Rest in Peace, Sister Jude!

Sister Jude Janecek (Mabel Gertrude) of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament was welcomed into eternal life by her loving God on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

She was born July 31, 1939, in Victoria, Texas, the daughter of Cyril Methodius Janecek and Ruth Pearl Bracht Janecek. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters—Sister Patricia Ruth Janecek, May Kollaja, and Lois Hickey.  She is survived by two brothers—David Janecek (wife Charlotte), and Herb Janecek, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Taught by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, she graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1957 and entered the Order in September of that year. She made her first profession of vows on June 3, 1959, and professed final vows in 1962.
 
Sister Jude earned her bachelor's degree in education from St. Edward’s University, Austin, a master's degree in administration and drama from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, and a master's degree in theology from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio. She had a certification in advanced studies in youth ministry from St. Mary’s in Baltimore, Maryland.
 
Sister Jude taught and was a principal in schools in the dioceses of Corpus Christi and Brownsville. She served in campus ministry at Texas Southmost College, Brownsville, before beginning youth ministry in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. During her years as diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry, Sister Jude introduced the first diocesan Youth Spectacular in 1984, which continued for more than 30 years.
 
In congregational ministry, Sister Jude served as a delegate to the General Chapter and served on numerous commissions and committees. She shared her interest and talent in liturgical movement on many congregational and diocesan occasions, adding beauty and meaning to liturgical celebrations.
 
In 2019, she celebrated the 60th anniversary of her profession and shared, “I rejoice and give thanks, Sister said, for sixty years of being blessed by God, my family, my Sisters, and the many friends with whom I shared ministry and friendship. I place my trust in the Word Incarnate as together we continue our journey, connecting His story with our story."

Sister Jude’s two longest parish ministry assignments were in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.  She was Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at St. Peter, Prince of Apostles Parish, Corpus Christi, from 1998-2006.  From 2007-2020, she was the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Parish, Rockport.   

Her funeral services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Patrick Church, 3350 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, TX,  as follows: 

Viewing:  9:30 am 
Mass of Christian Burial:  10:00 am 
Burial:  11:30 am at Rose Hill Cemetery