“Little parishes.” Imagine that. It was Father William “Bill” Sievers’ creative solution for St. Jude Catholic Church in its early days.
In August 1967 St. Jude was a young Lakewood parish. It had no church building. Father Sievers knew he had to unite the young families. He set up these “little parishes.”
Bill Campbell an original parishioner remembers it well. Father Sievers designated 27 little parishes. Each had a couple as leaders. Some even remain today. They met monthly. They had home Masses. This went on for years. It brought the parish together. Neighbors truly knew each other.
Father Robert Kinkel said this lay participation set up the parish for a rich community life. He was pastor for 12 years. He was reassigned then returned in 2015. St. Jude was one of four parishes Archbishop Casey began. It was a very creative parish. It was dynamic. Lay involvement was key.
The church building came later. It was built in Christmas 1969. It was dedicated in April 1970. Until then they met in Alameda High School’s auditorium. They affectionately called it “St. Alameda’s.”
St. Jude marked several firsts in the Archdiocese. It had female altar servers. It involved laity in liturgical commissions. They selected Mass readings and music. This was before the A B and C cycles existed. It established a youth center too.
The community life remains vibrant today. St. Jude has 26 different groups. These include special education and adult education. There is RCIA and religious education. Bible studies and prayer groups thrive.
For its 50th anniversary the parish created a pictorial directory. It showed the church’s history. They had a 50’s-themed dance. They hosted a picnic and Mass. Archbishop Samuel J Aquila attended. Father Kinkel recognized charter members. He invited former priests and deacons.
Mur Hillenbrand organized the 50th-anniversary events. She says the welcoming community is still a mark of the parish. It remains very inclusive. It welcomes all walks of life. It is a tithing parish. Each month it gives money to different organizations.
Jennifer Kraska joined St. Jude ten years ago. She found the environment welcoming. The community was joyful. It made an impression. She felt at home. The priest always smiled. He greeted people. He was always very present.
St. Jude has 1765 registered families. It boasts 135 charter members. The first Mass in the new church was December 20 1969. The statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph were hand-carved in Oberammergau Germany. The youth center opened August 17 1974. St. Jude has sponsored refugees from Vietnam and Poland.
So as you stand before St. Jude Catholic Church remember its history. Remember the “little parishes” and the vibrant community. It is a place of faith community and welcome.