Architect Joseph L. Bennett designed a traditional and spacious edifice, built in 1958. This “country church,” on 24 sprawling acres in Cook County, is suprisingly cosmopolitan.

Each Sunday 3,000 worshippers come for Mass in English, Spanish or Polish. In fact, Spanish-speaking parishioners have found a gracious home here for 20 years.

Wheeling, in the center of the prosperous Northwest suburbs, is a boom town for laborers to top executives who fly in and out of nearby Palwaukee Airport or O’Hare Field.

Christmas is special here, with two larger-than-life outdoor creches and a large Filipino community who celebrate Simbang Gabi.

Besides CCD classes for over 800 Anglo children each week, religion and culture are also taught to youngsters in Polish. St. Joseph’s adoration chapel attracts many people to prayer and is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Pastor: Father Frederick L. Brandstrader
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m., English; 6:30 p.m. Polish Sundays 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., English; noon, Spanish; 5 p.m., Polish;
Parish founded: 1957
Seating Capacity: 750
Phone: (847) 537-2740

top