Our parish, St. Jude the Apostle, consists of two church communities – St. Jude the Apostle in Hampstead, NC and its mission church of St. Mary, Gate of Heaven in Surf City, NC. Both are growing rapidly. St. Jude the Apostle, once an almost solely retirement community, is becoming a mixed community of retirees and families with children. St. Mary, Gate of Heaven, is a resort community that is growing but still has a parish family that increases from about 250 people year round to about 900 from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

If you are a visitor, we welcome you as a member of our extended family and enjoy your participation in our church life as well as our life as a resort area offering many diversions. Actually, the best of the diversions is our beaches. Totally family oriented, they allow our visitors to relax and enjoy some quality time either for themselves or with their families. For example, parents walking the beach together before the children get up is both energizing and romantic.

If you wish to make part or all of your vacation into a mini retreat, the Psalms are great for a start. Also, if you desire assistance, we are willing to assist you.