From the Pastor

Rev. Larry Basbas
Pastor 

​Welcome to St. Paul VI Parish!

I am Fr. Larry Basbas, and I am delighted that you have found your way here.  We are a vibrant faith community comprised of St. Mary Church & School (Riverside), and Mater Christi Church & St. Hugh Faith Formation Center (both in North Riverside). Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, returning to the Church after many years, visiting for the first time, or simply curious about who we are, please know this: YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.

Our parish bears the name of Pope St. Paul VI, a remarkable pope who helped guide the Church through the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). He recognized that while the Gospel of Jesus Christ never changes, the world around us certainly does. Vatican II encouraged the Church to speak anew to each generation, to engage the joys and struggles of modern life, and to walk alongside people with compassion, understanding, and hope.

At St. Paul VI Parish, we strive to be that kind of Church: faithful to our Catholic tradition while attentive to the needs of people today. We believe the Church is strongest when it opens its doors wide, listens carefully, and welcomes generously. Every person carries a God-given dignity, and every person deserves to be treated with respect, kindness, and love. There is simply no room here for hatred, prejudice, or bigotry.  If that’s your thing, I’m afraid you may have taken a wrong turn somewhere. We’re trying to follow Jesus, and He keeps insisting that we love our neighbors.  We are not perfect people—we’re a work in progress, just like everyone else. But we are committed to becoming a little more like Jesus every day: more welcoming, more forgiving, more compassionate, and more willing to make room at the table. There’s a place for you here—and we hope you’ll help us make that place even more welcoming for everyone.

My vision for this parish can be summarized in four simple but important directions.  First, we seek to Encounter Jesus Together. Faith was never meant to be a solo project. We meet Christ in prayer, in the Scriptures, in the Eucharist, and in one another.  Second, we believe in Belonging and Living in Communion. Church is more than a place we attend; it is a family where relationships matter, where people support one another, and where everyone has a place. Third, we are committed to Growing in Faith and Love. No matter our age or stage of life, God is never finished with us. There is always more to learn, more grace to receive, and more love to share.  Finally, we strive to Share the Gospel with Joy. The Good News is meant to be lived and given away through acts of service, compassion, generosity, and hope.

Whether you worship at St. Mary Church, Mater Christi Church, or are just discovering our parish community, I invite you to walk this journey of faith with us. Together, let us build a parish where faith is alive, diversity is celebrated, unity is cherished, and Christ is at the center of all we do.  We are “Rooted in Christ, United in Mission.”

Peace & Love,
Fr. Larry

From the Associate Pastor

Rev. Timothy Berryhill
Associate Pastor 

Coming Soon...