Second only to the Mass itself is the importance of maintaining a safe environment for our children. Mandated by the diocese of Dallas, all volunteers working with children, youth, and the vulnerable adults are cleared through the Diocesan Safe Environment Program. This is a 5-Step Screening/Training process that culminates with a photo I.D. badge being issued to the volunteer, identifying them as a screened adult.

To volunteer at St. Jude all volunteers must be in compliance with the Dallas Diocese Safe Environment Program. To do this you must:

• Complete the Diocesan Screening Form
• Attend annual training classes
• Undergo a criminal background check and reference check
• Interview with a staff member
• Sign the Acknowledge Form regarding the Diocesan Safe Environment Booklet

If you are new to St. Jude there is a six (6) month waiting period before volunteering. If you have recently moved to St. Jude from another parish in the Diocese of Dallas, your records can be transferred to St. Jude and there is no waiting period. However, St. Jude does require an initial interview with transferring volunteers conducted by the Safety Officer. We hope this interview will help you better understand our parish and make your transition easier.

We are a parish family and as such, we look out for each other; we depend on each other to help us with safeguarding those entrusted to us by God. We value you and your time as well. What you have to offer our children and elderly is an invaluable service to this parish. It says a great deal about you as an adult volunteer – that you are willing to do what is necessary to insure the safety of the most vulnerable members of our parish.

Each ministry followed by * asterisk requires a safe environment clearance to participate in an adult leadership role.
Contact: Peggy Runnels, ext. 2210

Hospital Ministry
There is never an instance when your parish should not be called to care for you in the hospital - day or night, we are here to serve.
Contact: Deacon Ron - ext. 2232
After 5:00pm - call 469.854.0004 (24-hour answering service)

Homebound Ministry *
Members may bring the Eucharist or provide other needed services.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215

Elderly Visitation *
Visitors for those in Nursing Homes who need companionship.
Contact: Mary Boyle at ext. 2213

Collin County Juvenile Detention Center Ministry *
This Catholic outreach prison ministry to the youth detained at CCJDC requires commitment, training, orientation and a second background check to join.
Contact: Deacon Ron, ext. 2232

Prayer Chain
Prayer requests are called in or brought to the church office. All requests are kept confidential.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215

Grief Support
This support group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month to help people who are suffering through a loss.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

Bus Ministry *
A small group of dedicated people who have a CDL and drive the St. Jude bus for various events. A secondary driving record clearance is required.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215

Sister Parishes in Honduras Our aid to the Catholic Church in Honduras is a direct result of our deepened sense of God’s call to our parish. Contact: Fr. Tim, ext. 2214 More info

CSI: St. Jude (Community Service Investigators)
This exploratory committee goes out into the community to find ways that we as a parish can better serve our community. It is their task to bring back to the parish information and inspiration to be involved.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Food Pantry *
Clients are screened through Allen Community Outreach to match their needs with available services. Food donations are always needed and may be deposited in the large containers at the rear of the Activity Center.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

We Care
Our Religious Education program offers children an age-appropriate way to help other children through monthly activities that help them practice the Corporal Works of Mercy throughout the year.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225
More info

Senior Luncheon
Allen Ministerial Alliance member churches take turns sponsoring a monthly luncheon for area Senior Citizens in the St. Jude Activity Center.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

Toolbox Ministry
We assist fellow parishioners with repair needs around their homes. We also work with the Collin County Habitat for Humanity.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Samaritan Inn
St. Jude sponsors our local homeless shelter located in McKinney. The parish organizations take turns providing a meal for the shelter twice a month.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

Project Gabriel
A ministry of the Pro-Life Committee of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Project Gabriel offers spiritual, emotional and material support to mothers facing a crisis pregnancy.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

St. Brigid’s Crochet Group
A loving group of parishioners meets twice a month to crochet prayer blankets and rosaries for those in crisis. Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month in the Conference Room at 9:15am. Evening meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month in EB 131 at 7pm.
Contact: Mary Allen, ext 2231
More info

