Baptisms are celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month after Mass and during Mass. Our Mass schedule is as follows:
- Saturday Vigil – 4:30 PM (English)
- Saturday Vigil – 6:30 PM (Spanish)
- Sunday – 8:30 AM (English)
- Sunday – 10:30 AM (English)
- Sunday – 12:30 PM (Spanish)
- Sunday – 6:30PM (English)
Baptism requests will be confirmed upon completion of the following requirements:
- Parents and Godparents attend a Baptismal Prep Class. If the God parents are members of a different parish outside of Chicago; they need to attend their local parish’s Baptism classes and provide a letter from their Pastor authorizing them to serve as Godparents. Only one Godparent is needed, but two is acceptable.
- A suggested donation of $150 Pay the donation here.
- A copy of the Birth Certificate of the individual being baptized must be on file with the parish office.
Contact
For more information regarding infant baptisms please contact the Parish Office at (773) 280-7700 or email us at office@saintmarys.org
If your child is 7 years or older and needs to be baptized please contact Sister Claudia Sanchez at csanchez@saintmarys.org
If you are an adult seeking to be baptized or interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Marc Vega at mvega@saintmarys.org
The Celebration of Baptism
“Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the ‘sacraments of initiation’ by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 977, 1213,1275, 1278).
Through water, God can confer grace and mercy onto His most beloved creation. The Sacraments of Christian Initiation are the privileged path toward our Creator, and the Catholic Church is the steward of these great gifts. Through the Rite of Baptism, we are freed from original sin and born anew in the Spirit as children of the one, true God.
The Greek word baptizein means “to plunge” or “to immerse.” The Rite of Baptism, therefore, does something to the one being baptized; it is efficacious. Baptism immerses the body and soul of the one being baptized into water, and the person rises a new creature – more beautiful and perfect than before. Christians are buried with Christ so that we may rise again to new life with Him. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 5:3-4).
But faith needs a community of committed believers. Baptism plants the seed of faith, but it must be nourished by learned followers. This is why Saint Mary of the Lake is committed to not only sharing the gift of Baptism with its parishioners, but also developing a deeper and more informed faith with all those who wish to have their child baptized. In that light, parents who desire Baptism for their child must be parishioners at Saint Mary of the Lake, attend Mass at Saint Mary’s every Sunday (or Saturday at 4:30), and attend a mandatory baptismal preparation class. We are a family, and family requires commitment, attention, and mutual care. These requirements will be explained more in depth during the class.
Liturgical Ministries
Part of our mission is to create a space where all are welcome and to greet everyone with warmth and kindness. Saint Mary of the Lake is a place where we not only share our faith, but we embrace a vision of hope and love for our community! To learn more or get involved with our ministry click the (+) next to each ministry.
Altar Servers
Please contact the parish office via email or phone for more information on becoming an Altar Server.
Welcome Ministry
Welcome Ministry are hosts who put a face onto the parish by being the first person to greet all who enter Saint Mary of the Lake Church. Some who enter the church may be at home, others may be visiting. It is your goal to give them a warm welcome to the worship space. Please contact the parish office via email or phone for more information.
Music Ministry
Music ministry at Saint Mary of the Lake is vibrant and prayerful, providing the people of our community with joyful and prayerful experience. At the core of our music program are dedicated musicians, singers, and instrumentalists alike. Music Ministry at Saint Mary of Lake provides a unique opportunity to build community through the power of song.
Explore our music ministry opportunities below.
- 10:30am Choir – is held every Sunday at the 10:30am mass. All are welcome to join! Any person, any ability is welcome! No experience necessary. This group meets at 9:30am before mass for rehearsal. The group is comprised of university students, parishioners, and parish staff praying contemporary and traditional style of music accompanied by various instruments.
- Cantors and Instrumentalists – Saint Mary of the Lake welcomes those who would like to use their musical talents to lead liturgies and song. If you have experience cantoring or playing an instrument, please reach out to our Music Director for information on how to join our roster.
- Concerts – Check out the parish events tab for information on upcoming concerts at Saint Mary of the Lake. Recent concerts include, The Marion Consort, Wicker Park Singers, the Chicago Chamber Choir and many more.
For more information, or to get involved please contact Michael Ruzicki, Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy
Organ stop list and information can be found by clicking here.
Religious Education & RCIA
Our mission is to help you as parents/guardians to nurture and foster growth in the Catholic faith of you and your children. This is accomplished with help from Catechists/volunteers of our Parish who give of their time and talents.
- Sacramental Preparation for Children – is the process of welcoming all young people to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Please reach out to Sr. Claudia Sanchez.
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – is for those who have not been baptized; have been baptized in another Christian tradition; or have not had sacramental preparation. Please reach out to Marc Vega.
Ministry Contacts
Liturgical Ministries
- Altar Servers
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Lectors
- Livestream Ministry
- Music Ministry/Choir
- Ministers of Care to the Sick
- Sacristans
- Welcome Ministry (Greeters/Ushers)
Formation & Community
- Adult Confirmation
- Bible Study
- Children’s Religious Education
- Navigating Divorce
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Young Adult Ministry
Service & Outreach
- Laundry Ministry
- Wednesday Soup Kitchen & Sack Meals
- Sant’Egidio Community
Leadership Councils
- Parish Pastoral Council
- Parish Finance Council
- Endowment Committee
- Oversight Committee