Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church

Feast of San Gennaro
2025-09-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Come celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro, a beloved Italian tradition honoring the life and legacy of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. San Gennaro is known for his unwavering faith during persecution and his miraculous intercession — most famously, the liquefaction of his blood, a phenomenon still witnessed today in Naples as a sign of his protection and blessing.

We celebrate this feast not only to honor San Gennaro’s courage and deep devotion to God, but also to rejoice in our own shared devotion to faith, family, and fellowship; just as Italian-American communities have done for generations!

***Volunteers Needed**** CLICK HERE to sign up to serve!

Enjoy an authentic Italian meal featuring real Italian pasta and meatballs, fresh salad, and warm bread. All homemade and served with love.

Suggested donation:$15 per person or $25 per familyAll proceeds support parish ministries.

RSVP is kindly requested so we can prepare enough food for everyone!

A variety of beverages and Cannoli dessert will be available for purchase.

Craft Fair: As part of the tradition, we will also host a Craft Fair during the event!Interested in being a vendor? Contact Lyssa Rollolazo: lyssa@ssj.org

Fall Festival Volunteer Drive!
2025-09-20 08:00 - 2025-09-21 18:00, 2025-09-13 08:00 - 2025-09-14 18:00, 2025-09-07 08:00 - 2025-09-08 18:00, 2025-09-06 08:00 - 2025-09-07 18:00
It takes a parish to bring the Fall Festival to life, and we need your helping hands to make it a success! There are so many ways to get involved, from decorating Colman Hall, serving as event staff, or helping in the kitchen, to restocking food supplies, running food, or packing up after the celebration.

You can also join in the fun by working at one of our many food booths, offering everything from BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and funnel cakes to international favorites like Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. If games are more your style, we have plenty of opportunities at the game booths, including Hoopla, Paint Spin, Surf City Toss, and more.

Every role is important in creating a joyful experience for our community. Come be part of this amazing tradition, your time and talents will help make this year’s Fall Festival unforgettable!

There is something for everyone!

Find your place and click on the links below to sign up!

Special Ops Volunteers Needed

Decorate Colman Hall

Event Staff

Food HQ Restock

Food Runner

Kitchen

Post Festival Pack Party

Setup – Operations – Clean Up

Food Booths

Asian

Beer & Wine

Cafe SSJ

Concessions

Funnel Cakes

Hamburgers & Hot Dogs

Holy Smokes Meat Ministry BBQ

Italian

Mexican

Pizza

Game Booths

Game Booth Floater

Hoopla

Jingle Board

Kiddie Coral/Ping Pong Blower

Lifeguard Buoy Rescue

Paint Spin

Pitch Til U Win

Surf City Toss

Fall Festival Raffle Ticket Sales
2025-09-20 08:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00, 2025-09-06 08:00 - 2025-09-07 17:00
A highlight of our Fall Festival is the much-anticipated Grand Raffle, offering incredible prizes that include a $10,000 grand prize, a sparkling diamond necklace, and a beautiful handmade quilt crafted by the SSJ Quilt Guild.

Raffle tickets go on sale after each Mass beginning September 6th!

Exciting early bird drawings will be held on Tuesday, 9/9 ($50), Tuesday, 9/16 ($75), and Tuesday, 9/30 ($100).

The grand prizes including: the $10,000, diamond necklace, and quilt, will be drawn at the festival on Sunday, October 5, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to win big while supporting our parish community!

Return your tickets to the Parish Office today!

Future Family Play Date
2025-09-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Saints Simon and Jude School, 20444 Magnolia St., California, 92646
Hello Prospective Dolphin Families!

We are excited to invite you and your child to a Play Date at Saints Simon & Jude School for families of TK and Kindergarten-aged children! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience our campus, meet our teachers, and learn more about the benefits of a faith-based education.

During your visit, you’ll enjoy:

Meeting our caring TK and Kindergarten teachers

Playtime for the kids

A tour of our TK and K classrooms

Snacks and goodie bags for your family

Learning about the advantages of a faith-based education

RSVP: Please respond by September 12, 2025 to bminter@ssjschool.org.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community!

Tacos & Theology
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 | 4 Sons Brewing, 18421 Gothard St Suite 100 8, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
All men 18+ are invited to 4 Son’s Brewery in Huntington Beach for fellowship and theology! Tacos & Theology is for men who want to share their faith life in a fun, relaxed, and casual atmosphere. The evenings include casual conversation, a speaker, and small group discussion. Please RSVP!

We’re excited to welcome our guest speaker, Pastor James Pike from the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection!

Pastor Pike will be joining us to explore a timely and thought-provoking subject: the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our faith and human dignity.

Last month, the ladies enjoyed an inspiring Tapas & Theology discussion, and we knew right away that this topic had to make its way to Tacos as well.

As always, we want to encourage you to invite someone! Bring a friend, family member, another dad from school, or even that guy who just needs a night out. After all, inviting someone to tacos at a brewery is one of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to evangelize.

