Baptism
Infant Baptism Policy
The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation, is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. It removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
Requirements of Baptism
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1. To register for baptism, please call the parish office to set up a meeting with one of the parish priests. Bring with you the child's birth certificate and the baptism registration form which can be obtained online at www.stjudeboca.org or at the church office. The parish phone number is 561-392-8172.
2. Parents must attend a baptism preparation class. The purpose of these classes is to convey an understanding of baptism in the Church today, to help parents recognize their responsibility and role in the development of their child's faith, and to welcome young families into our parish family. Godparents are also encouraged to attend. Baptism classes are normally held the first Wednesday of the month in English.
3. If you are not registered in the parish and do not live in Boca Raton, a Letter of Permission from your home parish is required.
4. At least one of the Godparents has to be a practicing catholic and confirmed. They must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from their parish.
Preparation for Infant Baptism
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments. Adults and children old enough to understand baptism are given extensive formation and instruction prior to their reception of this first sacrament of initiation. In the case of infants, it has been understood throughout the centuries that an infant is baptized into the faith of his or her immediate faith community (e.g., parents, extended family, parish), the faith in which he or she will mature and come to a profound understanding of the significance of the Christian faith. Baptizing an infant is next to meaningless if the infant cannot rely upon this ongoing community support. Therefore, the minister of baptism needs to have a well-founded hope that a child to be baptized will actually enjoy the living example and support of the Catholic parent(s) and will grow up in a state of easy familiarity with religious practice.
Requirements for Godparents
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1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
2. At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic, registered in a parish.The law requires that the godparents themselves have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, the three "sacraments of initiation," and be members in good standing at their respective parishes. If they are not registered at St. Jude, they must have their own pastors send a letter stating that they are in good standing at their parish. According to Catholic law, as long as one of the godparents is a practicing Catholic, the other godparent may be a baptized practicing non-Catholic Christian who is designated as a "Christian witness" to the baptism. (In this case a letter from the witness's pastor is necessary, stating that the godparent is in good standing in his or her church.)
3. Must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized Catholic Christians must have a parish affiliation. If you are not a registered parishioner of St. Jude and live outside the parish boundaries, the pastor needs the permission of the pastor where you live in order to baptize your child. St. Jude, like other Catholic churches, uses the envelope system to determine Mass attendance. If you don't use envelopes and the priest does not recognize you, there is no way to confirm that you attend Mass. So, be sure to use your envelopes every Sunday. While we encourage parishioners to be good stewards, we do not dictate how much each family should give.
4. Must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume. These classes are offered regularly at St. Jude Church, usually on the first Wednesday of each month in English. They are also offered at other local churches throughout the month. If the parents take the class at any church other than St. Jude, they must provide proof of attendance either in a certificate of attendance or a letter from that church's pastor. If the parents have taken Baptismal Preparation Classes within the past two years, this requirement is waived. Please note: If you choose to attend a class at St. Jude, you must register for the desired class.
Requirements for Parents
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1. Normally, at least one parent must be a "practicing" Catholic. What does it mean to be a "practicing" Catholic? In terms of the sacraments, a practicing Catholic has a very active sacramental life. He or she goes to Mass a minimum of once a week and lives a life in union with the church and her teachings. A practicing Catholic is also a person of prayer. Each day, a Catholic responds to God's call to personal communion through quiet time and reflection.
2. Mass Attendance Catholic Christians recognize the celebration of the Lord's Supper (Mass, the Eucharist) as the indispensable source of ongoing spiritual nourishment. As a community, we are fed from the tables of the Word of God and Jesus' Eucharistic sacrifice. Catholics should not habitually stay away from, or in any instance excuse themselves lightly from, the Sunday celebration of Mass. For the purpose of removing as many hindrances as possible to attending Mass, St. Jude Church has expanded its Mass schedule to appeal to a variety of styles and languages. We not only have a Saturday evening Mass at 5:00pm, but we offer early Masses (7:30am, 9:00am, and 10:30am), a noon Mass and a 1:30pm Spanish Mass. Surely, out of these seven Masses, you can find one that is convenient for you. A Catholic simply must not stay away from Sunday Mass. This celebration is at the core of who we are. Participation in the Eucharist, and participation in a life of prayer in general, allows us truly to be "practicing" – to be open to the grace God gives us to live courageously and lovingly. Any other laws we are to follow, any other challenges we are given, are made easier because we allow ourselves to be fed. If you have not been attending Mass regularly, we want to invite you to begin attending Mass for the sake of your child. During the baptism ceremony you will testify that it is your intention to bring the child up in the Catholic Church. We ask that you start living out this promise by beginning to attend Mass. You will see St. Jude parish has a lot to offer your children as they grow up. And, your attendance at Mass will teach your child the importance of practicing their faith. There is no better gift you can give your child than the gift of faith that is lived out by going to Mass each Sunday. Baptism classes are normally held the first Wednesday of the month in English.
