Jacksonville, AR 2012 Annual Report

Dear Fellow St. Jude Parishioners: I have been with you now for 3 years as your pastor. This is the first attempt at presenting a complete Annual Report in this format for our parish. As you review it I know you will be, as I am still.. Filled with awe and amazement at all that is accomplished here each year. I preach at each opportunity, as you know well by now, that we should be a community of people living the Eucharist day in and day out, wherever we find ourselves. Contained in this report is a testimony of what can actually happen when our community does indeed commit itself to this lofty goal. All of us have received an abundance of gifts from God. THANK YOU to those of you at St. Jude’s who have seen the value in returning to God through your gifts of time, talent and treasure – in gratitude- a well-planned portion of what God has so generously given to you! You consecrate your gifts through prayer and sacrifice so that the work of Christ may continue among us and in our community! I am full of hope that as everyone in the parish reads and reflects on what a blessed few here have done in such a generous way, that everyone will see fit to carefully plan their giving so that our parish may be able to do even more for others.. Thus really living out our call as Christ’s followers. Sincerely yours in Christ, Father Andy

Deaths Infant Baptisms Adult Confirmations Marriages5538 First Communions Youth Confirmations Children enrolled in PRE

2011 Average Mass Attendance5:00pm8:00am11:00am Total Families Registered*926 * There are an estimated 300+ families who have not registered, but are present.

Average Annual % of Individuals No. of Individuals Maximum Giving % of Total Income , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , NOTE: In 2011 we have 926 actively enrolled families. Of those 926 families registered 47.95% contribute into our stewardship and of those 926 families, 26% give 75% of our early income.

2010

 Jacksonville Care Channel: $3,  Fishnet Missions: $1,  Grants to college students: $7,  Ronald McDonald House – providing dinner for 60 people once a month: $4,  Diocesan financial aid for high school students who attend Catholic High and Mt. St. Mary Academy: $2,  Shop with a Cop: $  Legend Trek – Scholarship for Salimata Camara, a student in a Catholic school in Mali, Africa: $  Aid for families at Christmas: $  Second Collections, Rice Bowl, St. Joseph Helpers, Special Collections: $45,  Care Channel: 6500 pounds of food  Funeral luncheons: $2,  % of Total Amount of Giving: 14.09%

 We have a lunch once a month for the seniors and all seniors are invited to attend. Some meals are potlucks and others are provided by the church.  The seniors are able to get out and meet people with the same interest.  Some of the seniors are on a fixed income and this provides an opportunity for them to get out and socialize.  The luncheon provides a variety of different types of food which the seniors may not be able to try without this function.  The speakers and entertainment are of interest to the people who attend.  Two $15.00 door prizes are given away at each luncheon, which may provide some essentials for the winner that they might not otherwise be able to afford. Contact person: Donna Aldrich – or

 The goal of the RCIA program is to guide those who are not Catholic and are looking to enter the Catholic Church, and those looking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation through the process of group lectures and reading.  The lectures cover the basic aspects of the Catholic faith. We strive to dispel the misconceptions that can cause concern for those coming from other faith backgrounds.  We begin the year with a lesson on the Mass and continue through lessons on Grace, Sin, Scripture, Tradition and the seven sacraments. We teach on Catholic ethics and social justice.  We provide an hour of instruction and finish with a delicious meal. This allows time for building community and asking questions that participants may not want to be addressed in front of the entire class.  In 2012, there were a total of 16 people to complete the entire program. We provide all material need to follow the lessons, including a Bible, Catechism, and binder handouts.  The classes begin meeting in September and conclude with the Easter Vigil when those who are ready are brought into the church.

