Catholic New World: Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago

Parish Pride

By Dolores Madlener

Mary Queen of Heaven

5300 W. 24th St., Cicero

Mary Queen of Heaven

Photo by: Sandy Bertog

Pastor:
Father Esequiel Sanchez
Masses:
Saturdays 4 p.m. English/ Sundays 8 & 11 a.m. English; 9:30 & 12:30 Spanish; 4 p.m. bi-lingual
Seating capacity:
750
Phone:
(773) 863-6608
Parish founded:
1911
Web Address:
marymaryqueenofheaven.e-paluch.com

Cardinal Mundelein was inspired in 1929 when he had architect Joe W. McCarthy design this American "colonial" style church. It is an American Dream parish. Built for Bohemian-Americans in 1911, it later embraced any Euronewcomers, and since 1995, the parish has become home to mostly Latino families. Faith thrives here whether it is five hours of confessions on Lenten Saturdays or in many seasonal religious celebrations, novenas and festivals. Evangelization is easily accessible through an outstanding educational Web site with links to sources like the U.S. Bishops Conference and the Mexican Bishops Conference; a parish gift shop with educational materials; an edited CD of its 12:30 p.m. Mass, available at cost each Monday in the gift shop; and outreaches geared to young bilinguals whose faith life might otherwise be overlooked. Children enjoy after-school programs in religious education and learn English by putting on plays. Parish creativity includes its own Folklorico dance troupe. Faith, vision, relationship-building make it all happen.