About St. Simon · Los Altos, California
St. Simon Catholic Parish is a vibrant and diverse Roman Catholic faith community serving more than 1,700 families on the peninsula in Los Altos, California, within the Diocese of San José in California. Founded in 1955 by pioneering families who transformed an apricot orchard into a church, the parish is home to a K–8 school, a Little Saints Preschool, and a robust family of ministries spanning children's faith formation, youth ministry, adult spirituality, outreach, and liturgical life. The parish is named after St. Simon the Apostle, also known as Simon the Zealot, and is currently pastored by Fr. Brendan McGuire, who also serves the wider diocese as a longtime Vicar General and founder of the Drexel School System.
- Established
- 1955
- Patron
- St. Simon the Apostle (Simon the Zealot)
- Rector
- Rev. Brendan McGuire
- Diocese
- Diocese of San José in California
Why belong here
St. Simon is a large, welcoming parish of more than 1,700 families where parishioners of every stage of the journey can find a home. Daily and weekend Masses, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and a full sacramental life (Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Baptism, OCIA) are supported by a strong Catholic school, a Little Saints Preschool, robust Children's Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, and adult groups like Bible Study, Men's Faith Sharing, Women's Spirituality, and Grief Support. The parish calls parishioners to belong, to serve through Outreach and Social Justice, and to share in joyful stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.
Mass times at St. Simon
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 – 5:00 PM (or by appointment)
- Communal Reconciliation services are scheduled during Advent and Lent
Adoration times
- Tuesday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction at 2:00 PM), September through June, in the St. Simon Chapel
- Church and Chapel open for visiting and praying before the Tabernacle seven days a week, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Welcome & Parish Identity
St. Simon describes itself as 'a diverse and vibrant Catholic faith community' that offers many opportunities to enrich spiritual life, serve those in need, and educate families. The parish honors its traditions while welcoming all to unite in prayer and the Sacraments, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through joyful worship, faith formation, and dedicated service. Whether visitors are new to the area, returning to the practice of the faith, or seeking ways to get involved, the parish emphasizes belonging, engagement, and an authentic Catholic community life.
- Register as a Parishioner
- Join the Email Mailing List
- Read the E-Bulletin
- Read Fr. Brendan's homilies
- Contact: Rachel Haydon, Pastoral Associate Communications & Community Engagement ([email protected], 650-880-1411)
- Contact: Clare D'Agostino, Community Engagement Coordinator ([email protected])
History of the Parish
St. Simon was established in June 1955 by Archbishop John J. Mitty of San Francisco, with Rev. James L. Spooncer appointed as founding pastor. Pioneering families pooled their resources to turn an apricot orchard into a parish, with groundbreaking on April 22, 1956, completion in April 1957, and formal dedication on October 20, 1957. The school, convent, and rectory followed over the next seven years. Five pastors have led the parish in its 70-year history, including Fr. Spooncer (1955–1989), Monsignor Ludwig Andre (1989–2002), Fr. Tony Mancuso, Fr. Warwick James (retired 2020), and current pastor Fr. Brendan McGuire (since 2023).
- 1955 – Parish established by Archbishop John J. Mitty
- April 22, 1956 – Groundbreaking
- April 1957 – Church construction completed
- October 20, 1957 – Formal dedication by Bishop H. Donohoe
- April 10, 1960 – Groundbreaking for school and convent
- September 1961 – St. Simon School opens
- May 1996 – New Parish Center added under Monsignor Andre
- June 1, 1999 – Church remodeling completed
- 2003 – Farewell to the IHM Sisters who led the school for 50 years
- 2020 – Fr. Warwick James retires during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2023 – Fr. Brendan McGuire appointed pastor
- 2025 – 70th anniversary celebrated
Patron: St. Simon the Apostle
The parish is named after St. Simon the Apostle, also known as Simon the Zealot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Traditionally believed to have preached the Gospel in Egypt and Persia, he was martyred and is venerated as an Apostle, Preacher, and Martyr. His feast day is observed on October 28, alongside St. Jude Thaddeus, in the General Roman Calendar.
- Feast day: October 28
- Tradition: preached in Egypt and Persia
- Patron of tanners, sawyers, and curriers
Mass, Sacraments & Liturgical Life
The parish offers a robust liturgical schedule including two daily Masses Monday through Saturday and four Sunday Masses, with multiple Masses livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Reconciliation is celebrated Saturday afternoons and by appointment, with communal services in Advent and Lent. Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction is held every Tuesday from September through June in the St. Simon Chapel, and the church and chapel are open seven days a week for visits to the Tabernacle.
- Weekday Masses: Mon–Fri 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM (8:30 AM livestreamed)
- Saturday Mass: 8:30 AM (livestreamed); Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM
- Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (livestreamed), 11:15 AM, 5:00 PM
- Holy Day Masses: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 6:30 PM; Vigil 6:30 PM
- Confession: Saturday 4:00–5:00 PM or by appointment
- Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM with Benediction at 2:00 PM, September–June
St. Simon Parish School
St. Simon Parish School is a welcoming, supportive, and diverse K–8 Catholic school on the parish campus, committed to a solid academic curriculum rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school includes Little Saints Preschool for children ages 2.5 through entering Kindergarten, as well as elementary and middle school grades. Originally led for 50 years by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM Sisters), the school continues to combine faith, learning, and service as it prepares students for high school and beyond.
