Rev. Terrence A. McCarthy

Rev. Terrence A. McCarthy, age 85, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish of Highland Park, Illinois of the Archdiocese of Chicago, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family in Northwest Indiana, February 24, 2024.Born to parents George & Mary McCarthy of Calumet City, Illinois. Terry grew up in Calumet City and attended St Victor's parish & school, Mendel Catholic High School making the front page of the Chicago Newspaper scoring a touchdown in Soldier Field when playing for the State Football Title against St. George High School in 1957. Because of his speed he was nicknamed the Rabbit. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating with a degree in Economics. Enlisting in the Army and assigned to the Security Agency during the Cuban Crisis and President Kennedy's assination. After a number of years working in Business and Industry, he entered St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein Illinois as a late vocation. He was ordained in the Archdiocese of Chicago May 8, 1974. Known to many for almost 50 years as "Father Terry", he began as Associate Pastor at St James, Highwood Illinois, for 6 years, Associate Pastor at St Marcelline, Schaumburg Illinois, for 5 years, Pastor of St Anastasia, Waukegan, Illinois for 15 years, Pastor of Immaculate Conception, Highland Park Illinois for 6 years, and as a temporary Administrator for Church of St Mary's, Lake Forest Illinois. He served as a Fire Chaplain for Highland Park, Illinois, Board Member of Catholic Charities, Lake County and Stauros USA all while he ministered to the Faithful. He also was an active celebrant at St Christopher's in Hope Sound, Florida, St Mary Church and Holy Spirit in Crown Point and Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville, in Indiana. He had an inspiring way to deliver the Gospel, helping the faithful in contemplation and understanding God's Will through God's Word. Terry loved to watch & attend football games, following teams like Notre Dame. Known to golf, hunt, fish and fix and collect things. If he wasn't wearing his clergy attire Terry could be found dressed to the nines in nice suits and ties for Holidays with a matching hat of some sort. Recently in his retirement he could be found at the Bishop Timothy Lyne Retirement Home in Palos Hills, traveling to Florida with his brother & sister-in-law, or staying with family enjoying lovely meals and a good bottle of wine, he had a discerning palate. All while continuing to say mass in Northwest Indiana. He loved God & his family. Brothers late George (Doris) McCarthy, late John (late Maxine) McCarthy and Martin (Kathleen) McCarthy. Uncle to Timothy McCarthy, Amy (Joe) Townsend, Ann Marie (Pete) Grobarek, Kevin (Colleen) McCarthy and Beth (Al) Cann. Great nieces and nephews, George, Megan, Jennifer, Catherine, Logan, Kait, Olivia, Morgan, Ainsley & Michael. Preceded in death by beloved aunts & uncles late Rev. John Zeller CPPS, late Sister Teresa Lucille Zeller, late Sister Huberta McCarthy late Celia (late John) Moore, and Sister-in-law late Mary Jo McCarthy (Martin). The family would like to thank the Diocese of Chicago's Vicors' Office, very special friend Bill, all the residents & staff of BLR and HOSPICE of the Calumet Area. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends, Dave (Paula), Ron, his Loras College alumni and numerous parishioners.
Visitation Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th LN. St. John. Visitation and Funeral Services Monday, March 11, 2024 DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Consolation Church 8303 W. Taft St. Merrillville, IN. 46410 where Fr. Terry will Lie in State from 10:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment St. John/St. Joseph Cemetery Hammond. If you are unable to attend the Mass in person you are invited to join virtually at the following link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLn3NsaWrdWnNw0hr71eTQ
A Memorial Mass will be held for Fr. Terry at a later date at Immaculate Conception in Highland Park.
In lieu of flowers gifts to Priests' Health and Retirement/PRMAA, 1400 S Wolf Rd, Bldg 3 Flr 2 Hillside, IL 60162-2105http://www.prmaa.org For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com