What a beautiful church! Fr. Anthony gives thoughtful homilies that leave me with something to…read morethink about after every mass. Someone mentioned that the pews' kneelers aren't padded. In the back half of the church, they aren't. Come to the front half and you'll have padded kneelers. Now there's free coffee, tea and tasty food at reasonable prices downstairs after Sunday morning masses. There you can strike up a conversation with the parishioners, whom I've found to be welcoming. As mentioned it's one of the few churches open 24/7 for prayer. There's a security guard on duty all day too for safety sake.

History talk of this oldest church in the city, open 24/7!. Beautiful altar and woodwork. Am…read moreamazing history and presence in the Polish triangle of Chicago, not far from the Polish museum.

We were in the city for an event and wanted to attend Mass somewhere close to our destination, so…read morewe ended up at Saint Clement Parish. I'm really glad we did because it turned out to be a wonderful church. The architecture is absolutely beautiful and has a majestic feel to it. It even reminded me a bit of an Orthodox church with its unique design and atmosphere. The parish community was incredibly warm and welcoming. After the morning Mass, they offered free coffee, muffins, and bread, which was a very thoughtful touch and gave everyone a chance to socialize. Overall, it was a great experience. The church is beautiful, the people are friendly, and it felt like a very welcoming place to worship. I would definitely love to come back again sometime in the future.

Saint Clement Church is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Chicago, whether for…read morespiritual reflection, architecture, or cultural appreciation. I happen to be able to visit last summer, as they were one of the churches that hosted a regional event for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. And I can confidently say that this miniature version of the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, Missouri - stands out for its breathtaking neo-Byzantine and Romanesque design, which combines intricate mosaics, soaring domes, and remarkable stained-glass windows. This is truly a place where faith and beauty is the perfect combination! The convenient mass times and devotional services are deeply uplifting, offering a sense of renewal and spiritual connection. The reverent yet welcoming atmosphere makes it accessible for both long-time parishioners and first-time visitors. The liturgy and sacred music, under the leadership and director of Mr. Jeremy Kiolbassa aka 'The Fabulous' truly elevates the worship experience, creating a serene environment for prayer or quiet contemplation. Beyond worship, the church itself is an architectural and artistic treasure. Every corner reveals exquisite artwork, from detailed marble carvings to vibrant mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. The quiet chapels throughout the basilica provide intimate spaces for reflection, and the outdoor gardens offer a peaceful retreat. For travelers, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a moment of peace in Lincoln Park, the church is a true gem. It is easy to access (with its own parking lot), very clean & well-maintained, and offers a welcoming experience for people of all ethnic backgrounds. Whether you're attending a Mass or simply admiring the incredible architecture, a visit here is both inspiring and rejuvenating.

I have done so much church shopping since I've moved to the city, and Soul City by far took the…read morecake for what I was hoping to find: a welcoming, diverse, thought-provoking community. This church is one of the few that allow women to fully participate in all aspects of service. They offer many ways to get involved in the church, but also throughout the community as well. While of course every church needs money to stay afloat, it is not the centerpiece of the service, and they give a percentage of the money to the community and organizations around the world. One thing I would mention, is that since the church takes a more liberal approach to the Bible, and the is open to different interpretations, I would love the church to take a more open stances on LGBTQ issues.

I love the singing and building but I don't think the members are too friendly. No one is coming to…read moregreet or speak to the guests. Also, I came on a Sunday and the doors were locked. Never heard of a church being closed on Sundays and they don't baptize people whenever they are ready, they baptize them on their baptism Sunday which I don't believe is according to the Bible

This church is truly open, kind, and doing what they can in the community. They have a great…read moresummer camp, as well as tutoring, adult forums, and more. The services are lovely, they have childcare available, and the music is fantastic and diverse. I felt welcomed quickly (I am a younger person, but there are many ages in the congregation) and it has brought me back to my faith.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is a mouthful, but so are my praises for a church where I have…read morebeen a member for four years. This progressive - thinking spiritual center welcomes worshipers from all walks of life, including gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgenders. On Sunday mornings, the church opens its doors at 8:00; at 8:45 is Adult Forum when a light breakfast is served (usually fruit, dessert items and coffee and tea), followed by a discussion that focuses on one topic per Sunday. Past topics have ranged from world religions to the environment. After Adult Forum concludes at around 10:00 am parishioners begin filing in for the 10:30 am service which concludes at approximately 11:45 am. Following the service, is coffee hour which lasts until the last slice of coffee cake is eaten or the last guest heads home. Immanuel also has a book club and, on Wednesdays, an after - school program for kids that includes a 6:00 pm dinner followed by a brief, midweek worship service. Jackie

