Sacramental Programs

Children's Initiation:

Parents, with children who are Ages 7-16, bring their children forward for full membership in the church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist as well as for the healing sacrament of Reconciliation. This process is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adult (RCIA) As Adapted For Children.

It is a seven-month commitment in which the children journey toward the Easter Vigil and the joy of Jesus' resurrection. It is a time to share stories, Jesus' love, prayer, cathechesis, etc., for the parents and families as well as for the cathechumen (not yet baptized). Along with the catechesis sessions on Monday evenings, the process involves an opportunity to be present to the parish community at various Saturday/Sunday liturgies (Masses).

The Children's Initiation process actually parallels the adult process of  RCIA; many adults are also choosing to become members of the Catholic Church. The catechetical sessions of the adult and youth are separate, with the division due to time considerations and maturity of content. Yet, the adults and youth participate together in all of the other aspects of the process, such as the liturgical rites, (e.g. Rite of Acceptance), prayer settings, and socialization. All come forward together to accept their God and membership in the Roman Catholic Church.
 For more information call  (319) 390-3520

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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):

Adults who wish to be initiated into the Catholic faith through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist journey with their sponsor through an eight month period of formation. The sessions begin in the fall on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. These individuals study the doctrines of the Catholic Faith, participate in retreats, and celebrate several liturgical rites that mark passages in their journey of initiation. All are received into the Catholic faith on Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil Service. The newly received individuals are then welcomed into the different ministries offered at St. Jude Church.
 For more information call  (319) 390-3520

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Infant Baptism I:

This is a program of instruction for parents who are preparing for the baptism of their first child.
 For more information,  please call the parish office at (319) 390-3520

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First Eucharist & First Reconciliation ~ Grade 2:

Students of the parish will typically begin preparation for their first Reconciliation and first Eucharist in the Fall of their second grade year. Whether the children participate in the Wednesday night religion program or are members of the Holy Family School System, the sacramental preparation program will be home-based.

Parents with second graders enrolled in the second grade at either school or the religious education program will be contacted in the fall of the year and asked to attend three parent meetings over the course of the year - one for first Reconciliation and two for first Eucharist. They will be given materials and schedules to go over at home and teach their children about the sacraments, as well as receiving some adult education in the sacraments for themselves. Parents are required to attend one of the three sessions of each parent meeting.

The school and religious education programs will also be covering some materials on first Eucharist and first Reconciliation, but the home-based sacramental preparation is meant to emphasize the parent's role as first and primary catechists of their children.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please call and speak with Jesse Sheedy, the Directory of Faith Formation.

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Confirmation:

The Archdiocese of Dubuque Confirmation Guidelines, sets the minimum age for Confirmation at 15.

The Basic Phase (prerequisite year) for the St. Jude Confirmation program requires the person to be enrolled in a Catholic religious education program one year prior to beginning the Immediate phase of Confirmation. Generally, the Basic Phase would begin at the 8th grade level. An in-service is held at the end of 8th grade to inform parents and their sons or daughters of the upcoming Immediate Phase of Confirmation.

The Immediate Phase is a two year journey. It includes retreats, service, catechesis, prayer and worship. Each candidate also journeys with a sponsor during the the two year process. At the end of the two year journey the Archbishop or Parochial Vicar celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation with the candidates.

Once Confirmed, the Follow-Up Phase consists of using their Newly Confirmed gifts of the Holy Spirit within their parish and worldwide communities.

For more information please call  (319) 390-3520

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Anointing of the Sick:

This sacrament is periodically scheduled during Mass, or as requested. Please check the weekly bulletin or contact the parish office for more information.

 

Holy Orders:

For information on this sacrament of vows in religious life, please contact one of the priests.
 

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Marriage Programs

For additional information on the programs listed below, please call the parish office at (319) 390-3520
 

Sponsor Couples:

In this program, a married couple meets with an engaged couple in the sponsor couple's home. Normally three sessions are held in which prepared materials are used to enable the engaged couple to discuss important issues concerning married life.

 

Pre Cana Classes:

These classes are sponsored by the Archdiocese of Dubuque and are held on a Saturday evening and on a Sunday afternoon in September, January, March and June. Lead couples, as well as medical personnel, discuss the emotional, religious and physical aspects of marriage.

 

Engaged Encounter:

This marriage preparation weekend is held in either Cedar Falls or Dubuque. The program follows a retreat format focusing on both practical and spiritual elements of married life.

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Marriage Encounter:

These marriage support weekends are for a married couple to strengthen their relationship. Please check the weekly bulletin for upcoming weekends.

 

Retrouvaille:

This weekend program is designed for couples who are experiencing pain in their marriage. For more information on this program check the weekly bulletin, or telephone the parish office for help.

 

To Trust Again:

This program is designed for couples who are entering into their second marriage. It's purpose is to foster awareness of the special issues encountered as one enters into marriage following a divorce.