Women's Bible Study
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:00
Women’s Bible Study is for all women! We meet once a month at 7:00pm in the Youth Room. It’s a great chance to hang out, grow in faith, and support each other in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each meeting includes scripture study, small group discussions, prayer time, and fellowship. We hope you will join us!

Contact:

Reanna Liebl rliebl@ssj.org

Or,

Rhea Morenormoreno@ssj.org

SSJ Men's Club General Meeting
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:00
ALL MEN ARE WELCOME!

The Men’s Club at Saints Simon and Jude is open to all men looking to grow in faith, serve the community, and forge lasting connections. Through service projects, scripture studies, and social activities, members strengthen their connection to God and one another.

We meet on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM for an engaging speaker and a delicious meal prepared by club members. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow parishioners, share in faith-filled discussions, and get involved in parish life.

Baptism Prep Class
2025-09-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-13 18:30 - 20:00
Baptism is the formal way in which we welcome families and infants (ages 0-6) into our Catholic-Christian community. It marks the beginning of a sacramental faith journey for the child and is an important celebration for the family. For both parents and Godparents, preparing for Baptism is an opportunity to renew and deepen their own faith journey. It is also a special moment for our parish community to welcome new members into the life of the Church.

First Steps to Baptism

Contact the Coordinator of OCIA/BaptismReach out to Denise Quackenbush at dquackenbush@ssj.org to schedule a brief consultation to begin the registration process.

Complete the Registration Form Fill out the Baptism Registration Form and return it to the Parish Office along with your child’s Birth Certificate. If you are not already a registered family at Saints Simon & Jude, please complete the Parish Registration Form as well.

Register for a Baptism Preparation Class Both parents and Godparents are required to participate in the Baptism Preparation Class.

We look forward to celebrating this sacred moment with your family and welcoming your child into the Catholic faith!

Fall Festival Talent Show Tryouts
2025-09-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-08 15:00 - 16:00
Got a hidden talent just waiting to shine? The Festival Talent Show is your chance to step into the spotlight and wow the crowd! Whether you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, or have a unique skill to share, we want to see it. Tryouts will be held in the Franciscan Room on September 8 & 9 from 3–4 PM, so bring your best act and plenty of enthusiasm. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to showcase your gifts and be part of one of the festival’s most entertaining events!

Everyone is welcome! No sign up needed! Just show up and share your talent!

Become Catholic - OCIA Meet & Greet
2025-09-08 18:30 - 19:30
Christian Initiation: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Christian Initiation is the process through which individuals are introduced to the Catholic faith and prepared to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

This journey is an opportunity for you to explore, learn, and embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ and the rich traditions of the Catholic Church. It’s a time of spiritual growth, discovery, and transformation as you draw closer to Christ and His Church.

Come join us for an informal information session!

Contact:

Have Questions? We have answers! Please reach out to Denise Quackenbush, Coordinator of OCIA/Baptismdquackenbush@ssj.org

Final Sunday Summer Nights
2025-08-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Celebrate the Final Sunday Summer Night at SSJ!

Please join us for an evening of community, connection, and incredible cuisine! As the sun sets, after the 5:00pm Mass, we’ll gather for good company, joyful conversation, and the warm, welcoming spirit that makes SSJ so special.

We’re bringing the flavor with three amazing food trucks:Kabobaholic – Savory Mediterranean skewers and wrapsThe Empanada Maker – Hand-crafted, delicious empanadas & saucesDezzertaholic – Creative desserts & coffee to end the night right

Whether you’re new to SSJ or a longtime parishioner, this is the perfect night to reconnect, relax, and share in the joy of our parish family. All are welcome! Bring a friend or two!

Let’s make this last Sunday Summer Night the best one yet!

Tacos & Theology
2025-08-26 18:30 - 20:30 | 4 Sons Brewing, 18421 Gothard St Suite 100 8, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
All men 18+ are invited to 4 Son’s Brewery in Huntington Beach for fellowship and theology! Tacos & Theology is for men who want to share their faith life in a fun, relaxed, and casual atmosphere. The evenings include casual conversation, a speaker, and small group discussion. Please RSVP!

SSJ Retreat 2025
2025-08-22 00:00 - 2025-08-24 23:59 | Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, California, 92057, United States
The Parish Retreat is currently SOLD OUT!

Retreat Details: Leave the expectations behind and come as you are—join us for the SSJ Parish Retreat!

A weekend of renewal with world-renowned retreat leader Fr. Tom Weston, SJ; a Jesuit celebrated for his powerful work in recovery ministry, infectious humor, and deeply compassionate approach grounded in Ignatian spirituality. With his trademark warmth and wisdom, Fr. Tom invites you to bring your full self—your joys, doubts, wounds, and all—as we encounter the loving presence and grace of our Father God.

When: August 22-24, 2025

Where: Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside

Cost: $180 Per Person, includes all meals & lodging

For more information: please email Retreat Coordinators Brian Bethea or Suzie Bohlson

Join the New Media Ministry!
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:00
We need your help! Consider joining the new Media Ministry- Come to the Media Ministry Meet and Greet!

