Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Parish undergoes major renovation

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- One of the earliest developments in The Woodlands will be getting a facelift for the benefit of its congregation. Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Parish is undergoing a renovation that will require Sunday masses be temporarily relocated to McCullough Junior High in the Nancy Bock Performing Arts Center, which commenced this past Sunday, July 7 and will continue through October 13. The church, located at 26777 Glen Loch Drive in South Panther Creek, will be undergoing the first major renovation in its 30-year old history.

“We’re making the changes to enhance our worship experience,” said Pastor Patrick Garrett.

The improvements will include 200 additional seats, updating the buildings to current fire and safety codes, and also renovating the restrooms and sidewalks to make them handicapped accessible.

Being located in the older section of Panther Creek, the church has a large number of seasoned parishioners, but the improvements will also serve to benefit disabled veterans and children with special needs.

“There’s no capital campaign or fundraiser to raise the necessary funds for this project. It’s being funded from weekly contributions above our regular operating expenses,” said Father Garrett. “There may be some kind of gala later, because the next phase is to add an event center which will serve as a gymnasium, banquet hall, disaster center, and provide five new classrooms.”

To preserve the sanctity of the mass in the Nancy Bock Performing Arts Center a large screen depicting the church’s sanctuary, has been provided as a backdrop for the services.

In the meantime the Mass schedule is as usual:

Saturday: 8:30 a.m., and vigil at 6:00 p.m., hosted in Domec Hall at Sts. Simon & Jude

Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

Weekdays hosted at Sts. Simon & Jude in Domec Hall: Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday: 8:30 a.m., 7 p.m.

Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.

Sacramental celebrations will require advanced arrangements. RSVP for the sacrament of baptism to the website at www.ssjwoodlands.com. The sacrament of matrimony still requires an appointment with priest or deacon six months in advance of setting the date. With the church renovation underway, wedding dates will have to be worked well in advance.

Construction will begin July 15, with a tentative move-in date of mid-October.

“We’re flying without a net for a move-in date, and praying that there is no delay,” said Father Garrett. “We hope to have the work completed in time to hold a festival on the date we celebrate our namesakes, October 28…the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, the Apostles.”