Welcome to the Campus Ministry Pages of
Father Judge High School
V+J
School Ministry Program
In an address to American Catholic educators in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the mission of a Catholic school: "First and foremost, every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and truth."
At Father Judge High School, we strive to fulfill this mission by providing our students with many opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ in Word, Sacrament and activities instilled with the spirituality of our Patron, Saint Francis de Sales designed to nourish their relationship with the Lord.
Father Judge High School is rooted in this Salesian Spirituality which inspires our young men to serve their Church and their community as Salesian Gentlemen.
For more information on the Father Judge Ministry Program, scroll down this page and click on the sidebar links!
The Campus Minister
The School Ministry Program at Father Judge High School is under the direction of Deacon Steve Guckin. Ordained a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on June 2, 2007, Deacon Steve was appointed as School Minister of Father Judge in June of 2010.
Previous assignments include: School Minister, Cardinal Dougherty High School (2008-2010); School Minister, Lansdale Catholic High School (2007-2008); Deacon, Saint Martin of Tours Parish (2007-2009).
Deacon Steve currently serves as a Deacon for Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Bensalem, PA. Additionally, Deacon Steve served the City of Philadelphia as a member of the Philadelphia Police Department for over 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant on All Saints Day, November 1, 2007.
Deacon Steve is happily married to his wife, Eileen (Archbishop Wood '81) and they have two children, Nora (Little Flower '04) and Jim (Father Judge '06), and a grandson, Frankie (Father Judge '24)!
Deacon Steve Guckin, NECHS '77
Associate in Applied Science – Community College of Philadelphia
Bachelor of Science in Human Services – Thomas Edison State College
Permanent Diaconate Formation – Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
School Ministry Office
The School Ministry Office is located on the first floor in Room 108. Deacon Steve may be reached by stopping by the office, by calling him at (215) 338-9494, Ext. 1138 or by emailing him at sguckin@fatherjudge.com.
Chapel Altar
The Holy Eucharist
The Second Vatican Council describes the Eucharist as "the source and summit of Christian life" (Lumen Gentium, #11). At Father Judge High School, students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to attend Mass each day in our Chapel according to the following schedule:
Mondays at the beginning of 3rd Period;
Tuesdays at the beginning of 4th Period;
Wednesdays at the beginning of 5th Period;
Thursdays at the beginning of 6th Period;
Fridays at 7:10 AM.
ALL ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND!
Prayer
Each school day and every class begins with the Direction of Intention from Saint Francis de Sales. Father Judge faculty and students are encouraged to grow in friendship with Christ by developing a life of prayer in the spirit of our Salesian Tradition.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). To a world marred by sin, Jesus Christ came to give us the fullness of life by freeing us from the wounds of sin and division. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our Savior truly forgives our sins and brings us healing, peace, and forgiveness.
Pope John Paul II, in his Apostolic Exhortation Penance and Reconciliation, notes that the specific mission of the Church is to offer us the gift of reconciliation (cf. #23). At Father Judge High School, our students have the opportunity to go to Confession every First Thursday at the beginning of each lunch period, at the school penance services during Lent, and upon request.
Stained Glass of St. Francis de Sales in Chapel
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
The Catholic Church teaches that in the Holy Eucharist, the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1374). Given this belief, it is a longstanding tradition to worship Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament by exposing the Eucharist in a monstrance on the altar for periods of prayer and adoration. At Father Judge High School, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs every First Friday in the Chapel from the conclusion of the 7:10 AM Mass until Benediction after the 8th period.
Evangelization
Roman Catholic students are encouraged to have celebrated their Sacraments of Initiation by graduation. Any student who has not received these Sacraments is invited to visit the Ministry Office to discuss these important issues to his life in faith. Any student interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church is encouraged to speak with Deacon Steve to learn about the process of Christian Initiation.