Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church

Living with Hopeful Hearts
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
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!

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

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

Family Mass
2025-10-12 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

Baptism Prep Class
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-10 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!

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

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!

Fall Festival Volunteer Drive!
2025-09-28 08:00 - 2025-09-29 18:00, 2025-09-27 08:00 - 2025-09-28 18:00, 2025-09-21 08:00 - 2025-09-22 18:00, 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
2025-09-27 08:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00, 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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!
