Welcome to our parish community, a friendly place on the Fox River where people gather to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and walk together in faith. We draw strength from Scripture and the living witness of the Church, inspired by Hebrews 12:1-2 to lay aside what hinders us and run the race with joy.
Located in southeastern McHenry County near Chicago, our parish serves about 3,092 registered families. Saint Margaret Mary offers worship, formation, and service for all ages, including a Catholic elementary school from preschool through eighth grade and close ties with Marian Central High School.
Whether new, returning, or visiting, you will find clear schedules for Mass, confession, and devotions, plus chances for prayer, adoration, and community life that nourish the whole family. Come belong to a community with a generous heart that welcomes you into regular rhythms of prayer and charity.
Key Takeaways
- One welcoming parish on the Fox River serving about 3,092 households.
- Rooted in Scripture and centered on running the race of faith together.
- Offers preschool–8th grade education and ties to Marian Central High School.
- Clear access to Mass times, confession, devotions, and parish events.
- A warm community life aimed at prayer, service, and belonging.
St Mary Margaret Catholic Church: Mass, Confession, and Devotions
Daily and weekend liturgies at our parish provide steady moments of prayer for busy families and individuals. Use the schedule below to pick a Mass time that fits your day and to join devotions in English or Polish.
Weekday Mass Schedule
Weekday Masses run Monday–Thursday at 6:45 AM and 8:30 AM. Fridays offer 6:45 AM plus seasonal school and summer times (9:15 AM during the school year; 8:30 AM in June–August).
First Friday includes a Polish Mass at 7:30 PM. Saturday morning Mass is at 8:30 AM.
Weekend Masses
Saturday vigil Mass is 4:30 PM with a 6:30 PM Polish liturgy. Sunday services are 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM, plus a 1:00 PM Polish Mass. A 4:30 PM Sunday Mass runs from the second weekend in September through the third weekend in May.
Holy Day of Obligation: Assumption
Vigil: Thursday, August 14 at 6:00 PM. Day options include 6:45 AM, 9:15 AM, 6:00 PM, and a 7:30 PM Polish Mass. (An alternate listing notes 8:45 AM and 12 Noon on August 15.)
Reconciliation and How to Prepare
Confession times: Tuesdays 6:00–7:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00–10:00 AM and 3:00–4:00 PM. Come with a brief examen, contrition, and a resolve to amend your life.
Adoration and Weekly Devotions
Adoration: Monday 8:00–9:00 PM (chapel with Benediction); Wednesday exposition from 9:00 AM until Thursday 7:00 AM; overnight Wednesday 9:00 AM to Thursday 6:30 AM; Fridays 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (chapel with Benediction).
Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena meet Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, with Mass on the first Tuesday.
Accessibility
Low-gluten hosts are available; please receive from the priest in the center aisle to ensure full participation in the Eucharist.
| Type | Days | Typical Times |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mass | Mon–Thu, Fri, Sat | 6:45 AM, 8:30 AM; Fri seasonal 8:30/9:15 AM; Sat 8:30 AM |
| Weekend Mass | Sat & Sun | Sat 4:30 PM; Sat Polish 6:30 PM; Sun 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, Polish 1:00 PM, Sun 4:30 PM (seasonal) |
| Reconciliation | Tues & Sat | Tues 6:00–7:00 PM; Sat 9:00–10:00 AM, 3:00–4:00 PM |
| Adoration & Devotions | Mon, Wed–Thu, Tue, Fri | Mon 8:00–9:00 PM; Wed 9:00 AM–Thu 7:00 AM; Tue Rosary/Novena 7:30 PM; Fri 10:00 AM–6:00 PM |
Experience st mary margaret catholic church: Faith, Community, and Welcome
Discover ways to grow in faith through community events, formation programs, and prayer initiatives. Our parish calendar highlights gatherings for adults and kids, short formation evenings, and practical service opportunities that welcome every family.
Upcoming events and parish news highlights
Stay current with quick updates: Catholic Singles Mingle, That Man Is You! (TMIY), and the SHE program offer formation and fellowship.
Key community dates include the Knights of Columbus Blood Drive on September 28 (8:00 AM–1:00 PM, McDonnell Hall) and discernment events with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
Parish-wide Rosary initiative honoring Our Lady of Fatima
Join our push to pray 2,025 Rosaries at each MSHJ location from May 13–October 13, 2025. Clipboards in the back of the church track prayers. Offer intentions and help our community grow in steady, simple devotion.
“Pray the Rosary frequently, asking Our Lady to bring peace and conversion.”
School and Family Faith Formation: Growing in heart and faith
Saint margaret mary School fosters academics, virtue, and service from preschool through eighth grade. GATHER Family Faith Formation welcomes children not in Catholic school; at least one parent attends with the child.
