Alright, I'm a parishioner so I felt I had to represent. I'm not exactly sure what a "repressed…read moregay" or lesbian churchgoer looks like, so I can't say and really, what does that have to do with Church anyway? Having belonged to several parishes, I'm also not sure what a "typical family Catholic Church" looks like either. Aren't they all kinda based on family? What consistently makes me love this place is the neo-Gothic architecture and the two organs. It's worth it to come in and just see and hear those. A mass is a mass. It's surely not for everybody. And it's not entertainment, really, so expect a good solid Sunday mass (I have never reviewed a mass before...I guess there's always a first). The 11 o'clock is the "high" mass--nothing but bells and smells here but it's traditional and that's why we do it. And the "sing song" choir music happens to be a rounded choir repertoire featuring classical and contemporary composers. In my opinion, it's music typical in quality and caliber to what one may find at a Cathedral. Again good music, but religious music--there will be chant, there will be a distinctive sound...there will be no inclusion of Jars of Clay or clapping. There will be no percussion instruments. 4:30 on Sunday is much more contemporary music played on the piano with acoustic guitar and a more pop-ish sound (although still Catholic music--nothing you'll find on a "worship" CD. It always cracks me up when people call church "a downer." Yes...if you expect it to be the Super Bowl every week then it will, indeed, be a downer. But I've always found this church to have a real sense of community and an awareness of its location in an urban setting in the middle of Boys Town. This isn't a suburban parish and I'm always thankful for that.

I've been a parishioner for about 3 years and I enjoy going to Mass here very much. I try and check…read moreout the 11am mass during non-summer Sundays since I find the choir amazing and a real uplift during Mass. It does sometimes cause the Mass to go over a little, but honestly, the difference between an hour and 1h 10 mins is really nothing. And singing is like praying twice (or something like that), so it's like your praying three times here. :P The architecture here is also nice - the somewhat hidden chapel is very beautiful. They do an architecture tour once in a while and it's interesting to learn about the stained glass windows and all the statues - some which have a close bond to Chicago. I haven't had any major sacraments here, so I can't comment on anything administrative wise, but as far as churches go, it serves its purpose!

I was raised Catholic and this was the church I would come to "catch the holy ghost". The church…read moreitself is really nice inside and offers lots seating. As a child, I remember Saturday evening and Sunday services always being full. Services were offered in English and Polish. I attended the English masses. There were a couple of priests (Father Ted and later Carmelo come to mind) whose sermons were powerful and meaningful. As the years have gone by, the church has adjusted to the changing neighborhood and offers masses in English, Polish, and Spanish. I tried attending the Spanish which has a live choir who also play instruments and it offers an experience. Personally, I wasn't feeling it so no more masses en Espanol for me . Sadly, with the area changing, the church has lost many parishioners in both the Polish and English masses. Hopefully it survives and doesn't close down like their private school did.

Some things have changed since I wrote that first review. For instance I'm a member and work part…read moretime for the church. Bible study is sometimes on Wednesday now and there is less byob and more snacking. Much more is going on in the community center! Follow us on Facebook if you want to know more!

Does anyone knows what time and day is God closest and days meals might be provided. Also times of…read moreworship group n everything else I need full details . My number is 773-2259511 if one of the members could reach out to me to me that would be a blessing . I'm very new to the area n seeking support . I stay in Forest Park . I should be working very soon at the candy factory the through R.E.M but also looking to do security again like I was at the four winds casino . Any hand and words would greatly appreciate d

I really enjoyed visiting this church. The architecture is beautiful, and even though it's not very…read morelarge, it has a special charm that makes it stand out. I've visited many churches in the area, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. The people here are very kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. There are also so many beautiful works of art inside that are worth taking the time to admire. Overall, it's a wonderful place to pray and reflect, and I would definitely come back again for Sunday Mass or during the holidays.

Beautiful church. Grateful to the lady that unlocked the doors on 12/22/2023, to allow us to come…read morein and pray.

I'm so proud to call Free Church my home. I've been attending for a few months and even though it…read moretook me a while to find a Church since I moved to Illinois (I visited quite a few before settling down) I'm so glad I found my place! The church goers and volunteers are genuine and warm. Pastor Chuck is funny and down to earth. The worship team is absolutely amazing! I love Free Church!

