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History
In July 3, 1951 Father Gerald J. Morrissey was commissioned
by Cardinal Stritch to form a new parish in the rapidly growing southern
section of La Grange and Western Springs. The 440 Catholic families in this
territory were being served by St. Francis Xavier Parish. After months of
survey, a site for the parish was chosen on the north side of 55th Street
between Spring and Stone Avenues. The new parish was canonically erected by
the Cardinal Archbishop on October 5, 1951 under the title and patronage of
St. Cletus, Pope and Martyr. The newly erected United Auto Workers Civic
Enter at 55th and East Avenue provided a temporary home for St. Cletus
Parish. On October 21, 1951 some six hundred worshippers attended the first
parish Mass in the Union hall.
The first building, designed by Mr. Thomas E. Cooke, A.I.A., consisted of a
temporary church seating 450 people and two wings containing eight
classrooms, a kindergarten, music rooms, and administrative offices. A
convent was located on the second floor over the school. St. Cletus School
opened in September 1953 with 412 students enrolled in kindergarten through
seventh grade. Eight grade was added the following year and the first class
was graduated in June, 1955. The Sisters of St. Joseph of La Grange have
staffed the school from the beginning with Sister Mary Wilfrid serving as
the first principal, until the Sisters were no longer able to staff our
school any longer, in 1985.
The initial building was dedicated by Cardinal Stritch on April 24, 1954.
Plans for the permanent church and rectory were drawn up, and ground was
broken in July 1960 for the new church.
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St. Cletus Church
Yesterday
Today
St. Cletus Tabernacle
St. Cletus School
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The first Mass was celebrated in the new St. Cletus Church on Christmas Eve,
1961 followed by formal dedication ceremonies on May 20, 1962 with Albert
Cardinal Meyer presiding.
In the 50 years of its existence, St. Cletus Parish has been served by four
pastors. Father Morrissey continued as pastor from the founding of the
parish until his death on July 5, 1971. The following September he was
succeeded by Father Charles G. Gallagher until his retirement on January
2, 1990. Fr. Paul Burke was pastor briefly from 1990 - 1992. Father Raymond Klees
served as pastor from 1992 - 2006. Long-time weekend associate, Fr. Pat Marshall assumed
role of Administrator for short time in 2006. Father Bob Clark became
pastor on July 1, 2006 after working as Associate Pastor of St. Michael's Parish
in Orland Park. |
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Mass Schedule
Saturday Evening
5:00p
Sunday
7:00a, 8:00a, 9:30a, 11:00a,
12:30p (Spanish)
Evening Before Holy Day
7:00p
Holy Days
6:30a, 8:00a
Monday - Saturday
8:00a |
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Confessions
Every Saturday from 4:15 - 4:45pm.
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Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction
Adoration begins following the 8:00am Mass
and continues during the day until 6:15pm.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed at
6:15pm followed by Benediction.
Hispanic Adoration continues from 7:00pm
until 8:00pm. | |
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