Stewardship and parish life: Serving together as one family
Our stewardship snapshot shows progress on the school building loan and regular offertory support. Small acts of giving fund ministries like the St. Dymphna Mental Health Ministry and mission appeals.
- Volunteer or join a ministry: Rosary Makers, Prayer Shawl, Polish Choir, or Knights events.
- Attend adoration, outdoor rosaries, or the Hour of Reparations to deepen prayer life.
- Look for job openings like Coordinator of Youth Ministry and parish data collection efforts.
| Event | Date / Time | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knights Blood Drive | Sep 28, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM | Service & Outreach | McDonnell Hall |
| Outdoor Rosary | Aug 18, 7:00 PM | Community Prayer | Church Grounds |
| Rosary Makers | Aug 19, 9:15 AM | Ministry Crafting | Ministry Center, Room 6 |
| Family Faith Formation (GATHER) | Ongoing (Preschool–HS) | Parent-Child Formation | Ministry Center / School |
Visit and Connect with Our Parish Office
Need help with sacraments or schedules? The parish office team is ready to guide you. Stop by or call for quick answers about registration, ministries, and facility use.
Contact details and urgent pastoral assistance
If you have an urgent pastoral need after regular hours, call 224-509-8340 to reach one of our priests. For routine matters, the office handles sacramental records, event requests, and ministry contacts.
Location in McHenry County along the Fox River
Find us along the Fox River in southeastern McHenry County, convenient to nearby collar counties of Chicago. Plan your visit for worship, meetings, or to speak with staff about baptisms, weddings, or funerals.
- Ask the office about current liturgy and ministry hours, meeting spaces, and ways to serve.
- Our friendly team helps new families register, set up giving, and connect to formation and service opportunities.
Conclusion
, We invite your family to make this parish a spiritual home where worship, formation, and service meet daily. Come join activities that fit busy schedules and help you grow in prayer and charity.
At margaret mary we place community at the heart of every ministry. Use this page as your go-to guide for schedules, devotions, events, and office contacts so you can engage fully in parish life.
As we walk together, may the Lord draw us closer through the sacraments and simple acts of love. May Our Lady intercede for us as we follow her Son with joy.
FAQ
What are the regular weekday Mass times?
Weekday Masses are offered Monday through Friday with a morning liturgy and an evening option on select days. Check the parish office schedule for exact start times and any holiday adjustments.
When are weekend Masses held, and is there a Polish-language liturgy?
Weekend Masses include Saturday vigil and multiple Sunday celebrations to serve families and visitors. A Polish-language Mass is scheduled periodically—consult the parish bulletin or call the office for the current weekend roster.
How does the parish observe Holy Days like the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Holy Days of obligation are marked with vigil and day Masses to accommodate working schedules. The parish typically offers both evening and morning options so parishioners can fulfill the obligation and participate in communal prayer.
When is Reconciliation available and how should I prepare?
Confession times are posted weekly and include scheduled communal and private opportunities. Prepare by examining your conscience, offering sincere contrition, and planning a brief confession of sins. The priest will guide you through absolution.
Are there times for Adoration, the Rosary, and Novena devotions?
The parish hosts weekly Adoration and group recitations of the Rosary, plus periodic Novena prayers for special intentions. These devotional hours are open to all and are listed in the bulletin and on the parish website.
Is low-gluten Communion available for those with dietary needs?
Low-gluten hosts are provided for parishioners with medical or liturgical requirements. Please speak with the celebrant or notify the sacristan before Mass so accommodations can be made respectfully.
How can I learn about upcoming parish events and news?
The parish bulletin, email newsletter, and parish website post event details and news highlights. You can also follow parish social channels or call the parish office to get on the mailing list.
What is the parish Rosary initiative honoring Our Lady of Fatima?
The initiative invites families and groups to pray the Rosary together on scheduled days in May and October and during special anniversary observances. It aims to deepen devotion and foster community participation.
What family faith formation programs are offered for children and teens?
The parish provides religious education, sacramental preparation, and family faith activities designed to engage children, teens, and parents. Programs balance classroom learning, prayer, and service opportunities.
How can I get involved in stewardship and parish service?
Parishioners are encouraged to serve through liturgical ministries, outreach programs, and volunteer teams. Contact the stewardship coordinator or parish office to discover opportunities that match your gifts and schedule.
How do I reach the parish office for general questions or urgent pastoral assistance?
The parish office lists phone hours and an emergency contact number for urgent pastoral needs. For routine requests, call or email during office hours; for emergencies, follow the emergency contact instructions posted on the parish website.
Where is the parish located in McHenry County along the Fox River?
The parish sits in McHenry County near the Fox River corridor, with detailed driving directions and parking information available on the parish website and in the bulletin. Public transit options and accessibility details are also provided.