St. Fidelis Parish in Humboldt Park knows how to adapt to circumstances. Its first church was purchased from a Lutheran congregation; its first school was two nearby apartment buildings. Begun for Polish Catholics, Mass is now celebrated in English, Spanish and Polish.

Home to about 700 families, today’s sacred space, once its school cafeteria, is simple and cozy. Fixtures, stained glass and statues were incorporated from the original church, with new shrines to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady of Providence.

A new immersion baptismal font (above) was designed by a parishioner. Today’s mix of Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and Polish people keep faith alive and meaningful.

Ministries are flourishing, there is religious ed for youngsters, adult formation and a sense of ownership. The parish looks ahead to celebrating its 75th jubilee on Sept. 23.

Pastoral Coordinator: Sr. Leonette Kaluzny, SSPS
Resident Pastor: Father Michael S. Michelini
Masses: Sundays 8 a.m. Polish; 9:30 English;11 a.m. Spanish
Phone: (773) 486-8700
Seating capacity: 440
Founded: 1926

Photo by Sandy Bertog