Irish Heritage

Celebrating Chicago’s Irish Heritage with Old St. Pat’s

Founded in 1846, Old St. Patrick’s became Chicago’s first English-speaking Catholic church, established by Irish immigrants. This dedicated community came together to celebrate Mass, preserve their heritage, and raise the funds to build the church, which opened in 1856. Today, it remains the oldest church building in Chicago.

The church’s Irish roots are beautifully reflected in its intricate Celtic art and the stunning stained glass windows crafted by Thomas O’Shaughnessy. Having survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Old St. Patrick’s has been a cornerstone of every St. Patrick’s celebration since the tradition began in the city.

This February and March, join us in honoring our remarkable history, which has shaped Old St. Pat’s into a thriving center for faith, culture, and community for nearly 180 years.

Mass on St. Patrick's Day
Monday, March 17, 2025 12:10 PM
The Feast of St. Patrick. Our regular midday Mass with added music. Livestream available.

St. Patrick’s Day Community Celebration
Sunday, March 16, 2025 11:00 AM Mass
Come celebrate our patron saint as a community with our choirs, Irish traditional instrumentalists, and prayers focused on St. Patrick.

Civic Mass
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Contact Ann McNamara at [email protected]

Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s
Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Old St. Pat’s Campus, Fellowship Hall - 625 W. Adams

Siamsa na nGael
March 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM - Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall

Taking Up St. Brigid's Mantle on Your Lenten Journey
March 8, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Morton Arboretum

Encore Cafe: Jim Gibbons on the Chicago Irish
February 23, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Old St. Pat’s Campus, Fellowship Hall - 625 W. Adams

St. Brigid's Day Festival of Service and Storytelling
February 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Old St. Pat's Campus, Fr. Jack Wall Mission Center - 711 W. Monroe, 2nd Floor

Please see below for more information on these events and celebrations of the rich history of Old St. Patrick’s.

Civic Mass 2025: Honoring heritage, faith, and community.

View Siamsa na nGael Photos Here

View Shamrock'n Photos Here

Taking Up St. Brigid's Mantle on Your Lenten Journey

Explore springtime rituals of faith and nature through contemplative prayer, outdoor wandering, and shared reflection. For this updated program, we will once again wrap ourselves under the mantle of St. Brigid’s wisdom and inspiration and be joined via Zoom by Rita Minehan, CSB, and Phil O’Shea, CSB, from Solas Bhríde in Kildare, Ireland. This event is for anyone seeking to deepen their Lenten journey in 2025.

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Morton Arboretum

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Siamsa na nGael

Now in its 26th year, Siamsa na nGael was created as a gift of Irish Culture to Chicago in celebration of Old St. Patrick's 150 anniversary by the legendary Mayor Richard and Mrs. Maggie Daley along with Patrick and Shirley Ryan. Each year, this beloved tradition launches St. Patrick's week in Chicago and brings together capacity audiences of 2,500 guests to experience a unique blend of Celtic music, dance, and storytelling that highlights the contributions and history of the Irish people.
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This year's theme will honor the life and legacy of St. Brigid, focusing on her inspiring faith, leadership, and enduring call for greater opportunities for women in leadership in the church and the world. Through spoken word, music, and dance, the program will celebrate St. Brigid and the women leaders of today sharing a message of hope, justice, and unity..

When: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall
Tickets: $30–$60, available starting February 3, 2025, via CSO Box Office
call 312.294.3000 or visit bit.ly/Siamsa-Tickets-CSO; Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,250 and can be purchased at bit.ly/Siamsa-Sponsorships

Click Here to Learn More Siamsa na nGael 2025

Civic Celebration

The Civic Celebration is a Mass and reception honoring Irish Culture, presented in partnership with the Plumbers Union Local 130 UA. This special event brings together union members, civic dignitaries, and the Old St. Patrick’s community in worship, marking the official start of the City of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations.

The Civic Celebration on March 15 was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a memorable occasion. For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact Ann McNamara at [email protected] or 312-798-2355.

Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat's:
A Family-Friendly Irish Celebration

Looking for a lively way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends? The 4th annual Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s Pop-Up Pub offers an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and Irish cheer in a welcoming, warm festive atmosphere. You can expect delicious beverages and pub fare, live entertainment, activities for all ages, and the grand Pot O' Gold Raffle with a potential top prize of $20,000! Early bird drawings run from February 13 to March 9, offering additional chances to win cash, event tickets, and Shamrock’n gear.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Old St. Pat’s Campus, 625 W. Adams (Entrance on Des Plaines St. between Adams & Jackson)
Tickets: $35, Limited General Admission Tickets Available at the Door.

For questions, please email us at [email protected].

Click Here to Learn More about Shamrock'n 2025