Who we are
St. James the Greater in Sauk Village, Illinois is a Catholic congregation serving the Sauk Village community and surrounding area. We are now part of the All Souls Catholic Parish together with St. Ann Church in Lansing, IL. We are seeking, engaging, and encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey.
We seek to be a loving, friendly community that worships God, and serves others. We place a high priority on teaching from the Bible and following the example of Jesus.
Our vision is to impact and renew Sauk Village and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.
Come as you are - we'd love to get to know you.
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We seek to be a loving, friendly community that worships God, and serves others. We place a high priority on teaching from the Bible and following the example of Jesus.
Our vision is to impact and renew Sauk Village and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.
Come as you are - we'd love to get to know you.
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Church Website
St. James the Greater Catholic Church on Social Media
Facebook Video: St. James the Greater Catholic Church Facebook Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Mark Kalema Â
Leader Position:
Pastor Â
Formal Title:
Father Â
Phone:
Fax:
(708) 895-6877 Â
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Rev. Mark Kalema Â
Parking
Ample Parking Lot Â
St. James the Greater Catholic Church Mass Times
Mass Schedule
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 AM
Holy Days: Check Website Calendar
Saturday: 5:30 PM
​Sunday: 9:00 AM
Reconciliation
Fridays 3:00 PM
It's been more than 2 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 AM
Holy Days: Check Website Calendar
Saturday: 5:30 PM
​Sunday: 9:00 AM
Reconciliation
Fridays 3:00 PM
It's been more than 2 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Worship Languages
English Â
Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
Local outreach & community activities
Food Pantry--Tuesdays 10AM-12PM Â
Other activities & ministries
Queen of Heaven Quilters
Prayer Shawl Ministry Â
Prayer Shawl Ministry Â
Special Needs/Accessibility
ADA compliant. Â
Prayers and Hymns
Main Bible:
Catholic Bible Â
Other information
St. James the Greater Catholic Church History
St. James Catholic Church began in 1839 on Sauk Trail in Sauk Village (then called Strassburg). This was one of the oldest parishes in the then Diocese of Chicago (actually #7). In fact the parish is actually five years younger than the City of Chicago and one year older than the Chicago Archdiocese itself. The parish was formed in 1839 and the first two church buildings were destroyed by lightening. The last church at this site was built in 1875 and was struck by tornadic winds which toppled the steeple in 1940 nearly destroying the church for a 3rd time.
This was one of the oldest buildings in Bloom Township and was the first place in the area where Christian worship took place in 1839.
Talandis Brothers, they were building homes in what became Sauk Village in 1957, donated some land in 1960 to St. James Church to build a 4th new church.
It wasn't until 1961 when the St. James was fully elevated cannonically to a "parish" status by the Archdiocese and Rev. Paul L. Didier was appointed Pastor. By 1962 the current church building was built and the old church was decommissioned and shuttered.
Through the generosity of St. James Church in 1970, the church donated the building to the Village to use as a Community Center. By 1973 the Center was modified and made ready for the Village. It served as Community Center until the 1990s when it was once again shuttered because of the cost needed to make repairs.
In 2000 the Village sold the property in hopes of building a Hotel and razed one of the oldest landmarks in Southern Cook County.
To date, 15 years later, the property is now vacant and all of the old trees cut down... was this "progress" or simply the destruction of history? The nearly 200 year old cemetery is still in use as a Catholic Cemetery. Some of the oldest graves dating back to the mid 1800s.
By Joseph Wiszowaty
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Talandis Brothers, they were building homes in what became Sauk Village in 1957, donated some land in 1960 to St. James Church to build a 4th new church.
It wasn't until 1961 when the St. James was fully elevated cannonically to a "parish" status by the Archdiocese and Rev. Paul L. Didier was appointed Pastor. By 1962 the current church building was built and the old church was decommissioned and shuttered.
Through the generosity of St. James Church in 1970, the church donated the building to the Village to use as a Community Center. By 1973 the Center was modified and made ready for the Village. It served as Community Center until the 1990s when it was once again shuttered because of the cost needed to make repairs.
In 2000 the Village sold the property in hopes of building a Hotel and razed one of the oldest landmarks in Southern Cook County.
To date, 15 years later, the property is now vacant and all of the old trees cut down... was this "progress" or simply the destruction of history? The nearly 200 year old cemetery is still in use as a Catholic Cemetery. Some of the oldest graves dating back to the mid 1800s.
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Help me pray
Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.
Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.
St. James the Greater Catholic Church listing was last updated on the 12th of March, 2022