St. Jude Catholic Church and School Newsletter — May-June-July 2021

m ay / j u n e / j u ly

2021

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

Introducing Our New Parish Stewardship Newsletter Dear Parishioners,

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am pleased to present to you our new parish newsletter. This newsletter will help us learn how the stewardship way of life is a disciple’s response to the call to know, love, and follow our Lord Jesus Christ. In each issue of our parish newsletter, we will share stories that will help us better understand who we are as Catholics and individual members of God’s family. The upcoming issues will feature activities and events happening within our St. Jude community and how these help change hearts, minds, and lives as through them we grow closer to Christ and to each other. In each article, we will see how Christ is at work within us and our community as we more intentionally engage the stewardship way of life.

I hope that this newsletter will be a meaningful way to continue learning more about our faith. As we learn more about our faith and how our fellow

parishioners are living their faith out in our community, it will bear much fruit and inspire you to consider how you can be more involved in the life of our parish — for some, perhaps this will be an opportunity to try new things.

One important step in our stewardship journey will be our Annual Stewardship Renewal that will happen this autumn. The Renewal is our annual chance to ask ourselves how we prioritize the way we use God’s gifts in the Church. We will make written commitments to ourselves and to God concerning how we will be more devoted with our use of time (using our time on earth wisely; making time for personal prayer, family prayer, and quality time with friends and loved ones); talent (using our God-given gifts to strengthen the Church through service to parish ministries and other activities), and treasure (the wise and just management of our financial continued on back cover

Stewardship What Does

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hat comes to mind when you hear the word “stewardship”?

Do you think of it as just another way to talk about money? Do you quickly dismiss it as a notion that has nothing to do with being Catholic?

Stewardship is actually a concept that is Scripturally based, and is absolutely vital to our life as Catholics. God tells us, in the very first book of the Old Testament, “Be fertile and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air and all the living things that move on the earth” (Gen 1:28).

What does that mean to us today? It simply means that God is telling us, “This is yours, so take care of it.” One of the first things God tells us to do is to be good stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us!

The Old Testament is not the only place where we can find references to stewardship. Indeed, of the 36 parables in the New Testament, more than half of them deal with time, talent, possessions, or money. Therefore, if Jesus spoke of stewardship that much, it should be a very important part of our lives!

As Catholics, we refer to the three facets of stewardship as “time, talent, and treasure.” Although these are three concrete ways to express and measure stewardship, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tells us that stewardship is part of discipleship. Stewardship is a way of responding to God’s call in every aspect of our lives.

The Scriptures and Church traditions teach us one

Mean?

important point that cannot be overstated — that stewardship is primarily based on our need to give in gratitude, not on the Church’s need to receive. Of course, both the Catholic Church and our particular parish will always need money.

However, we are not asked to give simply to defray costs and fund charitable programs. We are instead asked to remember our need to gratefully return a portion of our time, talent, and treasure to God, recognizing all that He has given to us.

It is important to remember that stewardship is a way of life, and not a program. True Catholic stewardship involves an ongoing call to live as followers of Christ. It takes time to find and define personal goals. You can begin by examining your personal commitments to the parish. How do you live your faith in your daily life with your family and friends? How much time do you spend in daily prayer, going to Mass or being involved in parish ministries and activities? What percentage of your income should you give back to God every week? What talents do you have that could be used to strengthen our parish family?

In the coming months, we will be increasing and intensifying our education and communication on stewardship.

We will be developing a better understanding of how stewardship is a way of responding to God’s call to discipleship.

And with God’s help, changes will occur in each of our hearts as we devote ourselves to a stewardship renewal within our parish. Examine how you are currently responding to God’s call to stewardship. If God called you home tomorrow, would He proclaim, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”?

The Old Testament is not the only place where we can find references to stewardship. Indeed, of the 36 parables in the New Testament, more than half of them deal with time, talent, possessions, or money. Therefore, if Jesus spoke of stewardship that much, it should be a very important part of our lives!

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Young at Heart Ministry: Growing in Faith and Fellowship Together

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rom listening to fascinating talks to taking day trips to beautiful places, members of the Young at Heart Ministry keep their hearts filled with the joy of youth and live up to their ministry’s namesake.

“Being involved with the ministry has really enriched my life,” says Pat Delph, who co-chairs the ministry along with Betty Nicolas and Don Striegel. “I have made many new friends through it and have gotten to know other parishioners better. It has also encouraged me and supported my faith life. Most of the other participants feel this way, as well.”

Our parish’s Young at Heart Ministry is aimed at serving senior citizens, ages 55 and older, by providing them with socialization in a religious context.

“Furthermore, our purpose is also to help us keep our bodies and minds active by learning new skills through programs and activities we participate in at our meetings,” Pat says. “For example, we had a physical therapist come and discuss ways to stay active during a ‘COVID winter.’ We also covered the topic, ‘Improving Your Brain at any Age.’” Importantly, the ministry also helps its members grow closer to Christ and embrace the call to stewardship.

“The ministry enhances our spiritual lives by giving us fellowship and encouraging us to participate in church activities,” Pat says. “We begin and end our meetings with prayer, and try to do an annual service project, as well.”

