Saint Ita Catholic Church

Saint Ita Catholic Church Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, Saint Ita Catholic Church stands as an architectural marvel and a vibrant center of faith and community life. Renowned for its French Gothic Revival design, the church is not only a place of worship but also a living testament to Chicago’s rich cultural and immigrant heritage. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of Saint Ita’s history, architecture, visiting hours, accessibility, and community role—making it an essential resource for anyone planning to explore this Chicago historical site (Edgewater Historical Society, Open House Chicago).

History and Cultural Significance
Architectural Highlights
Visiting Information
Community and Cultural Life
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit: Tips & Recommendations
Visual and Online Resources
Summary
References

History and Cultural Significance

Origins and Growth

Saint Ita Catholic Church was established in 1900 to serve the burgeoning Irish-American Catholic population of Edgewater. The parish’s first Mass was celebrated by Father John Crowe with 53 families in attendance, laying the foundation for what would become one of Chicago’s most architecturally and culturally significant churches. By the early 21st century, the parish had expanded to over 1,100 families, reflecting both the growth of Edgewater and the evolving diversity of its residents (Edgewater Historical Society).

A Multicultural Parish

While rooted in Irish Catholic tradition, Saint Ita has continually adapted to serve its changing community. The church now offers Mass in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, and welcomes parishioners from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Saint Ita’s evolution from an ethnic parish to a multicultural hub mirrors the broader story of Chicago’s neighborhoods (Choose Chicago, Mother of God Parish).

Community Engagement

Saint Ita has long been a center for social outreach, hosting food drives, clothing collections, and programs supporting immigrants and refugees. The church also provides religious education, youth ministry, and community events, ensuring its relevance for generations of Chicagoans (Mother of God Parish, Coffee with Damian).

Architectural Highlights

Vision and Design

The current church, completed in 1927, is the masterpiece of architect Henry J. Schlacks, who drew inspiration from French Gothic cathedrals, notably those at Chartres and Brou (Open House Chicago, Living Nomads). The exterior of Saint Ita features:

A 120-foot bell tower: A defining element of the Edgewater skyline.
Bedford limestone construction: The walls are four feet thick and weigh more than 1,800 tons.
Ornate stonework: Including pointed arches, tracery, and detailed carvings.

Interior Features

Inside, Saint Ita is renowned for:

Stained glass windows: Over 200,000 pieces, crafted primarily in blue hues, create a luminous atmosphere. The rose window, measuring over 20 feet in diameter, is a highlight (Edgewater Historical Society).
Vaulted ceilings and ribbed arches: Lending grandeur and a sense of verticality.
Marble and carved wood altars: Alongside Celtic and religious motifs, honoring the church’s Irish heritage.
Pipe organ: A 4,500-pipe organ, installed in 1951, is used for regular recitals and special liturgies.

Symbolic Details

A black stone from Saint Ita’s original convent in Ireland is embedded in the cornerstone, symbolizing the parish’s spiritual and historical connection to its namesake (Edgewater Historical Society).
The initial “M” carved into the stonework commemorates Cardinal Mundelein’s support during construction.

Visiting Information

Hours & Admission

Hours: Saint Ita is generally open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Some sources note extended hours; check the official parish website for the most current schedule.
Admission: Entry is free. Donations are appreciated to support preservation and outreach (Choose Chicago).

Accessibility

The church is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available (Edgewater Historical Society).

Guided Tours & Photography

Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment and during special events (Catholic Church Tours). For group visits, contact the parish office.
Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted except during services. For professional or group photography, request permission in advance.

Directions & Parking

Address: 5500 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Public Transit: Easily accessible via the CTA Red Line (Bryn Mawr station) and multiple bus routes (Wikipedia).
Parking: Street parking is available but limited; public transit is recommended, especially during events.

Community and Cultural Life

Saint Ita Catholic Church is more than an architectural landmark—it is a hub for worship, culture, and service. The parish regularly hosts concerts, festivals, social outreach programs, and support groups. Its choir and organ performances are celebrated citywide, and the church’s multicultural events offer a window into Chicago’s vibrant community life (Mass Times Near Me).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM. Confirm on the parish website for holiday or special event changes.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: No, entry is free and open to all.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment or during special events. Contact the parish office for details.

Q: Is the church accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Yes, except during services. Please avoid flash and be respectful.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited street parking is available; public transit is recommended.

Planning Your Visit: Tips & Recommendations

Best Time to Visit: Afternoons offer the most vibrant stained glass illumination.
Experience Music: Attend an organ recital or choir performance for the full effect of Saint Ita’s acoustics.
Dress Code: Modest attire and respectful conduct are encouraged, especially during services.
Explore the Neighborhood: Edgewater is home to historic districts, unique eateries, and lakefront parks—make a day of your visit.

Visual and Online Resources

Official Website: Saint Ita Parish Website
Virtual Tours and Maps: Available via the parish website and Edgewater Historical Society.
Chicago Tourism Map: Choose Chicago
Image Gallery:

Summary

Saint Ita Catholic Church is an iconic Chicago historical site—a masterpiece of French Gothic Revival architecture, a beacon of cultural diversity, and a dynamic center for worship and community service. With its soaring tower, luminous stained glass, and welcoming ethos, Saint Ita offers visitors a deeply enriching experience. Whether you are drawn by history, architecture, music, or spiritual reflection, a visit to Saint Ita promises to be both memorable and inspiring (Edgewater Historical Society, Choose Chicago).

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