About St. Jude · Glen Dale, West Virginia
St. Jude Catholic Church in Glen Dale, West Virginia, is a vibrant parish community rooted in faith and service, named after the patron saint of desperate causes. Founded in 1959 through the dedication of local Catholics who called themselves the St. Jude Club, the parish grew from humble beginnings—celebrating Mass in homes, garages, and community halls—until its first church was dedicated in 1969. The parish continues to thrive through active ministries, sacramental programs, and a strong commitment to building community and serving others, all under the guidance of its current pastor, Rev. Doney Chacko, R.C.J.
- Established
- 1959
- Patron
- St. Jude
- Rector
- Rev. Doney Chacko, R.C.J.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
Join St. Jude to be part of a community that values faith, service, and fellowship. Experience regular Masses, sacraments, and ministries like PSR, RCIA, and Rosary groups. The parish offers a welcoming environment for all ages, with opportunities to grow spiritually, serve others, and build lasting relationships through shared worship and outreach.
Mass times at St. Jude
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:30pm to 4:15pm
- Sundays from 8–9am or before 8am weekday Mass
History
The parish was established in 1959 when local Catholics convinced Archbishop John J. Swint to purchase land for a new church. After nearly a decade of fundraising and prayer, the first Mass was celebrated in 1969. The permanent church was dedicated in 1988. The parish has been led by several pastors since its founding, including Rev. A. James Myles (1968–1979), Monsignor Joseph W. Wanstreet (1979–1989), Rev. Leroy O. Beyer (1989–1995), Rev. William Stenger (1995–2002), Rev. Thomas Schiffer (2002–2008), Rev. John Gallagher (2008–2011), Rev. Edward Stafford (2011–2012), and Rev. Ranjan Ekka (associate pastor). Rev. Doney Chacko is the current pastor.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including Parish School of Religion (PSR), RCIA, Rosary Group, Youth Group, and outreach programs. The parish also has dedicated coordinators for PSR and OCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
- Parish School of Religion (PSR)
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Rosary Group
- Youth Group
- PSR Coordinator
- OCIA Coordinators
Sacraments
Sacraments offered include Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and Reconciliation. Sacraments are celebrated according to parish guidelines and requirements, with appointments or contact with the office for arrangements.
- Baptism
- First Reconciliation
- First Communion
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Reconciliation
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. A. James Myles1968–1979
First pastor; served until 1979.
- Monsignor Joseph W. Wanstreet1979–1989
Second pastor; led fundraising for permanent church.
- Rev. Leroy O. Beyer1989–1995
Third pastor.
- Rev. William Stenger1995–2002
Fourth pastor.
- Rev. Thomas Schiffer2002–2008
Fifth pastor; died in 2008.
- Rev. John Gallagher2008–2011
Sixth pastor; transferred to Vienna, WV in 2011.
- Rev. Edward Stafford, T.O.R.2011–2012
Seventh pastor; reassigned to Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio in 2012.
- Rev. Ranjan Prakash Ekka, T.O.R.2012–present
Associate pastor; also serves St. Francis Xavier in Moundsville.
- Rev. Symeon Galazka, O.S.B.2012–present
Associate pastor; also ministers to WV Northern Regional Jail.