Sacred Heart Church

First Church and School

        Sacred Heart was founded in 1913 at 96th and Escanaba Avenue on the southeast side of Chicago and is the third Croatian parish in Chicago.  Before the foundation of Sacred Heart the Croations of South Chicago belong to the Slovenian Parish of St. George at 96th and Ewing.  Sacred Heart opened for the first time on Christmas Day 1913. It was dedicated on May 17, 1914 by Archbishop James E. Quigley.
        Rev. Ivan A. Stipanvic was the first pastor of Sacred Heart Croatian Church. Under his administration a school opened  with the Sisters of St.Francis of Christ The King of Lemont Illinois. The work  and devotion of Rev.Ivan A. Stipanvic and the Sisters of St.Francis of Christ The King made a very important influence on both the spiritual and educational life of the Sacred Heart parish. 
The parish of Sacred Heart had 600 families and members which include descendants from immigrants to the area since the 1900's.
        Active organizations in the parish include the Parish Council, School Board, Altar and Rosary Society, Holy Name Society, Home and School Association, Teen Club, Athletic Club, Croatian School, Tamburitza and Kolo Club.

Current Church Building

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Chicago's South Deering Churches.