Through the waters of Christian Baptism we are born into the life of Christ. This new birth enables us, through grace, to enter and to grow in the life of the Holy Catholic Church. It also frees us from the power of sin over our lives and empowers us to live in ways that praise our God. Baptism Preparation classes for parents are offered every other month beginning in January, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 12:00 p.m.  By special arrangement they can be celebrated during the weekend Masses.  In preparation for the Baptism of a child, expecting parents are encouraged to contact Gary Heun at 414-259-0950 or 414-258-8821 x 230.

A sacrament is one of our most personal encounters with Christ, by which He expresses His love for us and through which we respond with our love for Him. To be properly disposed to receive a sacrament, we must have a loving, ongoing relationship with Christ. To receive a sacrament the following must be present:

First Reconciliation takes place in the fall for all children in the second grade. The program includes two parent meetings with instruction. Contact: Gary Heun 414-259-0950 or 414-258-8821 x 230.

The First Eucharist program for all children in grade two begins with parent meetings in January. Other sessions include renewal of baptismal promises with a special dinner and other family activities. Group reception of First Eucharist is held at two special Masses. Individual reception may also be arranged.

 

Confirmation
The celebration of this sacrament focuses on a young person's faith and commitment to Christ and his/her desire to enter adulthood in the parish community. Those requesting Confirmation (high school juniors and seniors) are required to participate in a program preparation according to the Archdiocese guidelines, which involves instruction, prayer, service and a retreat. Parish families and sponsor involvement are an important part of the preparation program. Sessions meet on Sunday mornings.
Contact: Gary Heun at 414-259-0950 or 414-258-8821 x 230.


Marriage
The vocation of Christian marriage calls a man and a woman to root, in the God who unites them and the love that they have for one another. They become living sacraments themselves, manifesting in their loving union the true presence and power of the Lord in their lives. Couples preparing to enter this sacred covenant are encouraged to make initial arrangements with our Pastor, Father Charlie Conley, at least six months in advance of the wedding date. The pastor and trained married couples will assist couples in assessing their readiness for marriage, in an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, and through an instructional program. In the awareness of the rich sacramentality of marriage, Saint Jude follows guidelines from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference to aid priests and other pastoral ministers in preparing couples for marriage. At least one person must be a registered and practicing member of Saint Jude the Apostle Parish. Special consideration will be given to those whose parents are members of Saint Jude the Apostle.  Fr. Charlie may be contacted at the parish office at 414-258-8821.