We serve the Haitian Catholic community in Chicago through worship, fellowship, and support for families and newcomers.
The Haitian Catholic Mission is a vibrant spiritual home for Chicago’s Haitian community. Since the 1970s, we have gathered to celebrate our faith, culture, and shared identity as Haitian Catholics. Through prayer, liturgy, and community life, we continue to keep alive the spiritual and cultural heritage that unites us.
We serve the community through Sunday Mass at 4:00 PM and other liturgical celebrations in Haitian Creole and French at Saint Bakhita Parish (Saint Philip Neri Church), located at 2132 East 72nd Street, Chicago, Illinois. Thanks to the dedication of clergy, volunteers, and faithful members, the Mission remains a beacon of hope, worship, and Haitian heritage in the heart of Chicago.
Our Mission within the Archdiocese
The Haitian Catholic Mission is a parochial entity of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Following the pastoral guidance and procedures of the Archdiocese, the Mission works to serve the spiritual needs of Haitian Catholics while sharing the richness of Haitian faith and culture with the wider Church.
Our community gathers for worship in the Haitian vernacular and honors important religious and national celebrations connected to Haiti, helping preserve and share our heritage within the Archdiocese.
Membership in the Mission
All Roman Catholics of Haitian descent within the Archdiocese of Chicago are considered members at large of the Mission.
Regular membership develops through active participation in the life of the Mission, including Sunday Mass, community gatherings, retreats, and social and spiritual events. Registration with the Mission further helps identify regular members and strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.
Leadership and Organization
Although the Mission does not currently have a resident priest, its pastoral and administrative life is guided through the Parish Council and Finance Council, working in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago.
The Parish Council helps guide the life and spirit of the Mission, coordinates activities, supports ministry groups, and prepares annual reports for the Archdiocese. The Council is accompanied by Father Rodolph Arty, who serves as monitor and spiritual advisor, participates in council meetings, and assists in major decisions affecting the Mission.
The Finance Council oversees financial stewardship, budgeting, and development efforts that allow the Mission to continue its ministries and serve the community responsibly.
Ministries and Workgroups
Various ministries and committees support the Mission’s pastoral and community life while welcoming new members who wish to serve.
Current ministries include:
• Social Affairs (Loisirs)
• Choir
• Liturgy Ministry
• Support Group
• Bulletin Team
• Youth Ministry (developing)
• Rosary Group
• Charismatic Group
• Greeting and Ushers Ministry
These groups collaborate closely with the Parish Council and regularly share reports of their activities to help guide the Mission’s ongoing growth and service.
A Living Community of Faith
Above all, the Haitian Catholic Mission is a family of faith, where generations gather to pray, celebrate, support one another, and pass on the spiritual and cultural legacy of Haiti to future generations.
All are welcome to join us in worship and community life.
Keep Haiti in your Prayers
For many of us, Haiti is more than a homeland, it is a dream we carry in our hearts: the dream of a peaceful country where her children can return, rest, and live in dignity while awaiting the day our Heavenly Father calls us home.
Today, the Haiti we see is wounded, and the future sometimes feels uncertain. Yet, beyond the suffering, we still recognize the Haiti blessed by God, a land of breathtaking beauty, resilient faith, and a people known for their warmth, courage, and hospitality.
We believe that God has not forgotten Haiti. He who watches over nations will intervene, heal, and restore our country. Perhaps we may not all witness the day of Haiti’s full deliverance, but we trust that every prayer brings that day closer.
Let us never grow tired of praying. Let us keep hope alive through faith, unity, and love for our homeland.
Never cease to Pray. Keep Haiti in your Prayers!
