Obituaries

Chicago (Feb. 29, 2024) – Rev. Terrence A. McCarthy, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park (now Christ Our Hope Parish), passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. He was 85 years old.

McCarthy was born on Dec. 15, 1938 in Calumet City. He attended Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the United States Army Security Agency from 1965 to 1967. He entered the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein as a late vocation.

McCarthy was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1974, by Cardinal John Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 26 of the same year at his home parish St. Victor Parish in Calumet City.

After ordination to the priesthood, McCarthy served the archdiocese as associate pastor of St. James Parish in Highwood and St. Marcelline Parish in Schaumburg. Later he served as pastor  at St. Anastasia Parish in Waukegan and Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park. He was bestowed the title of pastor emeritus in 2008.

Rev. John Hurley, retired priest and classmate, remembered that “Terry” was the oldest of his classmates. “He was 10 years older than us. He was well loved in all the parishes he served and was respected by all priests,” Hurley said. “He was known as a man of prayer and a powerful example, a man of inspiration.”

Visitation hours will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 West 97th Lane, St. John, Indiana.

McCarthy will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11 at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 8303 West Taft Street, Merrillville, Indiana. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church. Rev. Kevin R. Huber of the Diocese of Gary will celebrate Mass and Rev. Richard J. LoBianco, pastor emeritus of Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield, will be the homilist. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLn3NsaWrdWnNw0hr71eTQ.

In addition, an archdiocesan memorial Mass will be held for “Fr. Terry” at a later date at his former parish, Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park. 

Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.