Perhaps, you’ve noticed the quiet dignity of St. Raymond De Penafort Parish. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. St. Raymond De Penafort Parish has a fascinating story. It began in 1949.
Initially, the parish used a house on South Hi-Lusi as a rectory and chapel. The basement of Central School served as their temporary worship space. Imagine the first mass celebrated there. Think of the first baptism marking a new beginning.
Father Thomas O’Brien became the first pastor. He launched a choir in 1950. Four years later, he opened a school. Enrollment increased, requiring more nuns. A new convent was opened to accommodate them.
The social changes of the 1960s impacted the convent. By 1976, the last sister had departed. Father Coggins led St. Raymond’s from 1963 to 1970. He created a memorial park behind the church. It honored Father O’Brien. Father Coggins also oversaw the construction of a rectory. He expanded the auditorium. Renovations aligned the church with Vatican II standards.
In 1971, Father Buhrfeind established the Parish Council. This council coordinated activities for finance, education, and the school board. Father Loftus served from 1979 to 1996. He formed a committee to study how the environment affected worship services.
The study revealed that interior decorations distracted parishioners. As a result, the interior was renovated. Cardinal Bernardin rededicated St. Raymond’s in 1988. Father Bernard J. Pietrzak arrived in 1996. He brought community attention to St. Raymond’s. He worked with bi-theist couples and single Catholics.
Today, St. Raymond De Penafort Parish continues its mission. It offers regular masses. Confessions are heard on Saturdays. The parish hosts events like Scout Mass and Sunday Evening Mass. Teens often host the Sunday evening services. There are also activities such as the Compassion in Action Book Club. St Ray Café Fish Fries are popular.
Located at the corner of Elmhurst Avenue and W Lincoln Street, the church stands west of Main Street. The office is located at 301 S. I-Oka Ave. St. Raymond De Penafort Parish is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community hub. It is a place of worship. It is a testament to enduring faith.