Welcome to Saint Jude Parish
147 Main Street, Waltham, MA
781-893-3100
Administration
Liturgical Ministries:
Educational Ministries:
Outreach Ministries:
Administrative Ministries:
Parish Background
Welcome from our Pastor
Brothers and Sisters in The Lord,
Welcome to St. Jude Parish! We are happy that you have found us along your journey of faith. Our hope is that we may mutually strengthen one another in faith.
This booklet itself says a lot about who we are and we hope it will help you to feel at home here with us. First of all, this booklet itself was compiled by one of our active and committed Parish Council members, Mal Aborn, and we are all indebted and thankful to her. Also special thanks to parishioner Bill Wade for formatting this booklet. Secondly, it gives a picture of this parish and its commitment to lay leadership and service. We hope you will join us by sharing your own gifts and talents here.
This "Directory of Ministries" shows the various ways that so many seek to serve The Lord in building up His Kingdom on this earth. We search for ways to provide for the needs of all, both within the Parish and in the community beyond. As you will see it is quite a remarkable spectrum of service, ministries, education, and lay dedication on every level. We always plan to do more and so welcome and invite you to join us and share your gifts in serving The Lord Jesus and his people.
Please introduce yourself to the staff, fellow parishioners at Mass, and your neighbors so that we may get to know you and help you to get to know us. We are thankful and blessed that you are here. Welcome!
Fr. Bill Leonard
Pastor, St. Jude Parish
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Saint Jude Parish Mission Statement
St. Jude Parish is a community of God's people united by faith in the Risen Christ. The Eucharist is the center of our lives. We are faithful to the Gospel teachings and Catholic Tradition. We respect and nurture family life. We value the dignity and uniqueness of every person. We share our gifts through works of love and kindness. We are a sign of God's love in the World. St. Jude's mission is to build an active community of Christian believers, to offer spiritual guidance to our community, and to endorse kindness and understanding towards all people. We rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our mission.
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1 Corinthians, 12:4 – 11
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are
different workings but the same God who produces all of them in
everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given
for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of
wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same
Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of
healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another
prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of
tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same
Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each
person as he wishes.”
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Dedication
Dedicated to all the volunteers of St. Jude's Parish who have shared their gifts from God:
- For the Stewards of the past who built the foundation
- For the Stewards of the present who are maintaining our ministries
- For the Stewards of the future who will continue our spiritual traditions
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Parish Pastoral Staff
| PASTOR | Rev. William T. Leonard |
| DEACON | Mr. Alfred E. Santosuosso |
| SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR | Sr. Katherine Martin, S.N.D. |
| D.R.E. | Mrs. Barbara Keville |
| ORGANIST | Mrs. Jane McKenna |
| PARISH SECRETARY/FINANCE Mgr. | Mrs. Lorraine Jordan |
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Schedule of Liturgies
MASSES:
Saturday--4:00 PM
Sunday--8:30 AM, 10:30 AM
Sunday--9:45 AM at Fernald Chapel of the Holy Innocents
Monday--Communion Service 9:00 AM
Weekday Masses--Wed., Thurs., Fri. 9:00 AM
Saint Jude Novena-- following the Wednesday 9:00 AM Mass
Holy Days--as scheduled in the bulletin
CONFESSIONS:
First and Third Saturdays of each month 3:00-3:45 PM
Also, by appointment with Fr. Bill
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Parish Office Hours
Monday--Friday 9:00 AM--3:00 PM
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Parish Contact Information
Our Address is:
Saint Jude Parish
147 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Our telephone numbers are:
| Rectory | 781-893-3100 |
| School | 781-899-3644 |
| Convent | 781-899-1992 |
| Religious Ed. Office | 781-891-5718 |
Web site at http://www.rc.net/boston/st-jude/
Email: StJude1@comcast.net
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Adult Chior
Purpose:
All are invited to join the St. Jude Choir—“singing is twice praying”. Our choir assists the congregation by sharing their musical talents as we worship at the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy and at special celebrations.
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the church. Practice is half an hour before the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy.
Training Provided:
Rehearsals are conducted weekly under the supervision of the music director.
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Altar Guild
Purpose:
To keep the sanctuary clean and beautiful. To keep the sacristies, neat, clean, and organized. To care for the altar linens, keep the brass polished, replace the candles when necessary; dust the altar area, lecterns, credence table and offertory table.
Time Commitment:
One hour monthly. Also, at Christmas and Easter assistance is needed to help decorate the church.
Training:
The coordinator trains the new members.
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Altar Servers
Purpose:
Boys and girls (grade 4 and up) are invited to assist the celebrant at the weekend Masses. Servers may, also, be called upon to participate in special liturgical celebrations during Advent, Lent, the Easter Triduum and various Holy Days throughout the liturgical year. They may be called upon to serve at funerals, weddings and other special liturgies.
