“Apostle of the Impossible” is a fitting moniker for Saint Jude. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. Let me tell you the story of Saint Jude Catholic Church.
Saint Jude Catholic Church began humbly. Father John Ording received the appointment to establish Saint Jude Parish on July 8, 1941. The initial location was to be at Kelly and Roscommon in Harper Woods. This was later changed to the present site on Seven Mile Road.
The first official Sunday Mass was held on July 13, 1941. It took place at Denby High School. About 500 people attended this inaugural Mass.
Groundbreaking for a combination school and church occurred on November 27, 1941. The cornerstone was embedded on January 25, 1942. Denby’s auditorium served the community until June 14, 1942. Saint Jude’s first building then opened for use.
On September 14, 1942 the school opened. There were 160 children enrolled in grades 1-8. The Sisters of the Order of St Dominic taught the students. They continued to do so for much of the school’s history.
Saint Jude novenas began on September 2, 1942. Catechism classes for public school students started on September 27, 1942. Construction of four more classrooms began in July 1943. The first class graduated in June of that year.
The first parish census happened in 1943. Four additional classrooms were readied for January 1944. This increased enrollment to 565 children.
In 1944, the first associate pastor was assigned. The Dominicans moved into two duplex houses at 15808 Seven Mile Road. The priests moved into the rectory at 15711 Seven Mile Road. Ground broke for the auditorium in 1945. It would serve as the church for about twelve years.
Saint Jude celebrated its fifth anniversary in June 1946. The auditorium was ready for use by August. This increased the school space by four classrooms. Two lots were purchased on Seven Mile Road in 1947. They were opposite the present church for parking. Edward Cardinal Mooney blessed the auditorium on June 1, 1947.
Building continued in 1948 and 1949. Six new classrooms and a convent were added to the campus. Open house was held on December 30, 1949 for the Dominican Sisters. In 1949, Saint Jude Parish consisted of approximately 2,000 families. The school enrollment was 800 students.
In 1950, the parish purchased the block bounded by Seven Mile Road, Crusade, Maddelein, and Brock. It was for a playground. Saint Jude Credit Union was granted a charter. It began business in the school one evening a week. All available classroom space was used. One more classroom was added in 1951.
A goal of $250,000 was set in 1952. It was to finance a permanent church and rectory. In 1952, a chapter of the Society of St Vincent de Paul was organized. In 1953, four classrooms were added to the school. The goal of $250,000 was surpassed. An additional $5,500 was raised in the “Soap Drive.”
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church were held on October 17, 1954. The construction of the church and rectory progressed throughout 1955 and 1956.
On Easter Sunday 1956, the lower church was used for the first time. The priests moved into the new rectory in July of the same year. On September 23, 1956, three bronze church bells were blessed. The cornerstone of the new church was also blessed. Saint Jude Credit Union moved into a permanent location on Seven Mile Road that year.
On May 12, 1957, the upper church was first used. It was used for first Communion celebrations. In 1959, the new altar, sanctuary flooring and communion rail were installed. Saint Jude continued to thrive and grow larger each year.
The church stands as a reminder of community. It embodies faith and perseverance. The story of Saint Jude Catholic Church is one of dedication. It is a testament to the power of collective spirit.