Generally, the Young at Heart Ministry meetings take place on the second Friday of each month at 11 a.m. and feature either a guest speaker or simply a topic for group discussion. This past year, many of the meetings took place over the Zoom video conference platform, such as for the group Christmas party where the members played Trivia.

“Last October, we had a pumpkin-decorating contest,” Pat says. “Everyone decorated a pumpkin and displayed it over Zoom, and we chose a winner. It was really fun!”

An afternoon touring and tasting at Mallow Run Winery

However, beginning in May, they are planning to meet at our parish’s outdoor pavilion.

“For example, we once had an author come and talk about the book she wrote,” Pat says. “In March, we had a master gardener come and talk about gardening. Another time, we had Betty Nicolas come and talk about genealogy, and all she has done to research her family’s history.”

In past years, the ministry has hosted off-campus events, such as day trips to restaurants, museums, or Symphony on the Prairie. They have also visited President Benjamin Harrison’s home, St. Meinrad Seminary, and the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand.

“The ministry gives the members something to look forward to,” Pat says. “We are all friends, and we support and encourage each other, and pray for one another. And we definitely have fun together!”

The inspiration to begin the Young at Heart Ministry came about three years ago when Pat and Patti Collins — who now serves as our Pastoral Care Specialist — were attending a meeting at the Prairie Township Senior Center.

“A group called Neighbors in Faith was there talking about the various ways that the local churches are involved in senior ministry,” Pat says. “We decided we wanted to help our seniors like they were!”

For more information about this ministry, email Pat Delph at patttrn@yahoo.com or call her at 317-902-2868.

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Community Once Again Ready to Enjoy

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ast year, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on almost every corner of life — and that included our Parish Festival, which became the Parish E-Festival.

Our 2020 E-Festival event brought in about $30,000 for St. Jude in late summer 2020. However, organizers and parishioners are once again ready to celebrate the Parish Festival as normal on June 3, 4, and 5, 2021.

Beginning at about 5 p.m. each evening, the Parish Festival includes carnival rides, food, Bingo, Monte Carlo, children’s games, a silent auction, live music, a cake wheel, and more. Most of the fun is organized under tents on the parish grounds. This year, the children’s games will be in the gymnasium. Any fun carnival game or activity that comes to mind, can be found at the St. Jude’s Parish Festival. Plus, there’s all the delicious fair food to be enjoyed — from elephant ears to hamburgers to corn on the cob!

“This is a big undertaking for parishioners and a lot of people pitch in to make this event a reality,” says Bill Kidwell, Parish Festival General Manager and Manager of St. Jude Building and Grounds. “It’s a community-wide event, with a lot of the business community also pitching in.”

Several parish volunteers have been chairing an area since the first Parish Festival event in 1987, or have done so for many years. Bill can’t wait to kick off another year, after last year’s break from the normal festival fun. In 2020, many people and businesses gave money and bought raffle tickets to make up for the loss of revenue with no in-person festival.

COVID-19 precautions will be followed in 2021, with many of the events and food being safely spread out.

Bill has been involved in the Parish Festival since the first year, and this will be his 31st and final year as general manager. Scott Strother will step in for the 2022 Parish Festival, and Bill is excited for Scott to bring in new ideas and new ways of overseeing

Kate Vannoy and Bill Kidwell gather while working on the first-ever E-Festival in 2020.

various parts of the event. Bill and his wife, Denise, have also run the Capital Prize for many years. The large prize is $5,000 cash. Also, a 50-50 raffle is run by the Women’s Club.

“Last year, the Capital Prize winner donated the prize back to the parish,” Bill says. “That was really amazing.”

Children can enjoy the carnival rides for all three nights with a $50 wristband. Ride tickets are also available for purchase. For the adults, there will be a DJ on Thursday night, and live music on both Friday and Saturday under the big tent. Also, alcohol will be available for purchase.

This event typically brings in $80,000 or more to St. Jude. On average, 12,000 people attend from 4

Our Parish

Festival

In-Person Event Returns in June 2021

throughout the city over the three days.

The primary purpose of the Parish Festival has been to help parishioners get to know one another. It has turned into more than that, but it’s still a wonderful social event.

“You end up getting to know multiple generations, because all ages are out helping,” Bill says. “You work together with them, and you have a lot of fun together and get to know one another.”

Kate Vannoy serves as the communications and advertising chair. This is her last year in this position.

Over the years, Kate has enjoyed serving in this position and working alongside Bill.

“This is such a great social event for parishioners — that’s the first goal,” Kate says. “The secondary goal is to raise money for a school or church

improvement. You can grab a beer and hang out with friends, or grab a hot dog and push your child around in a stroller.”

Kate would encourage everyone to use their skills to help out at St. Jude’s. This is stewardship and living out our vocation — using your talents for the church.

“It doesn’t take much effort to do something easy to you,” Kate says. “Everyone needs to do what they can do to help out.”

With Fr. Peter Marshall still being in his first few years at St. Jude’s, he has never been part of an in-person Parish Festival. Bill says it’s all about the support of the Pastor to make this event successful.

