We have gathered one by one, household by household passing through the "parish doors" of St. Ailbe "greeting one another, taking our places in this room constructed for the family of God. Here we are home".... as others have been  generations before us. (Passage Bernadin's Pastoral letter 2/84)

Let us look back. Imagine a rapidly changing society, a new technology evolving into the 1880's - the wonder of electrical lights - the introduction of telephones - the development of the cable car, railroad and motor driven cars. Beyond the town, the suburbs, acre after acre of prairie and marchland, the monotony only broken by winding Indian trails and isolated cottages scattered here and there. There was no pavement, no macadamized streets, no drainage, most houses were timber - painted white, defaced by mud and roads were often impassable, except in the winter when dried by the sun and pulverized dust penetrated the air (Chicago Historical Society). St. Ailbe is now located in the suburban region in what was once called the Village of Hyde Park in Calumet District. On June 29, 1889, the voters of Chicago elected to join the city to the suburban districts.

In such diverse times the most remarkable event was the unchanging constant faith of the people, as they assembled in their neighborhoods to worship Sunday after Sunday. "The Church survives every transition for the Lord has promised that it will endure until the end of time" 

"For we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7).

St. Ailbe parish in the New Millennium has emerged as a vibrant African 
American Catholic Church. In praise of the Lord they celebrate their Rich 
Cultural Heritage as African American Catholics. The gifted miracle of their 
Gospel song (The African American gift to American Churches) and beautiful 
voices are offered up to God every Sunday. Throughout the years they have 
rolled up their sleeves, endlessly worked in a variety of ministries, held 
many successful fundraisers that always exceeded their financial expected 
goals. Reaching the goal for  "The First Fruits and The Freedom Campaign" 
has allowed St. Ailbe - freedom from debt and freedom to renovate. With 
the same commitment and willingness to give of their time and treasures 
they have formed a loving spiritual family for the children, the teens, the 
young adults, the older adults and seniors of St. Ailbe. St. Ailbe has 
become one of the largest African American Catholic congregations in the 
entire Archdiocese of Chicago 

St. Ailbe was founded November 5, 1892 and the area was called 'Stony Point' due to a nearby quarry. Over time, this Church and its  people have become the cornerstone of something wonderful on the Southeast Side 

The present Church of St. Ailbe was dedicated on August 1955 By Cardinal Samuel Stritch

During the next years the Parish grew  In 1966-1991, St. Ailbe parish 
began its change from Irish and Polish to African American.  

September 1, 1991, Father John Breslin  was appointed Pastor of St. Ailbe Church.  For the past eleven years, with Fr. John Breslin at the helm, St. Ailbe parish and school have been revitalized. Some examples of the changes that Father John, and the congregation,  have implemented are the 30 ministries formed in St. Ailbe. They vary from religious  instructions to assistance for the homebound, elderly, homeless, others in need, to organized tours of historically Black Colleges. Father John has renamed the remodeled rooms in the church hall after the seven principles of Kwanzaa, an African inspired holiday, and he uses those same principles as themes for his rousing sermons. He has encouraged the choirs to expand their repertoire with gospel Music and contemporary Christian music. The Children’s Choir, are the church and school's little ambassadors. Their popularity has grown to the point that they have been invited to sing all over the state. In  addition, Father John spearheaded a Church supported  project that... entailed building a 154 unit Senior Citizen housing facility on 93rd and Kimbark as well as an ADULT DAY SERVICES with Mrs. Charlyne McFarland as Director. These buildings are managed by Catholic Charities. This building will also house a library, meeting  rooms, and a garden area. "I want to honor the jewels of the church. They could teach the children lessons that you don’t find in school books" (Breslin)

The Church has undergone a face-lift. Prior to the renovation, the 
alter was set far apart from the pews (where the congregation sits 
during mass) and priest seemed isolated from the congregation. 
Now the altar is situated in the middle of the church among the pews. 
"The atmosphere of the Church is more inviting".  

The St. Ailbe People have been a people... "Rooted in Faith - Strengthened by Love"... for many years and will continue to be such, for many, many years in the future.