Resurrection Parish
2840 W. Nelson St., Chicago

Today's parish is a tenuous consolidation of two former Northwest Side parishes. Easter Paschal candles from St. Veronica and St. Francis Xavier churches were symbolically lit at a June 30, 1991 dedication of the new Resurrection Parish. Then flames from both sparked a fresh Paschal candle as the once separate entities were officially consolidated. There were hopeful hearts, and heavy hearts. St. Veronica parishioners were reluctant to give up their 86-year-old identity and their sacred space a few blocks north. The former St. Francis Xavier Church would be the worship site, but the pastor reminded them, "We're a new parish." Some chose to attend other nearby churches. Nevertheless, 16 years later, the Gothic edifice of old St. Francis, designed by Hermann Gaul, dedicated in 1929, is still a stained-glass landmark. A 32-bell carillon, erected in the belfry in 1948, calls all to its heart who are willing to come.