St. Jude Maronite Parish in Taylorsville is preparing to celebrate 50 years since its founding as a mission in Utah. The milestone anniversary will feature a Divine Liturgy and a fundraiser intended to renovate the parish hall.
The parish's presence in Utah began after the Most Rev. Francis M. Zayek, founding eparch of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Saint Maron in Brooklyn, N.Y., instructed Monsignor John Trad to establish a Maronite presence in Salt Lake City following petitions from local Lebanese-American families. Msgr. Trad arrived in Utah in 1976 with limited liturgical items and no building or housing. He opened the former St. Vincent de Paul Church and rectory in Murray to establish St. Jude Mission, which was elevated to parish status in 1980 by Archbishop Zayek.
Msgr. Trad attributed the mission's early success to the generosity and advice of local diocesan leaders, including the Most Rev. Joseph L. Federal, Bishop Elias Zaidan, Bishop Oscar A. Solis, and Father Giovatto Benvegnu. After Msgr. Trad departed Utah in 1981, the parish was served by several pastors and remained in Murray until relocating to a larger facility in Taylorsville in 2019.
Fr. Alejandro Landin, who became administrator in July 2025 following the retirement of Monsignor Jibran Bou-Mehri, described the upcoming anniversary as an opportunity for community building and giving thanks. The celebration aims to reconnect with the parish's 250 members and former parishioners to foster a more active and connected community.
The 50th anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10. The event will begin with Divine Liturgy at 4 p.m. at the church located at 5445 South 2700 West, Taylorsville. A dinner dance fundraiser will follow from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s Holy Family Hall, located at 1375 E. Spring Lane, Holladay. Tickets for the dinner cost $50 per person, and information is available at st.judemaronite.org.
