How about stepping back into a time? Into a place where faith and community intertwine? That place is Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church.
Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church began humbly. In the early days of Rogers Park Catholics journeyed to St. Henry Church. It was at Ridge and Devon. They also went to St. Mary’s in Evanston.
In 1893, a committee asked St. Mary’s pastor to send a priest. The priest would say Mass in Rogers Park on Sundays. Plans emerged. Property was acquired. A small wooden church dedicated to Saint Jerome was quickly built. It stood at Morse and Paulina.
However, the first pastor, Fr. Arthur Lonergan, wasn’t appointed until May 1895. The history of Saint Jerome Parish is one of rapid expansion. The booming population needed a school. Several expansions became necessary. Saint Jerome Parish continued its growth as the Catholic population increased. By the late 1960s, over 9000 parishioners were registered. They represented more than 3000 families.
Saint Jerome’s community is diverse. It includes a rainbow of races and ethnic backgrounds. Longtime residents attend English language Masses. These masses are held on weekdays. They are also held on Saturday morning and afternoon. And Sunday mornings.
Major changes happened in the early 1960s. Mass shifted from Latin to native languages. The priest turned to face the people. The laity took on greater roles. Saint Jerome was among the first. The church established a parish school board. It created a pastoral council. Lay lectors were introduced. Later lay Eucharistic ministers joined. These ministries were opened to women.
To serve Chicago’s growing Hispanic population priests began studying Spanish. Eventually Saint Jerome provided bilingual priests. The parish comprises diverse ethnic communities. They are gradually integrating their cultures and activities.
Saint Jerome’s future will see more changes. New immigrants might bring languages and customs. They may repeat cycles of the past. But the shared Catholic Faith will endure. It is this faith that binds everyone together.
Saint Jerome Parish’s story is about growth and adaptation. It is about serving a changing community. It is about remaining steadfast in faith. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community. The English speaking community is a diverse group of people. They represent a variety of races and ethnic backgrounds. Longtime residents attend English language Masses on weekdays. They also attend on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church is more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith community and history. It is a place where all are welcome.