It was Palm Sunday, 1993 when ground was broken for this church that catapults the spirit, heart and senses heavenward. Its spacious octagon shape with adjoining day chapel was designed by Ware Associates, with most of the liturgical furnishings created by Daprato-Rigali, Inc.

Because many minds helped plan this fourth church, it expresses tradition as well as contemporary elements. Under its tent-like wood beamed ceiling there are treasured artifacts from each previous church and replicas of early art work incorporated now in stained glass windows by Conrad Schmitt Studios of Wisconsin.

A huge stained glass mural of Jesus the Sacred Heart is a devotional highlight for parishioners and a rose window of his heart “beats” above the altar. Precious items from closed South Side churches have been tastefully incorporated, like the Stations of the Cross from Little Flower and priceless stained glass windows from St. John of God, made at the Royal Bavarian Art Institute, now in the chapel.

Nothing seems lacking here—a carillon chimes from the bell tower, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor shrines, a prayer garden and even a little pond to meditate beside. In this deeply spiritual parish, open to new ministries and programs, the welcome mat is always out for visitors.

Pastor: Father Richard M. Homa
Parish founded: 1872
Seating capacity: 1,200
Masses: Saturdays 4:30 p.m./ Sundays 7:30, 9, 10:30 a.m. and noon
Phone: (708) 974-3336