Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude (Phoenix, Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral |
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 Location in Arizona
Location in the United States
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| 33°31′47″N 112°06′58″W / 33.5298°N 112.1162°W | |
| Location | 6351 North 27th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85017 |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | May 15, 1953 |
| Dedication | |
| Dedicated | December 11, 1966 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Modern |
| Completed | 1966 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | One |
| Materials | Brick |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Phoenix |
The Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude is a very important church in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. A cathedral is a special church where the bishop of a diocese has his official seat. As of August 2025, the main priest, called the rector, is Monsignor Matthew Henry.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
How the Church Started
The story of Saints Simon and Jude began on May 15, 1953. Bishop Daniel Gercke created the Saints Simon and Jude parish. At that time, the Phoenix area was part of the Diocese of Tucson.
The first masses were held in the Maryland School in Phoenix. A temporary church building was then constructed. This first church was officially opened on October 17, 1954.
Becoming a Cathedral
The main Saints Simon and Jude Church building was dedicated on December 11, 1966. A few years later, in 1969, something very important happened. Pope Paul VI created the new Diocese of Phoenix. He then made Saints Simon and Jude Church the main cathedral for this new diocese.
Famous Visitors
The cathedral has welcomed some very famous people. On September 14, 1987, Pope John Paul II celebrated a special mass there. This was during his visit to the United States.
In 1989, Mother Teresa also visited Saints Simon and Jude. She spoke at the cathedral when a new branch of her charity, the Missionaries of Charity, was started in Phoenix.
Recent Changes
In 2016, the church installed a new pipe organ. This organ was built by the Peragallo Pipe Organ Company. It was the first pipe organ ever in the cathedral.
The cathedral closed for renovations and reopened in October 2021.
Cathedral Campus
The Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral has more than just the main church building.
School and House
Right next to the cathedral is the Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral School. There is also the Mary Ward House on the property.
Pope's Cross
In front of the cathedral, there is a large cross. It stands over a dome-shaped structure. This structure was part of the temporary altar where Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in 1987. It's a reminder of his special visit.
Rectors of the Cathedral
The rector is the main priest in charge of the cathedral. Here is a list of the rectors over the years:
- Reverend Paul P. Smith, 1953 – unknown
- Reverend Michael McGovern, unknown – 1987
- Monsignor Richard Moyer, 1987 – 1990
- Monsignor Michael O'Grady, 1990 – 2005
- Reverend Robert Clements, 2005 – 2010
- Very Reverend John Lankeit, 2010 – 2021
- Very Reverend Fernando Camou, 2021 – 2024
- Very Reverend Matthew Henry, 2024 – present
Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral School
The Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral School is located on the church property in Phoenix. It teaches students from pre-kindergarten all the way through eighth grade. The school is staffed by the Sisters of Loreto.
The school was started in 1954 by Bishop Gerke and Reverend Smith. On August 20, 1954, four Sisters of Loreto arrived from Navan, Ireland. They came to teach at the new school.
Images for kids
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Chancel from the nave
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Nave and rear gallery
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Chancel
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Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de los Santos Simón y Judas (Phoenix) para niños
