Welcome to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish

Formally established in 1955, our parish owes its earliest beginnings to Saint Frances Cabrini, who helped foster the growing Catholic community in this area in the early days of the 20^th Century when Park Ridge was mostly farmland.  Today, we are a thriving community of over 2000 households, inspired in worship and service by the Second Vatican Council.

Not long ago, our parish school set “God’s love is all around us” as its theme for the year.  One of the first things you’ll notice when walking into our church are the words of Scripture from our stained glass windows, designed by a founding member.  The quotations on the windows remind us that God’s word is alive in us.  Through worship, service, and shared faith we show forth the love of Christ entrusted to us.

As we leave church, we read, “I am the Vine, you are the branches,” moving us to bring this love out into the community by living the Gospel through ministries like Operation Friendship, which aids Epiphany Parish, our sharing parish; Julia Center, a local Catholic outreach center; and Solidarity Bridge, our Lenten almsgiving project that benefits medical missions in Bolivia.

From the Scripture on our windows to the many opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, justice, healing and reconciliation, our parish strives to be intentional in living the life of faith.  

I invite you to explore this website to discover the community of Mary, Seat of Wisdom.  Here you will find information on parish life, celebrating the sacraments, learning how to participate in one or more of our 70 ministries and activities, as well as contact information for parish staff and the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Join with us as we accept the challenge of Gospel living.

Fr. Jerry Gunderson