NORFOLK - Sixty years ago, the roughly 70 members of the St. Jude's Parish celebrated their first Mass in the town's Grange Hall.

Now with membership reaching nearly 1,500 families and a home of the past five decades on Main Street, the parish is looking to celebrate these humble beginnings during its 60th anniversary festivities, which kicked off Saturday with a visit from Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, archbishop of Boston.

O'Malley presided over the church's 5 p.m. service, acknowledging the strength and commitment it took for the parish to survive for six decades.

"The 60th anniversary celebration gives us an opportunity to thank God for the all the graces of the past 60 years," he told the congregation.

Following the service, O'Malley met and posed for pictures with parish members at a reception in the church's basement. While the Saturday evening service is usually popular, the O'Malley's presence was a definite boost for attendance.

"We always get a good crowd at the Saturday 5 o'clock Mass, but this was larger" said Msgr. Peter Conley, who has been pastor of the church since 2000.

Vina Lang, who has been part of the parish since 1953, said O'Malley's visit was the perfect way to kick off the anniversary celebration.

"This is such a thrill to have him here today," she said. "It's really, really special."

Before the service, O'Malley took part in a dedication ceremony for a new brick path leading to the church's Our Lady's gazebo.

Saturday's dedication and Mass were only the start of the parish's anniversary celebration.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, St. Jude's CCD will sponsor a birthday party and an art show entitled "Reflections on Faith," with works created by young parishioners. There will be birthday cake, and many activities for every age.

To cap off the anniversary celebration will be the St. Jude's Gala 60th Birthday Dinner and Dance at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield on Sunday, Nov. 1. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

For information on tickets, or to purchase a table, call the rectory at 508-528-0170.