St. Jude’s Parish
- Our Parish had its beginnings as a small community back in 1953, a mission which belonged to the Parish of St. Anthony of Hughson, then Archdiocese of San Francisco. In Sept. 30, 1962 our Parish was erected with the Diocese of Stockton by Pope John XXIII. In 1981 the construction of the parish church was completed. In 1962 it was erected into a parish and it’s first pastor the Rev. John Coghlan (1962-1988)
Mission Days
In the days before 1921, Catholics of the Ceres area were members of St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto. In 1921 St. Anthony’s Parish was formed in Hughson and the Ceres people became part of the new parish.
Some twenty years later, the people of Ceres were interested in drawing away from the Hughson Parish and by 1947 they had really become a separate congragation. Although not yet an official mission, the Ceres Catholics were already thinking about a parish. At that time, Mass was celebrated in the old American Legion Hall on Park and 6th streets. During these years the priests from St. Anthony’s continued to serve the congrgation of Ceres.
Gradually the desire to be a parish in their own right deepened. Under Fr. Thomas J. Browne and then Fr. James P. McElligot, a drive for funds was begun by the Ceres group. Fr. McElligott purchased property on S. Central Ave. Of interest to suceeding parishioners, the alternative choice Fr. McElligott had was the corner of Central Ave. and Caswell Ave., now occupied by the Sequoia Market.
Fr. John J. Hayes became St. Anthony’s pastor in 1953 and he and Ceres members of the Altar Society, the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus continued gathering pledges and donations for a church. In 1952, ground was broken at 3119 S. Central Ave. for what was to be a parish hall with the church proper to be built later.
On October 16,1953, Bishop Merlin J. Guilfoyle, from the San Francisco Archdiocese, dedicated the new church and established St. Jude’s, Ceres as a mission of St. Anthony’s. Mass was celebrated only on Sundays. During the week, the building served as a center for meetings and for catechism classes. A group of Holy Family Sisters who lived in Modesto conducted the religion classes.
Ceres “Parishioners” were soon very active in their new Mission Church. The Altar Society ladies began a tradition of turkey dinners, held in the large meeting room of the church. In those days the turkeys were plucked and cleaned by hand. They were stuffed by a group working in the church kitchen and then other women would take a turkey or two home to be roasted in their own ovens. One memory is of making 93 apple pies to serve as dessert. The Altar Society was the first Ceres parish organization and remained of vital importance in the history of the parish.
Fr. John J. Hayes continued as pastor of St. Anthony’s and of the Ceres Mission from 1953-1956. In 1956 Fr. Hugh J. McKenna became the pastor and served until 1961. From 1961-1962, Fr. John A. Coghlan was pastor of St. Anthony’s. The year 1962 was significant for the Ceres Catholics.
Fr. Coghlan with Bishop
Donahue,who was bishop
when St. Jude became a parish.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
Total from 1962-1987: 1161
A Parish at Last
On Sept. 30, 1962, when John XXIII was Pope, and the Most Reverend Hugh A. Donahue was the first Bishop of the new Stockton Dioceses, the Parish of St. Jude, Ceres, California, was delivered into the pocession of Fr. John A. Coghlan, pastor.
Because there were no living quarters on the Central Ave. property, a home was purchased on Whitmore Ave. to serve as a rectory for Father. With the addition of an office area and an area for a housekeeper, the house served for the next 5 years.
Fr. Coghlan soon developed a strong Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Program which has functioned effectively for the first 25 years. Volunteers came forward each year to teach the classes from grade 2 through high school.
The Altar Society modified its constitution and became St. Jude’s Ladies Guild and Blessed Sacrament Confraternity. This group of dedicated women is the oldest parish organization and has been the main provider of the parish dinners, bake sales, dances, care of the alatrs and hundreds of special events.
In the early ’60s, the liturgical changes instituted by the Second Vatican Council were disseminated. Fr. Coghlan and St. Jude’s complied and the most obvious and dramatic difference appeared when the altar position was changed and Fr. Began offering Mass facing the congrgation and speaking the sacred words in English. As other official changes occurred, the parishioners of St. Jude were instructed in and followed the official guidelines from Rome.
As the city of Ceres grew, it became apparent to Fr. Coghlan and the Diocese of Stockton that St. Jude’s parish needed a new and larger location. The diocese purchased 10 acres including a house on Mitchell Rd. for $38,000 and plans were made to finance and build a parish center and church at the new location.
On Feb. 25,1968, the last mass was celebrated at the church on Central Ave. A long motorcade of some 125 cars was formed, and the Blessed Sacrament was carried in a parish procession to the new center. Benediction was held and an Open House followed. The first Sunday Mass in the new building was offered March 3, 1968.
