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G R A T I T U D E . D I S C I P L E S H I P . G E N E R O S I T Y

ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Our ParishWe are so proud to be part of a parish that continuously strives to grow in God’s love. All of us desire the parish’s success and wellbeing. We want our parish to stand out in our community as a beacon of hope and confidence. What we gain from our parish community is beyond our expectations. We share friendships, offer consolation, receive loving support, gain knowledge and understanding, find hope and peace. Among the most important attitudes that we can foster is a sense of appreciation for our parish. The community at St. Jude that God has built among us is powerful and real.

GratitudeThanking God daily for the blessings and gifts we have received. We have a responsibility to use our gifts and talents that God has bestowed on us and turn to God in gratitude for them. A good steward always is saying “thank you”.

DiscipleshipWe are a family, working together, with God’s grace empowering us to be his hands in the world. Discipleship is sharing of our time and the God given talent with others. This is who we are at the core of our community. The needs are many. They include fostering the faith of our children to grow in the values of our Catholic church. Think about how critical that is in today’s world. There truly is no substitute for the power of the Catholic Community to form our children’s hearts. The passion and work of the parish is vast; our front cover shows the many facets of our faith in action. We continue to seek ways of being Christ in the world. Please offer a prayer that God grant us the resources to pursue what we have been called to do. A good steward knows it is better to give than to receive.

GenerosityWe believe that one of the most powerful tools the Holy Spirit gives us is generosity. God has showered upon us innumerable gifts. He never stops giving and caring for us. As we give, our faith is nurtured. Our love becomes the guiding principal, it is about both generosity and the love that it fosters. We continue to seek ways of being Christ in the world. Please offer a prayer that God grant us the resources to continue what we have been called to do. A good steward knows it is better to give than to receive.

Why pledge? A pledge is a guide for our own giving, our own measurement. It is not a contract or bill, but a spiritual promise to God. Such promises help us to remain disciplined, honoring God with our commitment. Tithing, giving 10% of our income, is the standard used in the Old Testament, it means to give not what is leftover, but rather to give to God first, as a sign of our love and trust. If tithing is new to you, simply make a pledge by beginning with a small percentage and add to it as you achieve this first step. While it may be a stretch, most who have done this can attest that they have received many blessing that comes from God’s love. Each of us ultimately must make a choice and prayerfully discern regarding the amount that is appropriate. This is a way to appreciate all that God has given us.During Jesus’ ministry in Galilee he reminds us Luke 6:38: “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Three FundsCurrently, our parish has three funds:1. The Operating Fund supports all the expenses of our parish, including but

not limited to; utilities, all programs, and salaries. 2. The Building Fund is to provide for our building mortgage plus additional

upkeep of the facilities. 3. The Capital Campaign Fund is the fund that helps with all building

projects.

We ask for you to prayerfully consider giving to all three funds. This will ensure our ability to pay the mortgage and debt along with supporting the existing building project but also looking to the future.

As we continue to grow we see on the horizon the need to upgrade our Youth and Parish Hall area, which is our oldest building area on campus. Further need is to expand our Columbarium since it is almost full and potentially creating a prayer garden with the additional columbarium spaces.

The CoverThe cover image includes the mural in the arch above the main doors to the church by local artist, Andy Buchanan, featuring his artistic interpretation of the renowned Giotto fresco, “Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet”. Below the mural are pictures of our parish’s faith in action. From top to bottom: Palm Sunday (April, 14, 2019), Vacation Bible School Week (June, 17-21, 2019), Dedication of St. Rita’s Catholic School in Honduras (January 29, 2019) World Youth Day (January 24, 2019), 2018 St. Jude Giving Tree and Knights of Columbus serving at the priest anniversary celebration (July 13, 2019).As seen from these pictures, the passion and work of the parish is vast, see the list and it is not complete: Adult; Children’s Ministry- We Care Program; Youth Mission Week; AMA Senior Luncheons, Altar Servers, Sacristans, Bereavement Hospitality; Bible Studies; Career Alliance; Welcome; Collin County Juvenile Detention Center; Food Pantry; Honduras School; People Helping People Ministry, The Giving Tree; The Love Truck; Knights of Columbus; RCIA; Toolbox Ministry; Visitation Ministry; Women of St. Jude.

© 2019 St. Jude Press – Allen, TX