MONROE, CT — Public officials gathered in front of St. Jude School on the church’s 707 Monroe Turnpike campus for a press conference announcing the completion of the town’s purchase of the building Wednesday morning.
In October of 2023, voters had approved using $3 million from the general fund for the purchase and renovation of the former school during a Town Meeting.
First Selectman Terry Rooney, who stood behind a podium outside the building’s entrance, shared news of the completion of the transaction, which began under his predecessor, Ken Kellogg.
“He believed the property could serve Monroe for years to come as a potential community center,” Rooney said of Kellogg. “Through unforeseen circumstances this purchase became more and more difficult, however with the due diligence of our town attorney, Town Hall staff, and Father Joseph Gill being so gracious through the process, this purchase is now a reality.”
“Today is a wonderful day for the Monroe community,” Rooney said. “The concept of purchasing St. Jude School to repurpose it for community needs is exciting. This project is an opportunity for each of us to contribute to the betterment of our community. Monroe … your ideas, participation and support will be crucial as we move forward on activities this facility will provide.”
Among those in attendance Wednesday, were Parks and Recreation Director Missy Orosz and Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Jonathan Stone, who will collaborate on programs and events to use the school for.
Community and Economic Development Director William Holsworth, former first selectman, Ken Kellogg, and The Rev. Joseph Gill, pastor of St. Jude Parish, also stood behind the podium.
Gill expressed his gratitude to Kellogg, Rooney and Town Attorney Frank Lieto for making the purchase a reality. The reverend said the process began almost as soon as the school closed in 2018.
“It’s been a long process,” Gill said. “The process has been arduous, a lot of back and forth, but I think we have a good relationship with the town now, so we look forward to continuing that partnership as now we share certain aspects of our campus, and I hope we can work together for the betterment of our community for years to come.”
“The concept of a community center here in Monroe was something that everyone in the community really has embraced and really wanted,” Kellogg said.
The former first selectman said that was confirmed when it was “overwhelmingly approved” by voters at a Town Meeting near the end of his time in office.
Kellogg said it has been a complex project and expressed his gratitude to town officials and staff members for putting in a lot of hard work and due diligence, and to Rooney and his team for seeing it through.
Kellogg also thanked Gill and his predecessor, The Rev. Henry Hoffman, who was there at the beginning of the process.
“It’s a wonderful partnership and wonderful to have a future community center here in Monroe,” he said.
“This purchase allows us to pioneer in Monroe modern energy options, such as geo-thermal heat and solar in an effort to be the first of its kind off the grid in Monroe,” Rooney said. “Those incentives have begun and we will be looking to the Town Council’s support for research to be done in those areas.”
The first selectman said the town will now address health and safety issues currently in need of attention.
“With the help and guidance of our Historic Commission, we plan to design a building that compliments Monroe’s architectural theme,” he said. “Personally, I am inspired by this project and determined to make it the best it can be.”
Among the gathering Wednesday were Public Works Director Chris Nowacki and Deputy Director Bill Phillips, Police Chief Keith White, Health Director Amy Lehaney, Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathleen Gallagher and HR Director Craig Hirsch.
St. Jude history
During Wednesday’s press conference, Rooney shared some of the history of St. Jude School:
- Saint Jude Parish was established on December 12, 1973 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of Bridgeport.
- The historical spiritual venture took place in the Saint Jude Parish Center on December 15, 1973 at the 5:15 Mass whereby Bishop Walter W. Curtis installed The Rev. Arthur Norton as the first pastor of Saint Jude Parish.
- The Rev. John Sabia was installed as the second pastor on September 10, 1978. In November of that year a Parish Food Pantry was established and still operates today.
- In November 1980 a Building and Development Committee was formed to plan for building a Saint Jude Church.
- Construction of the new church began with the groundbreaking ceremony on November 29, 1987.
- The new Saint Jude Church was dedicated on October 28, 1989 at a special Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Edward M. Egan, Bishop of Bridgeport
- The year 2001 saw the completion and dedication of the Saint Jude Social Hall located in the lower church.
- St. Jude School was established in 1962.
- In 2013 St. Jude school was the recipient of a Blue-Ribbon Award for academic excellence.
- St. Jude had consistently improved student performance on standardized tests, scoring in the top 15% nationally.
- Father Joseph Gill became Parochial Administrator in July 2021
- Saint Jude School became a part of the Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Shelton in June 2017 and closed it doors later that year as part of the diocese consolidation plan.
- Over the years, Saint Jude School had provided more than 3,200 students with a Catholic education.
- The school building is now being used as the Parish Center hosting over 600 children in Religious Education classes, and serving as the meeting spaces for parish organizations and groups.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
