Parish name: Old St. Patrick’s Church
Location: Chicago, IL
Date founded: 1846
Diocese: Chicago
Pastor: Fr. Tom Hurley
Parishioners: 3,500 families
Website: www.oldstpats.org
What makes your parish different from other parishes?
The first is location. We are located in the heart of downtown Chicago, specifically in the West Loop neighborhood which has easy access via public transit and the expressway system. Old St. Pat’s Church is an intentional community. Our members travel from over 200 zip codes around the Chicago metro area to intentionally create this vibrant, hospitable, and serving community. We are intentional about helping to form disciples in the way of Jesus who are sent to build the Kingdom of God. We begin each liturgy without a procession. We choose to start our prayer together by asking each person in the assembly to create the tone of hospitality by welcoming those gathered around them. We believe there are no strangers in our midst….just some friends and fellow disciples we haven’t met yet!
What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?
Old St. Patrick’s Church is the oldest public building in the city of Chicago. Dedicated on Christmas night, 1856, we pre-date the Civil War and we survived the great Chicago Fire of 1871. Our stain glass windows and the interior (created between 1912-1922 by Thomas O’Shaughnessy) are adorned with some of the most unique and strikingly beautiful Celtic art anywhere found in the world, including Ireland. The explosion of colors quickly reminds those who enter that Old St. Pat’s is an Easter Church!
What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?
Amidst a vast array of ministries and opportunities for spiritual growth at Old St. Pat’s, ranging from adult faith formation, the Beloved Retreat, and our gifted music ministry, perhaps the one event which stands out has been The World’s Largest Block Party! Now in it’s 31st year, the WLBP has become known as one of Chicago’s signature summer time events for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Centered around top talent in the music industry and great food and drink, this summer concert continues to draw close to 20,000 people from around the metro area.
If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?
It’s a place of welcome! The people of Old St. Pat’s create a church of welcome and hospitality for each other and especially for the stranger who comes in to our midst for the very first time. They would comment on the three important values that seem to be the hallmark of our community: great music, effective preaching, and lavish hospitality. We offer many ministries that help those on the journey of faith to explore and grow in their identity as disciples. People often comment on the vibrancy of our Sunday experience when they enter our church. The Holy Spirit keeps us moving!
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