On May 15, 1953, Bishop Daniel Gercke erected Saints Simon and Jude parish.

[1] Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass at the cathedral on September 14, 1987, during his papal visit to the United States.

In 1989, Mother Teresa spoke at Saints Simon and Jude on the occasion of establishing a branch of the Missionaries of Charity in Phoenix.

Standing in front of the cathedral is a large cross over a dome-like structure that stood over the temporary altar where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1987.

It teaches pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and is staffed by the Sisters of Loreto.