Cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ centered on prayer and the Eucharist.
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!
Come to St. JamesRegister as a ParishionerOur 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
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. Bill Zavaski
Pastor Emeritus
Susan Chappell
Assistant Director of Music
Mike Tomasiewicz
Campus Maintenance Engineer
