At St. Mary’s, we seek to live out our faith by making a difference in our neighborhood, our community, and in the world. We do this together through ministries unique to St. Mary’s and through partnerships with other churches and organizations. We invite you to learn more about the following ministries, and, if any of them speak to you, to be in touch with us. We welcome your interest and participation.
CCA Academy is a small, private, non-denominational high school located in Chicago’s North Lawndale Community. CCA Academy provides non-traditional students, ages 16-21, who have completed eighth grade with a second chance to earn a high-school diploma through educational programs and supportive services.
CCA Academy was founded by Dr. Myra Sampson, who continues serving today as Principal and Chief Educational Officer.
Since 2017, St. Mary’s has been engaged in care for Refugees through our partnership with Exodus World Service.
Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees through education, connection, and service projects.
At St. Mary’s, we engage in Refugee ministry in several ways. Most often, we put together Welcome Packs of essential household items that refugees will need upon arriving in the United States, and we deliver them to their homes and greet them as they arrive. We have a space in our Church dedicated to the gathering and storage of those items so that they are ready when we need them.
Sunday Night Suppers is a free, community meal offered by Park Ridge churches and organizations on Sunday Nights to any family or individual who is in need or wishes to share a meal with others, no questions asked.
Sunday Night Suppers is accomplished through the shared ministry of the Park Ridge Ministerial Association, and St. Mary’s partners with Park Ridge Presbyterian Church as co-hosts of this ministry.
United Power for Action and Justice is a non-partisan community organization composed of 40 religious congregations, not-for-profit groups, hospitals, health centers and civic organizations from across Cook County who work together to address pressing social problems. Our member organizations represent over 250,000 people-families, people of a variety of faiths, participants in secular community organizations-who live and work in the City of Chicago and the Cook County Suburbs.