St. Jude the Apostle School shares meal and more Annual Thanksgiving dinner embodies spirit

When Wendy DeBell and Denise Ryan discuss the atmosphere of St. Jude the Apostle, it is more than just that of a building with classrooms and hallways. 

"Our school is really truly like a family," said Mrs. DeBell.

Mrs. Ryan added, "I call it our little sanctuary because that's how it feels."

The women were just two of many members of the St. Jude community that helped put together the school's traditional Thanksgiving dinner, held every year for anyone who is interested in coming.

"We have all the families of the children, the school board, the Knights of Columbus helping out, as does the Rosary Altar Society," explained principal Cathleen Carney. "It's a wonderful way to celebrate."

Family touch 
The Thanksgiving dinner is just one of the many events that Ms. Carney has provided the school with over the years, all with the intention of providing a family feeling to everyone associated with the school and church.

Established in 1953, St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill has a long reputation for solid schooling in an intimate atmosphere. 

The school runs from Pre-K up to sixth grade. Currently, there are approximately 102 students in the Pre-K program and 117 students in grades K-6. For middle school and high school, the trend has usually been for students to attend Catholic Central or, for some boys, La Salle Institute, both in Troy. Wendy DeBell, who is a teacher at St. Jude, mentioned her son went to St. Jude and just graduated from Catholic Cen-tral High School.

Young faith
St. Jude also tries to reach out to its kids through the Church. In addition to the parish Rosary Altar Society, the school offers a Junior Rosary Altar Society for students. 

Members helped out with the Thanksgiving dinner. Denise Ryan felt that they are a significant part of the St. Jude community.

"The ideas they give us are so awesome," she said. "So special."

About Marie Foley, who is the head of the Junior Rosary Alter, Mrs. Ryan could only say, "She's amazing."

St. Jude School officials have taken other measures small and large to enhance the communal atmosphere.

Instead of having the traditional PTA, St. Jude has re-named their assembly Family School Connection (FSC). Wendy DeBell and Denise Ryan serve as co-presidents.

Small touches
In the near future, St. Jude will provide the students with a Santa's Secret Shop and will host a breakfast with Santa himself.

"It's a great idea," said Ms. Carney. "Our families don't have to fight the crowd or spend money - they can come here, have some breakfast, the kids can sit on Santa's lap, and get a little present."

Other events the school provides include Friday night at the movies, a free showing of a film for kids and their families with a projector screen that provides a movie theater-like feel, and "Ladies Night Out," which takes place on Saturdays and allows the women to take part in things such as information on spa treatments, or talks about women's rights.

"To see how much this has grown and become a family and community - this is wonderful," said Mrs. DeBell.

Mrs. DeBell and Denise Ryan said that these events not only shine a light on the school, but benefit the students as well.

"It's definitely a positive effect on them and us," said Mrs. Ryan. "I'm so grateful I sent my son here."

(This is one in an occasional "Spotlight" series that will profile Catholic schools and religious education programs from around the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese.)

St. Jude the Apostle
through the years

• May 2003: Celebrated its 50th Anniversary
• March 2005: Fourth-grade students at St. Jude's showcase their "Not-So-Simple Machines" project at the Albany Diocesan Technology Showcase.
• November 2005: Helped parishioner Christopher Aucoin create the Hunger Awareness Group, helping Thanksgiving food drives.
• February 2007: Held a "wing war" fundraiser to find the best chicken wings in Rensselaer County
• January 2008: Mrs. Colleen Pasquale is named 2007 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher by the Albany Diocese's Catholic School office.
• St. Jude also has a youth choir that performs at Christmas liturgies and features Masses using sign language for those hard of hearing or deaf.


(12/04/08)