5 Reasons St. Paul Of The Cross Park Ridge Remains A Pillar Of The Archdiocese Of Chicago: The Latest Updates
Saint Paul of the Cross Parish in Park Ridge, Illinois, stands as a vibrant and enduring Catholic community, navigating the modern era while honoring a rich history that stretches back over a century. As of December 23, 2025, the parish is experiencing a new chapter of leadership, building upon its foundation as a central pillar of faith and service in the Chicago suburbs, with its school and extensive outreach programs serving thousands of families in the area.
The parish, commissioned by Archbishop Quigley in 1911 and officially established with its first church building in 1912, is not just a historical landmark; it’s a thriving spiritual center that continually adapts its programs to meet the needs of its large, 5,000-family community. The recent transition in pastoral leadership marks a significant development, ensuring the parish’s mission of academic excellence and spiritual formation continues well into the future.
New Pastoral Leadership: A Profile of Rev. James Wallace
A major and recent development for the St. Paul of the Cross community is the appointment of its new spiritual leader. The transition of leadership is a critical moment for any large parish, and the Archdiocese of Chicago selected a dynamic new pastor for the Park Ridge community.
- Name: Rev. James Wallace
- Current Role: Pastor of Saint Paul of the Cross Parish and School, Park Ridge, IL.
- Appointment: Appointed to St. Paul of the Cross, succeeding Rev. Britto Berchmans.
- Previous Role: Previously served at St. Juliana Parish.
- Background: Father Wallace grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, and attended Ss. Faith.
- Additional Expertise: He is also a canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of Chicago, bringing a specialized legal and ecclesiastical perspective to his pastoral duties.
- Vision: Father Wallace has expressed a deep appreciation for the mission-focused work of the Church, noting the beauty of communities "living the mission with so little."
The appointment of Rev. James Wallace to St. Paul of the Cross follows the retirement of Rev. Britto Berchmans, who faithfully served the parish for the past 12 years. This change signifies a fresh direction for the parish while maintaining its core Catholic identity and commitment to the Park Ridge Ministerial Association.
The Enduring Power of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School
One of the cornerstones of the St. Paul of the Cross community is its highly-regarded Catholic school. Established in 1925, St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School (SPC School) provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Academic Excellence and Community Size
The school is renowned for providing an education of the highest standards, embracing each child within a strong faith community. With over 750 students, the school is a major educational institution in Park Ridge, IL. The vibrant community is bound by its mission to provide academic excellence alongside spiritual and moral formation.
Recent updates, such as the addition of a New Concert Event for Grades 1-3 in April 2025, demonstrate the school’s ongoing commitment to a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts. The school’s long history and tax-exempt status, dating back to 1946, underscore its stability and importance within the local and Archdiocesan structure.
A Schedule Designed for a 5,000-Family Community
Serving a massive community of 5,000 families requires a robust and flexible schedule of worship and sacraments. St. Paul of the Cross Parish excels in this logistical challenge, offering numerous opportunities for the faithful to attend Mass and participate in the spiritual life of the Church.
Comprehensive Mass Times
The parish's Mass schedule is designed to accommodate various family and work schedules, a testament to its commitment to the spiritual nourishment of its parishioners. The schedule includes:
- Sunday Obligation: A Saturday vigil Mass at 4:30 PM, followed by Sunday Masses at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12:00 PM.
- Weekday Masses: Daily Mass is offered at 6:25 AM and 8:30 AM in the Upper Church, with the 6:25 AM Mass not held on civic holidays.
- Special Services: A Communion Service is offered on Thursdays at 6:25 AM.
- Worship Spaces: Masses are held in both the Upper Church and the Holy Family Chapel.
This extensive schedule ensures that the thousands of families in the parish, alongside the 900+ students in the Religious Education Program, can regularly encounter the Eucharist and grow in their faith.
The Dynamic Network of Parish Ministries and Outreach
Beyond the school and the Sunday liturgy, St. Paul of the Cross is defined by its deep commitment to community outreach and a wide array of ministries. This network of service and fellowship is what truly makes the parish a "welcoming community."
Key Entities and Programs
The parish fosters a culture of discipleship and service, encouraging individuals and families to volunteer and serve the needs of the community. Notable ministries and organizations include:
- SPC Men's Club: A social and service organization that provides a great way for new parishioners to socialize and meet new people, often hosting community events.
- Religious Education Program (PREP): This vital program provides instruction on God, focusing on the Trinity and the Gospel message, serving over 900 young students.
- Ecumenical Committee: This group is responsible for the parish's observance of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, typically held from January 18th to 25th, fostering interfaith dialogue.
- Grief Support Group: Offering Christ-centered support and comfort for those struggling with the death of a loved one, demonstrating the parish’s focus on emotional and spiritual healing.
- Vicariate II Events: The parish actively participates in Archdiocesan events, such as hosting the Vicariate II Mass, which revives the tradition of welcoming neophytes, as seen during the Easter Vigil Mass for baptisms and confirmations.
These diverse groups ensure that every member of the St. Paul of the Cross community, from the youngest student to the most seasoned volunteer, has a place to connect, serve, and grow in their faith. The parish’s dedication to serving the local community highlights its role as a beacon of Catholic social teaching in Park Ridge.
Historical Roots and Lasting Legacy in Park Ridge
The history of St. Paul of the Cross Parish is inextricably linked to the growth of the Catholic population in Park Ridge, IL. When the parish was commissioned in 1911, it served a small, but growing, Catholic community. The initial white frame church, completed in 1912, had a seating capacity for 350 people, a stark contrast to the massive community it serves today.
Over the decades, the parish has expanded significantly, reflecting the demographic shifts and spiritual needs of the Chicago suburb. Its continued mission, alongside other local Catholic institutions like Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish, is to make the love of God visible to the world through worship, education, and discipleship. St. Paul of the Cross remains a powerful symbol of faith, continuously adapting its facilities and programs—including its robust volunteer opportunities—to serve the modern Catholic family while preserving the traditions of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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