Ss. Simon & Jude is one of the “post-war” parishes, established in 1953 as the Valley of the Sun began an extended period of explosive population growth.  When the Diocese of Phoenix was established in December 1969, Ss. Simon & Jude was designated as the Cathedral church… housing the cathedra or chair of the Bishop.  It is from here that he guides the diocese in his role as teacher and shepherd. 

Ss. Simon & Jude is also rather unique, in that it’s the only Cathedral church in the Catholic world dedicated to the honor of the Apostles, Simon and Jude.  Both made the Gospel known in various parts of the world, establishing the life of the Church, and shared a martyr’s death in their service to the Lord.