Father Louis P. Dierker received his appointment as pastor of St. Simon the Apostle Parish on April 7, 1959. During the construction of the church and school, mass was offered in Concord School on Concord School Road for fourteen months. Thus, began the spiritual bond which brought the St. Simon Parish into reality...
The first rectory was a private residence at 9733 Jackie Lane. During the summer of 1959, the Dominican Order agreed to teach in the school. Although the convent was not completely finished, four sisters moved into the convent in August, 1960. School opened on schedule in September, 1960. The church and school were dedicated on December 3, 1961. Because of overcrowded classrooms, it became necessary to build six more classrooms.
An addition to the convent was added in 1967 to give the sisters more room.
In June, 1972, due to ill health, Father Dierker resigned and Father Thomas J. Woracek was assigned as new pastor. Under his leadership the groundbreaking for a new rectory was held in the fall of 1972.
In March 1977, remodeling work began on the church. The first mass in the newly remodeled church was celebrated on December 7, 1977, with the dedication on April 9, 1978.
In 1984, the parish celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. It was decided again to increase the physical plant with a much needed gym, library, and kindergarten. However, before this project could be started, Monsignor Woracek was reassigned, and Father William B. Ahrens came to St. Simon in June, 1985. Under his guidance, the groundbreaking for the new addition took place on December 14, 1986. With the completion of the building, the first kindergarten class began in September, 1987. Dedication of the Monsignor Woracek Parish Center was held January 17, 1988.
The Madonna Guild and Holy Name Society held their first meetings in the fall of 1960. The Parish Council was established in 1970. Many other organizations and committees have been established to build faith, community and service to the parish of St. Simon: Home & School Association, Board of Education, Senior Citizens, Altar Society, Liturgy Committee, Athletic Board, Youth Group, Prayer Group, Catechumenate Program, Adult Continuing Education Committee, quilters, adult and youth choirs, and scouting programs.
May we continue to grow in the unity of prayer, offering our combined efforts for the honor and glory of Our Savior.