After Cathy suffered several strokes confining her to a wheelchair and impairing her speech, we had to look for a new home to meet her needs. We found an adult community in Woodstock, Illinois called Serenity Creek.

We moved in August of 2006 and immediately started looking for a new parish. We were active in a variety of ministries over the years in a large north suburban Chicago parish.

We located the parish nearest our new home but found it to be unable to accommodate Cathy’s handicapped needs. Continuing our search, we discovered Resurrection Catholic Church on Country Club Road while out for an afternoon drive. The church stands alone in a beautiful forest setting. When we entered, we were greeted by a woman parishioner, who after hearing our story, offered to lead a communion service for us in the chapel. So began our love affair with Resurrection Catholic Church.

The following Saturday we decided to attend the 5:00 PM mass and misjudging the time and distance, we entered the church several minutes late. Father Glen Baptiste was beginning to process to the altar when he spotted us discretely trying to find a pew. He stopped, turned and smiling at us, offered his hand and a warm welcome. He then invited the congregation to come and meet the Halls. To our astonishment many, if not all, came to greet us. That day we knew the Holy Spirit had led us to a very special place.

The following Sunday we officially became new members of Resurrection Parish. The first Sunday of every month, with my assistance, Cathy serves Holy Communion at the 10:30 AM mass. Being a Eucharistic minister was something she dearly missed and through the inclusiveness of the parish it has been restored to her.

We have found a deeper spirituality and many good friends at Resurrection Catholic Church. It is a very special place in which to serve our risen Christ.

– Jim and Cathy Hall

Our Place of Worship

Our Church building is designed to be a warm worship space that brings in the beauty of the nature that surrounds us.

IMG_0017Architectural Style

Resurrection Parish’s home was designed by architect Mark Zinni of Mark Zinni Architects, Ltd. of Oak Park, Illinois. Mr. Zinni studied architecture in Europe and was highly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Interior

As you enter the building, you become aware that the inside is out and the outside is in. Every effort has been made to take advantage of the beautiful wooded setting to join the mysteries of creation and the incarnation with the celebration of the Redemption we experience and share within. Our community center provides space for classrooms and an adaptable center court for gatherings and dinners.  The building also houses the parish offices, Resurrection Chapel, and the Blessed Sacrament chapel along with the Worship Space.

The Worship Space
IMG_0041
Our primary worship space is beautiful in its simplicity and attention to detail.  The space is dominated by the figure of Christ’s resurrection on our south wall, an image designed by Jerzy Kenar of Chicago. The metamorphosis from death to life is seen as the Christ figure rises through the bands of cloth to life with God. One hand is raised to God, the other is down to assist us on our way.

The east wall is the highest point of the space. The east, with the rising sun/Son, is a symbol of the Resurrection, the mystery to which the parish is dedicated.  The west wall, with the windows both high and low, allow more of the beauty of sky and earth into the space. The south wall contains the only stained glass window in the space, emphasizing the presence of God in the midst of the assembly. The image is titled “Vessels Sharing in the Divine Presence” and shows the Spirit descending. The Holy Spirit is the gift of the Resurrection and is the guiding force behind all parish activities.  To the right of the doors on the north wall is a cross created by Ward Swenson for Good Friday veneration, and the focal point for the Stations for the Cross.

IMG_0037The furnishings within the Worship Space were originally designed by Father Michael Mas, CR for the seminary chapel in St. Louis. Upon its closure, these pieces were retrieved for use in this space. The legs of the altar, the ambo, the candle sticks and processional cross stand are all crosses, reminding us that our life in faith is built on the mystery of the cross-to-resurrection life. The baptismal font is octagonal, reminding us of the Eighth Day of resurrection life. It is made of limestone with a cruciform design at the bottom to reflect our death and burial in baptism with Christ.