About St. Jude · Grand Rapids, Michigan
St. Jude Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in northeast Grand Rapids, Michigan, founded in May 1946 and now serving approximately 900 registered families in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The parish worships in a pioneering mid-century modern church — the first modern church building in Grand Rapids — designed in anticipation of Vatican II's liturgical reforms and recognized with the national Lecraro Award for excellence in adapting design to liturgical concept. Under current pastor Father Ayub Francis Nasar, St. Jude is known for its excellent music ministry, its partnerships (including the founding of All Saints Academy with three neighboring parishes), and an active roster of ministries serving youth, the sick, the grieving, college students, and the wider northeast-side community.
- Established
- 1946
- Patron
- St. Jude (Thaddeus)
- Rector
- Rev. Ayub Francis Nasar
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
Why belong here
St. Jude is a vibrant northeast Grand Rapids parish of about 900 families where newcomers are welcomed with warmth and invited into a wide range of active ministries — from an award-recognized music program and youth faith formation to spiritual support for the sick and grieving, Vacation Bible School, the Adopt-a-College-Student program, and the parish's co-founding role in All Saints Academy. The parish gathers around a genuinely distinctive worship space — the first modern church building in Grand Rapids, designed for Vatican II — and celebrates Eucharistic Adoration on the fourth Tuesday of every month alongside a full daily and weekend Mass schedule. Whether you are a young family, a college student away from home, a senior, or someone exploring the Catholic faith, St. Jude offers a place to belong, to be formed, and to serve.
Mass times at St. Jude
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Also by appointment
Adoration times
- Eucharistic Adoration: 4th Tuesday of each month, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Welcome & Parish Mission
Saint Jude Parish describes itself as a Roman Catholic community fulfilling its destiny by dedicating itself to the teaching and life of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist, the parish strives to bring the Good News to all of God's people. The parish serves about 900 registered families in the northeast area of Grand Rapids and welcomes visitors to come worship, visit the statue of St. Jude, and experience the vibrant ministries of the community.
- Mission: dedicated to the teaching and life of Jesus Christ
- ~900 registered families in northeast Grand Rapids
- Current pastor: Father Ayub Francis Nasar
- 80th anniversary being celebrated in 2026 (75th anniversary celebrated in 2022)
Our History
Founded in May 1946 with 75 families, St. Jude grew from humble beginnings — first celebrating Mass in the Michigan Veterans' Facility — into a community that would build one of the most architecturally significant modern Catholic churches in Michigan. Father Ralph Kelly led the parish from 1946 to 1952, followed by the long tenure of Father Charles D. Brophy (1952–1988), under whom the present church was built, the school opened, and the parish matured. Subsequent pastors Father Michael A. Danner (2003–2009) and Father Thomas P. Page (2009–2022) shepherded the parish into a new era of collaboration with neighboring parishes.
- May 1946: Parish established with 75 families; Fr. Ralph Kelly appointed pastor (1946–1952)
- 1952: Fr. Charles D. Brophy appointed pastor (served until 1988)
- July 1953: Land purchased between 4 Mile Rd and Elmdale
- 1956: Mr. & Mrs. Victor Blandford donate 17 acres
- August 5, 1962: Formal dedication by Bishop Allen J. Babcock
- Thanksgiving Day 1963: First Mass in the new church
- 1963: Bells blessed (named for St. Jude, Msgr. Brophy, Bp. Babcock)
- Lecraro Award for excellence in adapting design to liturgical concept
- May 18, 1964: St. Jude School opens with Sister Florentine as first principal; Felician Sisters staff the convent
- 25th anniversary of parish celebrated; 50th anniversary of church building marked by Bishop David J. Walk
- 50th anniversary of parish: 'On to the Millennium seeking our Destiny!'
- New Millennium Center completed (parish offices, Brophy Center, etc.)
- 2003: Fr. Michael A. Danner appointed pastor (2003–2009)
- 2009: Fr. Thomas P. Page appointed pastor (2009–2022)
- 2014: School opens as All Saints Academy with partner parishes
- 2022: Deacon Dan Esch ordained; Fr. Ayub Francis Nasar appointed pastor; 75th anniversary celebrated
- 2026: 80th anniversary celebrated
Architecture & The Church Building
St. Jude's church is widely recognized as the first spectacular modern church building in Grand Rapids, designed in anticipation of the Second Vatican Council's liturgical reforms. The worship space seats 850 and is nearly as wide as it is long, with no interior columns — every congregant has a clear view of the altar and baptismal font, which sit on axis. The building has received national recognition for its design, including the Lecraro Award.
- Designed in anticipation of Vatican II reforms
- 850-seat worship space, column-free interior
- Free-standing altar and baptismal font on axis; no side altars
- Reserved sacrament on an altar in a niche behind the sanctuary
- Imposing brick interior; 14 plain black crosses for the Stations (7 per side)
- Gridded steel bell tower with three bells over the narthex
- Designed by RRTL Architects (St. Paul, Minnesota)
- Awards: Lecraro Award (excellence in adapting design to liturgical concept); AIA Minnesota Honor Awards; Guild of Religious Architecture Honor Award
Clergy & Staff
St. Jude is currently shepherded by Father Ayub Francis Nasar and served by two permanent deacons and a broad parish staff. The clergy and staff directory is published on the parish website, including ministry, faith formation, music, business, and facilities roles.
