We’re a community: we support one another as we all strive to live our Gospel values.
A member of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, St. Michael and All Angels is a bilingual Spanish-English community.
What Does It Mean to Be Episcopal?
At St. Michael and All Angels in Berwyn, IL, we are called Episcopal because our community is organized around the leadership of bishops, who are democratically elected. Every priest and bishop can trace their line of ordination back to the apostles, reinforcing our deep connection to the roots of Christianity. Lay people and deacons also play a vital role in the ministry and governance of our church.
We believe wholeheartedly that all people are beloved children of God, regardless of ability, ethnicity, sexuality, or any other characteristic. In our Baptism, we embrace the commitment “to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.” Our ever-living and present God meets us with grace and empowers us to carry out our ministry in the world.
We draw inspiration from the Bible, which we see as a fundamental source for knowing God’s will. Sacraments (“sure and certain signs of God’s grace”), such as Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Reconciliation, and Unction, guide us and celebrate the key moments in life. These sacraments help us recognize God’s presence in every aspect of life.
We worship using the Book of Common Prayer, a treasure that connects our faith with the ancient Judeo-Christian tradition. Our liturgies blend ancient structures with modern language, music, and themes, creating a sacred space that unites us and celebrates our diversity.
We deeply value the amendment of life and the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, we open our doors to the divorced, to those struggling with addiction, to ex-cons, and to all who have come to faith later in life or are still on their journey. We focus on the transformative power of love, prioritizing inclusion over uniformity of opinion. In the Episcopal Church, everyone has a place to find a spiritual home.
We open our doors for Quinceaneras’, baptisms, weddings, and other special moments. If you have any questions please email our priest The Rev. Jaime Briceño at jbriceno@stmichaelangels.org
Our Church Leadership
The Rev. Jaime Briceño Rector
As the Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Berwyn, Illinois, I am deeply committed to the spiritual and communal growth of a vibrant Hispanic community, enriched by both first and second-generation immigrants. Our congregation uniquely embraces bilingual worship, resonating with the diverse linguistic needs of our members, particularly the English-preferent younger generation.
My journey as an immigrant has profoundly shaped my ministry, fueling my passion for serving the Latino community. This personal connection inspires my ongoing pursuit of knowledge in Latino ministry, music, and theology. Serving this dynamic community is not just a responsibility but the most fulfilling experience of my ministry.
At the heart of my theological belief is a steadfast commitment to serving migrant communities. I am driven by the Gospel’s call to support those disproportionately affected by societal imbalances of power and economics. In our congregation, we see God as the beacon of hope and the foundation for a more equitable society.
One of our church’s cornerstone ministries is a daycare center focused on serving low-income families. This initiative embodies our Gospel values, demonstrating that even with limited resources, our capacity for service and creativity knows no bounds. Additionally, we are extending our mission to provide housing for three families among the recent refugees in the Chicago area, further cementing our role as a beacon of hope and support in our community.
Agustina Salinas has been a member of our Church for more than 12 years serving in different roles within our childcare facility and our Church.
Agustina Salinas - Warden
Vestry Members
Agustin Diaz
Enrique Castellanos
Julio Castillo
Fernando Montejano