Lay Apostolates & Organizations
LIVING OUR FAITH IN SERVICE & COMMUNITY
Several lay apostolates and organizations have a home here at Old St. Mary’s and offer opportunities to grow in faith, build relationships, and put love into action. These groups are open to new members and welcome inquiries. Whether you want to deepen your prayer life, serve others, or connect with fellow parishioners, there is a place for you.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights are a Catholic fraternal organization committed to charity, unity, and service. The Knights of Columbus St. Cabrini Council 182 has long been a faithful partner in the life of Old St. Mary’s. Founded in Chicago in 1896, Council 182 is the oldest Knights of Columbus council west of the Allegheny Mountains and the first council established in Illinois.
For more than a century, its members have put faith into action through prayer, fellowship, charitable service, and support for the parish and wider community. Rooted in the Knights’ principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, Council 182 continues a proud tradition of serving others and strengthening the Catholic faith in Chicago.
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic organization whose members seek to grow in holiness through prayer, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and works of service. At Old St. Mary’s, the Legion offers a welcoming way to deepen one’s faith while bringing Christ’s compassion and care to others in the parish and community. The Legion of Mary meets on Friday evenings. All are welcome to learn more and join in prayer and service.
Paulist Associates
Paulist Associates are lay people who are drawn to the spirituality and mission of the Paulist Fathers. Inspired by Servant of God Isaac Hecker and attentive to the Holy Spirit, they seek to bring the Gospel into everyday life through prayer, ongoing formation, community, and service.
Following a period of discernment and formation, Associates make an annual promise to share in the Paulist mission. They gather regularly to pray, reflect on Scripture and Paulist spirituality, and encourage one another in living the Paulist charisms of evangelization, reconciliation, Christian unity, and interfaith understanding.
Paulist Associates are not members of the Paulist Fathers, but they share deeply in its ideals and mission.