On Nov. 27, the archdiocese announced new structures for a group of parishes that includes Immaculate Conception parish and school, 2944 E. 88th St.; Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and school, 3200 E. 91st St.; Sacred Heart Croatian parish and school, 2864 E. 96th St.; and St. Michael parish and school, 8237 S. South Shore Drive. As part of the archdiocese’s Renew My Church revitalization initiative, the leadership of parishes met to discuss the future church, parish and school structures for their area. The parishes, known as the Exchange grouping, submitted their feedback to the archdiocese and the final structures have been approved. St. Michael Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish will unite to form a new parish, effective July 1, 2019. Both churches will remain active worship sites of the parish for now. Once a pastor is in place for the new parish, the archdiocese and parish leadership team will begin to develop a long-term strategy for St. Michael Church and campus. Immaculate Conception School continues with its current programming as a ministry of the new, unified parish. St. Michael School closed in June 2018 due to declining enrollment. Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and school remains with its current structure, staffed by the Claretians. Sacred Heart Croatian parish and school remains with its current structure, staffed by the Croatian Franciscans. Cardinal made the final decision after consulting with the Presbyteral Council based on the archdiocesan commission’s recommendation and other considerations. Over the next few months, the archdiocese will work with the faith communities of Immaculate Conception and St. Michael to ensure an orderly and smooth transition to the new structure. The archdiocese’s Priest Placement Board will work with the community to identify a pastor to lead the new parish. A joint consultation involving the parishioners of Immaculate Conception and St. Michael will be scheduled for early 2019 to identify the gifts and characteristics needed for the pastor of the new parish. All parishes of the grouping will embark upon the next phase of the renewal process to become a stronger, more sustainable presence for the future capable of reaching more people in their work of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Last Mass celebrated at St. Bernadette Church in Evergreen Park Members of the former St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park bade farewell to the church with a Mass and procession June 30 to their new parish, St. Gianna.
Grants from Lilly Endowment to help spiritually renew parishes Three organizations in the Archdiocese of Chicago have received grants from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative to support projects aimed at helping parishes engage in ongoing spiritual renewal.
Day of Renewal invites leaders to deeper understanding of the Eucharist Hundreds of parish leaders and clergy attended the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Day of Renewal on Sept. 25 at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont.