books, and cards for sale. It is open after all weekend Masses
and is staffed by parish volunteers. Proceeds are given back each year to our
parish to fund special projects.
Marriage Ministry helps build and strengthen marriages. Engaged Encounter
and Sponsor Couples help prepare engaged couples for the experience of
Christian marriage. Retrouvaille offers alienated couples a way to revive and
heal their relationship. Marriage Encounter and W.E.D.S. help good
marriages become better.
The Mourning After (Bereavement Ministry) is an eight week course
offered to any adult parishioner bereaved for at least three months.
Participants are helped to begin dealing with their loss and to understand the
grief process.
Nursery is available in Room C of the Stapleton Center, below the church,
during the 10:00AM Mass only, for children age 9 months to 3 years. The
nursery is staffed by volunteers, most of whom are parents themselves.
Loaves and Fishes is comprised of groups of six to eight adults, married or
single, who share a simple meal and friendship in members’ homes. New
groups are formed in January and June. Newcomers find this an easy and fun
way to get to know other parishioners. Watch for sign-up details.
Young Adult Ministry brings together young singles and marrieds ages 21-
35. This ministry hosts a variety of events that allow young adults in our
parish to share their faith and experiences through spiritual, service and
social events. We are currently growing our ministry. All are welcome and
please invite friends!
CONTACT Kathy Powell (678-252-5639) kpowell@stjudeatlanta.net
Garden Group plans, plants and maintains flowers and plantings around the
Saint Jude Parish facilities. Plantings are changed seasonally throughout the
year, to add color to the landscaping.
Men’s Club promotes, develops and supports St. Jude Parish through a
variety of activities and fundraising events, and encourages fellowship
through social interactions. The Men’s Club is open to all men of the St.
Jude Parish.
Women’s Ministry is NEW for 2007. This is the overarching group open to
all women of the Parish that meets quarterly with spiritual, service and social
events. The goal of this group is to support one another, as well as other
ministries and their needs.
Ladies of the Evening Circle is a long-established women’s group. Activities
include guest speakers and the Bridge Marathon, with the proceeds going to
a different worthy cause each year. They meet the third Tuesday of each
month at 7:30 PM in member’s homes.
Saint Teresa Circle is a parish ministry for mothers of young children. The
circle meets once monthly during the school year for the purposes of
fellowship, education and outreach. Monthly speakers deliver messages of
interest on topics such as faith, marriage and family. St. Teresa’s also strives
to serve the community of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church via an
annual fall cookout, parish Easter Egg Hunt, meals for families with new
babies and prayer chains.
Elder Care Ministry is dedicated to our older parishioners, helping them
continue to grow in the fullness of faith and to function independently for as
long as possible. We offer phone assurance to the homebound and elderly
people without family, as well as occasional assistance with basic shopping,
or transportation to medical services. Mass, communion and reconciliation
are celebrated regularly with residents of senior apartment and assisted living
facilities. Please call for further information at 770-394-3896, ext. 529.
Ultreya / Cursillo Support Group is focused on prayer, study and sharing of
Christian life and the importance of community. There is a 8:30AM
Saturday Mass, fellowship and prayer afterwards in the Stapleton Center.
Ministry to Persons with Disabilities assists and encourages persons
challenged with any disability to be fully involved in parish life. Activities
include SPRED (Special Religious Education), a Lenten Penance Service for
all persons with disabilities, covered dish suppers, which are part of a faith
and sharing Mass, held twice a year and a spring weekend get-away that will
offer social opportunities. Watch for details in the bulletin.
Welcoming Ministry focuses on integrating newcomers into parish life. The
Ministry coordinates with the Parish Office to register, welcome and orient
new parishioners. Volunteers serve as Greeters at weekend Masses, and host
newcomer events.
Pax Christi St. Jude (PCSJ) is part of the growing grass-roots network of Pax
Christi USA by which local groups work to promote the gospel message of
non-violence. PCSJ meets the first Wednesday of each month, 7:30 PM in
the Ministry building. All are welcome.
Cub Scout Pack 523 (ages 6-11) offers crafts, activity badges and
advancement at regular meetings. Pack meetings take place monthly. Pine
Wood Derby and Blue & Gold Banquet are highlight events of the year.
Boy Scout Troop 623 (ages 11-18) offers weekly meetings and monthly
activities such as hiking, camping and backpacking. Our objectives are
service, advancement, merit badges and growing in maturity and selfsufficiency.
Jaguar Sports Association (JSA) manages sports at Saint Jude. The purpose
of the JSA is to promote Christian ideals in our sports programs, and to serve
a rapidly expanding number of sports participants. The JSA encourages
family and parental participation while enhancing athletic opportunities for
our children. Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball and Cheerleading are open to all
children of the parish. See our web-site for all details at www.jaguarsports.org
Outreach Ministries
Community Action Center (CAC) is an ecumenical care facility located in
Sandy Springs supported by Saint Jude and other local churches and
synagogues, that provides food and clothing for people in times of hardship.
St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church 13
Christ Child Society of Atlanta (CCS) is a local chapter of a national
organization which is dedicated to serving babies and children in need. CCS
provides layettes for infants of poor mothers, “My Stuff” bags to children and
teens in shelters as well as various services to child centered organizations.
Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment (ABLE) is an
interdenominational organization of 27 congregations including Saint Jude
Parish that works to improve the quality of life and involve citizens in
political, economic and social decision-making in metro Atlanta.
Annulment Case Sponsor Program is a ministry where parishioners, trained
by the Archdiocesan Tribunal and acting as Case Sponsors, are available to
assist those seeking a declaration of nullity of a former marriage. Our Case
Sponsors provide emotional support, information and assistance throughout
the process.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered for adult
parishioners to learn and improve English language skills. A modest fee is
charged for materials. All instruction is by trained volunteer teachers on
Thursday evenings in the Stapleton Center Parish Hall and meeting rooms.
Pre-registration for each semester is required.
Interfaith Outreach Home is a transitional home supported by
congregations of several churches, including Saint Jude. The facility provides
ten apartments for married, homeless families with children. Volunteers help
parents set goals, find work and teach skills to develop self-reliance, while
others provide childcare and office maintenance.
Night Shelters involve teams of Saint Jude volunteers who provide food,
serve a meal and stay as overnight staffing on five different nights at Central
Presbyterian and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception men’s night shelters
during the winter months.
Post Abortion Treatment & Healing (PATH) provides a compassionate
process for a person suffering the after effects of an abortion, to work
through their grief and alienation from self, others and God. PATH is
totally confidential, scripture-based and led by trained volunteers.
Respect Life identifies and addresses a broad range of pro-life and right to
life issues, provides legislative information and coordinates Right to Life
activities in our parish.
Saint Vincent De Paul Conference is part of the international Saint Vincent
de Paul Society, an organization of Catholic lay persons. Members are
dedicated to quietly and discreetly serving people in extreme hardship or
distress, with practical, personal assistance, in a spirit of compassion. The
Saint Jude Conference of the Society serves those in need in our own local
area.
Inactive Catholics/A Second Look offers an opportunity to men and women
who have been away to take another look at the Church. In a five week
process, led by religious and lay volunteers, participants raise questions in a
non-judgmental atmosphere, look again at Church teaching, and consider
rejoining the community of faith.
Separated, Divorced & Widowed Support Group is here to offer the
Christian gifts of spiritual, emotional and social support. Each participant
benefits from the loving support of the group environment and meets on the
first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:30PM in the Ministries Building.
Conversational Spanish Language (CSL) is a ministry that strives to serve
the entire St. Jude community by training and sharing bilingual members to
immerse themselves in all ministries of the parish. Professional Spanish
instruction is available at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Day
and night classes are available to all parishioners in the ministries building,
and are offered year round in 10-week sessions. Informal workshops are also
offered weekly to all students, past and present. Opportunities for
involvement with additional parish ministries include ESL, St. Vincent
DePaul, Community Action Center, Ministers to the Sick, Loaves and
Fishes, Hispanic Mass and Rosary and travel abroad.
Spanish and Portuguese Community
Our parish community includes people from many different countries
and cultures. We embrace a significant number of parishioners whose
primary language is Spanish, and we are one of two Catholic communities in
Georgia where Mass is celebrated in Portuguese. This cultural diversity is
expressed in ministries which parallel the ones listed in this book. The
Spanish speaking community publishes a bulletin every other week with
detailed information on their activities. If you want to know more about the
full range of ministries and services in Spanish or in Portuguese contact:
Ministries in Spanish Jairo Martinez 404-624-2685
Carmen Santos 678-388-7402
Ministries in Portuguese Marcos Fernandez 770-616-4387
Maria Antonia 770-642-0016
Stewardship:An Attitude of Gratitude
Stewardship is a WAY OF LIFE. Based on Church teaching and the
Scriptures, Stewardship calls us to consider the many blessings God has
given us; not only material possessions, but family, health, faith and life
itself. There is no way we can thank God adequately for all he has done for
us. What we can do is thoughtfully and prayerfully consider the blessings we
have and then give back a portion of what we have received with no strings
attached. This means making a conscious commitment to give hours of our
day or week (GIFT OF TIME) in service (GIFT OF TALENT), along
with a portion of our income (GIFT OF TREASURE) to benefit the
Church and the charities of our choosing. The exact proportion we decide to
give is entirely up to us, but we should give generously and regularly of all
three, as God gives to us. The commitments we make are the foundation of
life in our parish; our shared gifts of time, talent and treasure nurture faith,
love, and all the other fruits of the Spirit, and allow us to witness to the
power of God in our lives.
If you would like to know more about Stewardship,
look for information in the literature racks in the church vestibule
or call Beth Summers at 678-252-5849
bsummers@stjudeatlanta.net
The Prayer to Saint Jude
Most Holy Apostle Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus,
the name of the traitor, who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of
His enemies, has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the church honors
and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost
despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I might receive
the consolation and help of heaven, in all my necessities, tribulations and
sufferings, particularly (make your request here) and that I might praise God
with you and all the elect forever. I promise, o blessed Saint Jude, to be
ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and
powerful patron and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Facilities Map
The Facilities and Directions maps can be found by clicking here.