The Roman Catholic Parish of
St. Jude Thaddeus
6825 Gladys Avenue Beaumont, Texas 77706 409-866-5088
Fr. John H. Hughes, Pastor Fr. Michael Strother, Associate Pastor
Gordon Cabra, Deacon

Ministries To Youth

Elementary Religious Education
Three Years through 6th Grade

Eileen Chapman, Director, 866-9595, ext. 243
Geneva Danna, Secretary, 866-9595, ext. 242

The Religious Education Program is designed to help each student learn, understand, grow in, and live the Catholic faith at home, in the parish, and in the community. Our responsibilities as catechists are to present the Catholic faith accurately, completely and consistently; to empower children with Catholic knowledge and ways to best practice their Catholic faith; and to engage the family in activities that will reinforce what is taught in the classroom. Requirements to be a catechist: love God, love children, have a desire to share your Catholic faith, must have been baptized, received the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and if married, must have a valid marriage in the Catholic Church.

Classes: Sunday during 9:30 a.m. Mass for 3 and 4 year olds, Tuesday 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.; Wednesday 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Junior High Religious Education

Jeanne Fennell, Junior High Youth Director, 866-5088, ext. 242
Theresa Hensen, Secretary, 866-5088, ext. 323

Our goal in Jr. High classes is to help our students continue to build a solid foundation in Catholic doctrine, have an appreciation for and knowledge of the Scriptures and have a mature sense of the liturgical year. We want them to know faith makes a difference in their lives! Provided adequate parental support, we periodically involve our youth in service and social activities. Gathering in an informal social setting helps the youth feel comfortable in their Christian community.

Religious Education--Confirmation Preparation (teens)
9th and 10th Grades

Ailene Luistro, High School Youth Director, 866-5088, ext. 237
Theresa Henson, Secretary, 866-5088, ext. 323

At Baptism, parent make a promise to raise their children in accord with the Catholic faith and beliefs given to them by their parents. In high school, though, teens have the opportunity to confirm their faith and receive the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. This two-year program addresses all areas of faith formation, including religious education, social and liturgical ministry, and service. In addition to learning in the classroom, students learn through retreats, service projects, socials, and serving in a ministry at St. Jude.

Religious Education--Post Confirmation
11th and 12th Grades

Ailene Luistro, High School Youth Director, 866-5088, ext. 237
Theresa Henson, Secretary, 866-5088, 323

All high school students who are already confirmed are encouraged to continue learning and growing in faith through this program. The Bible Study sessions allow students to examine current issues and the Bible in order to gain a better understanding of how their faith is present in their every day lives. These sessions are designed for students and adult leaders to share thoughts and ideas, and, hopefully, to learn more from one another. The sessions include group discussion, prayer, games, and other activities.

CYO--Catholic Youth Organization

Ailene Luistro, High School Youth Director, 866-5088, ext. 237

The CYO invites youth to love and share their faith with one another. This organization is made up of youth and led by youth. Events and activities for the social and spiritual growth of the youth are the organization's main focus. Through sporting events, service projects, games, dances, retreats, Masses, and conventions, youth from the parish and the diocese come together for fellowship and fun.

Junior High School CYO

Jeanne Fennell, Jr. High Youth Director, 866-5088, ext. 223

Jr. CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders of the parish. Activities are usually held twice a month. These vary from game nights, craft nights, lock-ins, or movie nights (in the Youth Room or at a local theatre). Special activities include trips to the Haunted Hotel, Mann's Entertainment Complex, Talent Show, Ice Skating at the Galleria, Splash Town, Astro World and Mystery Night. Flyers are distributed each month with the time and dates of activities.

PG-13 (Prayer Group for Teens)

Ailene Luistro, 866-5088, ext 237

Usually, people think of movies when they see PG-13, but to the teens of St. Jude it means something much more. This group gets together to reflect on Gospel reading and everyday happenings, share faith, and pray for and with one another

Babysitting

Babysitting is offered for many parish activities as well as at all Masses except 8:00 a.m. Sunday. If you are interested in having your name added to our list of experienced babysitter and making some extra money too, please call the Church Office at 866-5088.

Gather the Children

Vickie Manley, Director, 866-9595, ext. 244

Gather the Children is our children's Liturgy of the Word ministry. At St. Jude's, we believe that the children need to hear and be fed by the words of our Lord as much as the adult assembly. Therefore, on the second and fourth Sundays of the school (CCD) year, at 9:30 a.m. Mass, we bring the children over to the hall to hear the scripture message in language they can understand. We relate the message to them through dialogue, songs, stories, skits, puppets, or other means. We have a great time and can definitely use more help.

GTC Team Meetings: Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the GTC Office.

Mother's Day Out and Preschool

Lynn Goodell, Director, 866-4722, ext. 238
Jacque Chapman, Assistant Director, 866-4722, ext. 238

This ministry provides Mother's Day Out (supervised play groups) and preschool and kindergarten readiness opportunities for families with young children six months to five years of age. Emphasis is placed on building positive self esteem, promoting fun and excitement in learning through age appropriate activities in a safe environment while being taught and cared for by an experienced, trained and loving staff.

Classes: Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., September through May and Mid-June through July

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Eileen Chapman, 866-9595, ext 243

For one week each summer, St. Jude is filled with children of all ages who come to learn about Jesus in a fun-filled environment. The Elementary Religious Education Department, along with many adult and teen volunteers from the parish, put together an educational program for children, ages pre-K through 5th grade. During this week, the hallways and classrooms of the Education Building are transformed to fit the them of Vacation Bible School (VBS).

updated: 07/12/2008