About Us!

Parish History:

St. Zachary Parish was officially formed on January 18, 1962 when the founding pastor Rev. William Cunningham took the oath of office and the name St. Zachary was chosen. The parish property consisted at first of two barns and a farmhouse. One of the barns served as the first church. In September, 1962, ground was broken for St. Zachary Catholic School. On September 4, 1963, the school opened to serve Grades 1-5. The present church was originally built as a gym/auditorium, and the first Mass was held on November 7, 1965. The convent, which is now our Ministry Center, was built in 1967.

The early years were very active, as the whole area was being built up. There were cornfields everywhere and much work to be done. With a young community who had come mostly from Chicago, the church was both their spiritual and social life. The parish remains active as a worshipping, praying, serving, sharing, healing and loving community.

Today the parish welcomes a diversity of cultures. We are handicapped accessible. We offer an interpreted mass for the hearing impaired, and masses in Polish for the strong Polish community in the area. Our choirs offer both traditional and contemporary music. We welcome all to worship with us and to take part in our many ministries. Whether you are looking for a parish, or just visiting the O'Hare Airport Area, you are welcome and invited to St. Zachary Parish. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact the Parish Office at (847) 956-7020.

Saint Zachary - Our Patron Saint

St. Zachary, whose feast is celebrated on the same day as that of St. Elizabeth, his wife, was of the tribe of Abia, and a member of the priestly class. It was customary for the priests whose week it was to serve in the temple to cast lots each day for the performance of the various rituals. One day, during Zachary's period of service, the privilege of offering incense on the altar in the holy place fell to him, and while he was alone before the altar performing this rite, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar. Zachary was troubled and afraid. Then Gabriel spoke, saying that the prayers of the priest and his wife would be answered; a son was to be born to them, and his name was to be John. Zachary found this hard to believe, for both he and Elizabeth were advanced in years. Overcoming his fear, he asked the angel for some sign. Because he doubted, the angel announced that Zachary would be stricken dumb and would regain the power of speech only when the prophecy was fulfilled. Then the angel disappeared and Zachary came forth from the temple. The people saw that he was unable to speak and they knew then that he had received a vision from the Lord.

Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to the one who was to be the Precursor of the Lord. After eight days, when the child was about to be circumcised, Elizabeth told the people that he was to be named John; and Zachary, still unable to speak, asked for a tablet, and on it he wrote the words, "John is his name." At this moment Zachary's tongue was loosed, and he began to praise the Lord. The New Testament tells us nothing further concerning St. Zachary. In Hebrew his name means "Jehovah hath remembered."

Saint Zachary, Father of John the Baptist. Scriptural Saint. Celebration of Feast Day is November 5.

**Taken from "Lives of Saints", Published by John J. Crawley & Co., Inc.