In the year of our Lord 1868, Archdiocese of Chicago
Bishop James Duggan recognized a spiritual need in the
Hamburg and Union Stock Yards district of Chicago. He
appointed Irish-born Fr. Michael Lyons (1828-1881) to
found a parish to serve the people occupying what
would soon be known as the Bridgeport neighborhood.
Masses were offered in the stables adjacent to the
stockyards...and the parish was named appropriately
since its inception mirrored the birth of our Lord in
a stable.
Eight years later, property was acquired for a more
permanent house of worship. The current church's
cornerstone was laid October 28, 1876, by Bishop
Foley. Designed to seat 1,200 people, this magnificent
church and the adjacent buildings were erected under
the spiritual leadership of Fr. Joseph M. Cartan
(1847-1907), the third pastor of Nativity of Our Lord.
To this day, the church stands tall and proud in its
magnificence and beauty at the same corner of 37th
Street and Union Avenue. It has in its long history
served as a beacon and pillar in this unique
neighborhood. The original mission of Nativity of Our
Lord Parish to bring souls closer to God is still met
today and will continue to be met for ages to come.
Tens of thousands of souls have been nourished and
continue to be nourished by this great parish.
Countless young people have been educated in our
parish school. Many have seen their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren graduate from
Nativity of Our Lord School and Bridgeport Catholic
Academy.
God bless the people who have worked tirelessly to
make Nativity of Our Lord Parish the great center of
faith for so many in the Bridgeport community. May God
likewise bless those who today and in the ages to come
call Nativity their spiritual home!
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
Parish Council
|
Fr. Dan Brandt
(Pastor) |
Yvonne Davis |
Jennifer
Hampshire |
|
Mary Alice Brice
(Chair) |
Jeanne Farnan |
Marta
Carreira-Slabe |
|
Roseanne Bonoma |
Georgiann
Hawrysz |
Pat Slattery |
|
Bill Boyle |
Deacon Fran Henry |
Patty Zeimys |
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish Council
is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, for whom our Parish
is named, by functioning as a liaison between the
pastor and the parishioners to assess the present and
future needs of the parish community.
It is the responsibility of each Parish Council
member to enhance:
-
Spiritual Growth by developing ways to
integrate Gospel values into the daily community
life of each member of our parish.
-
Growth Through Fellowship and Ministry by
providing a welcoming environment, encouragement,
and support throughout the parish and beyond.
-
Social Growth by recognizing available
opportunities and organizing events that will enrich
the faith, culture, talents, and education of our
parishioners.
|