 Baptism and the Community  For us as Catholics, baptism is the sign of our unity with Christ’s community and a witness to our desire to be part of the discipleship of Christ. Just as the birth of a child is important to the entire family, so the baptism of the child is important to the entire parish family.  For this reason, the Church suggests that baptism should be celebrated on Sunday so that the members of the parish community can be present. There is also the option of having the baptism after one of the weekend Masses. Either of the two deacons or the pastor may perform baptisms. At St. Jude, baptisms are traditionally not celebrated during Lent. We encourage you to schedule your child's baptism three months in advance. We know that this is not always possible, so please do not let time constraints prevent you from contacting us. Baptismal preparation sessions will usually be held monthly for new parents. To schedule a baptism and to make arrangements for a baptism preparation session, please contact Diane Cullen at the parish office either by or phone: (501) Baptism is a beginning! While it can happen only once in a lifetime, it can be renewed over and over again in a person’s life. The baptism of your child is an opportunity to renew your baptismal commitment and celebrate the amazing gift of life that our God shares with us. Godparents and Sponsors In the baptism of infants, parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent(s) who will serve as good examples for living the Catholic way of life. It is customary to have two godparents; however, only one is required for baptism. A godparent may be either male or female, but must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic (baptized, confirmed, and receiving the Eucharist). If the godparent is not a registered, active parishioner at St. Jude's, they must provide a letter from the pastor of the parish where they do practice their faith stating that they are active, practicing Catholics, and are registered in that parish. A Christian of another tradition may be chosen as a Christian witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent. Godparents should be ready to commit the time and personal care to nurture and support the child and the parent(s). This support should be ongoing throughout the family’s journey of faith.

 We have a 2 year Sacramental process. Children must attend first grade PRE class 90% of the year to move on to the second grade in our First Holy Communion class.  We have a parent meeting on Sunday, February 17, 2013 and a Retreat on Saturday, April 13, First Holy Communion is Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 5:00pm Mass. There is a reception with cake and punch served in the parish hall after Mass.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the third and final Rite of Full Initiation into the Body of Christ. Here in Saint Jude’s Parish, we believe that Holy Communion is not something we “take,” “get,” or “receive,” but rather something that we become.  This Sacrament is a sign and a cause of our unity as members of Christ’s Body, the Church. Therefore, it is expected and presumed that parents who present their children for full incorporation into the life of the church will have been in regular attendance at Sunday Mass, registered and fully participating in the life of the parish family.

 Confirmation is a Sacrament that brings our students into a place of greater appreciation for salvation and the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  Confirmation Class begins with a “Lock In” on a Friday night til Saturday at noon. It is a mini retreat for the group to allow them to get to know each other. Confirmation class meets every Sunday for an hour during PRE in the 9 th Grade classroom. Candidates must have to have 90% regular attendance in their 8 th Grade class to move up into the Confirmation class.  The last Sunday of October we have a Sponsor/Candidate Mass to introduce our Confirmandi to the Parish.  We have two parent meetings and two sponsor meetings during the year.  There is a retreat at Camp Mitchell, near Morrilton scheduled for the first weekend in April.  Confirmation for 2012 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7,  There is a dinner to follow in the Parish Hall.

 Jerry Wilkerson is currently in the process of discerning a vocation to the priesthood for the Diocese of Little Rock.  Brad Charbonneau, another young man from our parish, is also currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood.  Judy Timmerman from our parish is currently a postulant at St. Scholastica monastery.

 Enrollment: Pre-K -12 th Grade. 304 Students currently enrolled. There are 30 VIRTUS trained Catechists with 7 substitutes who are always willing to help.  We pray the Rosary together the first Sunday of each month.  PRE Mass is the third Sunday of each month and our offerings of donated food items to go the Jacksonville Care Channel – October, November, January, February, March and May.  Reconciliation with Fr. Andy is scheduled one Sunday for each class 3-12 th grade.  Seminarians: each class writes a different seminarian throughout the year.  Church bazaar: All PRE teachers help at bazaar for our Church’s Christmas Fund.

 Pandamania  Meeting begins in the Parish Hall  Children ages 4-12  PRE K- 6 th Grade. Classes are moved through different activities daily from 9am until noon.  We start our day all together with music and then we have schedules every 30 minutes from crafts, movie, outside play, classroom activity, and snack. We end the week with a celebration for all the parents too see and then we have a BBQ.  Held during the month of July.