		Lectors Contact: Peggy Runnels, ext. 2210 More info Ushers * Contact: Ann Mikelonis, ext. 2249 More info Eucharistic Ministers Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215. More info
Altar Servers Contact: Peggy Runnels, ext. 2210 More info Altar Server Mentors * Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215 More info Altar Society Contact: Ann Mikelonis, ext. 2224 More info Rosary Leaders Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213 More info

Adult Choir
Rehearsals are held each Tuesday evening from 7:30-9:00pm. The Adult Choir sings at the 8 and 10am Sunday morning liturgies each week.
Contact: Katie Lacy, ext. 2216
More info

Children’s Choir *
All children are welcome. Rehearsals are organized through weekly RE classes.
Contact: Michael Howard, ext. 2216

The Band
Musicians interested in participating should contact the St. Jude Music Ministry to arrange an audition.
Contact: Michael Howard, ext. 2216
More info

Children’s Choir
For children in 3rd through 6th grades. Rehearsals are on Mondays from 5:30 - 6:30pm. The Children’s Choir will sing for Children’s Masses and other special children’s events.
Contact: Michael Howard, ext. 2216

Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary members meet weekly and take the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

The Ministry of Mothers Sharing
MOMS is a 9-week course to help women discover the sacredness of their personal spiritual growth.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Natural Family Planning / Creighton NFP Method
A series of classes are available on an annual basis at St. Jude.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Religious Education *
During the academic year, three-year-olds through 6th graders meet for a one-hour Religious Education class each week.
Contact: Toni Cechan, ext. 2225
More info

Special Needs Religious Education Class *
This class is for children with special challenges who would benefit from an environment designed to maximize their success.
Contact: Toni Cechan, ext. 2225

Children’s Liturgy of the Word *
During the Mass, children are invited to recess to the Chapel for readings from the children’s lectionary.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2215
More info

Children’s Mass
Once each month, except for the month of July, our children participate in the liturgy during one of the weekend Masses.
Contact: Toni Cechan, ext. 2225
More info

VBS *
This program is offered each June for Pre-K - 4th grades.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225
More info

God’s Word Rocks *
This is a bible-based study, for children who are completing 5th grade, which is offered in the summer.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225
More info

Kid’s Creative Camps *
Summertime fun, enrichment activities for children ages 3-8 held each July.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225

Rainbow Days
Our preschool program offers a theme-based curriculum which includes age-appropriate activities for children, ages two to five years. All teachers have completed the Diocesan Safe Environment Program.
Contact: Liz Moore, ext. 2223
More info

Nursery
Saturday - 5pm, Sunday - 8:00am, 10am, 12pm and 5pm for ages 1, (walking) through 48 months. Care for all ages is provided by reservation for special and recurring events as advertised. A donation per child, per visit, is requested. All caregivers have completed the Diocesan Safe Environment Program.
Contact: Sue Hawthorne, ext. 2211
More info

Confirmation Prep / Junior Youth Ministry (JYM - The EDGE) *
A 2 year course: Year 1 (mostly 7th grade) meets on Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Year 2 (mostly 8th grade) meets on Sunday afternoons from 1:30-3:30pm.
Contact: Brenda Farmer, ext. 2228
More info

Life Savers High School Ministry *
9th-12th graders are encouraged to attend the 5pm Sunday Mass. After Mass, catechetical programs follow for their specific grade-level groups. Those who have not been confirmed need to contact the Youth Director.
Tuesday evenings are High School Ministry Nights where teens come together for youth-driven ministry.
Contact: Brenda Farmer, ext. 2228
More info

Mission Week *
Each summer our 7-12th graders have the opportunity to participate in a Christ-centered week of service and outreach.
Contact: Brenda Farmer, ext. 2228

Baptism Preparation
A required baptismal class is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 3:30pm (this is a new time) for parents seeking the baptism of an infant or small child. Children 7 or older receive instruction through an Initiations Sacraments program. Adults seeking this sacrament should call the church office.
Infant baptism, contact: Peggy Runnels, ext. 2210
Baptizing children seven or older, contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225
Adult baptism, contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

