About St. Jude · Rochester, Illinois
The Church of St. Jude is a Roman Catholic parish in Rochester, Illinois, part of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The parish serves approximately 1,465 parishioners in 527 families from its location at 633 South Walnut Street. Under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Peter Chineke and assisted by two deacons, St. Jude proclaims the Gospel through worship, formation, service, and community life. Its mission statement emphasizes welcoming all who seek God and embracing those who need healing in their lives.
- Patron
- St. Jude (Thaddeus)
- Rector
- Rev. Peter Chineke
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Why belong here
St. Jude offers a complete Catholic life: daily and weekend Mass, a robust Parish School of Religion for grades 1–8, adult formation opportunities including Bible studies and small faith groups, and ministries serving youth, the homebound, music, and liturgical art. With two permanent deacons, a parish nurse, an active pastoral council, and a clear commitment to welcoming returning Catholics and those in need of healing, the parish provides both spiritual depth and genuine community. Visitors can expect a welcoming small-town parish grounded in worship, formation, and service.
Mass times at St. Jude
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
- By appointment
About the Parish
The Church of St. Jude is a Roman Catholic community in Rochester, Illinois, in Sangamon County southeast of Springfield. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and serves about 1,465 parishioners across 527 families. Its mission statement reads: "As a People of God, under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, we seek to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through worship, service, formation and living the values of Christ in the community."
- Parish Mission: proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through worship, service, formation, and living the values of Christ
- Welcomes all who seek God and embraces those who need healing
- Located at 633 South Walnut Street, Rochester, IL 62563
Clergy & Staff
The parish is led by its pastor and supported by two permanent deacons and a staff of lay coordinators who oversee faith formation, music, liturgy, safe environment, and parish operations.
- Pastor: Rev. Peter Chineke
- Deacon: Deacon Thomas A. Walker
- Deacon: Deacon Ray Roth
- Office Manager: Sara Garcia
- Director of Total Faith Formation: Jennifer Frericks
- Assistant for Catholic Formation: Stacey Harrison
- Liturgical Music Coordinator: Michael Spainhour
- Plant Manager: Dean Bailey
- Parish Nurse: Frances Yocum
- Coordinator of Homebound Ministry: Sue Lutz
- Coordinator of Safe Environment: Alicia Harney
- Liturgical Art & Environment: Rita Williams
Pastoral & Finance Councils
Two parish councils share governance and stewardship responsibilities alongside the pastor.
- Pastoral Council Chair: Erik Woehrmann
- Youth Representatives: Paige Szabados, Addie Daniels
- Finance Council Chair: Jim Lauwerens
- Finance Council Vice Chair: Peggy Cochran
- Finance Council Secretary: Beth Auxier
- Finance Council Member: Brett Limper
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish's Parish School of Religion (PSR) provides faith formation for children in grades 1–8 who attend public school or are homeschooled. Classes meet weekly during the school year and include Scripture, prayer, Church traditions, sacraments, and moral development, preparing students for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
- Parish School of Religion (PSR) for grades 1–8
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) – Deacon Thomas and Vicki Walker
- Junior High Ministry – Deacon Ray and Sue Roth
Adult Formation
Adult Formation at St. Jude is rooted in the Church's call to ongoing conversion and spiritual growth. The parish offers Bible studies, small faith groups, speaker events, retreats, and seasonal programs throughout the year, welcoming adults at every stage of their faith journey.
- Bible studies
- Small faith groups
- Speaker events
- Retreats
- Seasonal programs
Music & Liturgical Arts
Liturgical life is supported by a Music Ministry and a Liturgical Art & Environment team, which together shape the prayer and aesthetic experience of parish worship.
- Liturgical Music Coordinator: Michael Spainhour
- Liturgical Art & Environment: Rita Williams
Outreach & Care
St. Jude extends Christ's care beyond the church walls through ministries that reach the homebound, support parish health needs, and protect children and vulnerable adults through its Safe Environment program.
- Homebound Ministry – Coordinator: Sue Lutz
- Parish Nurse – Frances Yocum
- Safe Environment – Coordinator: Alicia Harney
Parish Library
The parish maintains a small lending library in the Kelly Conference Room, available to all parishioners for ongoing faith reading and study.
- Located in the Kelly Conference Room
- Open to all parishioners
Contact & Location
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office by phone, fax, email, or in person at the church on South Walnut Street.
- Address: 633 S. Walnut St., Rochester, IL 62563 (Mailing: P.O. Box 47, Rochester, IL 62563-0047)
- Office Phone: (217) 498-9197
- Fax: (217) 498-7180
- Rectory: (217) 498-7133
- Hall: (217) 498-9524
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.stjude.dio.org