News

A Rectory Office Receptionist Position is now available. This is a full-time position for someone who is a people person, with excellent organizational and phone etiquette skills. Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, be able to work in a team-oriented environment, and can handle multiple tasks and work independently when required. Please contact Ron Avellino at 610.696.3624 or send resume directly to: ron@simonandjude.org.

Archbishop Pérez has released a statement regarding reinstating the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Sunday, August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been designated as the return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy for all parishioners. Archbishop Perez reminds all that the obligation to attend Mass comes from our Baptism. Baptism compels us to unite with Christ at the altar in His saving Sacrifice of the Cross. The last few months have been a time of hardship and struggle, separation and isolation. COVID-19 has impacted our lives of faith especially keeping us away from the Eucharist. The Eucharist offers us His healing and peace, His mercy and reconciliation. We welcome the reinstatement of the obligation for all Catholics. It is a moment to thank God anew for the great gift of the Mass. The real presence of Jesus to us in His Holy Body and Blood and the joy of gathering together as people of faith. The obligation doesn’t apply to those seriously ill, have serious health risks and who have serious anxiety about being in large groups. It also does not apply to the caregivers of those seriously ill. Please click the link to see the full text.

Dear Parishioners of Saints Simon and Jude: A sincere word of gratitude to all those who were involved in any way during this past Sunday‘s celebration. I am overwhelmed with how very kind and generous you have been during these past 21 years of ministry. It was pure joy to see so many of you! I promise a remembrance in my prayers and ask for a share in your good prayers. God bless you all and I will miss you very, very, very much! In the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sincerely and gratefully in Christ, Sister Rose McHugh. CLICK THE LINK TO VIEW PICTURES FROM THE CELEBRATION!

Help is needed to WEED and WATER the grounds at SSJ. If you have a few minutes and are looking for something to do outside, consider helping keep the weeds away. Email email@simonandjude.org with weeding in the subject line or call 610-696-3624 to learn more. Thanks for helping keep our parish grounds looking beautiful!

CLICK THE LINK to view some of the wonderful pictures we have taken so far at our Rocky Railway camp this week. CHOO...CHOOO...ALL ABOARD!!!!

In deep Gratitude and Appreciation we offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for Father Michael J. Gerlach, for a DECADE of service and leadership as the pastor in our parish family. Let us each offer our own DECADE of the rosary for Fr. Gerlach’s continued spiritual well-being and health… Ad Multos Annos.

Are you, or do you know anyone who might like to explore the possibility of becoming a Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, usually known as the R.C.I.A., is the normal way that adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. If you would like to learn more, please email or call Sister Mary Agnes, IHM. smaryan@simonandjude.org or 610.696.3624.

This past Sunday was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Parishioners walked in a Eucharistic Procession, led by our Seminarian Ky Bui, followed with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Click the link to view some pictures from this day.

Chester County Health Department will set up a mobile vaccine unit in the Saints Simon and Jude Church Parking Lot again on July 6 from 2:00 - 5:30 pm for those getting their 2nd dose (follow up from the July 7 first dose). Still need your first dose? You are welcome to come! All walk-in's are welcome! Vaccine type is Moderna. No registration is necessary.

As of Monday, May 31, 2021, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, lifts all building sanitation, distancing and capacity restrictions for our area. We will be taking the ropes off the pews and returning chairs to the chapel the first week of June. Daily Mass will continue to be held in the church at this time. The use of face coverings and masks has also changed. According to the guidance, people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no longer need to wear masks. The faithful continue to be dispensed by the Archbishop from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days until further notice. However, all are encouraged to return to in-person Mass, especially those who are in good health. Additional updates will be forthcoming. Please check our website at simonandjude.org for updated information.

DID YOU KNOW... SSJ was founded on May 22, 1961 with 360 families and Rev. Joseph Cavanaugh as our first Pastor?? CLICK THE LINK TO SEE SOME SSJ FUN FACTS FROM THE 1960'S THROUGH THE PRESENT!! 

Saints Simon and Jude parish will welcome Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, April 30, 2022. We look forward to this important day and will plan special events in the upcoming school year. Please begin now to prepare for Confirmation by saving the date. God bless you!

The Parish Pastoral Council is one of the best models of collaboration within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Parish Pastoral Council works closely with the Pastor to create and implement a Vision of ongoing Pastoral renewal in each parish. Each year up to three members of the Pastoral Council finish their three-year term. Saints Simon and Jude Parish is fortunate to have a very strong and dedicated Pastoral Council. If you would like to consider serving on Pastoral Council, contact Marty or Father Gerlach at 610-696-3624 or send a note to email@simonandjude.org for more information. Nomination forms are at the entrances of the Church for anyone who would like to nominate a fellow parishioner.

WELCOME...Now is the perfect time!! Joining Saints Simon and Jude Parish Family is a positive step forward in getting to know all that Simon and Jude Parish has to offer. We would like to get to know you and what we can do for you. Visiting the Rectory Office to register is easy and only takes a bit of your time. We welcome you Saturdays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm or weekdays between 9:00 am and 7:30 pm and Sundays, between 10 am and 2 pm. We look forward to meeting you!!

Eucharistic Adoration is an effective way to do that. The Sacred Heart Chapel is open to all everyday for Adoration. However, additional assigned adorers are needed. If you would like to commit to an hour a week, or split that time with a friend, please contact Jackie Geary at 610-436-5399. It may be the best gift you give yourself.

Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select "SS Simon Jude Church & School" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us. CLICK THE LINK TO SEE HOW IT WORKS!

From the beginning of March 2020 through and including today, our lives have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The past ten months have been a time of uncertainty and stress for everyone. I want to thank you for the priority that the Saints Simon and Jude Parish Family has made and continues in its support. We are a parish that has always done its best to help others especially during troubled times. The action of those who have been able help others in need has made a real difference. Whatever the amount of your financial support, it is appreciated. May God bless your financial sacrifice. The financial effects of COVID-19 has had an impact on all of our Parish Family. The difference of contributions during the ten months of March 2020 thru December 31, 2020 compared to the same months in 2019: 2019 - $1,063,604; 2020 - $942,029; -$121,575 (-11.4%). I appreciate your support of our Parish to the best of your financial ability and know that whatever amount you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated. Fr. Mike Gerlach Note: Many companies will also match charitable contributions made by their employees to help double your gift to Saints Simon and Jude. Please check with your employer to see if they have a Matching Gift Program.

Catholics around the world rejoice over the Holy Father's proclamation of the Holy Year of St. Joseph, which began on December 8, 2020 and ends December 8, 2021. The entire Archdiocese of Philadelphia is encouraged to spend this year growing closer to St. Joseph, honoring him, imitating his virtues and asking for his intercession. May this be a year of great grace for all of us as we grow closer to our spiritual father! CLICK THE ABOVE LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH AND ALL THE UPCOMING EVENTS!!

Registration is now open for the fall of 2021-2022. As of now, we are assuming that Covid-19 restrictions will be in place for the fall and class sizes may be limited. For more information on the school and availability, email Jenn Appaneal at advancement@simonandjude.org. Also, remember that financial aid is available for all K to 8 families who qualify. Thanks to our generous donors, over $207,000 was awarded this school year. For general information about the school, visit our website at school.simonandjude.org. OUR BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OFFERS Little Explorers Preschool & Kindergarten Plus CARES before and after school programs for SSJ Students

Please click the link to view the notes from talk on December 2020.