Our Mission

Within the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church and St. Christina Parish, St. Christina School, located in the Mt. Greenwood community, is called to inspire its students to be a community of faith where love of God and service to others prevail.  Our exceptional Catholic instruction, partnered with family, parish, and community support, challenges students to achieve personal academic success and develop into responsible individuals and leaders.

Our Belief

At St. Christina we believe:

• In the infusion of the teachings of Jesus Christ in all curricula.
• In the vitality, uniqueness and importance of our Catholic values, and in the need to live our faith each day.
• In the fundamental dignity of each person as one of God’s children, and that each one is to be treated with respect and equality in all that we do.
• In valuing all our staff and students through affirming their achievements, recognizing their contributions, and supporting their efforts.
• In effectively communicating with and facilitating the participation of all our stakeholders as the basis for supporting an effective school parish partnership built on faith, trust, meaningful engagement, and community cohesion.
• In creating an organizational culture that gives voice and witness to social justice, enables risk-taking, responds to changing needs, and is built upon striving for academic excellence.

Let it be known that Jesus is the reason for this school, the unseen, but ever-present teacher in all its classes, the model of its faculty and the inspiration for its students.

Our History

St. Christina Parish began in 1921 when Rev. Peter Geraghty saw the need for a Catholic church in the expanding Mt. Greenwood community and purchased two and a half acres of land in the area around 111th and Homan.

The community sought to establish a parish with a permanent pastor. With the help and support of families led by James Burns, Cardinal Mundelein granted permission for this request.

The first Mass was celebrated by St. Christina’s first appointed pastor, Rev. Thomas Friel, at Cunningham School.

Soon after, a portable church was constructed at 11023 South Homan. On June 15, 1927, the Liturgy of the Word was celebrated in the new church building for the first time. This marked the beginning of many construction projects that would involve the men of the parish.

During the pastorate of Rev. J.A. Rebedeau, beginning in September 1929, Mt. Greenwood experienced a population boom. For almost three decades, the parish flourished under his leadership. He expected the St. Christina community to go above and beyond the call of duty—and they did not disappoint.

When a recreation center was needed, the men of the parish rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Construction began on October 7, 1929, and the building was dedicated that December.

The following year, attention turned to building a much-needed rectory. This project was also completed within a year and was dedicated on December 7, 1930.

Next came the construction of a permanent brick church. On Christmas Day in 1935, Mass was celebrated in the brand-new church, built on the same ground where the portable church had stood.

As Mt. Greenwood’s population grew rapidly, the need for a school became clear. On July 25, 1938, Father Rebedeau signed a fifteen-year lease on the old Central Park School, located on Central Park Avenue. When the Dominican Sisters were commissioned to teach, the former Mt. Greenwood School became St. Christina Parochial School. On August 27, 1938, Mother Geslaus arrived with her fellow Dominican sisters. When the new school welcomed parish children on September 6, 1938, there were 173 eager pupils.

Rev. Rebedeau lived to see the building of the beautiful church we use today, which comfortably accommodates 1,500 parishioners. Cardinal Stritch dedicated it on May 27, 1956.

Father John Ireland Gallery became pastor in April 1958. The parish continued to prosper under his leadership. After 15 years of devoted service, he retired on his 70th birthday.

When Father Pavis became pastor in January 1973, many upgrades and repairs were needed, but parish revenue could not keep up with demand. Father Pavis proved instrumental in creating funding solutions that kept the parish running smoothly. His organizational skills motivated parishioners, and under his leadership, fundraising events became a reliable source of support for St. Christina.

By 1979, the Central Park buildings were demolished, and the property was transformed into a useful field for parish functions.

For the next thirteen years, Father Curran led the parish. Through the decades, the people of St. Christina have remained a close-knit community, working together for the good of all. Generations of families have grown up here, raised their children in the same neighborhood, and passed on the traditions of faith, service, and camaraderie.

In July 1993, the sixth pastor of St. Christina was chosen from among our own: Father Martin O’Donovan, a former Mt. Greenwood resident and parishioner. For fifteen years, his example of prayer and action reached parishioners in meaningful ways. He spoke with grace and conviction about forgiveness, tolerance, and overcoming negativity. In July 2008, the parish bid farewell to Father Marty, our beloved pastor, vicar, and friend.

It was thought no one could fill his shoes—until Father Sullivan arrived. He was quickly embraced by the parish, and his pastoral presence was welcomed with hope and gratitude.

Our previous pastor, Fr. Tom Conde, oversaw updates to many parish buildings. With his expertise in maintenance and his love of gardening, he left a legacy of well-cared-for spaces and new greenery around campus.

Our current pastor, Fr. Ryan Brady, was installed in August 2025. His strong support for our school ensures that St. Christina will remain a vibrant, successful Catholic community for years to come.

For over a century, the heart and soul of St. Christina have survived and thrived. Like those before us, we will continue to grow, meet challenges with courage, and seek new possibilities with faith and optimism.