St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church building anniversary

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee, founded in 1912, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the dedication of its church building with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop David Malloy on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 11:30am.

“All former and present members of the church are invited to celebrate this momentous occasion at Mass with Bishop Malloy, followed by the parish and school picnic located on the west lawn,” said Reverend John McNamara, pastor, St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and St. Mary Church in Gilberts. “The event will include a fun day of fellowship, food, music, and children’s activities.”

Guests will enjoy burgers, brats, hot dogs, roasted corn, baked beans, pasta salad, desserts and beverages.

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church was founded on July 8, 1912 at the current site of the Dundee Township Historical Society at 426 Highland Avenue in West Dundee. In 1927, St. Catherine's first school building was constructed on Highland Avenue in West Dundee, consisting of four classrooms with an enrollment of 65 students. Over the years, additional rooms were added to accommodate increased enrollment. In 1965, a new school was completed at its present site. The Mass and sacraments were celebrated in the school gymnasium until the present Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church building was built in 1984.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church is located at 845 West Main Street in West Dundee. St. Mary Church is located at Matteson Street and Galligan Road in Gilberts.

For more information call the St. Catherine of Siena parish office at 847-426-2217.

About Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
Patron Saint
The Church was named in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the greatest of all Christian mystics, advisor to popes, loving nurse to the sick and author of The Dialogue - a collection of her letters and prayers. Catherine died at the age of 33. She was canonized a saint in 1461 and in 1970 she was declared a Doctor of the Church because of the influence of her mysticism and spiritual writings. She is honored in the parish with a statue in the Narthex and an exterior statue at the main entrance of the Church.
History
On July 8, 1912 the first Mass in Dundee was said by Father Lonergan in the Hunt Building on the northeast corner of Main and Second Street with 35 people present. On May 30, 1914, the first Church on Highland Avenue in West Dundee was dedicated. A part of the Mass was celebrated in Italian.
The Church Today
On Sunday, September 9, 1984, the new Church was dedicated by Bishop O’Neill of Rockford, the result of the faith and sacrifice of parish members. The stained glass windows proclaim faith and community. Celebrating its 112th anniversary this year, it is a vibrant parish that has grown from 5 families in 1912 to over 2000 families registered today. Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee is a beacon to: “Be Loving. Be Faithful. Be St. Catherine’s.” for its parish members, community and the Diocese of Rockford.