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About

St. James Parish is a large Catholic community in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We invite you to join our vibrant faith community – all are welcome!

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Our Mission

To be disciples of Christ and make disciples of Christ.

Our Vision

That each member of our community encounters the fire of God’s love; then with hearts burning brightly, shares that love with others.

Our Values

Divine Intimacy

Cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ centered on prayer and the Eucharist.

Education

Seeking to learn the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Respect

Honoring the dignity of each human person.

Generosity

Giving selflessly and abundantly of our time, talent, and treasure.

Hospitality

Creating an atmosphere of joy and welcome.

Missionary Discipleship at St. James

You are a vital part of helping St. James fulfill its mission to be disciples and make disciples of Christ. As a part of our missional church, you can participate in the journey towards becoming a missionary disciple through our Missionary Discipleship Pathway.

The journey of discipleship begins with an encounter with Jesus Christ, and each baptized Christian is called to invite others into this encounter.
People are now intentionally invited into a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Universal Church, and the local Church here in Chicago.
People will now have opportunities for deeper faith formation in order to better understand and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church.
People will be encouraged to discern their gifts/charisms so that they can serve in a ministry to which God is calling them.
People are now invited to be disciples who make disciples who in turn make more disciples to fulfill the Great Commission.

Our History

1902

Twenty-six Catholic families petitioned Archbishop James E. Quigley for their own parish. The archbishop granted permission to the Reverend John Linden, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Des Plaines, to organize a mission parish in Arlington Heights. 

1905

St. James Church was completed in November.

1926

St. James School opened in September. 

1935

St. James had 195 parish families. The population of Arlington Heights was 5,000.

1952

First services were held in the new church. 

1964

The Building Program initiated a funding campaign to raise funds for what was then the convent, now known as the St. James School building. See the historical artifact reporting on the program.

1981

St. James launched Theology-on-Tap, which became the premier catechesis and evangelization program for young adult Catholics in the United States.

1990

St. James launched a Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) site to serve the homeless in the area.

2000

In January, St. James launched its “Millennium Campaign” to raise funds for a new worship space, meeting and activity area, as well as to unite the elementary and junior high schools.

2009

In April, St. James dedicated a new St. James School and Formation Center, which consolidated the elementary and junior high school programs.

2019

The renovated worship space opens.

Letter from the Pastor

Welcome to St. James!  With great joy I welcome you and your family to this wonderful parish.  St. James is a warm and welcoming community of over 2,500 active families. I invite you to join us for mass where you will experience the vitality and faith of this place.

Our mission is to be disciples of Christ and make disciples of Christ. Our vision is that each member of our community encounters the fire of God’s love; then with hearts burning brightly, shares that love with others.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our masses or parish events. Please pray for me as I remember you and your family at daily mass.

Your Servant in Christ,

Fr. Edward Pelrine

Our Staff

    Fr. Ed Pelrine
    Pastor
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    Fr. Paul Stein
    Associate Pastor
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    Fr. Michael Grzesik
    Associate Pastor
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    Fr. Bill Zavaski
    Pastor Emeritus
    Deacon Matthew Hahn
    Executive Director of Parish Operations
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    Deacon James Bannon
    Deacon
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    Deacon Johnny Burnett
    Deacon
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    Susan Chappell
    Assistant Director of Music
    Natalie Conseur
    Children’s Choir Director & Bulletin Editor
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    Tamaron Conseur
    Director of Music & Liturgy
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    Kathryn Coughlin
    Open Doors Ministry Coordinator
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    Christina Hudson
    Director of Youth Ministry
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    Mark Jacks
    Director of Digital Evangelization
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    Julie Jacobson
    Director of Stewardship and Development
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    Bethany Larson
    Coordinator of Religious Education
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    Matt Marcheschi
    Focus Parish Outreach
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    Corey May
    7th-8th Grade Math Teacher and Part-Time Middle School Youth Minister
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    Dora Mendoza
    Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry
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    Judy Mulvihill
    Director of Finance
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    Patty Reilly
    Front Desk Receptionist
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    Katie Sowa
    Liturgy Assistant
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    Mike Tomasiewicz
    Campus Maintenance Engineer
    Flo Trunk
    Office Manager
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    Carly White
    Administrative Assistant Evangelization Team
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    Gemma
    Parish Pup
    Join us for our Mass livestream Watch Online