- Little Saints Preschool (ages 2.5 to entering Kindergarten)
- Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Strong Catholic identity
- Middle school focused on thoughtful leadership
Children's Faith Formation
The Children's Faith Formation (CFF) program at St. Simon serves children from preschool through 8th grade and is directed by Clare D'Agostino. Programs include Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a Montessori-inspired atrium-based approach for children ages 3 through Grade 1; Children's Catechetical Ministry (CCM) for Grades 2–5; Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) for Grades 6–8; and a dedicated 8th Grade Confirmation preparation program. Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) invites children through 2nd grade to hear Scripture at their level during the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass.
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) — ages 3 through Grade 1
- Children's Catechetical Ministry (CCM) — Grades 2–5
- Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) — Grades 6–8
- 8th Grade Confirmation Preparation Program
- Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) during Sunday 9:00 AM Mass
- Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion (Grade 2 / CGS Level 2)
- Sacramental fee of $100 for First Reconciliation/First Communion
- Contacts: Clare D'Agostino (Director), Ana Bonilla (CGS Coordinator), Kalena Moreira (Youth Minister)
Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality
Adult parishioners find multiple pathways to grow in faith and fellowship at St. Simon. Programs include the OCIA process for adults seeking to become Catholic, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, Bible Study groups, Men's Faith Sharing, Women's Spirituality, and a Grief Support ministry. The Music & Liturgy Consultant, Kerby Gerughty, supports liturgical worship across the parish.
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Eucharistic Adoration (Tuesday mornings, September–June)
- Bible Study Groups
- Men's Faith Sharing
- Women's Spirituality
- Grief Support
- Music & Liturgy ministry
Youth Ministry & Scouts
The Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) at St. Simon welcomes all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with two tracks: a Confirmation preparation program for 8th graders seeking the sacrament in the spring, and a broader MSYM program of activities, service opportunities, and social events for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Both meet up to twice a month during the week after school, with additional social and service events. The parish also hosts scouting groups for youth.
- MSYM — 6th, 7th, 8th grades
- 8th Grade Confirmation Preparation Program
- Scouting groups at St. Simon Parish
Leadership & Councils
Parish life is shaped by five councils chaired by Fr. Brendan McGuire, with dedicated lay leadership from across the parish. The councils provide pastoral, financial, liturgical, outreach, and facilities guidance for the parish community.
- Pastoral Council — Chair: Fr. Brendan McGuire; Contact: Don McGovern
- Finance Council — Contact: Josh Bligh
- Liturgy Council — Chair: Fr. Brendan McGuire; Fr. Dat Luong
- Outreach & Social Justice Council — Contact: Michelle Nealon
- Facilities Council — Contact: Michael Boenninghausen
Parish Staff Directory
St. Simon's pastoral team includes three priests — Fr. Brendan McGuire (Pastor), Fr. Dat Luong (Parochial Vicar), and Fr. Thanh Ho (Parochial Vicar) — supported by a robust lay pastoral staff.
- Father Brendan McGuire — Pastor
- Father Thanh Ho — Parochial Vicar
- Father Dat Luong — Parochial Vicar (650-880-1418, [email protected])
- Teresa Pleins — Business Manager
- Rachel Haydon — Pastoral Associate Communications & Community Engagement
- Clare D'Agostino — Director Children's Faith Formation ([email protected], 650-880-1413)
- Ana Bonilla — CGS Coordinator ([email protected], 650-880-1430)
- Kalena Moreira — Youth Minister / Children's Faith Formation Preschool Coordinator
- Kerby Gerughty — Music & Liturgy Consultant
- Programs Support Specialist, Receptionist, Office Manager, Facilities Manager, Technology Ministry Coordinator
About the Pastor: Fr. Brendan McGuire
Fr. Brendan McGuire has served as Pastor of St. Simon Parish since 2023, bringing more than two decades of pastoral ministry together with a background as an engineer and a lifelong commitment to building communities where every person belongs. A native of Ireland and an ordained priest of the Diocese of San José, he previously served for more than twelve years as Vicar General and Special Advisor to the Bishop of San José, helping lead the diocese through strategic planning, stewardship, and educational renewal. He founded the Drexel School System, a collaborative model for Catholic elementary education that became a national benchmark, and serves as founding Board Chair of St. Joseph Financial Services (SJFS).
- Pastor since 2023
- Native of Ireland; ordained priest of the Diocese of San José
- Former Vicar General and Special Advisor to the Bishop of San José
- Founder of the Drexel School System
- Founding Board Chair of St. Joseph Financial Services (SJFS)
Contact & Practical Information
Parishioners and visitors can reach St. Simon at the parish office by phone, email, or in person at the campus on Grant Road in Los Altos. Masses and devotions are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
- Address: 1860 Grant Rd., Los Altos, CA 94024
- Phone: 650-880-1401
- Fax: 650-967-8876
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://stsimon.church/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintSimonLosAltos
- YouTube livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@StSimonPresentations/streams
- School website: https://stsimon.school/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. James L. Spooncer1955 – June 1989
Founding pastor; appointed by Archbishop John J. Mitty; invited the IHM Sisters to lead the parish school.
- Rev. (Monsignor) Ludwig AndreSeptember 1989 – July 2002
Led major revitalization; oversaw addition of Parish Center (May 1996) and full church remodeling (completed June 1, 1999).
- Rev. Tony Mancuso2002 – c.2010s
Brought the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose to Adult Ministry and children's ministries.
- Rev. Warwick Jamessucceeded Fr. Tony – 2020
Implemented Bishop McGrath's pastoral plan Renewing the Church (2002); retired during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Rev. Brendan McGuire2023 – present
Current pastor; former Vicar General of the Diocese of San José and founder of the Drexel School System.