A church built on the eve of the Great Depression has “Hope” written all over it. Originally a national parish for Slovak Catholics, the ground level church in Romanesque-style was designed by architect John Slovenic.

A new school replaces school rooms over the church which are now meeting areas for various parish Slovak societies and Hispanic groups. Its convent is home to the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius who have served the parish since 1928. Its original bells still ring (electronically) at noon and 6 p.m. and on Sundays or special occasions.

Music from a Kilgen pipe organ, formerly at old St. Joseph’s on 17th Street, fills the cozy sacred space for liturgies in this tri-lingual parish. SS. Simon and Jude are pictured in stained glass in the sanctuary, with other medallion windows of saints connected with Slovak history, made by the Drehobl Art Glass Co. of Chicago, flanking the nave.

This working-class neighborhood continues to welcome new immigrants from Slovakia as well as Mexico and helps them maintain the celebration of their cultures.

The church has been tastefully restored and decorated to welcome former parishioners and alumni for a 75th anniversary Mass and reception on Oct. 28.

Pastor: Father Francis Q. Kub
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m. • Sundays 9 a.m. (English), 10:30 a.m.(Slovak); noon (Spanish)
Parish founded: 1926
Seating capacity: 750
Phone: (773) 436-1045
Photo by: Sandy Bertog