Academic Excellence and Gospel Values
- St. Jude School opened in September 1950. It has been our tradition to provide an educational environment in which students are taught the Christian message and are given the opportunity to live what they learn, especially the Gospel values of love, respect and service to others.
- Each year, 1-4 of our students compete at the State level in the science/academic fair;
- Up to ½ of each eighth grade class continues on to Providence Catholic high school
- Our graduates are well represented on the honor roll and in the honor societies of both local high schools.
Spiritual Growth
Daily Prayers
Prayers are part of the daily activities in all classes. Prayers are said in the morning, afternoon, and at the end of each day. All students are expected to take Religion classes and participate in liturgies.
Mass Attendance
It is important in a Catholic school that community prayer and worship be developed and nourished in students by parents. All Catholic students are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass with their families.
Reconciliation
Students in Grade 2 receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Students in Grades 3 - 8 are given the opportunity to receive this sacrament during Lent and Advent.
First Holy Communion
Students in Grade 2 receive First Holy Communion in May. It is expected that the parents of these communicants help with their spiritual preparations at home. Parents of students preparing for Reconciliation and Communion will be expected to attend evening sessions for the sacraments to help in preparing their child at home.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is offered to eighth grade Catholic students. They must submit a Baptismal certificate if they were baptized in another parish. Candidates must also participate in community service and in a summary interview prior to the reception of the sacrament.
Advent
Advent activities and/or prayer services are planned in preparation for the feast of Christmas.
Lent
The children will attend Stations and Benediction and be aware of the season with classroom activities. These should not replace Lenten activities practiced as a family.
Altar Servers
Students in Grade 5--8 are given the privilege of serving as Altar Servers. When a student commits to being a server, he/she must understand that they will have to serve Mass on weekends and school breaks, year round, and may be called to also serve for funerals, weddings, etc. New students may be trained at the end of Grade 5.
The Saint Jude School Advantage
- One school for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
- Small class sizes provides lots of individual attention
- Highly trained, dedicated staff who care about our students
- Emphasis on developing Christian character
- Strong ties among our school families
- Great communication between school and student families
- Fully accredited by the State of Illinois & the Joliet Diocese
- Involved clergy guidance and religious instruction
- Curriculum that meets or exceeds Illinois State standards
- Daily prayer; weekly church attendance; social functions
- Cooperative programs with area high schools
- Computer lab with internet access
- Graduates who achieve success in high school & college
- Spanish language program in all grades
- New Science lab facility
- Full day Kindergarten (1/2 day optional)
- Class field trips tied to the classroom program
- All faiths and denominations welcome