St. Monica Church
5135 N. Mont Clare Ave.

St. Monica Parish was organized in 1948 on the far Northwest Side boasting, “No water, no sewers, no sidewalks, no roads.” But its original 150 Catholic families are now 2,200—multi-cultural, inter-generational, with a heart for the handicapped.

The present airy, arching edifice, designed by architect John Voosen in 1988, was the first completely wheelchair-accessible church in the archdiocese, with a number of unique features. A large foyer is perfect for parishioners to meet and greet, as they walk through the baptistry with its full-immersion pool. It was designed in wood by artist Jerzy Kenar, as were the church’s interior furnishings.

A recent enhancement in 1999 was a 9-by-7-foot sanctuary crucifix, “Croce Santa Monica” reminiscent of a medieval masterwork. It was created by local husband and wife artists Joseph Ramirez and Meltem Aktas.

Always open and welcoming, the parish draws hundreds of visitors for its prayerful around-the-clock services during Holy Week.

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