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 Parish, 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 & St Simon's Feast Day Prayer Service

We warmly welcome families to join us to celebrate St Jude & St Simon’s Feast Day Prayer Service (whole school) at 2:40pm in the Gathering Space on Wednesday 28 October.

2027 Sacramental Dates

The dates for some of the 2027 Sacraments have been finalised. In the coming weeks, an email will be sent to all Year 2 and above families so everyone has the latest information. Some children have been Baptised since beginning at Holy Trinity and are now ready to continue their Sacramental journey.

In St Jude’s Parish and at Holy Trinity, students currently receive their Sacraments in the following order: - 

Sacrament of First Reconciliation –Year 3

Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion) –Year 4

Sacrament of Confirmation –Year 6

Preparation for each Sacrament takes place during Religious Education lessons with the classroom teachers. Students also complete follow-up activities at home and participate in 2 Family Workshops as part of their preparation.

Please note that next year’s Sacramental Program has changed slightly. It is compulsory for your child and at least one parent to attend both workshops for each Sacrament your child is undertaking.

Each Sacrament includes:

• The TWO workshops ~ BOTH workshops are to be attended by the child receiving the Sacrament and at least one parent.
• A Commitment Mass is to be attended by the child receiving the Sacrament and at least one parent.

Families will not be able to book a place for their child to receive the Sacrament unless they have attended both workshops and completed any associated tasks.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is available for students who have been baptised and in  Year 3 or above and are yet to receive this Sacrament. Therefore, the Parish of St Jude’s and schools will be offering all our Year 3 students or above the opportunity to partake in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.

Key Dates…

First Reconciliation Workshop (child & at least one parent to attend):

First Reconciliation Commitment Mass: 

Sacrament of First Reconciliation:

Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion)

The Sacrament of First Eucharist is available for students in Year 4 or above who have been  Baptised and made their Reconciliation and are yet to receive this Sacrament. Therefore, the Parish of St Jude’s and schools will be offering all our Year 4 students or above the opportunity to partake in the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

Key Dates…

First Eucharist Family Workshop (child & at least one parent to attend):

First Eucharist Commitment Mass:

Sacrament of First Eucharist:

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is available for students in Year 6 who have been Baptised,  made their Reconciliation and First Eucharist and are yet to receive this Sacrament. Therefore, the Parish of St Jude’s and schools will be offering all our Year 6 students the opportunity to partake in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

As the Bishop celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation at a large number of parishes and schools across the eastern suburbs, including those belonging to St Jude’s Parish, dates need to be coordinated and approved.

For 2027, the Parish and schools have submitted proposed dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation and are awaiting approval.

The Sacrament of Confirmation program usually begins in Term 3, with the actual Sacrament taking place in Term 4. However, this may change depending on the date approved. I will share the confirmed dates with families as soon as they become available.

The Sacrament of Confirmation program includes:

• Two workshops: Both workshops must be attended by the child receiving the Sacrament and at least one parent.
• Commitment Mass: The child receiving the Sacrament and at least one parent must attend.
• Confirmation Reflection Day: Held on a school/weekday.
• Sacrament of Confirmation: Celebrated at St Jude’s Church, Scoresby.

Information regarding enrolling your child/ren in a Sacrament will be shared via SIMON in 2027, in the weeks leading up to the beginning of the particular Sacramental Program.

Kind regards,

Denham Harvie

Religious Education Leader

St Jude's Parish News

Week Day Masses  

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday , Mass at 9.15am

Weekend Masses 

Saturday 6pm, 

Sunday 8.30am & 10.30am 

Reconciliation:  Saturday 5.30pm - 5.50pm