Holy Angels Church
607 E. Oakwood Blvd., Chicago

Irish immigrants built a church and school here just blocks from Lake Michigan in 1880. By 1930, the neighborhood was called “Bronzeville” and many of Chicago’s African-Americans lived here. Converts have blossomed at Holy Angels through the years. Its model black Catholic school is still the largest in the country.

When the original Gothic edifice burned to the ground in 1986 its first African-American pastor had to build a new church. The present modern building was dedicated in 1991. Above its altar hangs a mural painted by the late Jesuit Father Englebert Myeng from the Cameroon. A prominent Catholic artist, author and African historian, he was martyred in 1995. His 10 vibrant panels depict the role angels have played in Scripture, from Genesis through the Acts of the Apostles.

Sunday worship at Holy Angels is the heart of the week. It is enhanced by the adult Eucharistic Ensemble Gospel Choir, and the Nia Imani Youth Gospel Choir that combines musical commitment and youth ministry. There is an immense faith here, despite great adversity.

Pastor: Father John Calicott (on leave)
Administrator: Father Robert J. Miller
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 7:15, 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Seating capacity: 1,000
Web site: www.holyangels.com
Phone: (773) 624-5375