A significant need of the parish was immediately met by the new classrooms for religious instruction. Now there were 6 double classrooms available as opposed to 2 classrooms and the church at the old place on Central. As the religion classes expanded, so did the need for more teachers and teacher aides. And again, volunteers continued to come forward.
CONFIRMATIONS
Total from 1963-1987: 680
The New Church
In 1979, a parish drive was begun for the long desired permanent church. More than 350 families responded to the efforts of the extensive parish committee to raise $750,000 to begin construction. In a professionally organized effort, parish leaders and teams held countless meetings and worked long hours covering the parish for pledges and donations.
To the delight of the parish, almost to the amazement of some of the long-time parishioners, ground was broken for the church on May 4, 1980. The rejoicing reached its climax on Pentecost Sunday, June 7, 1981, when Bishop Roger Mahony, formally blessed and dedicated the beautiful new church. For the second time Fr. Coghlan led his parishioners in a procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament, this time from the hall across the parking area to the new church.
In a meaningful connection to the parish’s first church on Central Ave., the large cross over the new main altar was made from the communion rail of the old church and the life sized carved body of Christ was also brought and placed on it.
Matching the octagonal shape of the center, the new church has a spacious main body with two side chapels seperated by lattice-covered glass partitions. Eight floor-to-ceiling windows, designed ultimately for stained glass, give added dimension to the church.
In 6 short years, spectacular stained glass windows became a reality. In accordance with medieval custom, the windows tell the scriptures in vivid, meaningful sections. Designed by Fr. Coghlan, the scenes begin with Creationand, in succession around the church, conclude with the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Each window depicts 3 to 4 seperate stories from the Old and new Testaments. Overlooking all from the main door is St. Jude, also in stained glass.
Another inspirational addition to the church was a set of carved, three-demensional wooden stations of the cross. Done in subdued tones, the stations blend dramatically with the warm wood of the interior and yet offer stark representations of the passion and death of Christ.
As a significant Silver Anniversary gift to itself, the parish has purchased a pipe organ, which completes the sanctuary and will provide powerful accompaniment to the voices of the parish.
DEATHS
1962-1987: 335
First Funeral of St. Jude’s Parish:
October 10,1962
Joseph Michaud
First Funeral in the New Church:
Nick Chipponeri
July 24, 1981
Parish Life
St. Jude’s Ladies Guild and Blessed Sacrament Confraternity
The oldest, continuos organization, the Ladies Guild, began serving ceres catholics during the mission days. The delicious turkey dinners that required long hours of hard work were eventually replaced by spaghetti dinners begun on Central Ave. These became an annual event on the first Sunday in November. After the move to Mitchell Rd., the dinner5s were augmented by a family bazaar, complete with games, cakewalk and parish boutique.
Other Ladies Guild activities have included Mexican dinners, recently revivied; monthly coffee hours for parish sociability; and bake sales, usually presented four times yearly.
The Guild cares for the altars, vestments and linens.
One Sunday each month, the Guild attends Mass as a group.
On the Second tuesday of each month the Guild holds meetings for the purpose of planning parish functions; for instruction from Fr. Coghlan; for interesting programs; and for social purposes.
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
Next oldest in terms of years is the CCD group of teachers and aides. Beginning in 1962, classes have been provided to St. Jude’s youth from grades 2- high school. In 1985, Kindergarten/grade one classes were added.
Parents participate actively in the preperation of their children to make First Holy Comunion.
All classes from grades 3 – 8 have met each Saturday morning after mass throughout the school year. Many of the teachers have classroom aides who are often High School students.
High school grades nine through twelve have met every Monday evening for more advanced study of Catholic Doctrine. St. Jude’s high school of religion is one of very few that has consistently offered classes to its secondary students.
In 1982, the Confirmation Team began to implement the 2 year preperation program required by Bishop Mahony. Students now begin the preperation as they enter garde nine and are confirmed at the end of the tenth grade year.
The CCD program is more than teachers. Over the 25 year history of the parish an active group of CCD “Fishers” have transported and called on students. The “Helpers” have recorded Mass and Class attendance and assisted at parties for the students. Each year some 30-35 parishioners volunteer for this vital activity of passing on the faith to the young.
BAPTISMS
1962-1987: 976
First Baptism in St. Jude’s Parish:
September 23,1962
Angela B. Lori F.
First Baptism in new church:
April 5,1981
David T. Maria B.
Adult Education
As an effective way to circumvent the often limited attendance at evening Adult Ed classis in the parish, Fr. Coghlan instituted a unique approach to continued Christian Education among his parishioners. In 1974, he began a Book-of-the-Month for adult education and spiritualization. On the first Sunday of each month Father offers a paperback book on a specefic catholic topic. Ranging from scripture, to prayer, to the saints, to purgatory, to Mary, to meditation, to current issues, all adults have had a consistent opportunity to extend and deepen their knowledge and their faith. In a remarkable effort, Father has provided for a differnet book from Sept. through May for 13 years and has managed to keep the price at a very affordable $3.00 per book for parishioners. Once again, this is a unique program in the Stockton Diocese and one of orthodox depth and breadth for the parish.
The Holy Name Society
After several attempts to have a permanent parish Men’s Club, the men and Father Coghlan revived a Holy Name Society in 1982. This world wide men’s organization dates back to the 13thcentury when it was organized to counter heretics in France and Spain who were attacking the Divinity of Christ.
On May 2,1982, 35 members took part in the first Mass of the St. Jude’s Holy Name Society. Holy Name Men are dedictaed to defend and to extend love and respect for the name of God, of Jesus and of holy things.
The Society meets monthly or as needed and on the second Sunday of each month attends Mass as a group.
A social benefit of this mens’ group has been the institution of delicious pancake breakfast put on for parishioners the first Sunday of each month.
MARRIAGES
1962-1987: 226
First Marriage in St. Jude’s Parish:
April 7, 1963
Philip H. to Janice F.
First Marriage in the new church:
April 25, 1981
Manuel P. to Susan G.
Spiritual Activities
Throughout its history, St. Jude’s Parish has had continual devotions, to its patron saint, to the Blessed Sacrament, and to Mary.
Every year the parish holds traditional Forty Hours Devotion. Families and individuals take their turns in perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
There has always been a procession to celebrate the beautiful feast of Corpus Christi.
Also, through the years, Fr. Coghlan has held a special Holy Hour every Friday evening.
In 1986, Father called on the parish to take part in perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Assisted by a committee of Ladies Guild women and Holy Name men, a schedule of adoration was developed for those parishioners who signed up. Adoration now spend an hour each, throughout the day before the Blessed Sacrament, in the Mary Chapel.
On the Sundays of October and May, the congregation recites the Rosary before each of the Masses. In May the traditional crowning of the Blessed Mother takes place at her shrine.
Also, once each week, all through the year, a perpetual novena prayers to the patron saint of imposible cases are recited after the daily Mass on Thursday afternoon. A new cycle of the novena is begun after each nine consecutive Thursdays.
Lay Involvement
A dependable twoesome deliver a freezer for use during the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bazaar.
Lay people have always participated actively in St. Jude’s. Even before there was a Mission or a Parish, the laymen and women worked for their church.
For 25 years, lay people have taught religion. The men’s and women’s organizations have worked hard to help Fr. Coghlan reach parish goals.
In recent years, there have been the Parish Council and Parish Finance Committee, who meet as needed to assist Father.
The parish has also had lay lectors, men and women, and communion ministers.
In countless ways, whether teaching, planting, building, repairing, advising, ushering, or cooking, the parishioners of St. Jude’s have been involved directly in the growth and development of the parish.
Silver Jubilee
As the only Catholic Church and parish in a city whose early history was marked by an anti-Catholic era, St. Jude’s has grown from a group of determined west siders of St. Anthony’s Parish to an active solid parish. Its members have distinguished themselves in a vast array of civic, educational and cultural fields in the community.
Blessed by the 25-year leadership of Fr. Coghlan, the parish has maintained a strong orthodox faith in a time span which has produced many unorthodox and extreme teachings and practicies. Fr. Coghlan has never wavered in his mission and responsibility to lead his flock to Christ through the channels established by Christ and gaurded by the Holy Father.
As the parish looks ahead to new challenges it can hope and pray for the “mercy, peace and love,” offered by its patron St. Jude in the greeting from his letter.
Message from Fr. Coghlan
On the Feast of Jhn the Baptist, 26 years ago, the Archbishop of San Francisco sent me to Hughson-Ceres to succeed Fr. Hguh McKenna as pastor of St. Anthony’s and it’s mission, St. Jude’s, which became a parish the next year.
“Jesus pointed to the fields ready for harvest and told His apostles:”In this is the saying true: that it is one man that soweth and it is another man that reapeath. I have sent you to reap that in which you did not labor.” (John IV 35-38)
When St. Paul found his Corinthians taking sides for one apostle over another, he chided them:”What is Apollo, what is Paul? The ministers of Him you have believed…I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase. Therefore neither he that planteth is anything, nor he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (I Corinthians III 3-11)
These words in my first sermon expressed my mind and heart. Having sowed and reaped in turn in five parishes as an assistant for 17 years; conditioned and formed by the people and the pastors I had served and from whom I had learned so much; I came now as pastor, once again into a labor begun by others, to reap and in my turn to plant again.
What did I enter to? A parish of simple, solid faith, of people who cared for and worked for their parish, devoted people who gave themselves in labor and material to serve their church, whether in it’s social life or in spiritual service-especially in passing on the Faith to their children in doctrine classes.
