About Us
St. Athanasius was organized in 1921 to relieve over-crowding at the existing parish of St. Mary in South Evanston. Ground was broken for a combination church-school structure, with the cornerstone laid on October 29, 1922. Members of St. Athanasius attended Mass in the new "basement" church for the first time on Christmas 1922.
In September 1923, two Sisters of Providence opened a parish school for 32 children in grades one through seven, beginning the close relationship St. Athanasius has with our parish school.
Rev. Leo M. Hartke was named pastor of St. Athanasius Parish in October 1931. The parish consisted of 400 families who were generous in supporting Father Hartke’s plans for construction of a permanent church. Mass was offered in the structure we still celebrate in today for the first time on September 12, 1937.
Following World War II, St. Athanasius experienced an increase in membership and two major building programs: completing the current school (1946) and the rectory, convent, and a school addition (1958).
The parish membership has risen and fallen over the years, reflecting social and demographic trends. Today we are a vibrant parish with 1,157 registered households. School enrollment is 350 students.
1996 marked the parish's 75th year. Rev. William Mannion completed his term as pastor by guiding St. Athanasius through a "Building Within, Reaching Beyond" capital improvement campaign. This project's success signaled a widespread confidence in the parish's future. Rev. Thomas Libera joined with the St. Athanasius community as pastor in 1998.
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