Tuesday, August 20 at 7:00 PM

Big news! With the addition of the brand-new worship screens in the church, we’re building a Media Ministry Dream Team to help bring Mass to life in a whole new way! Come join us for an informal interest session. We’ll talk about the vision, answer questions, and show how you can help create and run beautiful, engaging slides during Mass.

RSVP not required but appreciated: Please email Andre at music@ssj.org

Let’s make the message of Christ shine — literally!

See you there!

End of Summer BBQ
2025-08-16 16:00 - 20:00 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
As the sun begins to set on our summer at Saints Simon and Jude, please join us for an evening of celebration with:

🔥 A delicious BBQ grilled by the Holy Smokes Meat Ministry🎶 Live Music🎯 Games for Kids🤝 Good Times for All Ages

No fee to attend!Suggested Food Donation: $10 per person or $25 per family

PLEASE RSVP – so that we can provide enough food!

Aloha! BUNCO
2025-08-14 17:30 - 20:00
Aloha Prime Time! You’re invited to a Hawaiian night of dice and fun! Come dressed in your grass skirt! We will have a special Island drink! Please bring: An appetizer or dessert to share!

RSVP with Denise: dquackenbush@ssj.org

Outdoor XLT
2025-08-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Join us for an evening of worship, adoration, and a guest speaker at XLT on August 13th. This month’s XLT will be outdoors at sunset! It will take place on the west side of Colman Hall from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets. All are welcome.

We will also have dinner being served by the Men’s Club before we begin. So, join us at 6:00pm as we cook up some food before we enter into worship. Please RSVP!

Parish Hike to Top of the World
2025-08-11 09:00 - 15:00 | West Ridge Trail, 94 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, California, 92656
Everyone is invited to join us on a hike at Top of The World, Laguna Beach on Monday August 11th from 9:15AM to 3PM, including a stop for lunch. Please RSVP!

Meet us at the West Ridge Trail (94 Hollyleaf Aliso Viejo, CA 92656)

Men's Club Golf Tournament
2025-08-08 10:00 - 20:00 | Strawberry Farms Golf Club, 1 Strawberry Farm Road, Irvine, CA, 92612
The Saints Simon and Jude Men’s Club Tournament has always been a fun-filled tournament that benefits the Saints Simon and Jude Parish and School. The generous sponsors and donors allow the parish to support the school and community through it’s outreach. Please RSVP!

10:00 AM – Registration Start Time

12:30 PM – Event Start Time

5:30 PM – Cocktails/Auction Start Time

6:00 PM – Dinner Start Time

Trivia Night
2025-08-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Join us for an epic Trivia Night filled with questions, prizes, and dinner!

Bring a team and test yourselves against your fellow parishioners at our Trivia Night! Enjoy some friendly competition (general trivia) with prizes and dinner! All are welcome to join us in Colman Hall on Friday, August 1st from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. BYOB

Please RSVP!

Tapas & Theology
2025-07-31 18:30 - 20:30 | 4 Sons Brewing, 18421 Gothard St Suite 100 8, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
All women18+ are invited to 4 Son’s Brewery in Huntington Beach for fellowship and theology! Tapas is for women who want to share their faith life in a fun, relaxed, and casual atmosphere. The evenings include casual conversation, a speaker, and small group discussion. Please RSVP!

Sunday Summer Nights
2025-07-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Join us for a laid-back Sunday Summer Night at SSJ, where the community is as bright and warm as the summer sun. We’ll be gathering after Mass to enjoy good company, joyful conversation, and the simple pleasures of summer.

In addition to the SSJ Men’s Club providing adult beverages……

We have three incredible food vendors for this event!

Xclusive Food Truck: Gourmet Mexican Food Truck with a modern twist!

Pizza Culture – SSJ Parishioner Owned: Sourdough crust. Epic toppings. OC soul. Artisan pizza for the culture.

Milagros Coffee Company: Specialty coffee pop-up aiming to cultivate fellowship, community, social justice, and faith through coffee.

Tacos & Theology
2025-07-22 18:30 - 20:30 | 4 Sons Brewing, 18421 Gothard St Suite 100 8, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
All men 18+ are invited to 4 Son’s Brewery in Huntington Beach for fellowship and theology! Tacos & Theology is for men who want to share their faith life in a fun, relaxed, and casual atmosphere. The evenings include casual conversation, a speaker, and small group discussion. Please RSVP!

Guest Speaker: Carlo Degrassi

Topic: Theology of the Body

“I received my bachelor’s in theology from Franciscan University and my master’s in theology from the Augustine Institute. I’m about to start my 7th year teaching theology at Servite High School. More importantly I’ve been happily married for over 5 years, and I have one amazing daughter who is almost two years old.”

Family Camp Out
2025-07-18 18:00 - 2025-07-19 09:00
Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars at the SSJ Family Campout on the parish lawn! Pitch your tent, enjoy a delicious dinner and let the kids burn off energy with fun games and activities. It’s a great way to connect with other families and share in faith-filled fun. We’ll close out the experience with breakfast followed by morning Mass together. All are welcome! Bring your tents and your sense of adventure!

Set up begins Friday at 6:00pm. Please RSVP!
