‘Beauty is simplicity’ is what they say about Saint Linus Church. It truly encapsulates its essence. This large functional church seats over 900 people. Saint Linus Church maintains the majesty and dignity its purpose warrants. It perfectly suits the needs of the Parish.
Let’s step back to July 1955. The New World issue announced exciting news. Reverend Bernard E. Burns was appointed to form a new parish. He was formerly at Immaculate Conception parish in Highland Park. This wonderful news spread quickly through hundreds of Catholic homes in southern Oak Lawn.
Fast forward fourteen months. A school and a temporary Church stood on what had been a prairie. Within two and one-half years, construction began on a new Convent. Within five years, construction started on a new Church. Even in this era of speed, few events can match this record-making building program.
Saint Linus Church has many facilities. There is a crying or Reconciliation room. A Perpetual Adoration Chapel is available. There are two large sacristies. A choir loft is present and a large vestibule. Altars by Daprato follow the line of simplicity. The church tower climbs to a height of 108 feet.
Now, imagine the view from the top on a clear day. A reliable source advises that the Chicago loop may be seen from its top.
Monsignor John I. Cardiff came to Saint Linus Parish in December 1972. He served as an administrator during the final months of Reverend Bernard Burns’ life. From June 1973 through December 1990, he served as the parish’s second pastor. Monsignor was a man of prayer, charity, and action. He had a tremendous devotion to the Eucharist. He continually was in dialogue with God.
During the Cardiff era, Saint Linus was known for its wonderful “Way Off Broadway” shows. These shows paid off the parish debt. They also built up strong bonds of fraternity between parishioners. Life-long friendships were made through this parish-wide community building effort.
Father Joseph E. Auer served Saint Linus as its third pastor from December 1990 through June 12, 2001. He opened a Chapel of Perpetual Adoration. It was in the former north cry-room of the church. Father Joe’s quiet demeanor led the parish to deepen its spirituality.
Father William T. Corcoran Ph.D. arrived as Saint Linus’ fourth pastor on June 12, 2001. In his first weeks as pastor, he led the parish through the restoration of the interior of the church. This followed the serious electrical fire of September 9, 2001. This restoration project was followed by rebuilding the brick exterior. Subsequently the parish center was constructed. In the fall of 2011, the parish school was designated as a “Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence.”
Saint Linus Parish is a newly established parish. It was formed by the 2021 merging of the former parishes of Saint Linus and Our Lady of the Ridge.
Saint Linus welcomes you. The parish church has been one of the most stable in the Archdiocese. It comprises about 2,500 families. About 2,000 people attend Mass each weekend.
Saint Linus sponsors numerous organizations. There are groups for teenagers and young adults. There are groups for men and women. Single adults over fifty-five years of age have a group. Senior citizens and the bereaved are also included. There are clubs and varied events. These are for card players, knitters, golfers, basketball players, and couples volleyball.
Saint Linus has a long tradition of well-attended Lenten Parish Missions. A parish prayer group meets weekly. The church sponsors two bible study session groups each week. They host a women’s Evening of Reflection given by Opus Dei. They also host Taizé Prayer. A twenty-four hour Chapel for Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist is available. The parish church also has daily Masses. They are followed by recitation of the Rosary.