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The End of One Era and the Beginning of Another
Reflections by the Unification Committee
On April 25th 2022, His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich, Ninth Archbishop of Chicago issued a Canonical Decree which formally extinguished three South Suburban parishes known individually as Saint Joseph (Homewood), Saint Anne (Hazel Crest), and Saint Emeric (Country Club Hills).
From the extinguishing of these three separate parishes, the Cardinal has decreed that one new Parish be created to serve the spiritual needs of the communities of Homewood, Hazel Crest and Country Club Hills. The new parish, which has yet to be issued a name, will in the interim be referred to as ‘Saints Joseph, Anne and Emeric.’
The creation of this new parish will unify the existing parishioners of Saint Joseph, Anne and Emeric along with that of the Pastoral Staff, its newly appointed Clergy and the physical campuses. The Archbishop has designated the former Saint Joseph parish campus, located on South Dixie Highway in Homewood, as the future singular campus of this new parish. In the coming weeks and months, the new parishioners and Pastoral Staff will create a plan to systematically unify and consolidate all parish operations, ministries, and worship into one campus.
While this consolidation of resources and personnel has many of the physical aspects associated with a closing of two churches and continuing of just one, the canonical, symbolic and spiritual aspects are much more significant. Because all three individual parishes are extinguished, each parishioner in some way is a witness to the cessation of their church. Similarly, each parishioner is also a founding member of a new parish whose mission, in accordance with the Renew My Church initiative, is to Make Disciples, Build Communities, and Inspire Witness to the Gospel.
Even though the former Saint Joseph Church and campus will continue to be utilized physically, aspects of its individual identity as a stand-alone parish will cease to exist. Saint Joseph’s mission as a territorial parish established in 1914 by the Most Rev. James E. Quigley, Second Archbishop of Chicago, and the Reverend John Patrick Dorn, founding Pastor, has effectively concluded, just like that of Saint Anne and Saint Emeric.
To commemorate this historic occasion, a series of events centered around worship are scheduled to take place this Fall which consist of the end of regular Sunday worship at each former parish church, including Saint Joseph.
A Final Celebration of Our Lasting Legacy
Everyone connected with Saint Joseph Parish - the Church, School or Religious Education Program - either presently or at one time in their life, is invited to a Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.at Saint Joseph Church, 17951 S Dixie Highway, Homewood. Fathers Richard Kozak and Robert Kyfes, sixth and seventh Pastors respectively, along with Father Dan Jarosewic and Father Ron Kondziolka will Preside. An Alumni Choir along with the parish Festival Choir and Orchestra will lead us in sung prayer. Several long time legacy parishioners will participate in liturgy. For those unable to attend Mass, a Live Stream of the celebration will be available on the parish website.
This is an important milestone for the catholic church in the south suburbs of Chicago. It is the end of an era and the beginning of another. “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48)
*Note – worship (daily and Sunday Mass) will continue to be celebrated indefinitely at the former Saint Joseph Church campus after October 16th. The new parish is expected to receive its name by January 1st.
Tell Us Your Story
The Legacy Mass Committee is seeking submissions of photos, stories and testimonials about your experiences and fond memories of Saint Joseph Parish church and school. Please use this online form to complete your submission. Materials collected will be placed into an online portfolio for all to view. The deadline is October 10th.
Photo Albums
Parish History
If you would like to share photos of memories and milestones celebrated at Saint Joseph Parish, please email them to [email protected].
