A Vibrant Community of Faith

Chicago, Blue Island, and the Robbins communities come together in St. Mary Magdalene Parish. Formed by the unification of the former St. Benedict Parish, St. Peter Claver Mission, and St. Walter Parish, the parish celebrates diversity.

Outreach and Service

St. Mary Magdalene Parish is rooted in service and community outreach. Every Friday, the parish food pantry serves 40 to 70 families, with a notable increase in migrant families from Colombia and Venezuela. Additionally, the parish’s Pastoral Migratoria group offers guidance on citizenship and immigration issues, while a longstanding St. Vincent de Paul group, a vibrant Spanish-speaking charismatic prayer group, and an active Women’s Group further enrich parish life.

A Year Full of Celebrations

St. Mary Magdalene Parish hosts various events that bring the parish and larger community together. The parish’s fish fry, one of the longest-running in the Archdiocese of Chicago, has been a Lenten tradition for over 50 years. Monsignor Lyle notes, “This event originally started to support the school and has been an effective way to bring together school families and parishioners. We have dedicated volunteers overseeing this for many years, though we’ll need a new generation to carry it forward.”

The Hispanic committee plays a significant role in the parish's events. They organize a lively New Year’s Eve dance, a celebration that brings together people despite even the coldest temperatures. The newly established St. Mary Magdalene Family Fest in the fall, which combines music, food, and games, is another testament to the parish's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Monsignor Lyle hopes these events continue to unite the community.

“In Blue Island, it’s like a small town,” Monsignor Lyle reflects. “Everyone knows one another, and our events often extend beyond the parish, drawing in the larger community.”

Building the Future

Monsignor Lyle sees growth opportunities as St. Mary Magdalene Parish continues to build a new reality. Initiatives like Alpha and adult faith formation aim to deepen the parish’s spiritual life and foster personal growth. “I’m hopeful that we can provide opportunities for people who have distanced themselves from the Church to feel heard and find their way back,” he says. This commitment to spiritual growth and renewal is a key aspect of the parish's mission.

The parish’s successful merger of St. Walter and St. Benedict Schools into a two-campus model exemplifies this spirit of renewal. “It was a challenging process, but the last few years have shown how well it’s worked. Our principals have done an exceptional job,” Monsignor Lyle adds proudly.

A Shared Mission

Monsignor Lyle reflects on his years of experience: “Every parish strives to do the same work—building community, fostering faith, and opening doors for others. That is the work for all of us in the Catholic church.”

Through its ministries, events, and dedication to faith and service, St. Mary Magdalene Parish continues to help the community come together and grow in faith.