Sacred Heart Croatian
2864 East 96th Street
Photo by: Sandy Bertog
- Pastor:
- Father Stephen Bedenikovic, OFM
- Masses:
- Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 8 & 10 a.m., English;
11:30 a.m., Croatian - Seating capacity:
- 550
- Phone:
- (773) 768-1423
- Parish founded:
- 1913
This third Croatian parish, established in the archdiocese in 1913, has always been home to other immigrants as well. For instance, its heavy Croatian presence does not preclude a December Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration for today’s Latino parishioners. The present edifice, designed by Fox & Fox, was dedicated in June 1964. It has clean lines, stained glass, marble accents, and a welcoming electronic bell tower that denotes Masses and the Angelus daily for this ethnic Southeast Side neighborhood. Its parish school, taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King since 1915, also has an after-hours opportunity where children learn Croatian culture, arts and language. Faith is the backbone here, expressed in prayer and celebration. There is a novena before June 15’s Feast of the Sacred Heart, and the parish festival June 24 starts with Mass and continues with an old-world barbeque and tamburitza music. Everyone’s welcome!
