About Saint Jude · Fort Wayne, Indiana
Saint Jude Catholic Church is an urban parish of the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend located in the Lakeside/Kensington neighborhood on the near north side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1929 by Bishop John Francis Noll, the parish anchors a five-block Parish Square bounded by State Boulevard, Randallia Drive, Forest Avenue, and Pemberton Drive and includes St. Jude Catholic School (preK-8, opened the day after the parish was founded) and a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel opened in 1985. The current church, built in 1966 in the wake of Vatican II with its Minnesota Red Granite altar, seats the entire assembly within 60 feet of the sanctuary. The parish is currently led by Father Emmanuel Abuh.
- Established
- 1929
- Patron
- Saint Jude Thaddaeus (the 'Forgotten Apostle')
- Rector
- Father Emmanuel Abuh (tenth pastor, appointed 2024)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend
Why belong here
Saint Jude offers the rare combination of an historic urban parish, an active parish school that has been educating children since 1929, and a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel open 24/7 — a devotion the parish itself describes as 'the heart of the community.' Worshippers find multiple Sunday Masses (7, 9, and 11 a.m.) plus a Saturday Vigil and a robust daily Mass schedule, along with frequent confession times, an OCIA program for those becoming Catholic, faith formation for K-8, youth ministry, and a music ministry. Located on a generous five-block Parish Square in the established Lakeside/Kensington neighborhood, it draws multi-generational families with deep loyalty and welcomes visitors warmly.
Mass times at Saint Jude
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday: after 7:00 AM Mass until all have gone
- Tuesday: 5:00–5:45 PM
- Wednesday: 4:15–4:45 PM
- Thursday: 5:00–5:45 PM
- Saturday: 9:00–10:00 AM
- Saturday: 3:45–4:30 PM
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration — open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel (stjudeadorationchapel.com); reopened with a blessing from Bishop Rhoades on January 13, 2025 after renovations
Parish Overview & Mission
Saint Jude Catholic Church is an urban parish of the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend located on the near north side of Fort Wayne, in the Lakeside and Kensington Addition neighborhoods. Its formal mission statement reads: 'We, the Catholic Church of Saint Jude, called by Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, nourished by Word and Eucharist, commit our time, talent, and treasure to the growth of God's Reign in our world.' Worshippers are drawn both by family loyalty and by the parish's distinctive devotional life — especially its Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel — and the parish explicitly says it 'frequently welcomes visitors.'
- Established April 12, 1929 by Bishop John Francis Noll
- Located on a five-block Parish Square bounded by State Boulevard, Randallia Drive, Forest Avenue, and Pemberton Drive
- Pastor: Father Emmanuel Abuh
- Associate Pastor: Father Johnathon Hickey
- Part of the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend
History
Saint Jude traces its origin to Bishop Herman J. Alerding's early-20th-century purchase of a half-block on Kentucky Avenue in Lakeside; that site was abandoned when development moved farther east and north, and on May 7, 1926 the Diocese bought five acres of the original Randall farm, forming today's Parish Square. Bishop John F. Noll authorized the parish at a 1926 meeting at Forest Park School, dedicated the school and chapel on March 3, 1929, formally established the parish on April 12, 1929, and appointed Rev. John A. Dapp as first pastor. A temporary rectory was begun in August 1929, the school opened with eight grades and 293 pupils that September, and the parish built a 750-seat Spanish-style church in 1935. The current church was constructed 1965–1966 to express Vatican II reforms, with pews within 60 feet of a Minnesota Red Granite altar.
- March 3, 1929 — Bishop Noll dedicates the school and chapel
- April 12, 1929 — Parish formally established; Msgr. John A. Dapp named first pastor
- April 21, 1929 — First Mass celebrated; nine-day novena to Saint Jude begins
- 1935 — 750-seat Spanish-style church built adjoining the school
- 1965–1966 — Current church built under Vatican II reforms
- June 4, 1967 — Bishop Pursley dedicates the current church
- 1970 — First Saturday Vigil Mass (Feb. 14) and first Mass of Paul VI (Palm Sunday)
- October 28, 1985 — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel opens on the feast of Saint Jude
- 2004 — 75th anniversary year-long celebration
- 2019 — 'Investing in Faith for Another 90 Years' capital campaign launched
- March 2020 — COVID-19 closes school and suspends public Masses; daily Mass live-streamed from rectory chapel
- January 13, 2025 — Bishop Rhoades blesses the renovated Adoration Chapel
Pastor Succession
Saint Jude has had ten pastors since its 1929 founding. The full succession is: Msgr. John A. Dapp (1929–1946), Msgr. Charles F. Girardot (1946–1970), Msgr. J. William Lester (1970–1978), Father Donald Isenbarger (1978–1980), Father John Pfister (1980–1988), Father William Schooler (1988–2001), Father Thomas R. Shoemaker (2001–2013), Father Jacob ('Jake') Runyon (2013–2018), Monsignor Robert Schulte (2018–2024), and the current pastor, Father Emmanuel Abuh (2024–present).
