Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church

Fall Festival Volunteer Drive!
2025-09-13 08:00 - 2025-09-14 18:00, 2025-09-20 08:00 - 2025-09-21 18:00, 2025-09-21 08:00 - 2025-09-22 18:00, 2025-09-27 08:00 - 2025-09-28 18:00, 2025-09-28 08:00 - 2025-09-29 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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

Women's Bible Study
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-10 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

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.

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!

Fall Festival Raffle Ticket Sales
2025-09-20 08:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00, 2025-09-27 08:00 - 2025-09-28 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!

Feast of San Gennaro
2025-09-20 17:00 - 19:00
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 2025
2025-10-03 00:00 - 2025-10-05 23:59 | Saints Simon and Jude, 20444 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Welcome to the Festival!

The Saints Simon & Jude Fall Festival is a beloved tradition! It’s more than just a weekend of fun, it’s a vibrant celebration of faith, family, and fellowship.

Every year, we welcome parishioners, alumni, neighbors, and friends from Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Seal Beach, and beyond. Think of it as a homecoming meets block party and you’re invited!

Festival Schedule

Friday, October 35:00 PM – 11:00 PMRides close at 10:00 PM

Saturday, October 412:00 PM – 11:00 PMRides close at 10:00 PM

Sunday, October 512:00 PM – 9:00 PMRides close at 8:00 PM

Live Entertainment Lineup

FRIDAY• 7:00 PM – Redneck Rodeo• 6:00 PM – Fred Tomke (Café SSJ – Colman Hall)

SATURDAY• 1:00 PM – Close Enuff (Pavilion)• 3:00 PM – The Seven Bridges Band (Pavilion)• 6:00 PM – The Fenians (Pavilion)• 6:00 PM – Fred Tomke (Café SSJ – Colman Hall)

SUNDAY• 12:45 PM – Kids Talent Show (Pavilion)• 3:00 PM – Muffler the Band (Pavilion)• 6:00 PM – Tijuana Dogs (Pavilion)• 6:00 PM – Fred Tomke (Café SSJ – Colman Hall)

Festival Fun for Everyone

Rides & Games – Classic carnival rides and midway games for all agesDelicious Food & Beverages – From global flavors to delicious desserts, our food booths offer something for everyone

Sunday Night Raffle Times: (Pavilion)• 7:00 PM – Quilt Raffle• 8:00 PM – $10,000 Grand Prize & Diamond Necklace

Become a Sponsor

Help us keep the spirit alive! Your sponsorship directly supports our parish ministries, outreach, and faith formation.

All sponsors are recognized in the church bulletin and on our website. Sponsorships $250+ receive ride tickets & meal coupons, plus custom signage!

Sponsorship Levels:

$1,000 Big Top Tent Sponsor• 48” x 36” Banner • Ride Tickets • Meal Coupons

$500 Premier Sponsor• 36” x 24” Sign • Ride Tickets • Meal Coupons

$250 Loyal Sponsor• 30” x 18” Sign • Ride Tickets • Meal Coupons

$100 Friends of the Festival• 15” x 12” Mini Banner

Click Here to Donate or Sponsor Today!

Tapas & Theology
2025-10-07 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!

Special Guest Speaker & SSJ Parishioner: Kelly Hudson first became involved in the Pro-Life movement following an incident while working on a reality television show that forced her to discover how simply standing up for our beliefs can be the difference between life and death.

Kelly is currently a Medical Advocate at Horizon Pregnancy Clinic, where she offers pregnant women of all ages and backgrounds compassionate care and hope through education, material assistance and resources, community connections, and spiritual guidance.

In addition, Kelly leads a 40 Days for Life campaign in Costa Mesa, aimed at ending abortion locally through prayer, fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion businesses.

Join Rhea and Kelly for a “fireside chat” as they discuss how the pro-life movement affects us all and how you can get more involved in Respect Life Month this October, when the Catholic Church celebrates and promotes the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death.

“I used to stand on the sidelines of the pro-life movement; now I stand on the sidewalk.” -Kelly Hudson

Baptism Prep Class
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-12 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!

Family Mass
2025-10-12 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-02 09:30 - 10:30
Worship, Connect, and Grow Together!

Join us for Family Mass once a month, where families come together to celebrate the Eucharist in a joyful, welcoming, and engaging way! This special liturgy features youth participation, uplifting music, and a message that speaks to both children and adults.

On select Sundays, stay for family activities and a delicious breakfast, providing a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, connection, and growing in faith as a parish family.

For more information on our SSJ Kid’s Ministry Offerings please contact:

Rhea Moreno, Director of Faith Formation & Family Ministry

rmoreno@ssj.org

Tacos & Theology
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-11 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!

Living with Hopeful Hearts
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:30
Women Creating Community- Friendship, Faith & Fellowship

Women Creating Community invites all women of the parish, along with their guests, to enjoy a night of inspiration, connection, and friendship!

Evening Highlights:

– Engaging talk by Armando Cervantes, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Orange

– Dinner will be served

– Wine provided (or bring your favorite bottle to share!)

