Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation at Saint Jude Parish (stjc.org)

Updated

Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, offers a full slate of faith formation programs for children, families, and adults — from First Penance and First Communion through Confirmation preparation and the OCIA process for adults — alongside youth and young adult ministry and online resources through Formed and Hallow. The parish also supports sacramental life through its Mass, confession, and devotion schedule, and invites parishioners into liturgical and prayer ministries. The sections below cover each program, who it serves, and where to start.

Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation

The parish's education menu, as listed on stjc.org, includes:

  • Religious Education — the general catechetical program for children.
  • First Penance / First Communion — preparation for these two sacraments, typically for children in the early grades.
  • Confirmation Prep — preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.
  • At Home Family Catechesis — a family-based option for households that form children in the faith at home.
  • Vacation Bible School — a seasonal program for children.
  • OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, for adults seeking baptism, confirmation, or full communion with the Catholic Church.

The site does not publish grade levels, session dates, fees, or registration deadlines for these programs. To enroll a child or ask about OCIA, contact the parish office during open hours (Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, closed 12:00–12:30 PM; Friday 9:00 AM–12:00 Noon; closed weekends) or use the "Email Us" link on the site.

Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry

Beyond classroom catechesis, the parish lists several ministry tracks:

  • Youth Ministry — with its own home page and youth events.
  • Young Adult Community — a group for adults in that stage of life.
  • Young Family Life — support and programming for families with young children.

These appear as ongoing ministries rather than one-time programs, so meeting times and formats are best confirmed directly with the parish or through the weekly bulletin.

Online Faith Resources: Formed and Hallow

The parish provides access to Formed and Hallow, two subscription-based Catholic platforms for video, audio, and study content. Formed is listed both under Education and in the site's Links section; Hallow appears alongside it under Education. If you want to use these through the parish rather than paying individually, ask the office how parishioner access is set up — the site does not state whether the parish covers the cost or how login credentials are issued.

Sacraments and Liturgical Ministries as Part of Parish Life

Faith formation at St. Jude is tied to the parish's sacramental and liturgical rhythm:

  • Mass times — Weekend: Saturday 4:00 PM Vigil; Sunday 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Daily Mass Monday–Friday at 7:00 AM. Holy Day and Christmas/Easter schedules are posted separately on the site.
  • Confession — Mondays 5:30–7:00 PM in the Reconciliation Room; Saturdays at St. Mary's 4:30–5:15 PM.
  • Devotions — Tuesday Novena to St. Jude after the 7:00 AM Mass; Thursday Divine Mercy Chaplet at 6:30 PM; First Saturday Litany and Rosary at 8:00 AM in the St. Jude Adoration Chapel.

The parish also lists Liturgical Ministries, a Ministry Schedule, Music Ministry, and Prayer Ministries, plus a St. Jude Prayer Chain. These are ways to move from receiving formation to serving in parish life.

Getting Started

  1. Decide which program fits your situation — child sacramental prep, adult OCIA, youth/young adult ministry, or family catechesis.
  2. Check the weekly bulletin (linked from the homepage) for current schedules and announcements.
  3. Contact the parish office by phone or the "Email Us" link during office hours to register or ask questions.
  4. If you are new to the parish, complete Parish Registration first, since program enrollment typically follows membership.

The site does not list fees, required documents, or class locations for any formation program, so confirm those details with the office before your first session.