The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels establishes a Catholic presence in the West Humboldt Park area on Chicago’s west side. This area is presently one of the poorest neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. The purpose of the Mission is twofold: to assist the materially poor and to share the treasure of our Catholic Faith. ASSISTANCE TO THE MATERIALLY POOR INCLUDES:
-Food Pantry- The Mission curre
ntly provides food to about 700 families each month.
-Distribution of Clothing/ Household Goods- Gently used clothing as well as furniture and household goods are distributed at set times as well as for emergencies.
-Emergency Assistance- The Mission provides emergency food, material assistance, and referencing to other agencies as requested.
-Afterschool Programming- Approximately 900 youth participate in a variety of afterschool, evening and summers programs, many of which are in partnership with the YMCA and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
-Senior Citizens Programming- Each week the Mission hosts between 30-40 seniors for a program which includes: exercise, computer classes, a Bible study, and lunch.
-Community Dinners- The Mission’s newest outreach strives to provide a safe, healthy, and wholesome environment for the families in our neighborhood. The community dinners give the neighbors an opportunity to pray, enjoy a nutritious meal, and foster healthy family and community relationships based on Christian values.
-Special Events- The Mission hosts several special events each year including block parties, a Thanksgiving party, and a Christmas party. OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE TREASURES OF OUR FAITH INCLUDE:
-Retreats- Using the former convent building, the Mission provides space for various retreat opportunities
-Street Evangelization- During the summer we regularly close the street to host block parties and provide a safe, supervised play area for the children in the neighborhood. During these times, we have the opportunity to share the treasures of our faith.
-Preaching- Fr. Bob and the Franciscans of the Eucharist go out to speak at parishes and other Catholic/ Christian groups regularly.
-Summer Bible Camps- The Mission hosts Bible camps for the neighborhood children several weeks every summer.
-Eucharistic Adoration- Building to Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, the Mission hosts times for volunteers (and soon our neighbors) to join us in prayer to and with our Eucharistic Lord. We believe if you can’t see Jesus in the Eucharist, you can’t see Him in the poor.
