Augustinian St. Rita Parish in Chicago to merge with nearby St. Clare of Montefalco

St. Rita of Cascia Parish, located at 6243 S Fairfield Ave

St. Clare of Montefalco, located at 5443 S Washtenaw Ave

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced yesterday evening that it had accepted the recommendation of the Renew My Church Commission to make two major consolidations among parishes on Chicago’s southwest side.

Effective July 1, 2020 St. Clare of Montefalco will become part of the Augustinian parish of St. Rita of Cascia and will operate as a chapel of St. Rita Parish. St. Rita of Cascia will remain the parish church, where the business office and records are kept.

The Augustinians serving St. Rita of Cascia will continue to lead the parish, whose mission will expand to include St. Clare of Montefalco. Fr. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A. will continue to serve as Pastor of St. Rita and St. Clare Chapel. The community of Capuchin Franciscan Friars who currently serve at St. Clare of Montefalco will continue to support pastoral ministry in the surrounding neighborhood. The Augustinians have served St. Rita Parish since its foundation in 1905.

The Diocesan St. Simon the Apostle Parish will also become part of St. Gall Parish, effective July 10, 2020, operating as a chapel of St. Gall Parish.