The Oak Park Parish Communities Celebrated African American Heritage - February 14, 2026

February is African American Heritage Month - Our Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors gathered on February 14, 2026, for a special traditional Mass and celebration of the African American Heritage within the communities.

Why is it important? Because African American History is Catholic History. The faith, courage, music, and witness of African American Catholics have deeply shaped the Church in the United States and continue to enrich our worship today. Are you aware that one of our saints in the making is Venerable Augustus Tolton, an African American Catholic who carried the gospel with courage, creativity, and hope in the face of injustice? He was the first openly Black Catholic priest in the United States and served as a parish priest in Chicago.

This celebration is not just about honoring the past, but about recognizing the living Body of Christ among us now. It reminds us that the Church is truly catholic - universal - and that we are strongest when every voice and gift is honored. This annual celebration was a long-standing tradition at Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy. Our recent participation in this celebration is one of the many blessings received as a result of the unification of our parishes.

Why did we attend? In a time of division and injustice, gathering for prayer is a powerful act of unity and hope. This Mass invited us to listen, give thanks, and renew our commitment to dignity, justice, and love. We came together to honor the gifts of African American Catholics, to show that we stand for dignity, justice, and inclusion, and that we believe the Eucharist makes us one. We celebrated, prayed, and grew together as communities of faith, hope, and love in Christ. A light reception followed at the back of the Church.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish

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Livestreamed Mass at 4:30 PM - St. Giles Church

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