I'm New Here!
St. Jude Parish is a dynamic faith-filled community dedicated to preaching and practicing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come celebrate Mass with us! We would love to see you!
Twenty years ago, while living in Keene, NH with my daughter, Bridey, where I originate from, I was lifting a patient and sustained a back injury. After two surgeries, over a four year period, I had to give up nursing. At the time of my injury I had also worked part time for the Newman Center as the assistant director. In that position I had attended Notre Dame College, for three weekly summer sessions, as part of a diocesan certificate program in Theology.
So… I took the loss of my nursing career as an opportunity to attend Notre Dame College full time pursuing a Theology Degree. I sold my house, bought a car, filled it up with all my earthly goods, and moved to Joseph House of Prayer in Manchester to attend Notre Dame College. At Ste Marie Church I worked with Fr Bob Couto. When he became pastor at St Jude Church in 1999 he offered me a part time Youth Ministry job and I have been here ever since, but moved into the Religious Education Director’s position ten years ago.
As the Director of Religious Education for 1st grade through 8th grade I over see classes on Sunday in the mornings and late afternoon, and Tuesday afternoons and evenings. There is a Family Program one Sunday a month for youth in 1st -5th grades. Special Needs Youth have classes every other Monday with soup kitchen visits one Monday a month where the youth wait on table. 2nd Grade Retreats, one for First Penance/Reconciliation and one for First Communion, are offered along with Middle School Retreats twice a year at St Anselm College. Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place at the 10AM Mass twice a month but I am willing to offer it more often with a little more help. Summer Vacation Bible School has been very popular here at St Jude and is offered for the last week of July.
On many occasions I am called to wear a variety of hats so I fill in to arrange funerals, serve as a Special Minister of the Eucharist, Reader and on rare occasions an usher. I am also pretty handy with a plunger and a wet vac.