From its beginnings with a humble group of Catholics who wanted their own place to worship, Chicago’s St. William Parish has stood the test of time.
The parish began celebrating its 100th year in existence in October 2015. The theme for the year-long celebration is called “A Century of Faith” and every month through October 2016, the parish will have some kind of activity highlighting the parish and its centennial, culminating with a dinner dance.
In 1916, St. William Parish was started, made up of a few dozen German immigrant families who lived on farms in the Mont Clare neighborhood. At that time, the closest church they could attend was in St. Pascal Parish in Portage Park neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Over the past hundred years, St. William Parish has grown from a small church to now occupying all four corners of the intersection of Sayre Avenue and Wrightwood Avenue, with a large church, elementary school, rectory and housing.
Linda Ricchio, who’s a member of the parish’s centennial coordinating committee, said she and her fellow committee members have been working hard to highlight the parish’s strides over the past 100 years.
They’re currently selling personalized bricks, planned to be placed prominently on the grounds of the parish. They’re also putting together a souvenir book, which will be available for purchase.
“We have 40 people working on the various aspects of this celebration,” she said. “We’ll have the spiritual stuff as well as the fun-filled stuff.”
Ricchio said they’re hoping to draw former and current parishioners out to participate in the monthly events they will be having to highlight the parish’s anniversary. In February, the parish’s school will have Mardi Gras-type celebration. In March, the parish will host its Blue and White Ball.
Ricchio, who attended the parish’s elementary school and attended church with her family growing up, still feels the impact the parish has made on her life.
“Some of my best friendships were made by being a parishioner,” she said. “It’s home. It’s family-oriented.”
For those interested in more information about St. William Parish’s centennial celebration and fundraising activities, call 773-637-6565 or visit the parish’s website at www.saintwilliamparish.org.
Twitter: @DavidDPollard