 9th-12th Grades gather the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the newly renovated CYM classrooms.  Participate in diocesan events  Attend Region 10 – Conference attended by students in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This year they will go to San Angelo, Texas on November 15-17,  Attend National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN, November 21-23,  We have a member that is part of YAC- Diocese Youth Advisory Council – Alex Smith  Participate in: -Life Chain -Prayer at the abortion clinic -Rice Depot -Right to Life March -Haunted house at Halloween Carnival -Donate to St. Joseph’s Helpers -Keenager Dinner -Operation Christmas Child and clothe the homeless

For all 6 th, 7 th & 8 th Graders Meetings are held on the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesday of each month We begin our meetings with Mass from 6:30-7:00 The meetings last approximately 1 ½ hours We are proud to be Catholic! This is a crucial age for both spiritual and social development. Our faith in Christ grows deeper as we learn the many ways that we can help others. We share our faith within our community by visiting the elderly, praying at the abortion clinic, volunteering at the Rice Deport and Ronald McDonald House, participating in Operation Christmas Child an help clothe the homeless. Confidence and self-esteem sky-rocket when we are able to interact with others within our own age group whom share our religious beliefs and principles. We allow many opportunities for our youth to invite in Christ by providing a safe, interactive atmosphere such as Jr High Spectacular, movie nights, Church Bazaar, participating in parades, and different parties through the year. This is a fun way for your teen to grow in Christian fellowship with their peers while learning more about their Catholic faith. Contact person: Larry and Kimm Marshall –

 Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance. As sacred song united to words it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.  5:00pm Choir is a contemporary choir and practices on Wednesday evenings from 6- 9pm. Contact person is Denise Gregory at or  8:00am Choir is a Traditional and contemporary and uses hymns accompanied by piano/keyboard. Practice on (most) Wednesdays at 7:30pm and warm-up practices on Sunday mornings at 7:30am. Contact Patricia Goodman at  11:00am Choir welcomes anyone interested in participating. Practices are held on Mondays at 7:00pm. Contact person is Ed and Valerie Sweeden at  St. Jude’s adult handbell choir practices on Sunday from 9:20-10:30. They perform 3-4 times a year, especially at Christmas and Easter and play at two nursing homes in Cabot. You do not need to know how to read music! Contact Ann Razer at

 Children perform during the PRE Masses which are held on the third Sunday each month at 8:00am. Practices are held on Saturday prior to the PRE Mass and all children are welcome to participate. Contact: Patricia Goodman at

 St. Jude Council #11604  Established in the summer of 1995 with an initial cadre of 30 dedicated men. Over the past 17 years, the Council has grown to over 180 members who have dedicated themselves to the four cornerstones that the Knights were built upon, Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Outstanding leadership has to the contribution of thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of service time to the poor, persons with disabilities, religious vocations and various church, community, council, family, youth and pro-life activities. In 2008, Holy Family parish on Little Rock AFB joined our ranks as a K of C Circle. For more information about becoming a Knight of Columbus contact: Grand Knight or Financial Secretary Alex Coleman John Hertzog

 Membership is open to wives, sisters and daughters over 18 years of age of Knights of Columbus living or deceased. The ladies meet the 1 st Wednesday of every month beginning with a group meal wit the Knights at 7:00pm in the Knights of Columbus Hall at 106 North First Street in Jacksonville.  We hold an Oktoberfest with the Knights with music, dancing and German food.  Our major fundraiser is a Christmas bake sale at the parish hall. Our profits support on a rotating monthly basis with Lonoke County Safe Haven, a unit at North Little Rock VA, seminarians, and other projects we deem important.  President and contact person: Kathy Dickhut – or

 Purpose: to serve the Parish, the Pastor and to care for the material needs pertaining to the Sanctuary and Sacristy.  Altar and Rosary is open to all ladies of the parish.  Help with receptions for RCIA & First Communion  Help with funeral lunches  Work with the Pregnancy Crisis Center  Support the Angel Tree at Christmas  Provide candles for the church  Support the Rosary Makers and Prayer Shawl Ministries by helping with material and shipping costs  Have fund raisers such as bake sales, breakfasts & pasta dinner to raise money.  For more information, please contact Cindy Hammons at

IncomeCandles$3, IncomeEaster Lilies$1, IncomeBreakfast$1, IncomeReligious Articles$2, IncomeBake Sale$1, IncomeSpaghetti Dinner$1, IncomeOther Income$2, Total Income2011$15, ExpenseCandles$2, ExpenseBreakfast$ ExpenseChurch cleaning$1, ExpenseChristmas Gifts$ ExpenseChange for breakfast/bake sales$1, ExpenseKitchen Pots and pans$ ExpenseBoom Boxes for PRE$ ExpenseOther Expenses$4, Total Expenses2011$14,138.22

