Surely, did you know that St. Eulalia Church in Maywood, Illinois, has a history deeply intertwined with community transformation? Established in 1927 by the Archdiocese of Chicago, St. Eulalia Parish emerged in a traditional, majority-white suburban Maywood.
Responding to families’ desires, St. Eulalia opened a parochial school. It began with 274 students. Many graduates showed loyalty. They maintained parish membership or returned for reunions.
1967 marked a new chapter. Monsignor William Quinn became pastor. Maywood was undergoing racial change. It shifted from majority white to majority black. Msgr. Quinn built an integrated parish. He addressed social justice concerns. Quinn even hosted Cesar Chavez for organizing meetings.
In the 1970s, Fr. John Boyle and Sr. Shirley Fineran OSF founded St. Eulalia Community Helping Others or ECHO. This parish program offered services. It included a soup kitchen, food pantry, and secondhand store. Sister Ettienne later expanded the food pantry.
Msgr. Quinn’s social justice leadership continued. Fr. James Quinlan became pastor in 1986. He used his marketing skills for fundraising. This started a long campaign. It rejuvenated the aging buildings of St. Eulalia.
The year 2000 brought transition. The elementary school closed. With a declining Catholic population, the Archdiocese considered closing St. Eulalia. But they decided to keep it as the only Catholic Church in Maywood.
In 2004, Fr. Frank Latzko partnered with West Suburban PADS. They addressed homelessness. A PADS headquarters opened in the former convent. Parishioners volunteered one night a month. They provided overnight shelter at St. Eulalia.
In 2011, Fr. Carmelo Mendez converted the unused school building. It became a community center named for Msgr. Quinn. Gabriel Lara directed the Quinn Community Center.
Since September 2011, the Quinn Center organizes parish social concerns. This includes the soup kitchen, food pantry, and youth mentoring. They also offer computer training plus English and Spanish classes. In 2012, St. Eulalia was a Halo Award finalist. Partners for Sacred Places recognized its community transformation.
In July 2013, the Blessed Sacrament Fathers arrived. Fr. Mike Arkins brought 39 years of pastoral experience to St. Eulalia.
In 2017, Loyola University honored the Quinn Center. They presented the Martyrs Award. This recognized the volunteers’ service. They contributed over 600 hours monthly.
St. Eulalia Parish underwent a major transition. In July 2019, it merged with Sacred Heart Church in Melrose Park. They became a combined parish. Pastor Francisco Ortega led them.
The church building itself is notable. Constructed around 1962-1963, it features a rippling roof and mosaics. Gaul & Voosen were the architects. Stained glass adds to its beauty. As you leave St. Eulalia, remember its commitment to community. Its history reflects faith, service, and social justice.