Details:

– Freewill offerings are appreciated

– Kindly RSVP by October 19th to: cweeharding@gmail.com

Come, be refreshed in faith, uplifted in fellowship, and strengthened in community!

Middle School Ministry Youth Nights
2025-10-24 19:00 - 20:30
CLICK HERE to RSVP for this Halloween Youth Night ONLY for Middle Schoolers!

Youth Nights are a fantastic way to build a Catholic community, offering middle school kids a unique opportunity to grow in their faith while having fun and building lasting friendships. These events foster a sense of belonging and encourage personal and spiritual growth during a crucial stage of their development.

Youth Nights are held approximately every third Friday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. You don’t need to be in Middle School Faith Formation or even be Catholic to join—everyone is welcome! Bring a friend and join the fun!

Contact:Rhea Moreno, Director of Faith Formation & Family Ministriesrmoreno@ssj.org

Farm Fresh Christmas Trees
2025-10-29 00:00 - 2025-11-20 23:59
Bring the beauty and fragrance of the season into your home with a farm fresh Christmas tree from the SSJ Men’s Club fundraiser! Each tree is hand-selected for quality and freshness, ensuring your family enjoys the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Your purchase directly supports the SSJ Parish and School community, helping fund programs, activities, and improvements that benefit us all. Celebrate the joy of Christmas while giving back to our parish family.

Reserve your tree today- Click Here to download the order form.

Order Deadline: Thursday, November 20, 2025 by 5:00 pm. Thank you for your purchase!

For questions please email: Scot Cool at ssj@ssj.org

Hallow St. Jude Novena
2025-11-01 00:00 - 2025-11-09 23:59
Join the SSJ Hallow Community! The First SSJ Prayer Challenge will begin Saturday, November 1!

Over 9 days, join Giavani Cairo, the actor who portrays Jude Thaddeus in “The Chosen,” and bring your prayer requests to the intercession of St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes and impossible situations.

Click Here to join Hallow!

Prayer Ribbon Wall
2025-11-02 00:00 - 2025-11-09 23:59
SSJ continues our tradition of prayer for the Living & the Dead. We honor All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Join us in this Spiritual Work of Mercy. Ribbons will be available at all Masses the 1st week of November. The Prayer Wall will remain up until Advent.

Tapas & Theology
2025-11-13 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!

Guest Speaker: Diana Wehbe

Once immersed in worldly pursuits and a career in FM radio, Diana Wehbe felt called to a deeper relationship with Christ. She left her media career and devoted several years to prayer and discernment, seeking a more contemplative life rooted in faith.

Now serving as Director of Youth Ministries at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, CA, Diana lives as a lay consecrated woman, espoused to Jesus Christ. Embracing chastity and True Devotion to Mary, she strives to remain wholly available to God’s will.

“God alone suffices.” — St. Teresa of Avila

Middle School Ministry Youth Nights
2025-11-14 19:00 - 20:30
Youth Nights are a fantastic way to build a Catholic community, offering middle school kids a unique opportunity to grow in their faith while having fun and building lasting friendships. These events foster a sense of belonging and encourage personal and spiritual growth during a crucial stage of their development.

Youth Nights are held approximately every third Friday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. You don’t need to be in Middle School Faith Formation or even be Catholic to join—everyone is welcome! Bring a friend and join the fun!

Contact:Rhea Moreno, Director of Faith Formation & Family Ministriesrmoreno@ssj.org

Prime Time (60+) Fall Game Night
2025-11-18 17:30 - 20:00
Come play the fun game LEFT – RIGHT – CENTER with the Prime Time Fellowship Group! Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

We’re giving thanks for all our Prime-Time friends!

Questions & RSVP: Denise at dquackenbush@ssj.org

KOC Reception & Open House
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:30
SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE COUNCIL 8336

The SSJ Council of the Knights of Columbus invites men of the Parish 18+ to join us for a Reception and Open House right here in the SSJ Community Center!

When: Wednesday, November 19

Where: SSJ Community Center

Time: 7:00 PM

Join us for pizza, beverages, fellowship, and to learn about the Knights of Columbus and how we serve our Parish, our Community, our Catholic Church and our Families.

Why Should You Become a Knight?

Want to make friends, do fun things, and serve God and your Parish at the same time? Then the Knights of Columbus is for you.

– Act with fellow Knights to be a force for good in this world

– Live out your vocation as a husband, father, son or brother

– Aid your brothers in serving your parish

– Stand up for the most vulnerable including the poor, orphaned, oppressed and unborn

Highlights of Knights’ Activities at SSJ

– Help the Parish with donuts after Sunday masses

– Work the Lenten Annual Parish Fish Fry

– Sell Festival Ride Tickets after all the masses and at the Parish Fall Festival

– Distribute care items to women’s shelters during Advent and Lent

– Beautify the church altar for Palm Sunday, Easter, and Christmas

– Provide support to the Parish Men’s Club

– Make a difference at four separate women’s and pregnancy centers

If you plan to attend the Open House, please RSVP to our Grand Knight at: matthewfertal@gmail.com
