People make parish

In 1957, German and Irish Catholics who lived in Carpentersville's Meadowdale subdivision founded St. Monica Catholic Church.

Fifty years later, the church has grown to include hundreds of Carpentersville Catholics and a large Hispanic population.

More than 150 parishioners, some who have been with the church since the beginning, gathered in St. Monica's on Saturday to celebrate the 50 years the church has been in the community.

"We are here because of you -- because it is the people that make the parish," said St. Monica's former pastor, the Rev. Uriel Lopez, during his homily.

The Mass marked the beginning of the church's anniversary celebrations. A dinner was held after the Mass to honor parishioners who have been members for 40 years or more.

Many of the longtime members attended the Mass. About 25 stood up when St. Monica's pastor, the Rev. Moises Apostol, asked parishioners who had been with the church for at least 40 years to rise.

"Your example has inspired me to keep this parish alive," said Apostol, who has been St. Monica's pastor since November 2006. "I am just 11 months and five days with you, but I feel the excitement of being a parishioner at St. Monica's."

Lopez, the church's former pastor, hinted at the ongoing debate over illegal immigration in Carpentersville -- and held up St. Monica's as an example of what can happen when the Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities work together.

"It is not about driving people out. It is about making room for each other," Lopez said. "It is about recognizing the other as my brother, my sister -- no matter how they look."

The celebration continues today with a 9:30 a.m. Mass officiated by Bishop Thomas Doran of the Rockford Diocese, followed by a reception in St. Monica's hall.