Imagine the "joyful sounds" of our own Bell Tower at St. Jude, ringing out as a reminder of God's presence. And with it, the zeal to gather, serve the Lord and exercise hospitality. It's been an amazing and beautiful transformation of our church over the years. We are beyond blessed. Yet there's more to do. And we can.

Are you a current sacristan or interested in helping in the sacristy? After each of the Masses the weekend of September 22nd and 23rd, we will be meeting in the Formation Room (PC401), so please join us after the Mass you attend at your convenience to learn more about what you can do to help in the sacristy! For more information, contact Ann Keelen at 214.509.0041 or rkeelen@sbcglobal.net.

The 2018-19 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. Jude Catholic Church is held on Tuesday evenings from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. RCIA consists of a series of classes and gatherings to prepare adults for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, and into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is the principle means used to introduce the Catholic Faith to those who are interested in becoming Catholics. The RCIA program is a discernment process and does not require a commitment to become Catholic – it is fully up to the participants if, through attending the program, they feel a calling to become united with the Church through its Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist). RCIA begins Tuesday, September 18th at 6:45pm. For more information, contact Della Doss at ext. 2230.

The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (CPM) Program, a collaborative venture of University of Dallas and the Diocese of Dallas, is designed to meet the educational and formational needs of adults who serve their parishes, schools or other Catholic organizations on a volunteer basis. The CPM courses are offered in several convenient locations across the Diocese of Dallas and typically meet once a week for two hours in five-week segments. Two courses will be offered at St. Jude this semester: Introduction to the Old Testament - Beginning October 1st Evangelization - Beginning November 5th Classes meet on Monday nights from 7-9pm in the Formation Room (PC401). For more information, contact Mary Boyle at ext. 2213. For course descriptions or to register for the class click on the title above.

October 11 - 13, 2018 Irving Convention Center The Dallas Ministry Conference offers Catholics an opportunity to receive exceptional faith formation from nationally recognized speakers who will address relevant topics of faith, catechesis, education, theology, prayer and ministry. We encourage you to join the ministers from the administrative, parish and school levels from throughout the Diocese of Dallas and North Texas at this vital three-day gathering of ministry and faith formation. To register, go to https://udallas.edu/dmc/dmc2018/registration.php. Registration deadline is October 5th. The cost is $85 for all three days.

We thank those who continue to serve along with the new members of the Pastoral Council members: Patricia Lopez Cindy McKenna John Bandelaria Patrick McKenna Vincent Nasah Valerie Lengel Jenet Cazayoux Curtis Hoppe - New Kelly Hoppe - New Alyssa Holdstead - New - Youth Representative You may reach your pastoral council members via the email pastoralcouncil@stjudeparish.com.

The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, October 13th at 7pm in the Parish Hall. Please go to stjudekofc.com/cad to purchase your tickets. For more info, contact Al Ladwig at aladwig89@gmail.com.