Saint Emily Catholic Church

In 1960, a seed of faith was planted in Mount Prospect, Illinois. This seed blossomed into Saint Emily Catholic Church. Let’s step back in time to that year. Father John McLoraine gathered 900 families. Their first masses were held in the auditorium of Maryville Academy. Imagine the echoes of hymns within those temporary walls. Saint Emily Catholic Church, though lacking a physical home, quickly became a cornerstone of the community. The families yearned for a parish school. Their wish was granted in 1961. As the school thrived, so did the congregation. The need for a permanent home became evident. An activities hall was constructed in 1964. Construction of the main church building began in 1969. After years of moving between locations, Saint Emily Catholic Church finally had its own sanctuary. This beautiful building was dedicated on Mother’s Day in 1971. It was a place where 1,600 families could gather and worship together. By 1988, Saint Emily Catholic Church had grown significantly. Over seven thousand people attended a single Sunday Mass. The parish school achieved the highest academic rating in the area. Beyond traditional services, Saint Emily Catholic Church embraced community outreach. It housed various organizations, from the School Board and Athletic Association to the Women’s Club and Scouting groups. It provided a space for connection and friendship. Saint Emily Catholic Church also launched initiatives to address community needs. These included anti-narcotic and anti-vandalism programs. In 1997, it became one of five parishes to offer Spanish-language Mass. This served the nearly eleven thousand Hispanic Roman Catholics in Mount Prospect. Even prominent figures have graced Saint Emily Catholic Church. Virginia McCaskey, the longtime matriarch of the Chicago Bears, was laid to rest here in 2025. Her funeral was attended by a host of sports figures, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former Bears players. From humble beginnings in an auditorium to its current standing, Saint Emily Catholic Church has woven itself into the fabric of Mount Prospect. It continues to be a place of worship, community, and service.