Carrying on in my turn meant watering the ground, continuing to plant the seed of the word of God; trying to prevent the cockle during the dangerous years since Vatican II; holding to orthodoxy in dogmatic and moral doctrine, to maintain fidelity in worship.
Today we celebrate twenty five years of labor and harvest. For our labor, melding with the labor of those who have died and those who have moved, God has given us: a beautiful church, a functional Center; active loyal groups of women—the Ladies’ Guild—and of men—the Holy name Society; a zealous Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; and strong faith shown in weekly devotions and perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. In the years to come, others will come, others will enter into our labor and reap in turn. Deus Providebit. “That he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
“Your young men shall see visions and your old men dream dreams,” (Acts II-17) As one of the latter, I look back on the material growth and the deepening spiritual life of the parish: The annual forty hours and Corpus Christi processions; the devotions to Mary our Mother; the statistics of Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Marriages and Deaths given elsewhere herein; and to the stream of children grown and gone, but formed by St. Jude’s. I remember them all in my prayers and Masses.
As they, in their turn, enter into our labors, today’s young, I pray, are visioning a future of firm orthodox Faith and spiritual life as our parish continues to grow, in spite of the difficult times, under the patronage of St. Jude.
God Bless,
Fr. John Coghlan
Rev. William Logar (1988-1993)
Rev. John O’neill (1993)
Rev. William Myers (1993-1995)
Rev. Octavio Escobar (1995-2002)
Rev. Jose Reyes Cedillo (2003-stage starts with: Operators of the Kingdom of Christ.)
Our Parish Today
We have:
A Bishop Stephen Blaire, enthusiastic in promoting the Faith and commitment to the Diocese.
We have a team of Priests.
A parish council which advises the parish priests in the pastoral.
A finacial committee assists in the administration of the parish.
A committee to guide Hispanic issues and a committee for the issues in the Anglo culture.
A staff team whom make the parish alive and efficient.
A wonderful community of God with people who have faith, celebrate life, and walk with hope.
OUR PASTORAL
Our Parish is based on the Diocesan synod that culminated in the year 2007 with 10 pastoral goals
http://www.stocktondiocese.org/Synod-Goals
MISSION
We the people of the Catholic Diocese of Stockton , transformed by Jesus Christ through Baptism and with the Holy Spirits power, our spirit nourished by the Eucharist and faithful to the mission of Christ we commit ourselves to be compassionate and have a loving heart of God, his voice and hands of justice and healing for all people.
VISION
Our vision is equality, full, active and conscious in the mission and life of our church.
WE CELEBRATE
Ministry of the Liturgy of the Sacraments:
Baptism
Confirmation
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Annointing of the Sick
Marriage
Holy Orders
PROPHETIC MINISTRY
We form ourselves and others to know and live our Faith, Especially in the Catechetical program, we have 1200 students in both English and Spanish programs.
Three years of preparation for First Communion age (6-10) and two years to receive Confirmation (12-15)
We have ateam of Catechists who teach their classes in the Parish Hall, Tuesday and Wed. in English, Thursday and Friday in Spainsh.
During the catechesis session, the priests take the opportunity to give speeches or catechesis to the parents of the children.
We have the RCIA program for Adult preparation for the Sacraments of Christian initiation.
SOCIAL PASTORAL
Provides help and support to needy families, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides food and clothing periodically. We seek guidance and support with immigration issues, etc…
YOUTH MINISTRY
Our youth ministry is alive and commited we have 2 youth groups of young people who strive to know and live our faith; Talita-Kum and Light of Christ both have regular sessions, perform living activities, assist in various tasks of the parish like retreats for the Xvnera, they also callaboarte in the Liturgy.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Living the liturgical year in LENT EASTER
ADVENT CHRISTMAS
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Diocesan and parish Feast
Parish Festival
Various Ministries
We count on our active English groups like
Knights of Columbus
Ladies Guilt
Altar Servers
In Spanish:
The Neocatechumenal , small community, Charismatic renewal group, Apostles of the word, Marian group, Lectors, Altar Servers and Altar ministers, Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, Ministry of Communion to the Sick.
LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS in SPANISH
Monday-Friday- 7:00am / 6:30pm
Saturday 6:30pm
Sunday 6:30am / 9:30am / 11:00am / 2:00pm ? 6:30pm
MASSES in ENGLISH
Monday-Friday 8:00am
Saturday 5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am / 12:30pm
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:30pm Lunch 12:00-1:00pm
Friday 9:00am-4:30pm Lunch 12:00-1:00pm
Historia
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24244880/Parroquia-San-Judas-Tadeo-Power-Point
St. Jude Parish
3824 Mitchell Rd.
Ceres, Ca. 95307
GOD BLESS YOU come visit us.
