Please join us at one of our four Ash Wednesday services.

Join our Adult Formation group as we explore the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
6:30 pm Every Tuesday during Lent

Our parish buildings date back to 1888, 1890, 1905, 1907, and 1957. They stand as a powerful testament to the faith, sacrifice, and determination of the mostly immigrant families who built them. These men and women labored long hours, often with limited resources, yet they gave generously so that future generations would have a place to worship God. Their commitment was rooted in a deep trust in God and a desire to build something lasting, not only for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren. Their sacrifice remain visible and alive in our parish today.

These buildings were never intended to be merely structures of brick, stone, and wood. They were built as sacred spaces where people could gather to worship, pray, and encounter the living presence of God. At the same time, they became the center of daily life for the community. Within these walls, children were educated, friendships were formed, vocations were nurtured, and marriages began. These buildings served as churches, schools, meeting halls, and places of both celebration and mourning.  These buildings were and are the heart of the neighborhood, shaping not only individual lives but the identity of the entire community.

Most importantly, these buildings are places where the Word of God is proclaimed and the sacraments are celebrated. It is here that faith is planted, strengthened, and renewed week after week. What we receive in these sacred spaces is meant to transform us and to be carried beyond these walls and into our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We do this through lives marked by service, generosity, and love of neighbor. Our parish buildings support this mission by providing a space where faith can take root and grow.

Caring for parish buildings and grounds that are more than one hundred years old is a serious responsibility and a significant financial commitment. Time, weather, and constant use take their toll, and ongoing maintenance is necessary to preserve these spaces for future generations. That is why we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting the Buildings and Grounds second collection. This collection helps ensure that our parish campus remains safe, welcoming, and worthy of the important purpose it serves.

​The care and appearance of our buildings and grounds are an outward expression of our faith. When it is a well maintained building, it honors the sacrifices of those who came before us and it can also tell our story to those who pass by. When our parish campus reflects beauty and care, it invites others to enter, encounter Christ, and experience His presence. In caring for these buildings, we continue a legacy of faith, stewardship, and generosity that will serve generations yet to come.

The future of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish depends on our ability to nurture and sustain future generations of faithful Catholics. One of the most meaningful, effective, and lasting ways we accomplish this mission is through the education and spiritual formation of our children and young people. When we invest in their faith today, we are strengthening the Church of tomorrow and ensuring that our parish remains vibrant, faithful, and alive for generations to come. We are truly blessed to have a thriving, vibrant St. John Berchmans School and a strong Religious Education program. These ministries are at the very heart of our parish mission. They do far more than teach academic subjects or prepare children for sacraments. They help form disciples, instill the values and teachings of Jesus Christ, and provide young people with a solid foundation of faith that will guide their decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose throughout their lives.

While tuition and program fees are essential, they do not fully cover the cost of operating these ministries. Like many Catholic educational programs, there is a financial gap between what families can reasonably contribute and the true cost of providing quality education and faith formation. This includes staffing, facilities, curriculum, materials, and resources that ensure our children receive both academic excellence and meaningful spiritual growth. At present, this shortfall is met through fundraisers and the generous support of parishioners, parents, and donors who believe deeply in the value of Catholic education.

To help sustain these vital ministries, we are asking you to prayerfully consider supporting them through the parish’s second collection. This additional collection will directly benefit both SJB School and our Religious Education program, allowing them to continue on their strong path of growth, stability, and excellence. Your support helps ensure that these programs remain accessible, well-resourced, and able to meet the needs of our children and families. Your generosity will help offset essential expenses such as classroom materials, religious
education resources, and school supplies. It will also support meaningful enrichment opportunities for our children, including retreats and faith-building experiences like the Holy Fire Retreat for students in grades 6 through 9. These experiences often become powerful encounters with Christ, moments of prayer, reflection, and community that stay with our young people long after the event has ended.

We ask you to prayerfully reflect on the importance of Catholic education and faith formation in your own life and in the life of our parish. Please consider making a gift during the second collection at Mass. Your support is an investment in our children, our parish, and the future of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish.

At St. Carlo Acutis Parish, we continually strive to live out the values and beliefs that define us as a Catholic community. To strengthen and sustain the ministries that reflect our mission, the parish has established a series of Second Collections throughout the year. These collections will allow us to continue the important work of service, compassion, and outreach that has become the heart of our parish life.

The spiritual well-being of our parishioners remains central to everything we do. Yet, the vitality of our ministries also depends upon the generosity of our community. We understand that not everyone is able to volunteer their time, but financial support provides a meaningful way for all parishioners to participate in our shared mission of faith and service. Without such support, it would be difficult to maintain the many programs that benefit both our parish and the wider community.
To begin, we have chosen to focus on three ministries that best represent the identity and mission of our parish:

• Liturgical and Music Ministry
• Ministry of Hope and Care
• Social Justice Outreach
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Read more about these ministries at carloacutisparish.org.

As attendance at Mass has decreased, our regular Sunday collections can no longer meet all the financial needs of these programs. The Second Collections will ensure that these essential ministries can continue to serve others effectively and faithfully.

Here are some examples of our ministries,

SCA Parish Food Pantry - The St. Carlo Acutis Parish Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and serves more than twenty guests each week. The pantry remains well stocked thanks to generous financial donations that allow us to purchase food between drives. The pantry is open to all in need, no parish affiliation is required, and has never had to turn anyone away.

Carlo Cares Program - The Carlo Cares program provides backpacks filled with essential items for those who are unhoused. Each backpack includes small flashlights, hand and toe warmers, body wipes, winter hats, gloves, socks, lip balm, tissues, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. This program began with the generosity of a few donors and continues to grow through parish support.

SJB Cares Program - Through SJB Cares, students at St. John Berchmans School prepare up to 80 sack lunches each month, each containing a sandwich, snack, fruit, and a note of encouragement. These lunches are distributed to those in need and to guests of the Catholic Charities suppers. For more than three years, this program has helped students live their Catholic faith through service and kindness.

Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers - With the help of parish volunteers and SJB students, we assist in staffing the Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers in downtown Chicago. This ministry provides hot, nourishing meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as newly arrived migrant families.

Gift Cards for Good - The Gift Cards for Good program collects gift cards from essential stores such as Target, Aldi, and Walmart. These cards are distributed to families who may not otherwise be able to purchase a Thanksgiving meal, allowing them the dignity and joy of preparing their own celebration.

Sr. Diane’s Closet - Through the generosity of Toys for Tots, Sr. Diane’s Closet provides Christmas gifts for families who need additional support during the holidays. When certain age groups are underrepresented, the parish supplements with purchased gifts to ensure that every child receives something special.
Parishioners are invited to reflect prayerfully on these ministries and consider contributing to the Second Collections. Any donation, large or small, helps us continue the mission of St. Carlo Acutis Parish: to live our faith through service, compassion, and love for others.

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing generosity and for the many ways you help bring the Gospel to life within our parish and community.

Thank you to everyone who has helped spread God’s love through our recent Carlo Cares backpack initiative for those in need. Because of your generosity, we have already reached out to 15 homeless folks in our community, and some have approached staff seeking support. Your kindness is making a real difference!

As we continue this ministry, we are in most need of the following items, as we have exhausted the following:
• Personal hygiene kits
• Bottled water
• Granola or protein bars
• Small bottles of hand sanitizer
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Individual Kleenex packets

Bins will be located at BOTH churches for collection of these items.

Your continued support helps us bring comfort, dignity, and hope to those who need it most. May God bless you for your generosity.