The Saint Jude Center was established by Msgr. Edward J. Ulaszeski through the Buffalo Diocese in the Spring of 1969. It was founded in response to a need for better pastoral care for the people of God who were especially vulnerable and threatened in life through illness, suffering,and pain. The Buffalo Diocese accepted and approved the concept of a professional pastoral care ministry and gave permission to purchase a suitable home for the center. A home and carriage house "on campus" were purchased which became the Saint Jude Center. The renovation of this 150 year old Victorian house serves in addition as the Chaplains' rectory. The renovation of the carriage house to the rear of the rectory has become an esthetic Chapel which is a welcome addition to an area that is presently undergoing a much needed urban renewal.
The Saint Jude Center is located at the apex of the triangle that it forms with the Buffalo General Medical Center and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in the heart of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The Chapel remains open to serve the developing pastoral needs of a growing hospital community which includes not only patients and relatives but also members of the hospital staff. The St. Jude Center will continue to be open to the SPIRIT as it unfolds and clarifies the pastoral needs of a growing and dynamic hospital community.
On February 1, 2016 The Saint Jude Center was designated as the Official Diocesan Shrine of Saint Jude