Free Church is truly a home for every story. People from all walks of life come each Sunday. The…read moresmall groups are incredible, the music/worship is current and executed with excellence, and the teaching is relevant and challenging. My kids love it at Free Church as well, and the community is vibrant and active in the community.

My husband Bob and I joined this church a little less than a year ago. I was raised Catholic and my…read morehusband Lutheran. We have been looking for a Christian Bible based place of worship and stumbled onto this great Church. From the first day we entered we knew this was our new church home. The people were so welcoming and the sermons were so touching and easy to relate. I tell everyone I know and encourage friends to attend at least one service. I feel strongly that if you come you will feel the same warmth and welcome feeling that we experience every Sunday. Music is uplifting and the service is educational, uplifting and thought provoking. Hope you come and join our family.

I have just started attending this Church. It has been almost 2 months and my family and I love it…read more They offer a LOT of fun programs for kids and families. They really focus on children and family in the community. I highly recommend anyone coming and checking this church out.

As a practicing Catholic, I left this Mass deeply unsettled…read more From the moment I walked into Old St. Patrick's, the atmosphere felt very different from what I have come to expect in a Catholic church. The focus seemed less centered on reverent worship and more on social and political themes. Throughout the homily, the priest repeatedly returned to political topics in a way that felt divisive and distracting from the Gospel. A Catholic Mass should unite people around Christ and the Eucharist, not around political viewpoints. I was also troubled by certain liturgical practices. The congregation was instructed to stand during portions of the Eucharistic Prayer where I would normally expect kneeling, and there seemed to be very little space for silence, reflection, or reverence. The overall experience felt far removed from the sacred and contemplative atmosphere that has traditionally characterized Catholic worship. I fully support welcoming all people into the Church. However, welcome and inclusion should never come at the expense of preserving the sacredness of the liturgy and the centrality of Christ in the Mass. While some may appreciate this style of worship, I personally found it concerning and difficult to reconcile with the reverence and tradition I have experienced in other Catholic parishes. After reading other reviews, I was surprised to find that many of my concerns have been echoed by others. If you are looking for a more traditional, reverent Catholic Mass focused on prayer, silence, the Eucharist, and the timeless teachings of the Church rather than political messaging, this parish may not be the best fit for you.

This is a beautiful Roman Catholic Church with beautiful Celtic artwork. It is located in a…read moreconvenient location. This structure is very unique, as it was built by Irish immigrants to Chicago and survived the Great Chicago Fire. Sadly, I would not advise you to go to Mass here! This is far from a traditional Roman Catholic Church though. During the consecration of the Eucharist, the presiding priest asked everyone to stand and not to show reverence to the sacrament by kneeling. This priest continuously politicizes his homilies by pushing left-wing politics, there is no room for politics at Mass!!! The priest further asked the congregation to pray for the three victims of the Pennsylvania Trump Rally, there were four victims, he intentionally excluded President Donald Trump's name. While greeting congregants he was asked about this and joked about it during his leftist, political homily, stating, "Most of you know the way my politics lean, maybe I made a conscious decision to omit President Donald Trump's name. I guess we should pray for everyone as Christians." I found the conduct of the priest reprehensible! It caused a huge scene after the Mass outside that was really embarrassing and displayed extremely poor conduct by this priest. I would strongly advise avoiding any financial support of Old St Pats Church and to attend a traditional Catholic Church!!!

St. Basils Greek Orthodox Church is a gem of an inner city church located across from Rush Hospital…read moreand UIC Hospital. Back in the day this was a Jewish Synagogue that was later sold to the Greek Orthodox Church. There is still some Hebrew writing in the front of the church. Inside the church is filled with beautiful Iconagraphy. On Sunday mornings the church is filled with beautiful incense as the Divine Liturgy is chanted by the Priest with the assistance of the chantors and choir. The Church is home to many converts, Greek, Russian, Serbian and other Orthodox faithful. A bible study class is held weekly, as well as Sunday school for the children. Every summer the church sponsors a Greek festival filled with delcious food, and Greek sweets.