Trenton church to host annual St. Jude Novena Oct. 20-28

St. Michael Church in Trenton hosts its annual Solemn Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus from Oct. 20 to Oct. 28. The 86-year tradition concludes on Oct. 28, the feast day of St. Jude.

Bishop David M. O'Connell will celebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Oct. 25. On all other days, the schedule includes a 9 a.m. Mass followed by the novena prayers. Participants also meet for prayer at 6 p.m. each evening, which includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, though evening prayer will not be held on Oct. 25. A Papal Blessing is scheduled after both the morning and evening sessions.

Father Peter Bujdos, a weekend assistant at the parish, noted that the novena serves as a spiritual journey for those seeking the intercession of St. Jude, the patron saint of difficult causes. While attendance is smaller than in previous years when the church often reached capacity, the devotion remains a significant tradition for the community.