By: Ashmar Mandou

Residents of the 35th ward converged on the steps of St. Sylvester Catholic Church to denounce Alderman Rey Colon for not ‘protecting their religious freedom’ Monday evening.

Members of St. Sylvester Catholic Church marched to Ald. Colon’s Logan Square office to demand their religious freedom be respected. “Our community has limited resources,” said Father Paul Stein. In 2005, Ald. Colon sponsored an ordinance creating the Logan Square Boulevard Landmark district which included the old St. Sylvester Rectory. Then pastor Father Mike Herman and the Archdiocese of Chicago objected the intended plan and stated the ordinance would impede on their right to practice.

“What we are trying to preserve is our historic church and we cannot also restore the rectory, both of which are in great need of repair,” said Fr. Paul Stein. Church attorneys have submitted documents arguing that St. Sylvester’s rectory was not only a ‘site of religious ceremonies, but also an extension of the church’s ministry.’ “Therefore, the rectory should be exempt and its inclusion in the historic district is a direct violation of religious freedom,” said Fr. Stein.

“We are here today to try to work something out with Alderman Colon,” said a St. Sylvester Church member. “Hopefully, by us being here we can negotiate a deal with the alderman to help restore the rectory instead of having it fall under the Logan Square Boulevard Landmark district.” St. Sylvester’s church needs $1 million in repairs and the rectory needs $1.6 million in repairs, according to Fr. Paul Stein. Parishioners and community members from Maternity B.V.M., Our Lady of Grace, St. Philomena, Our Lady of Mercy, and Resurrection Parish all joined St. Sylvester during their Monday march. St. Sylvester Catholic Church was founded in 1884.