This parish has been built and maintained by hard-working, practical people. Started as a mission parish during the 1940s, a combination church-school was finally built. Then in 1954 the gym was renovated and recycled into a reverential little church. Folding chairs at last gave way to attractive second-hand pews installed by men of the parish. Gym windows became patterned glass, the ceiling was lowered and the coat room became a narthex.

A recent event, a Family Mass, was brimming over with long-time parishioners as well as young Hispanic families in this church that has always been ethnically diverse. The effort expended on all sides to build unity in a new era is bringing out the best in each.

Baptismal classes are in English and Spanish, the pastoral council is blended, school fundraisers are supported, and the committee for the parish's Golden Jubilee in October will combine a rainbow of ideas.

Our Lady of Charity

Pastor: Father José Sequeira
Phone: (708) 863-1207
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 7, 9 & 11 a.m. in English; 12:30 p.m. in Spanish
Founded: 1954
Seating capacity: 600

Photo by: Sandy Bertog