Our parish community is a vibrant and active place, continuing the mission of Christ in all that we do. We are a warm and welcoming community which prides itself on embracing all that enter our doors. Whether you are searching, visiting, or have chosen to become part of our parish, we hope that you find a spiritual home here at St. Ben’s.
All are welcome to join us on April 24 at 7pm for a memorial Mass for Pope Francis.
On March 31, Father Robert Ryan was named as the next pastor of St. Benedict Parish by Cardinal Cupich. Father Ryan is currently serving as associate pastor at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. We are pleased to share Fr. Ryan’s introductory letter to the parish, and look forward to meeting him soon!
Dear St. Benedict Parish,
Grace and peace to you! I am both humbled and overjoyed to introduce myself as your new pastor. Last week, I received an unexpected call from Bishop Siemianowski on behalf of Cardinal Cupich, inviting me to serve as the Pastor of St. Benedict Parish. Being a priest is one of the greatest joys of my life, and now I am blessed with the honor of being your priest.
I grew up in Antioch, IL, and attended Michigan State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in 2007. After graduation, I began a career in sales and marketing with Dell Technologies and moved to Austin, TX. When the recession hit in 2012, I was laid off, and at my parents’ invitation, I returned home to Antioch.
My parents have always been my heroes. It was through their witness of faith that I rediscovered my own. A profound encounter with the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation reignited my love for the Church, and in January 2015, while on retreat at Mundelein Seminary, I heard the Lord speak to me from the Eucharist, inviting me to become His priest. I entered formation for the Archdiocese of Chicago that August, and I’ve never looked back.
Since my ordination in 2021, I have had the privilege of serving as the Associate Pastor at St. Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. Additionally, I completed advanced studies and earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in Dogmatics in 2023. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as Co-Director of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Chicago in 2024, assist the Vocation Office, and more recently, serve as an adjunct faculty member at Mundelein Seminary, working with seminarians in their first year of formation. But at the heart of it all, my greatest joy has always been — and will always be — serving as a parish priest.
I am incredibly grateful for this new chapter with the St. Ben’s community. My deepest desire is to love and serve you, to walk with you in faith, and to help us all grow closer to Jesus Christ as we strive to become saints together.
Please know that you are already in my prayers, and I ask that you keep me in yours as I prepare to join you. I look forward to meeting you all very soon.
In Christ’s Sacred Heart,
Fr. Robert Ryan
The Dad’s Group will be hosting Coffee, Community and an Open Gym after the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday, April 13th. Stop by after Mass and share in the fun.
Watch these true stories about Blessed Carlos Acutis who will be Canonized a Saint on April 27th. He loved computers, pokemon and Jesus.
On Friday, April 11th the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their last Fish Fry of 2025.
Come enjoy delicious cod fish, macaroni and chesse, cole slaw and their famous french fries.
Save the date for our Saint Andrew and St Benedict joing parish Mission. Sunday, March 30th and Monday, March 31st at Saint Andrew Parish. Read more here…