Time Commitment:
Three Masses a month and, occasionally, serve at special celebrations
Training Provided:
Training is provided by the coordinator one hour weekly for six weeks.
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Church Decorating
Purpose:
To decorate the sanctuary and church for the Christmas Masses and the Easter Masses. Sr. Katherine could always use some extra hands.
Time Commitment:
1-2 hours twice a year
Training Provided:
Hands-on training by Sr. Katherine and other members
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Eucharistic Ministers
Purpose:
Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion are fully initiated members of the Laity who assist the priests and deacons in the distribution of the Eucharist to those assembled at Mass, to the sick and to the home-bound. The Eucharistic Minister shares the Body and Blood of Christ with others. Ministers should have the ability see and love Christ in the people they meet.
Time Commitment:
2 or 3 Masses monthly
Training Provided:
Sessions are held to assist the new Eucharistic Ministers in learning about their responsibilities. Update and renewal meetings are held at the parish level.
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Homebound Ministry
Purpose:
Pastoral Visitors visit and bring Holy Communion to the home-bound members of our parish and residents at Maristhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The essence of this ministry is to listen and respond, to share prayer and sacrament, and to make present God’s love and the Church’s care to those in need. It is an opportunity to provide pleasant companionship, understanding, compassion and kindness to those who cannot get out.
Time Commitment:
Minimum of once a month---many more volunteers are needed so visits can be more frequent
Training Provided:
Pastoral Visitors are educated in Eucharistic Spirituality and the dynamics of visiting the sick. On-going education and support are provided throughout the year.
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Lectors
Purpose:
The primary responsibility of the Lectors is to PROCLAIM the Word of God to the assembled congregation. Lectors prepare in advance of the Sunday liturgy through prayerful study of the readings at home. Lectors should have the ability to speak clearly in public and should be comfortable addressing a large gathering. Proclaiming God’s word to the assembly nourishes us in faith.
Time Commitment:
1 Mass every 4 to 6 weeks
Training Provided:
The coordinator conducts an orientation session and each lector is guided through the process.
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Liturgy Committee
Purpose:
This committee helps to plan our Sunday worship. They coordinate the celebrations of the liturgical seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Time Commitment:
2-3 Hours Seasonally
Training Provided:
RCAB seminars on liturgy and reference texts are available.
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Ushers
Purpose:
To assist at the Sunday Liturgies by taking up the collection.
Time Commitment:
1 hour weekly
Training Provided:
The more experienced members of the team explain the procedures to new ushers.
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Wedding Rehearsal Assistance
Purpose:
Prior to the wedding a rehearsal is conducted in order to assist the bride/groom and other wedding party members in the logistics of the wedding ceremony. They are made to feel comfortable with the procedure, given guidelines and step by step assistance.
Time Commitment:
One to two hours the night of the wedding rehearsal
Training Provided:
Training will be provided by those who already have had experience.
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Saint Jude School
Saint Jude School serves children (Grades K-8) in Waltham and surrounding areas. The school is presently staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and devoted lay teachers. It is comprised of: 2 administrative staff, 14 full time lay teachers and 1 religious plus 4 Women Religious part time. The school board is made up of 7 lay people. An active support group (The Friends of St. Jude) run several fund raising events during the year. The enrollment of diverse cultures reflects the changing population in the city of Waltham and surrounding communities. Over the last 5 years about 72% of the graduates have gone on to attend Catholic or independent high schools. For further information, please contact Sr. Katherine Martin, S.N.D., School Administrator at 781-899-3644.
Mission Statement
Saint Jude School offers a sound program in basic skills helping students learn, live, and worship in a Catholic community. Students are encouraged to develop self-worth, and to recognize and respect the uniqueness of all people.
Philosophy
Saint Jude School is committed to helping students learn, live, and worship in a Catholic community. The administration and faculty, along with the family, have a responsibility to foster intellectual, social, moral, emotional, and physical growth in each student. The vision is to provide a rich learning environment designed to appeal to the students’ sense of wonder. The faculty uses a comprehensive curriculum which requires each student to show growth in knowledge, academic skills, and a sense of responsibility in the Christian community. Christian love develops and grows as students are allowed to identify their places in God’s world. Each student is encouraged to appreciate his/her self worth, and to recognize and respect the uniqueness of people.
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Religious Education
Purpose:
To establish a strong foundation and knowledge of the Catholic faith is a major goal of our Religious Education program. Catechists guide he students of our parish through the sacraments, to a growing under-standing of the gospel message and our Christian traditions. All youth in Grades K through Ten are challenged to know God and to live as Jesus taught. St. Jude’s Parish offers a 26 week program that follows the Archdiocesan guidelines. In addition, a delayed confirmation program for any Catholics who might have missed confirmation as a youth is offered.