 Landings, a Paulist ministry, is a program designed to invite and welcome home inactive and Non-practicing Catholics. Through a 9 week discussion series a group of active Catholics, many of them returnees themselves, joins with returning Catholics to share and explore our faith together. Landings provides a safe harbor a “Landing place”, where returnees are encouraged to discuss their concerns, ask questions without fear of judgment, and together with active Catholics, grow in their faith and their relationships with Christ and His church. Landings is a 9 week session that meets during the fall and spring on Thursdays at 7:00pm here at the church. Contact: Pat Kaminsky, Landings Coordinator at

The Compassion Ministry’s Mission is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of members of the parish who are homebound because of illness,  age,  or handicap. This ministry contains the following teams: Eucharistic Ministry team to bring the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass. Sunshine team who send out cards to the sick/homebound/elderly on a regular basis. Home Visit Teams who routinely visit the homebound parishioners. Hospital Team who visit those who are hospitalized to let them know that the parish is praying for them. Prayer Shawl Team : the making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached. Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart. Prayer shawl contact: Kerstin Gates at or Compassion Ministry contact: Mary Koorstad at

Support Sunday/ Holy Day Offerings/Special Coll.484, , , Maintenance Collection39, , , Mother’s Day Out*7, Interest Income1, , , Special Gifts/Bequests1, , , Miscellaneous Income 8, , , Diocesan Directed Second Collections41, , , Altar and Rosary Income** TOTAL SUPPORT 15, , , , ,365.23

Operating Expenses Salaries132, , , Altar and Rosary13, , Rectory Expense and Pastor Auto Expense38, , , Contributions and aid18, , , Maintenance & Repairs108, , , Retirement9, , , Utilities34, , , Office Expenses16, , , Insurance: Property and Liability23, , , Youth Ministry12, , , Miscellaneous Expenses6, , , P.R.E. Program Expense26, , , Education Grants7, , , Diocesan Support32, , Stipends36, , , Church and Worship111, , , Day Care8, Total635, , ,137.11

St. Jude Deposit166, , , Cabot Deposit* 2 35, , , * 2 This account was established as a result of $15,000 being left to the church that should a need for a church in Cabot ever arise, that these funds would be made available. Approximately seven years ago, Bishop Sartain approached Father Les Farley about a possible church and school in Cabot. These funds were then made known to the parish as well as other monies donated. * 1 These accounts are like any other savings account. To withdraw funds, we simply have to submit in writing how much money we need and the purpose for the withdrawal with the letter being signed by the current pastor.

 Under each expense line are many subtitles which are too lengthy to list under the financial statement.  Church and Worship includes: Bell choir, bulletins and missalettes, Compassion Ministry, flowers, Landings, liturgical supplies, music, nursery, pamphlets, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Parish Life (includes picnics, funeral dinners, RCIA dinners, kitchen supplies), Superior Saints, stewardship envelopes, Diaconate Formation Expenses, and continuing education for staff.  Maintenance and repairs includes: Air Duct Cleaning, building maintenance (such as ceiling repair in church, office, rectory and ceiling tiles replaced in parish hall), building repairs, capitol improvement, equipment repairs, lawn care, trash pick-up, Terminix, purchase of new heating/air conditioning units: 2 massive units for the main church ad 2 old united replaced in the education building and parish hall, and other electronic and major appliances (ex. kitchen refrigerator and ice maker), supplies – such as paint, toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, and other necessary maintenance supplies.

After an audit conducted by Kelly Renard and Allan Berry from the Diocese on September 3, 2009, it was determined that there be no “group” checking accounts allowed. All bookkeeping is to handled through the office. Mother’s Day Out checking account was turned into the church in the calendar year The reason for the delay was not to have to issue two separate W-2’s. Mother’s Day Out was closed in May, 2012, due to low enrollment. Altar and Rosary checking account was merged into the church accounting system in the calendar year of 2010, as per direction of the diocesan auditors. The church office is responsible for posting deposits and bills paid, but it is the main responsibility of the Altar and Rosary Treasurer to keep a balanced spreadsheet. Detailed print outs are given to the Treasurer at the end of each monthly cycle by the church office.

 For the remainder of the year 2012, sidewalks are to be repaired.  Fence placed around outside air conditioning unit by church front door.  Drainage improvement behind the rectory and CYM building  Upcoming project for the coming years is to replace the roof with  a metal roof.  Distant future project is the building of a parish center.