THE HISTORY OF THE HEART AND SOUL OF ST. CHRISTINA

Geographically speaking, St. Christina church is located at 111th Homan, but since its inception its spiritual foundation has been solidly cemented deep in the hearts of its loyal parishioners.

The beginning of the journey of St. Christina Parish began in the year 1921 when the Rev. Peter Geraghty saw the need for a Catholic church in the expanding Mt. Greenwood community and proceeded to purchase 2 and a half acres of land in the area around 111th Homan.

Families in the community sought to establish a parish with a permanent pastor, and with the help and assistance of an assembly of families, headed by a man named James Burns, Cardinal Mundelein granted permission for this request.

Cunningham school was the place where the first mass was said by Rev. Thomas Friel. He was the first appointed pastor of St. Christina.

Soon after, a portable church was constructed at 11023 South Homan. June 15, 1927 marked the special date that the Liturgy of the Word was shared in the new church building. This also was a significant time because it would be the first of many construction endeavors that would involve the men of the parish family.

It was during the pastorate responsibilities of Rev. J.A Rebedeau in September of 1929 that Mt. Greenwood experienced a population boom. For almost three decades the parish flourished under Rev. Rebedeau's leadership. He expected the St. Christina community to go above and beyond the call of duty. They did not disappoint.

When a recreation center was needed the men of the parish rolled up their sleeves and went to work. This project began October 7, 1929 and was dedicated in December of that same year.

The following year attention was focused on the construction of a much needed Rectory. This parish project was also completed in a year's time. It was dedicated December 7, 1930.

Next in line to be built was a brick church. On Christmas Day of 1935, Mass was celebrated in the brand new church on the same ground where the portable church had stood.

With the population of Mt. Greenwood growing in leaps and bounds it was obvious that the Christian community of St. Christina needed a school. On July 25, 1938, Father Rebedeau signed a fifteen year lease on the old Central Park school located on Central Park avenue. When the sisters of the Dominic were commissioned to teach the Catholic students, the former Mt. Greenwood school became St. Christina parochial school. On August 27,1938, Mother Geslaus arrived with her fellow Dominican sisters. When the new school welcomed the children of the parish on September 6, 1938 there were 173 pupils ready and eager to learn.

Rev. Rebedeau lived to see the building of the beautiful and stunning church that we utilize today. It comfortably accommodates 1,500 parishioners. This new church was dedicated by Cardinal Stritch on May 27, 1956.

Father John Ireland Gallery took over the post as pastor in April, 1958. The parish continued to grow and prosper under his direction. On Father Gallery's 70th birthday he retired, leaving behind him 15 years of devoted service.

When Father Pavis joined the parish as pastor in January of 1973, there was much that needed to be done. Upgrades, refurbishing and general upkeep needed tending to and the list of repairs seemed to multiply while revenue couldn't keep up with the demand. Father Pavis proved to be instrumental in creating funding solutions that kept the parish running smoothly and efficiently. His organizational skills were influential in motivating the parish family to prosper and grow under his leadership. During Father Pavis' tenure fund raising events became a successful staple that kept St. Christina on firm financial ground.

By 1979, the Central Park buildings were torn down and the property is now a useful field for various parish functions.

The next thirteen years it was Father Curran who led the flock of Christian followers. Through the years the people of St. Christina have been an outgoing mix of humanity and compassion, all working together for the benefit of the community. The proof of its tight knit roots can be found in the generations of families who have grown up here and have stayed to raise their own children in the same neighborhood; the same Christian environment. There is a certain camaraderie that binds the people from past to present, to future.

In July, 1993, the sixth pastor chosen to head the church was one of our own. Father Martin O'Donovan, a former Mt. Greenwood resident, and St. Christina parishioner was now welcomed back as pastor in residence. For fifteen years his teachings by example were pivotal in reaching out from the pulpit to bring peace of heart through prayer and positive action. From betrayal to racism Father Marty dealt with it all with grace and conviction that openness, tolerance and forgiveness are powerful tools in overcoming negative situations. In July of 2008 we found ourselves saying good bye to our beloved Father Marty, our respected vicar, our friend.

Just when it was believed that no one could fill his shoes, in walked Father Sullivan and, without missing a beat, he has been embraced by the parish - his pastoral presence welcomed with hope and acceptance.

For over eighty years, the heart and soul of St. Christina has survived and thrived. Like so many church members before us we will continue to seek and grow - reaching new heights of possibilities while meeting new challenges with optimism and courage.

A HISTORY OF MEMORIES

St. Christina is a proud parish that provides many activities,
from athletics and Bible studies to services of youth ministries.

There are soup kitchens that help to feed the poor.
At Tuesday night bingo you'll find little old ladies gambling galore.

Teen clubs, scouting groups and CCD classes that teach Catholic students from public schools,
dedicated to opening young minds to follow religious rules.

St. Vincent de Paul, Altar and Rosary society and the Home-School Guild - Some offer assistance,
while others keep the needs of the parish fulfilled.

The annual Treasure Chest offers a chance to win lots of cash,
while having fun hanging out with family and friends at the community bash.

In the beginning Mass was held in a church that was portable - For a brand new parish
this structure was effective and affordable.

Then a brick building was built where the portable once stood - When the parish outgrew that one,
it became the 'little school'. A change that was needed and proved to be good.

Today we worship in a beautiful church that boasts exceptional detail,
a labor of love measured by dedication on a grand scale.

Back in the day, the men of the church built the wood and brick buildings
with their own blood sweat and tears.
It is the history of this legacy that lives on throughout the years.

In the back of church there use to be two cry rooms, now one is a bride's room,
a pre-waiting place out of view of anxious grooms.

In 1976, Fr. Pavis was in charge of redecorating the church for its Golden Jubilee - It was a celebration
of 50 years of accomplishment and unity.

Fr. Pavis will also be remembered for taking the altar statues away.
At the time the majority of the congregation wanted them to stay.

St. Christina is home to generations of families - With names like
Garvey, Whirity, Corley, Sheehan, Kennedy, Whitlock, O'Connor, Brown, McAvoy and Powers,
a testament that the benefits of a faith based community never sours.

We welcomed home one of our own in 1993, when former friend and neighbor, Fr. Martin O'Donovan,
returned as head of our church family.

When in 2008, Fr. Marty had to leave St. Christina behind,
most doubted that such a compatible pastor we would ever find.

But God heard our prayers and we were not disappointed.
The new resident reverend was the right man to be anointed.

Fr. Sullivan was welcomed with open arms - we knew it was meant to be.
He is the perfect fit for our parish family.

The story of St. Christina will continue to unfold, as memories yet to be made will, in the future, be told.

Still living the legacy from 1925 to 2009.
Every Sunday Divine news and updates can be found in The Sign.

With Fr. Sullivan at the helm we'll go forward on the journey,
strengthening our beliefs as we travel on the road to spiritual learning.

And we, the people of the parish, will continue to scatter, the seeds of
love, loyalty, faith and good will - that truly matter.

Written by Kathy Whirity