The Saint James Vicariate is an integral part of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Our Vicariate gathers the Hebrew-speaking Catholics who live in Israel, those belonging to the Jewish people together with those coming from the nations, including a number of local Christians and migrants. We form one community in Jesus Christ and we belong to one Church. We are in union with Pope Francis, with the Patriarch, his vicars, the priests and all the faithful of the Latin Patriarchate. In the same time, we are at home in the Israeli Jewish, Hebrew speaking society.

Through camps, festivals, youth groups, activities such as art and music, our ministry guides children and youth in faith, building friendships and deepening their connection to God.

Our work with children and youth creates opportunities for them to grow in faith while navigating the difficulties of life as a minority. Through shared experiences, they find a sense of belonging and the courage to face challenges. We aim to inspire hope, celebrate their unique gifts, and help them see their value in God’s eyes. These moments of connection lay the foundation for a stronger, supportive in their early years.

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We would like to help some young Israeli Catholics in getting their education. Your support enables us to fund scholarships. Get to know those fantastic youngsters.

Advancing Kellsie’s Contribution to the Saint James Vicariate

Kellsie’s story is rooted in resilience and shaped by the values instilled in her by her immigrant parents from the Philippines. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she witnessed firsthand the strength of her family as they navigated the challenges of building a new life. Their sacrifices instilled in her the importance of hard work, adaptability, and staying grounded in purpose. These values have shaped Kellsie’s approach to both her personal and professional life.

During her national service, Kellsie worked with children on the autism spectrum, ages 3-5. This experience deepened her understanding of empathy and the importance of tailored, compassionate approaches to care and education. It also ignited her passion for creating meaningful connections and supporting those in need.

In 2020, Kellsie was accepted into the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, where she embarked on a four-year degree in the Department of Visual Communication. This marked the beginning of her formal journey into the world of design, where she developed her creative skills and explored new ways to communicate ideas through visual storytelling.

Now, as a dedicated member of the Saint James Vicariate, Kellsie brings her diverse background to her work. Her design expertise, combined with her hands-on experience with children and her understanding of immigrant communities, allows her to approach challenges with creativity, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Whether creating visual materials that resonate with the community, organizing collaborative projects, or fostering an inclusive atmosphere, Kellsie’s contributions always reflect her drive to support the Vicariate’s mission, and is motivated by the opportunity to continue learning and growing. With the support of a scholarship, she aims to refine her skills further and take on new challenges that will enhance her ability to serve both the Vicariate and the broader community. This opportunity is not only an investment in her development but also in the meaningful impact she can have on those around her.

Join our prayer group that supports spiritually St. James Vicariate.

Join our prayer group. Every day, more than forty people pray for the activities of St. James according to the intentions sent by our Vicar every month. Your prayer is an essential help. Due to the virtual character of the contact, joining our prayer group requires sharing of your phone number.

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In seven communities located in the entire Israel we are trying to build the Kingdom of God by prayer, sacraments and Christian life.

Our Community in Jaffa meets twice a week in St. Peter’s Monastery hosting the faithful form the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.

In the center of Jerusalem a vibrating community embraces local Hebrew Speaking Catholics and is happy to host all the guests, foreign students and volunteers coming to Israel.

In the capital city of the Negev Desert a small house with a chapel and priest’s apartment provides a place for our community that prays in Hebrew. There is also Holy Mass in English and in Malayalam for our friends from India.

A thousand-year-old church at the shore of the Galilean Sea is a home for our community in Tiberias. Thank to our sisters and brothers form a charismatic community of John the Baptist (Koinonia Giovanni Battista).

Our small but vivid community in Haifa has a great history of the first Israeli Catholics who started to pray in Hebrew.

Russian Speaking Catholics of Jewish origin pray in Haifa, Emmaus and Jaffa.

We are committed to the Jewish-Christian Dialogue.

Serving as a bridge between the Universal Church and the people of Israel: The Vicariate works to strengthen the relationship between Jews and Christians, sharpening the Church’s awareness of its Jewish roots and of the Jewish identity of Jesus and his apostles. The Vicariate seeks to sharpen the awareness of Jews in Israel about the history, teaching and contribution of the Church to society. Our faithful are engaged fully in the life of Israeli Jewish society and in the life of the Catholic Church. Since its origins Saint James Vicariate has been sensitive to interreligious dialogue, especially with the Jewish people amidst whom our faithful reside. Some of our interreligious activities, involving both Muslims and Jews, make us experience that we, human beings, can live together in peace and understanding despite the painful and unresolved political problems. Your support helps us to continue to be active players in the interreligious dialogue taking place in Israel.

We pray in Hebrew.

Since 1957 the Holy Mass is celebrated in modern Hebrew language. We are working on the translation and publication of the official liturgical books and other materials. Your support will allow us to continue this important work.