3. Parish Affiliation Catholic Christians must have a parish affiliation. If you are not a registered parishioner of St. Jude and live outside the parish boundaries, the pastor needs the permission of the pastor where you live in order to baptize your child. St. Jude, like other Catholic churches, uses the envelope system to determine Mass attendance. If you don't use envelopes and the priest does not recognize you, there is no way to confirm that you attend Mass. So, be sure to use your envelopes every Sunday. While we encourage parishioners to be good stewards, we do not dictate how much each family should give.
4. Attend Baptismal Preparation Class These classes are offered regularly at St. Jude Church, usually on the first Wednesday of each month in English. They are also offered at other local churches throughout the month. If the parents take the class at any church other than St. Jude, they must provide proof of attendance either in a certificate of attendance or a letter from that church's pastor. If the parents have taken Baptismal Preparation Classes within the past two years, this requirement is waived. Please note: If you choose to attend a class at St. Jude, you must register for the desired class.
Important Forms:
Reconciliation
Confessions are offered on Saturdays from 8:30am to 9:15am.
First Communion & First Reconciliation
Sacramental Preparation at St. Jude Catholic Church is a collaboration of the parents as primary teachers of their child, catechists, and the community of faith as experienced through Sunday Liturgies.
Preparation for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation is a 2-year formation program generally done in the 1st and 2nd grades.
Our Special Sacraments class is available for those students who are beyond 1st and 2nd grade and are still in need of these sacraments. Special Sacraments is also a 2-year preparation program.
The Sacrament of First Communion is scheduled for Saturday April 27, 2024 for St. Jude Church Religious Education students and Saturday May 4, 2024 for St. Jude School Students
Susan Kessler, Director of Religious Education
Contact
- P: +1 (561) 314-1245
- F:+1 (561) 362-0845
- E:skessler@stjudeboca.org
Please Note:
Confirmation
Sacramental Preparation at St. Jude Catholic Church is a collaboration of the parents as primary teachers of their child, catechists, and the community of faith as experienced through Sunday Liturgies.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually a 2-year formation program generally beginning in the 8th and 9th grades.
Older High School students still in need of this sacrament, should contact Susan Kessler, Director of Religious Education.
Our 2023-2024 Confirmation Mass will be celebrated with Bishop Barbarito on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00am
Susan Fahey Kessler, Director of Religious Education
Contact
- P: +1 (561) 314-1245
- F:+1 (561) 362-0845
- E:skessler@stjudeboca.org
Please Note:
Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement and forthcoming Wedding
Matrimony Preparation
At least six months prior to the Wedding date you should determine the day and time you desire and contact the Church to see if that date is available. St. Jude performs Weddings on Saturdays (or weekdays in special cases). The usual times are Saturday at 2:30pm and 6:30pm.
You will need proof of your Catholic Baptism. Contacting the Church where you were baptized does this. Tell them you are getting married and need a copy of your Baptismal certificate. Usually they can mail it to you or if the Church is near-by you may pick it up. Most Churches do not charge anything for this procedure. This Baptismal certificate must be one issued within six months of bringing it to our Church. (The one your mother may have saved for you all these years will not do in this circumstance.)
There is a fee for the Wedding Ceremony and an additional fee for music, soloists, etc. The Church fee will be discussed with each couple directly with the Church office and the music discussed directly with Rosemary Stone our Music Director. Rosemary may be reached at extension 1052; please call her as soon as you have scheduled your date. Should you reach her voice mail be sure to leave your name, wedding date and time and your telephone number in order for her to call you back.
There is counseling done prior to the Wedding. If you live out of the country or in another state you may go to your Catholic Church in that area and request help with your paperwork.
