“Dream big,” Don Bosco once said. And indeed, St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church embodies that sentiment.
St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church in Chicago welcomes you. It is a vibrant center of faith and community. This parish has a rich history and continues to serve its community.
This church is part of a larger story. The Salesians of Don Bosco have been serving Chicago since 1998. They focus on the Hispanic immigrant community. Their mission has grown and evolved over the years.
In 2020, St. James Church joined St. John Bosco. Both churches became the new St. John Bosco-St. James Parish. They operate on two campuses with a shared mission.
The McVicker Avenue campus is home to St. John Bosco Church. It is open daily for various activities. These include sacraments, prayer groups and youth programs. The rectory office manages parish operations and evangelization efforts.
Casa Guadalupe serves as a house of evangelization. It hosts weekly gatherings and monthly retreats. The St. Dominic Savio Youth Center is a hub for youth and adult programs. The St. John Bosco School Building hosts a charter elementary school. It is also used for family catechesis on weekends.
Fortune Restoration worked on both interior painting and exterior restoration of Saint John Bosco Roman Catholic Church. They restored the interior finishes of the church. The exterior work included steeple restoration.
The church building itself is a work of art. Belli & Belli designed Saint John Bosco Church in 1964. The design reflects a dream of Saint John Bosco. The dream involved a ship steered by the Pope. It was heading for pillars of the Eucharist and Mary.
The church’s steeple resembles a sail. This symbolizes guidance through life’s challenges.
St. John Bosco Parish is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a place where faith is nurtured. People are transformed. This parish is a beacon of hope in Chicago. The Salesians focus on evangelization. They aim to form missionary disciples of Christ. The parish offers programs like family catechesis and catechist workshops.
The Salesians maintain a strong Salesian identity in Chicago. They accompany young people and families. They help them encounter Jesus Christ. The Salesians live a life of communal prayer. They practice piety. They also engage in Eucharistic adoration.
The Salesians presence makes St. John Bosco a unique place. Their commitment to youth is evident. They participate in youth ministry activities. They also organize Camp Don Bosco.
Lay leaders also play a vital role in the parish. They contribute to the Salesian mission. The parish involves families. This helps young people grow in healthy environments.