Worship Ministries
-
P.E.W.S. - PRAYER. EDUCATION. WORSHIP. SERVICE.
-
WORSHIP
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
“We are one family of faith called to assist one another truly as brothers and sisters rather than individual communities and persons. The communal celebration of Eucharist is primary to the life of the church. There are several factors that affect the quality of the Eucharistic experience. It is imperative that parishes offer Masses in an appropriate, timely, and quality manner.” (Diocese of Baton Rouge Pastoral Planning Task Force Report and Recommendations. February 2017.)
SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION
“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; break into song; sing praise. Sing praise to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy to the King, the Lord. Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell there. Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy.” (Psalm 98:4-8)
VISION
Our Saint Jude Parish theme, One Hope! One Faith! One Family!, is most evident in our experience of WORSHIP, particularly during weekend liturgies. A common description offered by visitors is that of a welcoming, warm, and friendly environment. All ministries of our parish are fulfilled with the deepest commitment. Ministries that serve the liturgical needs of the faith community include:
-
-
- Altar Servers
- Altar Society
- Art and Environment Ministry
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors
- Mass Captains
- Mass Greeters
- Music Ministry
- Parish Liturgy Committee
- Ushers
-
Altar Servers
Altar servers are boys or girls who assist the priest at Liturgy on Sundays, Holy Days, and special occasions. Membership is open to all boys and girls in the parish who has completed their First Eucharist and who is in the third grade or beyond. Adult parishioners are also invited to join. Altar servers who attend St. Jude School also serve during school Liturgies. A mandatory workshop is held for all new servers.
If you are interested in applying for this ministry, please complete this application and return it to Deacon James by September 5, 2024.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Altar Society
The Altar Society is responsible for ensuring that all Mass linens are properly cleaned, folded, ironed and returned to their proper place for use during liturgical celebrations, in particular, Mass. Linens that need to be cleaned are picked up from the sacristy in the church by members of the Altar Society each week. Members of this ministry are scheduled on a rotating monthly basis.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Art and Environment
All parishioners are invited to join the Art and Environment ministry. In this ministry, you assist in the planning and decorating of the church for various liturgical seasons and help with the cleanup when the season ends.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for children in grades Pre-K through 1st grade at the 9:30am Mass on most Sundays during the school year. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend. During this special time, the volunteer teacher leads the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children. The children learn about the same Scripture readings as the rest of the assembly. They are taught a simplified main message of the readings and are encouraged to share that message with their parents after Mass. Volunteers are needed to teach the lessons each week, as well as to assist with the supervision of the children. This is a great opportunity for adults and middle school/high school youth to help these eager youngsters better understand the scriptures.
Children's Liturgy of the Word schedule for the 2024-2025 school year:
September 15
October 6, 27
November 3, 10, 17
December 8, 15
January 5, 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 9, 16, 23, 30
April 13, 27
May 4Click here to sign up to volunteer
Contact: Matt Conine, Director of Christian Formation, 225-766-2431
-
Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers)
Extraordinary Ministers must be approved by the pastor. Ministers are men and women who assist the priest and deacon in distribution of the Eucharist. Many also bring the Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend Sunday Liturgy. A mandatory workshop is held before scheduling.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Lectors
Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Ministers of the Word are Catholic adults who proclaim the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Liturgy, Holy Days, and other special Liturgical functions. A mandatory workshop is held for all readers and a workbook is provided.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Mass Captains
Mass Captains assist in the preparation for Mass by ensuring that the church is unlocked, lights and sound system are on, candles are lit and all necessary liturgical vessels, linens and other items are in place prior to the start of Mass. They assist the priest (and deacon) with setting the altar and distributing Holy Communion during Mass. After Mass, they make sure that all vessels are properly cleaned and put back in their proper place. Mass Captains ultimately provide helpful assistance for a meaningful, prayerful, and active celebration.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Mass Greeters
This ministry is open to parishioners of all ages, and families are encouraged to participate together. Greeters hold the church doors open and greet people as they enter for the weekend liturgies. Greeters seek to make all parishioners and visitors feel welcome among us, enhancing our liturgy experience.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Music Ministry
Those with musical talents, vocal and/or instrumental ability are invited and welcomed to audition with the choir director.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Parish Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is appointed by the pastor. Committee members are parishioners serving in various liturgical ministries who assist the pastor in discerning the effectiveness of liturgy in St. Jude Parish.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]
-
Ushers
Men and women who volunteer their services to assist in celebration of Mass on Sundays, Holy Days, and special occasions. Ushers have the opportunity to welcome individuals attending Mass and aid in the seating of the congregation, collecting the offering and tidying the church after service in preparation of the next celebration. High School and College Students are encouraged to join this ministry.
Contact: Deacon James Morrissey, 225-766-2431 or [email protected]