There is a personality test to be taken. It is called the The Fully Engaged Program, or as some Priest call it the "Love Test" and can be taken online or with Mentors. There is no passing or failing; it is merely a test to give the counselor some insight into the couple as to where they might need guidance, as they start out their married life together.
There is the Wedding Preparation Class to be taken. It might be taken here at St. Jude (or another local parish) the engaged couple spend a portion of the day receiving guidance on their spiritual and emotional journey together after they become a married couple.
The day is usually from 8:30am to 4:00pm with breaks and lunch served. Couples come away saying this day was one they thoroughly enjoyed; a day bringing them closer together.
Please enroll in the Wedding Preparation Class as soon as possible. The church office will give you direction in doing this as soon as you bring in your Baptismal certificates. Please note, the State of Florida so encourages this Wedding Preparation Class that couples having completed the one-day class may take their Wedding Preparation Class certificate with them when they go to get their civil marriage license and will receive a discount.
You will receive a booklet entitled "Together for Life" which will help you in selecting your readings for your ceremony. This will be given to you when you come in with your Baptismal certificates.
In addition, there are couples with special needs in their time of preparation. For instance, the couple may have been previously married to each other in a civil ceremony or one or both of the parties may have been married before to someone else or perhaps one is not Catholic. These special needs may all be handled easily by the joint effort of the Church staff along with the cooperation of the couple in providing the necessary documentation
As you prepare for your Catholic Wedding Day you are the most important people in our parish. Everyone at St. Jude Catholic Church is eager to make this a truly joyful and blessed time in your life. A time you will always remember with a happy heart. We thank you for the privilege you give us by having your Church Wedding at St. Jude.
Khrisna Kellerman
Contact
- P: +1 (561) 392-8172
- EXT:ext. 1022
Vocations
Information about Vocations is available by calling Br. Robert Bathe, O.Carm. +1 (845) 344-2225
Funerals
Please accept the deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one from the St. Jude Priests, Staff, and Members, and please extend our condolences to your entire family.
Funeral Procedures
Your wife/husband/child/parent/sister/brother just died from an automobile accident/ heart attack / stroke / aneurism / suicide / violent death / expected or unexpected death. Even if you anticipated the death as the result of a terminal illness or even just old age, you are numb! More than likely, you slip into denial, a phase where the death just does not seem possible. It's a surreal state of mind which provides self defenses for your body and soul which allow you to temporarily be protected from the immediate severe pain. You can't think. You are confused and don't know which way to turn.
Usually, the body is taken to a local funeral home, where you will go to finalize the initial funeral planning. The tasks of choosing a casket or arranging for cremation are very exhausting, and it is best to have a companion with you at that time. The funeral director will offer you guidance about scheduling the funeral and will make specific arrangements for the funeral with the church. At this point, if there is a particular priest whom you would like to preside at the funeral, mention this to the funeral director. Every effort will be made to coordinate the priest's schedule to accommodate your wishes. There are times, though, if a priest is ill or out of town, another available priest will be scheduled.
After your visit to the funeral home, the funeral home will contact the church to schedule a day and time for your service.
A member of the Parish Bereavement Support is then notified and will call you to make an appointment with you to visit you for a Consolation Call/Funeral Planning Visit. He or she will be your representative to the Church and will handle many details for you, as well as pray for you and your family. Time is of the essence, so it is important to arrange this visit as soon as possible after the death notification.
During this visit, you will be asked to make several decisions as you and the Minister of Consolation, as well as participating family members or friends, together plan the Mass.
Planning a loved one's funeral may sound morbid, but it actually is a strong sign of love and faith. Choosing the readings or particular church songs that were your loved one's favorites is a privilege and, years from now, you will remember the beauty of the "customized, personalized" Mass for your loved one. Your participation in the planning process is part of the healing process for you. At a time when you may feel helpless and unfocused, this planning provides you with concrete direction . . . you are not helpless or scattered . . . at least in the planning process. Planning a funeral also helps you and other family members get in touch with the reality of the death and takes you out of the "surreal denial" phase, if only for a short time.
It is important for you to consider seriously whether or not any of the people you are choosing to participate can reasonably handle the task emotionally. These people will be given an instruction sheet so they will know exactly how and when they do their part, and if they are readers, they will have copies of the readings to rehearse outloud before the funeral. If one of them simply cannot do it on the day of the funeral, the Minister of Consolation will take over for them, or stand with them at the microphone encouraging them.