- Pastor: Rev. Ayub Francis Nasar
- Permanent Deacon: Dan Esch ('Deacon Dano') — ordained Jan. 8, 2022; first assignment was St. Jude, the parish of his baptism
- Permanent Deacon: Larry HoogeBoom — ordained Feb. 11, 2006
- Director of Choirs: MaryAlice Clor-Miller
- Liturgical Minister: Jon Lang
- Director of Religious Education: Martin Smith
- Faith Formation Elementary Coordinator: Ivonne Smith
- Evangelization and Youth Coordinator: Sue Wuorinen
- Business Manager: Jill Host
- Administrative Assistant: Linda Parks
- Parish Receptionist: Annie Trupke
- Music Secretary & Office Assistant: Jennifer Nelson
- Facilities: Mike Goldsmith, Pete Gonzalez, Larry HoogeBoom (Brophy Kitchen Manager)
Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
St. Jude partners with parents in forming children in the Catholic faith through weekly Religious Education classes for public-school students in Grades 1–8, a Confirmation program for 8th graders, and First Reconciliation / First Holy Communion preparation in 2nd grade. Beyond sacramental preparation, the parish runs a youth ministry for middle and high schoolers, an annual Vacation Bible School, and programs that engage young adults and college-age parishioners.
- Grades 1–8 Religious Education (low-cost, weekly during the school year)
- First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion (2nd grade)
- Confirmation (8th grade candidates baptized Catholic)
- Middle and High School Youth Ministry
- Vacation Bible School (annual, summer)
- Adopt a College Student
- High School Exam Care Packages
- FORMED digital resources for parents and children
- Children's Liturgy of the Word at the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass
All Saints Academy
All Saints Academy (ASA) is a Catholic school located in northeast Grand Rapids on two campuses, founded by the parish communities of Blessed Sacrament, St. Alphonsus, St. Isidore, and St. Jude. The Upper Campus at Four Mile (1110 Four Mile Rd NE, on St. Jude's grounds) serves Grades 3–8, while the Lower Campus at Diamond (2233 Diamond Ave NE) serves Toddler through Grade 2. The school grew out of St. Jude Parish School, which opened in 1964 with Sister Florentine as the first principal and was staffed by the Felician Sisters.
- Co-founded by Blessed Sacrament, St. Alphonsus, St. Isidore, and St. Jude parishes
- One school, two campuses (Upper at Four Mile; Lower at Diamond)
- Toddler through Grade 8; fully accredited
- Spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and physical development
- Roots in St. Jude Parish School (opened May 18, 1964; opened as All Saints Academy in 2014)
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry at St. Jude holds a reputation of excellence. It is a vibrant community of singers and instrumentalists who give glory to God through the majesty of song, and is always welcoming new members. MaryAlice Clor-Miller serves as Director of Choirs.
- Director of Choirs: MaryAlice Clor-Miller
- Reputation for musical excellence
- Welcomes new singers and instrumentalists
Parish Life & Outreach Ministries
Beyond liturgy and formation, St. Jude runs a wide array of ministries that support parishioners at every stage of life — from college students to the chronically ill and bereaved — and that reach out into the wider northeast Grand Rapids community.
- Adopt a College Student
- High School Exam Care Packages
- Spiritual Support for the Sick and Grieving (1:1 sessions with Diane Kreslins, MA, Spiritual Director, 616-450-8132)
- Funeral Ministry
- Collection Counters
- Church Environment
- Altar Linen Maintenance
- Healing Ministry
- Seek and Find Ministry (hosts the annual Blessing of Bikes each May)
- Vacation Bible School
- Women's Renew Retreat
Sacraments
The parish prepares parishioners for the seven sacraments through age-appropriate faith formation and personal accompaniment. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion typically occurs in 2nd grade, and Confirmation in 8th grade; adults seeking initiation are welcomed through the RCIA process.
- Baptism — preparation available
- First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion (2nd grade)
- Confirmation (8th grade candidates)
- Marriage — preparation through the parish
- Anointing of the Sick and spiritual support for the chronically ill
- Funeral Ministry
- RCIA for adults seeking initiation
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Ralph Kelly1946–1952
Founding pastor of St. Jude Parish; transferred to Indian River in 1952.
- Father Charles D. Brophy1952–1988
Came from Indian River; led the parish for 36 years, including the construction and dedication of the modern church in 1962–1963 and the opening of the school in 1964.
- Father Michael A. Danner2003–2009
Appointed pastor in 2003.
- Father Thomas P. Page2009–2022
Served as pastor from 2009 to 2022.
- Father Ayub Francis Nasar2022–present
Appointed pastor of St. Jude; currently serving as the parish celebrates its 80th anniversary.