Immaculate Conception Church
1431 N. North Park Ave., Chicago

Sometimes called “The little church in the big city,” Immaculate Conception on the near North Side has a rich history. It was named five years after the promulgation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception; some of its original parishioners were survivors of the Chicago Fire, and an early pastor was founder and chaplain of the Irish Brigade that served in the Civil War.

Today’s simple, intimate church in the lower level of its school seats 280 and is a place where everybody knows your name. From empty-nesters on Lake Shore Drive to middle-agers moving “in town,” singles, young families or seniors in Cabrini-Green, these are the people of God, Causasian, Asian, African-American and Latino.

The parish continues to make history by its generosity of spirit—six vocations in recent years to priesthood and religious life and an outstanding commitment to stewardship. Two-thirds of its 750 families are involved in ministry and/or service to the community. Its 12-member parish council and a staff person heading Social Service Ministry coordinate projects from the usual food pantry and giving trees to free sewing lessons and a teen gardening ministry for the elderly living in public housing. If there is a magic potion for parish involvement, IC should patent theirs.

 

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