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1. Choose readings (First Reading and Second Reading). The Gospel will be chosen by the celebrant. And choose five to eight intercessions from the list. These intercessions can my composed by the family but should be written out ahead of time.
2. Choose the readers (lectors) for these readings and intercessions (not for the Gospel, though, since the priest will read that.)
3. Choose two to four gift bearers (who may be children or grandchildren) who will bring the bread and the wine, etc., to the altar. This will be skipped during the Pandemic.
The people listed above will all be named in the program (if you create one during the Pandemic). However, there are other people (who will not be named in the program) that you should be thinking about, too. For instance, the pallbearers, the Eucharistic Ministers (if you want to choose friends who are trained and commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers in a Catholic Church).
4. Consider:
a. whether or not military honors are appropriate. If so, the funeral home makes these arrangements with the proper military service.
b. whom you might like to receive memorial donations "in lieu of flowers." These can be directed to any nonprofit organization. Many people ask their friends for donations to the church, hospice, a scholarship fund, a college or university, etc. The exact address is required for the funeral program.
c. whether or not you will be having a reception after the funeral. Where? Is everyone invited? Directions needed?
5. Music. If you desire music for the funeral, you must call the Music Minister, Rosemary Stone, at +1 (561) 482-1414. She will direct you in making appropriate musical choices.
6. Costs. Normally, the costs for the use of the church and and the music costs are included in the comprehensive bill provided by the Funeral Home. (Please check with the funeral director for the current costs.) If the funeral home does not provide this billing, separate checks should then be written to St. Jude Church and to the St. Jude Music Ministry.
7. Flowers. Arrangements for flowers must be made directly with the florist and may be taken after the funeral to the reception or your home. If left at the Church they will be viewed by parishioners as a remembrance of your loved ones.
Lector for first reading
Immediately after the opening prayer, while the people are sitting down, walk up to the ambo (pulpit) and take your place. You do not need to carry the reading with you. It will be on the ambo. Adjust the microphone to your height. Read the reading and finish with "The word of the Lord." Be especially careful as you step down from the ambo and return to your seat. Hints: Prepare ahead of time. Read it out loud multiple times. Read slowly. Pause at periods. Speak up because the audio system expects a strong voice.
Lector for the second reading
Immediately after the first reading, a responsorial song will be sung. When it is completed, walk up to the ambo (pulpit) and take your place. You do not need to carry the reading with you. It will be on the ambo. Adjust the microphone to your height. Read the reading and finish with "The word of the Lord." Step down from the ambo and return to your seat. Hints: Prepare ahead of time. Read it out loud multiple times. Read slowly. Pause at periods.
Speak up because the audio system expects a strong voice.
Reader of the Prayers of Intercessions
Immediately after the homily, the priest will return to his chair. (The priest may pause for a few moments of silent reflection on the thoughts in the homily.) While he is doing this, walk to the ambo (pulpit) and take your place. You do not need to carry the intercessions with you. They will be on the ambo. Adjust the microphone to your height. After the priest reads the short opening prayer, read the prayers of intercession. After the last one, remain at the ambo until the priest completes the closing prayer; then return to your seat. Hints: Prepare ahead of time. Read it out loud multiple times. Read slowly. Speak up because the audio system expects a strong voice. Look at the congregation occasionally. This is easier the more you prepare.
Khrisna Kellerman
Contact
our mission
St. Jude Parish is a Catholic Community of God’s People of the Diocese of Palm Beach located in Boca Raton, Florida, founded in June, 1979. We are a people of diverse backgrounds and ethnic origins united by God, formed by the Gospels, strengthened by the Sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We seek to deepen our personal union with Jesus Christ and to grow as a faith community.
We seek to enrich our heritage of care and concern for all by sharing God’s love and healing with the world around us. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we pledge ourselves to pursue this mission by participation in the liturgical, educational, and social ministries of the Church.
We recognize that to be effective, these ministries require spiritual, physical, and financial resources, and we accept our responsibility as Christian Stewards to provide these resources.
Location
- 21689 Toledo Road |
Boca Raton, FL 33433 - P: +1 (561) 392-8172
- F: +1 (561) 362-0845
Resources
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