Upon entering the massive gray stone revival-style Catholic church off North Grand and Cook Avenue, parishioners and visitors are warmly greeted by an usher with a simple “Welcome to the Rock.”
Before people take their seats at St. Alphonsus Ligouri, most are chatting with fellow church members, while some are hugging friends across pews and others are practicing their Sunday meditation.
The congregation’s morning glee is contagious, but it is the bass drum’s attention-commanding beat and the resounding chorus singing the classic gospel tune “Call Him Up” that immediately rally people to worship…