In the year 2017, the Archdiocese of Chicago embarked on a process of revitalization called Renew My Church, which intended to follow the calling of Jesus, make disciples, rebuild our communities, and to inspire others to be witnesses of the presence of God in our World.

Beginning in 2021, the Des Plaines’s Grouping Feedback and Discernment team as leaders of St. Mary Parish, St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, St. Zachary Parish, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, were instrumental in assisting our communities in discerning the future parish structure for the area.

On February 14, 2022, Cardinal Blase Cupich issued the decree of establishing a new parish with an interim name St. Mary and St. Stephen Protomartyr effective July 1, 2022. St Stephen Protomartyr was designated as the parish church of the new parish.

On July 1, 2022, Fr. David Arcila was appointed the first pastor of the new parish. Bishop Jeffrey Grob installed him as the new pastor on August 7, 2022. Cardinal Blase Cupich issued the decree naming the new parish as Mary, Mother of Martyrs on October 13 2022.



Fr. Arcila began establishing a parish unification team that helped him to work together with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. He organized the first procession on Corpus Christi 2023 from St. Mary Church to St. Stephen Protomartyr Church and in September 2023 the parish held a first volunteer dinner in appreciation to all people who serve the parish in various ministries. The new parish continues its process of revitalization through the Divine Renovation initiative.