Historical Significance, Architecture, Prayer Campaign, A New Dress, Contact Info
Before Mary Queen of Heaven parish was organized, there were already five Catholic churches established in Cicero -St. Mary of Czenstochowa, St. Dionysius in Hawthorne, St. Attracta, St. Anthony and St. Valentine in the Grant Works section. In 1908, Catholics living in Morton Park, just north of Hawthorn and south of Grant Works, formed a group known as the Central Club. A rough census showed about fifty Catholic families in this section. Prominent in this group were James. F. Kane, George Comerfor Sr. Lawrence Fitzpatric and Jeremiah Carmody, who formed a committee to petition Archbishop Quigley to found a new parish. This petition was favorably received and kept under considerationBefore Mary Queen of Heaven parish was organized, there were already five Catholic churches established in Cicero -St. Mary of Czenstochowa, St. Dionysius in Hawthorne, St. Attracta, St. Anthony and St. Valentine in the Grant Works section. In 1908, Catholics living in Morton Park, just north of Hawthorn and south of Grant Works, formed a group known as the Central Club. A rough census showed about fifty Catholic families in this section. Prominent in this group were James. F. Kane, George Comerfor Sr. Lawrence Fitzpatric and Jeremiah Carmody, who formed a committee to petition Archbishop Quigley to found a new parish. This petition was favorably received and kept under consideration¨
1911 - Mary Queen of Heaven parish was founded.
¨ 1912 - Mary Queen of Heaven School opened.
¨ 1929 - Building of the new church was completed; George Cardinal Mundelein blessed the beautiful new church which still stands today on the southeast corner of 53rd Avenue and 24th Street.
¨ 1962 - Last time Mary Queen of Heaven Church was painted (inner sanctuary).
¨ 1986 - Mary Queen of Heaven celebrated the 75th Anniversary.
¨ 2002 - Mary Queen of Heaven School closed.
¨ 2005 - Father Esequiel Sanchez joined Mary Queen of Heaven as Pastor and started to revitalize the church by renovating the parish center, rectory and started new programs serving the Town of Cicero. Upon his arrival the church was two months from being shutdown. Today MQH is teeming with activity and energy once again.
Today - Mary Queen of Heaven has over 2200 parishioners, an active volunteer and alumni base, bilingual services and thriving programs.
¨ 2008—2010 - Mary Queen of Heaven is called upon to prepare the church for the next century of service and worship by giving Mary a “New Dress.” The Campaign for “Revival of Faith, Tradition and Community” is specifically focused on the renovation of the inner sanctuary and everyone’s help and support is needed.
¨ 2011—Mary Queen of Heaven Campaign and Renovation Campaign will be completed; Presentation of the “New Dress” to Our Lady during the centennial celebrations.
Main Altar 1929
The main altar as well as the side altars are made of imported Cararra marble from Italy.
Mary Queen of Heaven also has architectural significance. The church is one of five churches built in the Christopher Wren Style in the Chicago Diocese and is the only church built with Green Stone. Truly an Architectural gem!!!
Be Prayerful, Ask Questions, Get Involved, Be Present
"In only two short years Mary Queen of Heaven will be coming upon our 100th Anniversary as a parish. This, in ecclesiastical time, means that our parish has come out of her adolescence. However, our parish is in dire need of a renovation. In short: ‘Mary needs a new dress.’ This is why we need to begin a Campaign that is specifically focused on the renovation of our church and we will need everyone’s help.”
Fr. Esequiel Sanchez
Pray for the success!
No project begins without God's approval and blessing. Therefore, we are asking everyone to spend some time in prayer and meditation about what it means to be part of Mary Queen of Heaven Church, the importance of our parish, For the past 100 years Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish has been hard at work serving the Lord and helping to heal a troubled neighborhood and community.
“In only three short years Mary Queen of Heaven will be coming upon our 100th Anniversary as a parish. This, in ecclesiastical time, means that our parish has come out of her adolescence. However, our parish is in dire need of a renovation. In short: ‘Mary needs a new dress.’ This is why we need to begin a Campaign that is specifically focused on the renovation of our church and we will need everyone’s help.”
Campaign Goal: $1.2 Million
Campaign Timeline: 2008 - 2010
Renovation Focus: Inner Sanctuary of Church (lights, floor, paint, ceiling)
Last renovated over 45 years ago.
Leave a Legacy: How will you help transform the future?
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If you have further questions or would like to get involved, please contact:
Elsa Chaidez, Office Manager
Mary Queen of Heaven
5300 24th Street
Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 863-6608
