Pastor: Father Michael P. Knotek
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 9 a.m. and noon
Seating capacity: 500
Phone: (773) 785-2022
Parish founded: 1948

Photo by: Sandy Bertog

St. John De La Salle Church
10205 S. King Drive, Chicago

Cardinal Stritch dedicated this brick and stone church/school edifice in 1950. A number of its 300 African-American parishioners today have roots from the ’50s. While some are converts, most are cradle Catholics from our Southland, Haiti, Uganda, Nigeria, Jamaica and other countries. They find unity in this cultural diversity and it fosters a solidarity exemplified in their Eucharistic celebrations.

The numbers at weekend Masses here are sturdy, and a stewardship campaign will begin in the fall. St. John de la Salle Academy of Fine Arts (Pre School through 8th Grade) is one-third Catholic students, and enjoys the presence of two Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict. Besides the regular curriculum, there is an emphasis on performing arts with field trips to the opera or museums.

Well-received evangelization ideas have included adults caroling in the neighborhood and leaving cheery invitations to Christmas Masses on doorknobs. Parishioners are currently working on a Jazz Night school benefit.