CHICAGO | St. Columba Church kicked off its 125th anniversary celebration with a special Mass and street dedication Sunday.

The Mass featured His Excellency Bishop Joseph Perry, the Rev. Kilian Knittel, a former pastor, and James Nallen, the parish's current pastor.

It was planned for All Souls Day as a way to honor former parishioners, said Barbara Barham, an event organizer. Attendees received a booklet with the names of parishioners who have died in the past 25 years.

Barham, who chairs the executive committee for the 125th anniversary, said this was the kick-off event for a year-long observance.

"During the year we're going to be having various events celebrating the anniversary year," she said. Festivities will culminate Nov. 21, 2009, when there will be a Mass celebrated by Chicago's Francis Cardinal George, followed by a dinner.

Another part of the celebration included the renaming of Greenbay Avenue between 133rd and 134th streets as honorary Saint Columba Drive. After Sunday's Mass, 10th Ward Alderman John Pope dedicated the street.

Founded in 1884, St. Columba, located in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood, currently has about 450 registered parishioners.

"Everybody was very proud of the fact that we have sustained for 125 years," Barham said. "It is something to proud of."

The committee working on the anniversary celebration is seeking past parishioners and past students of St. Columba School.

For more information, call the rectory at (773) 646-2660.