St. Jude Catholic Church (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
| St. Jude Church | |
| Dedication: | Saint Jude |
| Venerated Saints: | |
| Diocese: | Archdiocese of Birmingham |
| Deanery: | Birmingham Cathedral & South |
| Address: | St. Jude's Close, Maypole, Birmingham, B14 5PD, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates: | 52.417055, -1.885596 |
| City: | Birmingham, ENG |
| Subdivision: | England |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| County: | West Midlands |
| Website: | https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/parishes/st-jude-maypole |
| Founded: | 1972 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@stjuderc.bham.sch.uk |
St. Jude Church (Archdiocese of Birmingham) is a Roman Catholic parish located in the Maypole area of Birmingham, England, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Dedicated to Saint Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes, the parish serves the local communities of Maypole, Druids Heath, and surrounding areas. The church is part of the Birmingham Cathedral & South Deanery and is known for its vibrant community life, including its association with St. Jude’s Catholic Primary School, which fosters a strong connection between the parish and the educational needs of its youth. The parish is led by Reverend Father Toby Duckworth and is recognized for its commitment to Gospel values and community outreach within the Archdiocese.
Established in 1972, St. Jude Church has become an integral part of the spiritual and social fabric of southern Birmingham. The parish supports a range of ministries and activities, emphasizing evangelization and pastoral care, in alignment with the mission of the Archdiocese of Birmingham to serve and evangelize through faith and community engagement. Its close proximity to St. Jude’s Catholic Primary School enhances its role as a family-friendly institution, welcoming parishioners and visitors alike to participate in worship and community events.
History
St. Jude Church was founded in 1972 as part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham to serve the growing Catholic population in the Maypole area. The Archdiocese, established as a diocese in 1850 and elevated to archdiocesan status in 1911, covers a broad region including the West Midlands, where St. Jude is located. The parish was created to address the spiritual needs of the southern Birmingham suburbs, particularly Maypole and Druids Heath, which were expanding during the mid-20th century due to urban development. The church was named after Saint Jude, reflecting a dedication to hope and perseverance in challenging circumstances, resonating with the community's aspirations.
The construction of the church was part of a broader effort by the Archdiocese to establish new parishes in response to demographic changes in Birmingham. Over the years, St. Jude Church has grown to include various ministries, such as youth programs and charitable outreach, supported by the Archdiocese’s mission to promote Gospel values. The parish’s association with St. Jude’s Catholic Primary School, located nearby, has been a cornerstone of its community engagement, providing religious education and fostering a sense of faith among younger generations. The parish continues to thrive under the leadership of Reverend Father Toby Duckworth, who oversees its pastoral activities.[](https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/st-jude-maypole)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Birmingham)
Special features
- St. Jude’s Catholic Primary School: The parish is closely linked with St. Jude’s Catholic Primary School, a one-form entry school that serves children from Maypole, Druids Heath, and beyond, promoting Catholic education and community involvement.[](https://www.stjuderc.bham.sch.uk/)
- Community Outreach: St. Jude Church is known for its active engagement in local community initiatives, including charitable activities and evangelization efforts, reflecting the Archdiocese’s mission to serve and evangelize.[](https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/st-jude-maypole)
- Modern Architecture: The church, built in the early 1970s, features a functional, modern design typical of post-Vatican II Catholic churches, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility for worshippers.
Related parishes
- St. Chad’s Cathedral (Archdiocese of Birmingham, Birmingham)
- St. Joseph’s Church (Archdiocese of Birmingham, Birmingham)
- St. Francis of Assisi Church (Archdiocese of Birmingham, Birmingham)