First Reconciliation/First Communion *
Preparation is provided through Religious Education classes, and is a two year process for 1st and 2nd graders. 3rd through 6th grade classes are available, too.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225

For youth in grades 7-12 who have not received these sacraments.
Contact: Brenda Farmer at ext. 2228.
More info

Confirmation Preparation *
Two years of preparation by faithful participation in parish religious education are required by the Diocese. The JYM program (7th & 8th grades) focuses on preparing for this sacrament.
Contact: Brenda Farmer, ext. 2228
More info

Marriage Preparation Program
Engaged couples are paired with trained sponsor couples who provide mentoring and advice while the new couple prepares for their upcoming marriage.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225
More info

Addictions Ministries
We provide resource support for those who are coping with addictions, including support for family members and loved ones.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Knights of Columbus
St. Jude K of C is a fraternal service organization of Catholic men. One of the primary goals is to provide support to the church community by sponsorship of family oriented activities and programs.
Contact: Robert Holladay, ext. 2219
More info

Women of St. Jude
All women are encouraged to share in this sisterhood of fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and service to our parish family. Our renowned Annual Fall Crafts Fair supports various ministries in the parish.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

ESL Classes for Adults
Classes in conversational English are offered on Tuesdays from 6-7pm during the school year.
Contact: Julie Buchanan, ext. 2225

Young Married Group
This group meets on a monthly basis for fellowship and to support one another’s efforts to strengthen their marriages and families.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Good Timers
This fun-loving group of parishioners, age 55 and older, enjoy meeting once a month to dine and socialize.
Contact: Peggy Runnels, ext. 2210
More info

Free Spirits / Empty Nesters
This is a GROWING Group for St. Jude and extension of the Good Timers. All Parishioners who are 55+ gather together monthly and travel to different destinations in the Texas area.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Upon completion of classes, inquirers may receive full initiation into the Catholic Church, provided they have satisfied the Church’s requirements for participation in the sacraments.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2215
More info

The Men’s Rosary/Prayer Group
This men’s group meets every Tuesday evening at 7pm in the Education Building, Room 131. We recite the Rosary, read and discuss scripture, and close with shared prayer.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Women's Catholic Scripture Study
This bible study for women is based on the “Catholic Scripture Study” materials. Babysitting by reservation. Section One meets Wednesday mornings from 10:00am. Section Two meets Fridays at 10:00am. Newcomers are invited to join.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Women’s “Full of Grace” Book Study
This book study will run from September to May and is open to all women of the parish. We will meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Education Building. Childcare is available by reservation.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Exploring the Sunday Readings Bible Study
The focus of this lectionary bible study is to prepare our hearts to hear the Liturgy of the Word. The group meets weekly on Thursday mornings at 9:15am in EB 131.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Little Rock Bible Study
This Men’s bible study meets once per week in the Activity Center on Friday mornings at 6:30am.
Contact: Robert Holladay, ext. 2219
More info

St. Ignatius Study
A study for men and women of all ages (widowed, divorced, single) who want to learn how to experience the power of prayer in their lives. The class we use is a series of four books. The study meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays beginning in April.
Contact: Jeanne Girsch, ext. 2213

Christ Renews His Parish
This program is offered to both men and women twice a year. CRHP begins with a weekend retreat that emphasizes small group sharing. Each team continues to meet weekly for the six months following the renewal weekend and then hosts a weekend for a next group.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Men’s CRHP Cenacle
All men of the parish that have previously attended a CRHP Retreat gather the first Wednesday of the month for an evening of praise and worship, adoration, scripture followed by fellowship.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info

Women’s CRHP Cenacle
All women of the parish that have previously attended a CRHP Retreat monthly for an evening of praise and worship, adoration, scripture followed by fellowship.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213

Small Faith Groups
These groups meet weekly throughout the year and study a variety of topics.
Contact: Mary Boyle, ext. 2213
More info