I absolutely love this church. Absolutely great atmosphere. The kind of place where if you go in…read moreunhappy, you'll for sure leave in great spirits. You won't leave how you came. The Apostle and First Lady are so welcoming and treat you as family. The singers here will have you praising God as you've never praised him before. This is a must visit location. You won't regret it.

I just love this beautiful church nestled in the middle of Old Irving Park. It has a wonderful…read morechildren's program that my kids love. The church also does outstanding mission work and is actively involved in the community. Pastor Vickie gives some of the best sermons I've ever heard that really make you think. The congregation is warm and welcoming without being overbearing. This church is truly a gem waiting to be discovered.

This church made me feel welcome when I walked in. It has a beautiful stain glass in the chapel…read more There was about 50-60 people in service. The pastor came up to us when service was done. Her sermon used several modern day examples to connect the scripture lesson in story form which kept my interest like a story time...not just resighting the bible. There was a children's group for 4-12 ?yr olds during church so I could have some quiet time to reflect and enjoy the service/music. Kids rejoined service with 10 mins to go and every kid went up for communion. (There was also a baby nursery). They had drinks and snacks after service. The music was modern (some traditional) and they projected everything onto a screen, so you didn't have to use the books. Loved the beautiful neighborhood of Old Irving Park, but also loved that they have a community food bank in their basement. I also appreciated that they had the rainbow out front to welcome everyone! It had young and old, mostly white and Hispanic...not as diverse as it could be, but friendly. Will go back.

I've been going to this church for years now as it transitioned from an old Lutheran church. It…read moredoes amazing things with an old building running free youth programs that include mentoring, basketball, jewelry making, and food. The teachers there after school show the love of Jesus to all. There are only two people on staff a Spanish Pastor and English Pastor and they just took a pay cut because it is a poor neighborhood. This church is VERY POOR. This small church (english is like 80 people) is associated with New Life Community church, but runs completely on it's own. The leadership speaks the truth in love and does not make accusations about corruption over the internet (see previous reviewer). We don't have any doctors or lawyers that attend, so obviously the previous person never stepped foot in our church. Do not be brainwashed by previous reviewer who gives out almost all 1 stars. :)

Love my church , so peaceful here . I love pastor choco elder Juan and all the staff is so great …read more Awsome prayers , worship

The Christmas vocal showcase is one of the best I've ever seen. Their medleys made me cry.read more

St. Mary's is a Roman Catholic church in Riverside. I was baptized here, I did my first Communion…read morehere, I was confirmed here, and I have attended Sunday mass here (usually the 11:30) for my entire life, excluding the years I was in college. While I may not have met many people specifically through the church, many Riverside community members go to St. Mary's and I always am comforted to see plenty of people I know at church. The church itself is pretty intimate--certainly no megachurch. There are plenty of pews on the main floor, although I've only sat there a few times in my life. The choir loft almost always has seating or at least standing room that doesn't get in everyone's way if you happen to be late. Like any church, everyone flocks here for Christmas and Easter, so masses are held in the gym instead (which is part of the St. Mary School). The music isn't huge here (like huge churches that shell out thousands), but there are some incredibly talented cantors and sometimes there are instrumentalists who volunteer to play the harmonies (most recently, three high school violin players). The only reason I took away a star is because some of the priests have strong accents so I struggle a little to understand what is being said for the Homily. Overall, I love St. Mary's and I will certainly continue to attend mass here for as long as I live in the area. If you come to St. Mary's, I promise you will feel welcomed. "All Are Welcome." Note: I don't know why St. Mary's is listed in the "Colleges and Universities" categories. It's definitely a church!