“Father has only been through a COVID festival,” Bill says. “I am excited to introduce him to the real thing.”

Kids enjoy rides and carnival activities at the annual Parish Festival.

Please refer to the bulletin for more information. If you would like to get involved at the festival as a volunteer, please email Susan Conklin at hungariangmom@gmail.com. To take on a larger role, please email Kate Vannoy at katevannoy@gmail.com or Scott Strother at scottcstrother@gmail.com.

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MEET JACK MARKLEY, Our I

f you ask Jack Markley how long he While music is certainly integral has been a musician, he will tell you to the liturgical experience here at St. that he can’t remember a time when Jude, many other things must haphe didn’t know how to read music. pen behind the scenes to ensure that Our new Director of Liturgy and our Masses run smoothly. In addition Music here at St. Jude Catholic Church to leading our Music Ministry, Jack comes from a family of musicians oversees the liturgical celebrations in and has himself played almost every our parish by setting up for morning instrument at one time or another, Mass, training and coordinating our though the organ remains his standlectors and Extraordinary Ministers of out favorite. An Indiana native, Jack Holy Communion, and making sure has served as a church musician up that everything in the church enviand down the East Coast, in Catholic ronment is liturgically proper and in parishes spanning from Connecticut order. to South Carolina.

“In the Catholic Church, so much Jack arrived as Director of Liturgy happens in the Mass,” Jack says. and Music at St. Jude at the begin“There are little things that you don’t ning of March, bringing this wealth even think of, from Father walking St. Jude’s new Director of Liturgy and Music, Jack Markley of experience from various parishes down and venerating the altar to the with him. He has already met many gifted musicians in final prayer. There are so many little pieces that fit togethour parish and is enthusiastic about what the future holds er, and each one becomes so important to the overall flow for our Music Ministry. As pandemic restrictions begin to of the liturgy.” ease, Jack looks forward to getting our five choirs up and Both in his personal and professional life, Jack has running once more. He also hopes to establish a handbell witnessed the abundant spiritual benefits that come from choir and a small orchestra, consisting of a brass quintet greater participation in the liturgy. He would encourage all and a group of strings and woodwinds. the faithful to prayerfully consider becoming more active Jack’s exciting plans for the expansion of music minisin their faith life. try in our parish reflect the important role that music plays “The building is not the church, it’s the people,” he says. in the Catholic Church.

“Getting more involved can completely change you. I was “When you look at the liturgy and count how much one of those people in high school and college that would time we have the readings, spoken prayers or the dialogue just go to Mass and sit there. I wasn’t involved in the Mass with the priest and how much time we spend singing, it’s — I just went as a communicant. Now that I’m involved, it almost equal,” Jack says. “It is designed that way. So, the has completely changed my life. I have a much more proparticipation of the community in the music is absolutely found respect and love for the liturgy because I know what vital to enjoying the entire Mass. The music brings a solem- it does and what it gives me on a day-to-day basis.” nity to the whole Mass, a sense of the sacred from heaven Happy to be back in his home state and — most espedown to us.” cially — to have landed here at St. Jude, Jack finds much to 6

New Director of Liturgy and Music be thankful for in our parish community.

“Fr. Peter is the best boss I’ve ever had,” he says.

“He’s the first priest who has said ‘thank you’ to me, and that is huge. I just absolutely love St. Jude. It’s everything I could have ever hoped that the Roman Catholic Church would be. I’m the one that receives the blessings — just to come here to work every day is magnificent.”

We are thrilled to have Jack join our staff at St. Jude this year and look forward to seeing the many blessings that his vast experience and love of the liturgy are sure to bring our parish!

“When you look at the liturgy and count how much time we have the readings, spoken prayers or the dialogue with the priest and how much time we spend singing, it’s almost equal. It really is designed that way. So, the participation of the community in the music is absolutely vital to enjoy the entire Mass. The music brings a solemnity to the whole Mass, a sense of the sacred from heaven down to us.” — Jack Markley

Are you interested in serving our parish in the Music Ministry or one of our liturgical ministries?

Please contact Jack Markley at jmarkley@stjudeindy.org or 317-786-4371.

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5353 McFarland Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 786-4371 www.stjudeindy.org MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Mass Saturday Anticipation — 5:00 p.m.

Sunday — 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Weekday Mass Tuesday/Thursday — 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday/Friday — 8:30 a.m.

Holy Day Mass See Bulletin Sacrament of Reconciliation Tuesday/Thursday — 5:00-5:45 p.m.

Saturday — 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Anytime by appointment

Introducing Our New Parish Stewardship Newsletter continued from front cover resources; giving a proportionate amount of my income to the parish).

As we strive to develop stewardship as a way of life at St. Jude, the support and involvement of each individual parishioner are necessary to sustain the life of our parish. All of you have a place here, and all of you have a role to fill in the life of the parish as we live our lives as disciples of Christ.

May the Holy Spirit renew and refresh all of us as we work together to build our parish family through the use of our time, talent, and treasure.

In Christ,

Fr. Peter Marshall Pastor