When St. Helen’s was founded on July 13, 1913, it was a lucky day for Polish immigrants living on the Northwest Side. By 1963 they laid the cornerstone for this third church, an oval or “fish” design by architects Pirola and Erbach, made of Wisconsin Lannon stone. Thanks to their sacrifices the altars, sanctuary floor and even the nave’s wainscoting display imported Italian marble; its ceiling represents the heavens. Stations of the cross are nickel and silver designed in meticulous detail by Armando Santini and stained glass bay windows were the work of Erhard Stoetner of Milwaukee; pews are solid walnut. The regal-appearing reredos of the main altar has statues of Old Testament figures, and goldleaf icons depicting sacramental symbols around the crucifix. Newcomers here are from Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and elsewhere, and they share parish ownership with founding families.

Pastor: Father Bronislaus Chmiel
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 9 a.m. English; 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. Polish
Parish founded: 1913
Seating capacity: 1,100
Phone: (773) 235-3575

Photo by Sandy Bertog