The Patrioteer – February 27, 2026

This week we celebrated the sacrament of First Reconciliation with our Grade Twos and it was a very special and memorable evening. When the children entered the church they were very nervous and even slightly scared, but all those nerves turned to big smiles of relief after the sacrament concluded. I found it to be very moving to remember what it felt like to be in their shoes. In the same way we adults can get nervous and avoid the sacrament, but God invites us back with open and loving arms. The season of Lent is a wonderful time to go back to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, even if it’s only been a few months or longer. God always welcomes us back and I was privileged to witness the grace of the sacrament bestowed on our students this week! God is very good. 

  St. Jude, Pray for Us! 

Student-led conferences are a way for students to show parents their learning and it involves multiple groups of parents in the classrooms touring various stations. Each time slot is 30 minutes. This year, it will take place on Friday, March 13th from 10am – 4:30pm. Students are to come to the conference dressed in school uniform. To book your time slot, please click here:  https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/ny8ar

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO SCHOOL ON THIS DAY.

Congratulations Grade Two students on receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time! We will pray for you as you continue on your faith journey and prepare for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. 

Thank you Fr. Mauricio and the two dedicated priests at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Fr. Davide and Fr. Martin, for facilitating the sacrament. A special thanks to our Grade Two teacher, Miss Paez, who prepared the students so well for this day!  

Our Junior and Senior Orchestras put on a lovely concert this week! The repertoire was so fun and they put on a great show!

Thank you Dr. Luchkow for all the work you do to enhance our music program at St. Jude. 

Grade Four is having fun exploring and planning their own STEM projects this week! There were simple machines, creative structures, and amazingly crafted cardboard builds! 

Thanks for supporting your students’ imagination, Mrs. DiFonzo! 

Basketball Playoffs took place this week. 

Both grade seven teams made a valiant effort, but will not be advancing. Great job everyone!

Grade 6 girls won a hard-fought game against St. Augustine and will be advancing to the quarter finals and playing at the Richmond Oval next week.

Go Patriots, Go! 

Parents of Grades 5-7 students received a letter home about the parent meeting taking place on March 3 on the topic of Human Growth and Development at the school gym from 7-8:30 pm.   Questions should go through the office. If you are unable to attend, please alert the office for alternate programming.

Today’s CARE day celebrated our cultural heritage! Thank you to everyone who participated for supporting the Archbishop’s Charities. 

Grade One is learning about community helpers this term and were able to visit our local library to learn more about our amazing community. 

A big thank you to our Local Renfrew library for the visit and to Miss Glinsbockel and the Grade One EAs who supported this fun trip! 

Fr. Mauricio will be receiving an important surgery this coming Monday. The recovery time will take approximately two months. Please pray for a successful surgery and a restful recovery period so he can return to the parish and school quickly! 

While Father is away the archdiocese has placed Father George Edattukaran as the temporary administrator in his absence. We will welcome Fr. Edattukaran next month. 

Exciting news! St. Jude School is partnering with Little Pawns Academy to offer after school Chess lessons. Little Pawns was started by a Canadian GrandMaster with the goal of bringing Chess to Canadian students and inspiring a love of the game. Classes are open to students in Grades 3-7 and will take place Tuesdays after school from 3:00-4:00pm. There will be three sets of sessions starting Mid-February and pausing for spring break and Easter. Registration must be completed at least one week before each session begins and class sizes are limited so sign up soon! Sign up forms are found on our website here. For more information check out the Little Pawns website: academiedespetitspions.com.

Schedule

Spring Session 2 — April 7-May 12: 6 classes for $120

Spring Session 3 — May 12-June 23: 6 classes for $120 

We are excited to launch a year-round Bottle Drive to raise funds for the Grade 7 Graduation.

You can help by donating your empty beverage containers through the Return-It Express Program.  Stickers can by printed at the Return-It Express kiosk by entering St. Jude Fundraising and phone number 604-616-3220.   Please see attached flyer for more information. 

Thank you for supporting Grade 7 fundraising.  

If your family has recently moved, or if you have a new phone number, please email office@stjude.ca with your new address/contact information so that we can update our records.

St. Jude’s Parish offers an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and for Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Classes are held on Thursdays at 6pm in the church hall.  For more information, please contact the parish office at 604-434-6700.

St. Jude Parish Mass Times

Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm