Until the 1800s Sauk Indians called the Glenwood area home. St. John’s first church was built in 1884 and the parish still considers itself uniquely semi-rural, with an abundance of farms, riding stables and forest preserves. When its contemporary combination church and hall, designed by architects Warner, Brejcha & Evans, was dedicated in 1977, furnishings from the old church, including stained glass windows, statues and bell were transported over a mile to the new site and incorporated into the new edifice. Its present Day Chapel also holds a number of relics of various Roman martyrs for veneration.

Parishioners, an ethnic and racial mix, are neighborly. Hosting a recent Apostolate of the Handicapped Mass, nearly 100 volunteers of all ages donned Santa hats, served a meal and distributed presents to guests. With 25 active ministries among its 1,100 families, a flourishing CCD program, daily Rosary recitation and Benediction on First Fridays, parishioners are keeping the faith. St. John’s may not be Bedford Falls, but it radiates a "Wonderful Life" spirit.

Pastor: Father John J. Sullivan
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Parish founded: 1897
Seating capacity: 600
Phone: (708) 758-5098
Photo by: Sandy Bertog