Saints Simon and Jude Parish marks 60 years
On June 16, 1955, Saints Simon and Jude Parish in Scott was established by a decree from the Most Rev. John F. Dearden, Bishop of Pittsburgh. Its first pastor, Rev. Ignatius Koller, worked alongside parishioners as they cleared a field full of weeds and rocks to make way for a church, the cornerstone of which was laid on Nov. 6, 1955. An eight-grade school followed.
Sixty years later, the initial 208 families has blossomed into 1,400 as the parish conducts a year-long observance of its anniversary milestone. From 6 to 11 p.m. on July 1618, the annual parish festival will be held on the church grounds, 1607 Greentree Road. In addition to attractions such as games, prizes, a petting zoo and sky divers, the anniversary will be marked with the display of old photographs, anniversary banners and other mementos.
While the festival is a social celebration, a liturgical celebration took place on June 14, with a special Mass officiated by the Most Rev. David A. Zubik, Bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese, the Rev. John F. “Jay” Donahue and former pastor, the Rev. Richard Ward.
The Pittsburgh City Council issued a proclamation declaring June 16 “Saints Simon and Jude Day.”
There will also be a fall anniversary celebration on Oct. 28, which is the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude, who were two of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus to spread his message. They were missionaries to Persia.
“The parish is special for its people, and how they interact with each other. They care about each other -- if a person is having a hard time, they get together and help lift him up,” said director of communication and evangelization Rory Mitrik.
As the initial parish grew, the original church building became too small. But rather than tearing it down and constructing a new building, the parish decided to enlarge the existing structure.
The last Mass in the original church
building was celebrated on Dec. 8, 1967. The enlarged church celebrated its first Mass on April 7, 1968.
Lois and Ron Ferrie of Banksville and their family joined the parish in 1959.
“We had a wonderful pastor, Father Thomas Carey, who was very involved at the school and took an interest in the education and welfare of all the children.
“I had six children who went through the eight grades, and all went on to high school and college. Good values were instilled in them beyond the coursework,” Mrs. Ferrie said.
In 2010, despite parents’ lobbying efforts, the church school closed due to declining enrollment and escalating costs. The building became the Early Childhood Center for ages 2-4, with a current enrollment of about 130.
The parish also conducts Faith Formation classes for 160 students in grades K-8 and adults to grow in their knowledge of God and of the Catholic faith.
In addition, the parish boasts a youth group, volunteer ministries, social outreach, a marriage ministry, and more.
Father Donahue became pastor in 2013.
“He is so warm and welcoming. I think we're getting back to our foundation and being drawn together again,” Mrs. Ferrie said.
As for what comes next for Saints Simon and Jude, Father Donahue said “the future of the Catholic Church lives within our hearts, our minds, and our bodies through our savior, Jesus Christ.”
“In this time of celebration, let us recognize that God is calling us; let us find what it means to be messengers of the Gospel; and let us become alive with Christ,” he said.
For more on upcoming anniversary events as they are scheduled, visit: www.ssjpittsburgh.org .