Article and Infographic by: Penny Rodriguez
Photos by: Catharina Hoyt
Video by: Veronica Umana
Java Jude’s barista Sarah Edwards (left) serves coffee to Father Jared Cooke after Sunday mass.
Sundays at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic University Parish, located on the Texas State University campus, offer parishioners the opportunity to worship, fellowship and connect in a cozy space over a warm cup of coffee.
In 2023, the church opened Java Jude’s, a coffee shop located onsite next to the chapel, named after Saint Jude, a beloved saint for those seeking God’s comfort during trying times. Each Sunday, between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. mass services, the space invites guests to order a beverage and spend time together socializing.
Visitors to Java Jude’s can choose between a variety of beverage options, from specialty teas to traditional hot and cold coffees, and even seasonal favorites listed on the chalkboard menu behind the counter. Each drink has a name with a catholic theme, such as a guest favorite titled “The Promised Land,” which features a beverage mix of lavender and honey, referring to the biblical story of Abraham, where the Lord promises a land of milk and honey.
Another unique thing to note is that at Java Jude’s, all beverages, no matter the size or flavor, are priced at only three dollars, providing an affordable option for all visitors. All the profits from beverage sales are reinvested into the coffee shop for equipment and supplies such as syrups, cups and lids to keep costs low for students.
Abigail Robison is the barista manager of Java Jude’s. She has been working at the coffee shop for over a year.
“Java Jude’s is a very fun way for the community and people to all come and try new drinks. We are always switching up the menu and bringing in new things,” says Robison. “It’s a place for people to come study and hang out and get to have more community within the church because it’s a place to be with their friends and fellowship.”
Sarah Edwards, a sophomore at Texas State studying communication design, is one of the baristas at Java Jude’s. She enjoys practicing her new skills in making specialty coffees and learning more about the community.
“People here are just so welcoming and always willing to reach out to get to know you and share more about our community. A lot of people really enjoy it,” said Edwards. “It’s also really affordable for college students, with drinks being only three dollars. It’s a safe spot to hang out and make friends. All the baristas have also become friends, and it’s really special.”
Java Jude’s has become more than a coffee shop. The hours have been extended beyond Sundays to throughout the week to provide students with a quiet and relaxing space to study, have lunch, or meet with friends. Along with the smell of fresh coffee in the air, the space is creatively designed with board games stacked on shelves and blankets draped over couches, invoking a spirit of tranquility and community gathering. On any given day, the number of students visiting the coffee shop or seating area ranges from twenty to thirty.
Walking into OLOW, the Java Jude’s sign and area mixed with the smell of coffee and tea. 
The Java Jude’s sign sits high up on the wall for customers to see. 
Annie, a TXST student is seen takingrefuge in the Java Jude’s lounge studying, visiting, or waiting for their drinks. 
The current Fall 2024 Java Jude’s menu. 
One of the many chairs that is available for customers to sit and enjoy their orders. 
The service window where items can be seen being made at. 
On the service counter, the newest seasonal drink names sit waiting to catch the eye of customers. 
Barista Sarah Edwards is seen making coffee for an order. 
Sarah can be seen hard at work behind the service counter. 
Customers have the free access to use any of the free games provided by Java Jude’s 
The drink Sarah made sits awaiting to be grabbed by the customer while working on another drink in the back.
Victoria Catalina is a sophomore at Texas State studying digital media. She began visiting Java Jude’s when it first opened last year and now considers it a regular stop during her school week.
“I think the space is very calming in a world full of chaos. Being able to connect with others is so important but in a nice, chill environment. The coffee really aids with that. You’ll walk in from the outside, and the smell will be so welcoming and comforting,” says Catalina. “It feels like home, with the plants and the couches. It just feels very comforting. You feel like you are at home with your family.”
Manager Abigail Robison invites everyone to take some time to visit Java Jude’s for themselves and with friends for a casual way to connect with the Our Lady of Wisdom community.
“A big goal of Java Jude’s is to be extremely welcoming and be at the forefront of Our Lady of Wisdom, so it starts with greeting people and getting to know people here. It’s a very beautiful opportunity to get rooted in the community and connect with the faith through that,” says Robison.
The Java Jude’s coffee shop is open Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 -1:00 p.m. Additional hours throughout the week can be found on Our Lady of Wisdom’s Instagram account, @olowtxst
There are many coffee shops within walking distance of the Texas State University campus, including Java Jude’s. Students can access the coffee shop by visiting Our Lady of Wisdom, located at 100 Concho St. near the campus Target.
A list of quick facts about Java Jude’s, including pricing and hours of operation.
A price comparison chart featuring Java Jude’s and other popular coffee establishments.