Time Commitment:
Classes meet for one hour each week in the parish school. Share your faith with the young people in our parish. Mrs. Barbara Keville is Director of Religious Education.
Training Provided:
Training is provided to the teachers under the direction of Mrs. Keville.
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Advent Giving Tree
Purpose:
The purpose of this ministry is to brighten Christmas for poor and needy people outside of our parish. Each year Saint Jude’s collects and distributes hundreds of gifts to various social service agencies. Gift tags are available at the entrances of the church before Christmas. All members of the parish are invited and encouraged to join in this annual effort of Christmas giving. Those who wish to participate bring their wrapped present and place it under the Christmas tree at the side altar by the date listed in the church bulletin.
Time Commitment:
2-3 hours a year to make the gift tags, sort and bag gifts
Training Provided:
None needed
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Birthright Center
Purpose:
Birthright Center of Framingham offers friendship and practical assistance to pregnant women and/or her family during a time of crisis. The Mother’s Day Carnation Project is the only fund raising event held by this organization. Saint Jude’s support is, always, deeply appreciated.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Volunteers are needed to sell flowers on the weekend of Mother’s Day after each of the Masses. Little time is involved.
TRAINING PROVIDED:
None needed
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Bristol Lodge Volunteers
Purpose:
This group of volunteers prepares food for the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen on the 4th Thursday of each month. The duties vary: one month you make meatloaf, the next potatoes, or vegetables or dessert. The amount of food prepared by each volunteer should be of sufficient quantity to feed 15 people. Your participation in this ministry would help “to feed the multitudes”.
Time Commitment:
1 day a month
Training Provided:
No training needed (unless from ‘Betty Crocker’)
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Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Team
Purpose:
The purpose of the CAP Team is to create a community of support within the parish for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The duties and responsibilities of this group are as follows:
· Ensures that all parish staff and volunteers are fully trained in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children Program (VIRTUS)
· Acts as a resource to the parish on issues of child abuse and neglect
· Will be supported in its efforts by, and works in collaboration with, the Child Advocacy Office of the Archdiocese
Time Commitment:
An anticipated 24-36 hours a year would be needed to fill this responsibility
Training Provided:
VIRTUS training session
VIRTUS online support
Ongoing support from the Office of Child Advocacy
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Fernald Center
Purpose:
The purpose of this ministry is to provide pastoral care for the mentally retarded and physically handicapped residents of the Fernald Center, and for their families and staff. Escorting wheelchair- bound residents to and from the Chapel on Sunday mornings is a major component of this ministry. Your participation in this important work of mercy will enable Fernald residents to engage fully in the Spiritual Life of the community. Families are encouraged to make involvement in this ministry a family event.
Time Commitment:
Approximately two hours on Sunday mornings. We especially need help during the months of June, July, August and September, due to the fact, that Religious Education Programs are not operative during these months.
Training Provided:
New volunteers are given a packet of information and helpful hints regarding interaction with the residents. They are paired with a “senior” volunteer in order to become familiar with the residents and the campus. Father Leonard and/or Ms. Witham meet with new volunteers after their first or second time. This provides an opportunity for the volunteers to share their experiences, give feedback and ask questions.
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Food Pantry
Purpose:
Sacred Heart Church operates a food pantry for the less fortunate in our community. St. Jude’s Parish participates in this most worthy charity all year round. This is a ministry in which we all can help by bringing non-perishable and currently dated items such as, (canned vegetables, soups, tuna fish; pasta, pasta sauce, boxes of macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, powdered milk) to Saint Jude’s Church. You can leave your donation in paper or plastic bags at the entrances of the church. They will be picked up once a week and brought to Sacred Heart food pantry. This Work of Mercy will help so many who are in need of food supplies.
TIME COMMITMENT:
None
Training Provided:
None
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Mother’s Day Layette Gifts
Purpose:
Once a year, Saint Jude’s Parish donates infant layette items to Catholic Charities for new mothers in need of assistance. A couple of weeks before Mother’s Day, parishioners, who would like to help, are asked to select a gift tag available at the entrances to the church. The new items do not need to be wrapped and should be placed in the playpen at the side altar on or before Mother’s Day.
Time Commitment:
1-2 hours a year to make the gift tags, sort and bag the items
Training Provided:
None needed
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St. Vincent de Paul Society
Purpose:
It is a tradition that members of this charitable society remain anonymous. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international Catholic organization of lay people. The funds that you donate go directly to helping out a family who may be experiencing some financial difficulty due to loss of a job, death of a spouse or illness in the family.
Time Commitment:
If you would like to assist in the efforts of this group please call the Rectory. All of our church members are encouraged to participate in this ministry by remembering to drop donations in the boxes at the exists to the church. “Do to others as you would have them do to you”
Training Provided:
Current members would provide training to the new members.
