Parish History

Saint Jude Shrine of the West was founded by Father Joseph C. de Cristina in 1946. He was able to purchase the building on the northeast corner of South 38th and Boston Avenue where the first Mass was celebrated. Later, the church was moved on the southwest corner. Two years later Saint Jude Academy was established. The School Sister of Notre Dame in St. Louis came to staff it. Some WWII barracks were brought onto the property to begin the first school.

Father Gregory Sheridan succeeded Father de Cristina in 1954, he immediately began work on the construction of the new church that was completed in 1958. The old church was moved to a new site and became a new hall. Later, Father Sheridan build a new hall. The convent was the next project, hoping to be build at 1127 South 38th Street.

Father Jerry Sims replaced Father Gregory Sheridan in 1970. He directed his energies to the growth of the community, especially the influx of the Spanish speaking community. However, in 1986, Father Sims passed away due to cancer.

Father Edward Brockhaus replaced Father Sims, during his pastorate he began to work on the new community. With the help of Bishop Maher a grant of $700,000 was obtained from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation. The assembly hall is named after Bishop Leo T. Maher Hall.

The lower level of the community center was build as a child care center and named the Father Jerry Sims Child Care Center, who was instrumental in founding the original child care center in 1980.