On February 2^nd, the Feast of the "Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple", candles were blessed for the coming year in honor of Christ, the Light of the World.     Among the candles blessed are "Blessed Candles for Home Use".

Each and every family should have at least two Blessed candles for use when a priest or  a minister comes to bring Holy Communion to a family member who is sick or is confined to the house.    Also, Blessed Candles should be lighted when the priest comes to anoint an ill or elderly family member.      Blessed Candles should additionally be used during natural disasters and other special times when families gather in prayer and supplication to Almighty God. Home Use Sets of Blessed Candles are available in the Parish Pastoral Office.     Home Use Sets of Blessed Candles are $3.00  per set and contain two Blessed Candles.

Today is "Follow-Up Sunday" regarding the Annual "Together in Mission" Campaign.      If you were not at St. Jude's last weekend, when our parish family put its faith action by making their 2000 Pledge to our Sister Parish, you are asked to please do so today.     We all want to stand in solidarity with our Archbishop, with all our priests and religious, and with the lay leaders of our Archdiocese, especially with those who serve in the poorest of parishes in our Archdiocese.     We cannot ignore the needs of our poorest sisters and brothers.     Rather, we need to stand in most heartfelt, and genuine support with our poorest brothers and sisters in their needs.

"Together in Mission" truly does help our poorest parish communities, as we heard on "Announcement Sunday" when members of our Sister Parish reported to us at each Mass.     Every penny raised goes to help them meet their needs.     Not one penny goes to the Archdiocese, nor to the Cathedral project!     Not one cent!

If you are still to make your Pledge Commitment today, prayerfully consider giving a little more this year than last.       We need to come to have a real awareness of the burdens and the genuine needs that exist within our poorest parishes today.     We need to believe that "every penny" we donate, will truly be used for our Sister Parish, Holy Spirit in Los Angeles, and the poorest of parishes.      We need to trust those 20 Pastors of our Archdiocese who lead and direct this Campaign.     We need to understand that our Baptismal Calling encourages us, in fact urges us, to share generously with those who are less fortunate.      Let us dig deeply this year and try our very best to help this most worthwhile project, "Together in Mission"!

All who attended "St. Jude's Summer Spirit Day Camp" are encouraged to stop by the Parish Pastoral Office and pick-up their Summer Camp Scrap-Book.     One book was made for each family that attended the "Summer Spirit Day Camp".   

There is a Newcomer's Reception for all recent Newcomers to our parish family today after the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Parish Hall.     All Newcomers are invited to come meet your parish family and the leaders of different ministries and activities.  Come and find out about all that St. Jude's Catholic Community has to offer.    Find a niche and join one or more of the many activities and ministries.

All parishioners are invited to come and meet our newest members and make them feel at home among us.    See you all there!      Light Refreshments are being served.