Religious Education

A Little History: St Jude’s Parish and Our School Connection

The first Catholic school in Scoresby, originally named Christ the Priest, opened on 1 February 1972. In January 1974, under the guidance of then Parish Priest Fr Noel Mackay, the parish and school were renamed in honour of the apostle St Jude. Fr Noel served faithfully as Parish Priest of St Jude’s Parish, Scoresby from 1974 until his retirement in 2015.

Our current Parish Priest is Fr Jerald Mariadas, who continues to lead the parish community with warmth and dedication.

As the area grew, the school expanded from a single-stream to a three-stream intake to meet the needs of local families. When the population increased further, this growth led to the establishment of sister schools: St Simon’s Primary School, Rowville in 1982—named to honour St Jude and St Simon, who share a feast day—and the third school in the  Holy Trinity Primary School, Wantirna South in 1985.

Holy Trinity Primary School proudly identifies itself as part of the St Jude’s Parish community:

“We are part of a vibrant Catholic school community in Wantirna South, and an active part of St Jude’s Parish, Scoresby.”

Together with our sister schools, we celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, strengthening the shared faith and community bonds within the St Jude’s Parish family.

Who was St Jude?

​This week, we celebrate our parish’s patron saint, St Jude the Apostle — one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a man of great faith and courage. St Jude is often called “the patron saint of hope and impossible causes.” People turn to him in prayer when they are facing difficult or hopeless situations, trusting that he will intercede and bring comfort and strength.

St Jude travelled far and wide after Jesus’ Resurrection, spreading the Good News and helping early Christians stay strong in their faith. His symbol is often a flame above his head, reminding us of the Holy Spirit that came to the apostles at Pentecost, and he is usually shown holding an image of Jesus, representing his closeness to Christ.

Our parish and school proudly carry his name as a reminder to always have hope, even when life feels challenging. Like St Jude, we are called to serve the Lord with joy, to help others, and to keep faith alive in our hearts and actions each day.

St Jude's Feast Day Mass

We warmly welcome families to join us to celebrate St Jude & St Simon’s Feast Day Mass (whole school) with Fr Jerald at 2:50pm in the Gathering Space on Wednesday 29 October.

Denham Harvie 

Religious Education Leader

2025 Jubilee (Pilgrims of Hope)

What is the 2025 Jubilee?

The term “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew term “yobel,” which means “ram’s horn.” In Jewish tradition, the sound of the horn marked the beginning of a particular year of remission and forgiveness. The Catholic Church adopted this tradition and made it a year of pilgrimage, prayer, and reconciliation.

What is the History of the Jubilee?

The first Jubilee of the Catholic Church was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. Since then, the Church has celebrated a Jubilee every 25 years unless the Pope decides to call an extraordinary Jubilee, as Pope Francis did in 2015.

Why is 2025 a Holy Year for the Catholic Church?

The official Vatican website for the Holy Year 2025 — www.iubilaeum2025.va — says, “In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a ‘Holy Year,’ since it is a time when God’s holiness transforms us.” The Jubilee is a time of forgiveness and reconciliation, with pilgrims worldwide flocking to Rome to celebrate the event. It is also a time of renewal and spiritual awakening, with the Pope and other religious leaders offering prayers, blessings, and ceremonies.

Weekly Masses

Wednesday & Thursday, Mass at 9.15am

Friday, Communion Service at 9.15am

Weekend Masses 

Saturday 6pm, 

Sunday 8.30am & 10.30am 

Reconciliation by appointment (contact Fr Jerald or Fr  Joel at Parish Office)

St Jude's Parish Weekly Newsletter