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Social Committee
Purpose:
The goal of the Social Committee is to provide opportunities for parishioners to meet new people, promote fellowship in our church community, to enjoy social activities and have FUN. Periodically during the year, after a weekend Mass, a social get together will be held in the church hall. Coffee, donuts or pastries will be provided. The committee will plan a variety of social events throughout the year, for example: youth activities, family outings, picnics, theater, adult bus trips, etc. Many volunteers are needed and will be welcomed.
Time Commitment:
This will vary depending upon the event. Time and effort will be involved, but the rewards will be great.
Training Provided:
No prior training is required, but a desire to have fun and enjoy social activities would be beneficial.
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Building/Maintenance Committee
Purpose:
1. To enhance and maintain the buildings and grounds of St. Jude Parish
2. To identify and make corrective suggestions for required maintenance and improvements
3. To possibly make small repairs/modifications to Saint Jude Parish buildings and grounds
4. To help identify qualified outside contractors and assist in soliciting bids for repair/enhancement projects
5. To oversee the completion of work performed by outside contractors
Time Commitment:
One or two meetings a year and then time commitment will vary with project
Training Requirements:
A general knowledge of building construction, mechanical expertise and maintenance is helpful.
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Counters
Purpose:
Counters serve in two teams made up of 3-5 people on a team. They
sort and count the weekly offertory collections Monday mornings
after the 9:00 AM Communion Service.
Time Commitment:
2-3 hours bimonthly on Monday mornings
Training Provided:
Experienced counters will gladly assist the new volunteers.
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Parish Finance Committee
Purpose:
Saint Jude’s Finance Formation Group is a working committee made up of new volunteers. Presently, they are discussing, exploring and laying the ground work for the requirements necessary for the establishment of a formal Finance Committee.
Time Commitment:
One and a half hours each month over the next 12 months until a final Parish Finance Committee is established.
Requirements Needed:
The current members have finance, accounting or banking experience.
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Parish Pastoral Council
Purpose:
The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) assists the pastor in his leadership role of planning, organizing, initiating, promoting, coordinating and reviewing the service activities of the parish. An objective is to assess the needs of the whole parish and its members, and to develop and implement a pastoral plan which will promote the common good of the parish.
Length of Service:
Members serve 3-year terms with the possibility of reelection or reappointment. Members may serve only two consecutive terms. The PPC is comprised of Catholics, age 18 or older, who are registered and active in the parish.
Time Commitment:
2-3 hours every three weeks on a Sunday evening. No meetings are held during July and August. All parishioners are welcome to attend.
Training Provided:
The pastor and council members will gladly assist all new members
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Parish Background
A Short History of Saint Jude Parish
In 1949, Saint Jude Parish was formed from portions of Saint Mary’s Church, Waltham, Saint Luke’s Church, Belmont and Saint Patrick’s Church, Watertown.
The parish did not have public Masses until April 1950 when the City of Waltham gave permission to use the Willow Street fire station. Sunday Masses were held for the first time in the basement of the new church on July 22, 195l. Masses were said there until the upper church was opened on March 20, 1952.
Another milestone in parish history was made by the completion of Saint Jude Elementary School. Ground was broken for a new school in September 1964. In 1965, 75 pupils enrolled in the first and second grades under the tutelage of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Formal dedication took place on October 28, 1966.
The parish acquired the property between the church and school in 1996. The goal was to demolish the private home on the grounds, expand the parking facilities and school playground, and install a handicapped entrance to the church. The project was completed in the fall of 1997.
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Priests and Deacons Associated With Saint Jude Parish
PASTORS:
| Rev. Edmund J. Haynes | 1949-1950 |
| Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. McCabe | 1950-1968 |
| Rev. Jeremiah J. Collins | 1968-1982 |
| Rev. John J. Jennings | 1982-1990 |
| Rev. Daniel P. Bowen | 1990-1992 |
| Rev. Robert J. Waldron | 1992-2002 |
| Rev. William T. Leonard | 2002-present |
ASSOCIATE PASTORS:
Rev. Dennis J. Burns
Rev. Daniel A. O'Leary
Rev. James L. Sullivan
Rev. Bernard F. Harvey
Rev. John A. Daley
Rev. Jeremiah J. Collins
Rev. Joseph T. Rothwell
Rev. James A. Cosgrove
Rev. William C. Kerivan
Rev. Thomas B. Morgan
Rev. Corneilius T. O'Connor
Rev. David F. Delaney
Rev. James M. Hutchinson
Rev. William F. Salmon
Rev. Finley A. MacLellan
Rev. Robert V. Gale
Rev. Frank Gillespie
Rev. Kevin G. Toomey
ADMINISTRATORS:
Rev. John E. MacInnis
DEACONS:
Mr. Leo Labrache
Mr. Ludy Bonfiglio
Mr. Alfred E. Santosuosso
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