- 1st — Msgr. John A. Dapp, 1929–1946
- 2nd — Msgr. Charles F. Girardot, 1946–1970
- 3rd — Msgr. J. William Lester, 1970–1978
- 4th — Fr. Donald Isenbarger, 1978–1980
- 5th — Fr. John Pfister, 1980–1988
- 6th — Fr. William Schooler, 1988–2001
- 7th — Fr. Thomas R. Shoemaker, 2001–2013
- 8th — Fr. Jacob Runyon, 2013–2018
- 9th — Msgr. Robert Schulte, 2018–2024
- 10th — Fr. Emmanuel Abuh, 2024–present
Sacraments
The parish prepares parishioners for all seven sacraments. Baptism classes are held on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the parish center; Baptisms are usually scheduled Sundays at 12:15 PM. First Eucharist is prepared in second grade through St. Jude School and the Religious Education Program, and Confirmation is prepared during 7th and 8th grades with two parent meetings and a Saturday retreat. Adults seeking Baptism or full initiation prepare through OCIA, directed by Laura LaMaster.
- Baptism — contact Amy Parker ([email protected])
- First Eucharist — second grade preparation
- Confirmation — 7th and 8th grade preparation, or OCIA for adults
- Reconciliation — see confession schedule; First Reconciliation in second grade
- Anointing of the Sick — contact parish office (260-484-6609)
- Matrimony — contact parish for preparation
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Religious Education meets weekly during the school year for grades K-8, with family Masses on the first Tuesday of the month and Tuesday evening classes from 6:30 to 7:45 PM at St. Jude School. Eighth-grade Religious Education begins in August, and a Special Needs Program serves grades K-8. Vacation Bible School is held in late June; the 2025 theme is 'Cathletics.'
- Director of Religious Education: Amy Parker ([email protected])
- Classes Tuesday 6:30–7:45 PM at St. Jude School
- Family Masses on the first Tuesday of the month
- Special Needs Program for grades K-8
- Vacation Bible School — June 23–25, 2025 (theme 'Cathletics')
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Adults who wish to become Catholic, or baptized Catholics seeking full initiation (Confirmation / Eucharist), journey through the parish OCIA program directed by Laura LaMaster. The program undergirds the parish's 'Becoming Catholic?' invitation prominently featured on the parish website.
- Director: Laura LaMaster ([email protected], 260-484-6609)
- For unbaptized adults, baptized Christians, and Catholic adults needing Confirmation/Eucharist
St. Jude Catholic School
St. Jude Catholic School has educated children on the Parish Square since 1929 and is led today by Principal Michael Obergfell. The school serves preschool through grade 8 and partners with the parish under the mission of educating each child spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, culturally, and physically. The school's motto is 'Virtue = Strength.'
- Founded in 1929 (one day after the school building was dedicated)
- Grades: preschool-8
- Approximately 355 students
- Principal: Michael Obergfell
- Website: stjudefwschool.org
- First teachers (1929): Sisters of Providence from St. Augustine Academy
- Sisters of Notre Dame (Toledo, Ohio) took over in August 1973
Music & Liturgical Ministries
Music for parish liturgies is coordinated by Director of Music Ministries Richard Kochel. The parish donated a nine-foot concert grand piano during the 75th anniversary year, and the 2019 capital campaign included rehabilitation of the church organ.
- Director of Music Ministries: Richard Kochel ([email protected])
- Nine-foot concert grand piano donated 2004
- Church organ rehabilitated under 2019 capital campaign
Youth Ministry & Parish Life
Youth Ministry, parish socials, the annual Parish Festival, a summer Hog Roast and Ice Cream Social, family movie nights on the lawn, and the Parish Mission all shape the rhythm of parish life at St. Jude. After COVID-19 suspended public Masses in March 2020, the parish gradually restored in-person worship and social life, and by summer 2021 was holding outdoor events to bring parishioners together again.
