|
St.
John ‘s was founded in 1852 to meet the needs of German-speaking
Catholics in Joliet. The first Germans came in 1836 to found a
brewery. They were quickly followed by others from Bavaria, Prussia,
Alsace-Lorraine and other parts of Germany. By 1863 the small church
on the southwest corner of Division and Hickory Streets was crowded
and a new church needed. The cornerstone of the Gothic-style
limestone building was laid on August 15, 1866. In 1863, Mother
Alfred Moes and her tiny band of sisters came to St. John’s to take
over the education of girl students. Mother Alfred chose Joliet as
the motherhouse of her sisters, and their order prospered to serve
schools throughout the mid-west. The Franciscan Friars, immigrants
also from Germany, came to St. John’s in 1877 and continue to serve
the parish now.
Two World Wars diminished German culture and traditions in Joliet.
Where previously there had been three German newspapers, it became
unpopular to speak German for fear of appearing unpatriotic.
In the wake of the tragic fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in
Chicago, it became necessary to build a new, safer, school. It was
constructed in 1960 as well as a new friary, to replace the older
one. By the 1980’s, decreased attendance and financial hardship made
it clear that the parish could no longer support a school, and the
sad decision was made that it should close.
For the second time in our history, St. John’s witnessed the arrival
of immigrants, this time from Mexico. In 1992, a Mass in Spanish was
celebrated once a month. At this time there are three Spanish Masses
each week. St. John’s is unique as the only bilingual parish within
Joliet’s city limits.
Our earliest forbears predicted that it would take time for good
things to happen, using the German proverb: Gut Ding will Weile
haben! Good things have happened here! The people of St. John’s
will meet the challenges, and the disappointments, as well as the
accomplishments and joys of the future with the same strength, and
faith as those who have gone before us .
|