- Youth Ministry led by the parish Youth Minister
- Annual Parish Festival (recent 'Eaglemania' event June 12, 2025)
- Hog Roast / Ice Cream Social in August
- Lawn-in Family Movie Nights
- Parish Mission held in October (anniversary years and 2021)
Parish Staff & Contact
Saint Jude is staffed by a pastor and associate pastor, a director of OCIA, director of religious education, director of music ministries, youth minister, pastoral associate, business office manager, communications lead, administrative assistant, and school principal. The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:00 PM, and can be reached at (260) 484-6609.
- Pastor: Fr. Emmanuel Abuh — [email protected] — ext. 1001
- Associate Pastor: Fr. Johnathon Hickey — [email protected]
- Director of OCIA: Laura LaMaster — [email protected]
- Director of Religious Education: Amy Parker — [email protected]
- Director of Music Ministries: Richard Kochel — [email protected]
- Pastoral Associate: Jessica Heise — [email protected]
- Business Office Manager: John Parker — [email protected]
- Communications: Heather Cisz — [email protected]
- Administrative Assistant: Kris Church — [email protected]
- Principal: Michael Obergfell — [email protected]
Getting Involved & Stewardship
Stewardship of time, talent, and treasure — first introduced at the parish by Father William Schooler in April 1989 — remains a hallmark of parish life. The parish invites newcomers to register as parishioners, and invites adorers to sign up for the Perpetual Adoration Chapel via stjudeadorationchapel.com. The Ushers' Organization dates to 1929; the Rosary Society dates to at least 1966.
- Stewardship way of life introduced 1989
- Register to become a parishioner (online form)
- Sign up as an Adorer at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel
- Volunteer for Vacation Bible School
- Serve as a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, usher, choir member, or catechist
Visiting & Practical Information
The church and Adoration Chapel are accessible throughout the week. The Parish Office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:00 PM, and the parish encourages visitors and newcomers to stop by before or after Mass. The Parish Square provides ample parking, with the parking lot and playground asphalt replaced under the 2019 capital campaign.
- Address: 2130 Pemberton Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
- Phone: (260) 484-6609
- Email: [email protected]
- Parish Office Hours: Monday–Friday 8 AM–12 PM and 1–4 PM
- Adoration Chapel: open 24/7
- On-site parking on the Parish Square
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Msgr. John A. Dapp1929–1946
First pastor; appointed by Bishop John F. Noll on April 12, 1929; celebrated the parish's first Mass on April 21, 1929; later named Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
- Rev. Msgr. Charles F. Girardot1946–1970
Second pastor; oversaw growth of the parish, the implementation of Vatican II reforms (new altar placed March 14, 1965), construction of the current church (ground broken July 2, 1965; first Mass November 6, 1966), and its consecration on December 2, 1966. Retired July 1, 1970 and continued to live in the neighborhood until his death on January 29, 1974.
- Rev. Msgr. J. William Lester, P.A.1970–1978
Third pastor; previously superintendent of Catholic Schools and principal of Central Catholic and Huntington Catholic high schools; welcomed the Sisters of Notre Dame from Toledo in August 1973 to replace the Sisters of Providence who had served 44 years; later served as vicar general, chancellor, and rector of the Cathedral. Died February 20, 2016.
- Rev. Donald Isenbarger1978–1980
Fourth pastor; succeeded Msgr. Lester; oversaw the 1985 building restoration fund drive that funded new boilers, roofs, church interior painting, carpeting, and a new school fire/PA system.
- Rev. John Pfister1980–1988
Fifth pastor; later transferred to Saint Mary of the Assumption, South Bend.
- Rev. William Schooler1988–2001
Sixth pastor; introduced stewardship as a way of life to the parish in April 1989 with Sacrificial Giving; later transferred to Saint Pius X, Granger, Indiana.
- Rev. Thomas R. Shoemaker2001–2013
Seventh pastor; later transferred to St. Therese Little Flower in South Bend.
- Rev. Jacob ('Jake') Runyon2013–2018
Eighth pastor; originally baptized at St. Jude as an infant; later transferred to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
- Rev. Msgr. Robert Schulte2018–2024
Ninth pastor; former Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend and Rector of the Cathedral; ordained in 1975 by Bishop Leo A. Pursley; installed by Bishop Kevin Rhoades on July 8, 2018; retired 2024.
- Rev. Emmanuel Abuh2024–present
Tenth and current pastor; oversaw the 2025 blessing and reopening of the renovated Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel.