St. John Bosco Parish

     The Missionary Catechists of Indiana Harbor and Rev. Paul J. Schmidt, Principal of Catholic Central High School, Hammond, Indiana started St. John Bosco Church in 1934.  Fr. Schmidt rented a basement flat in a three-story building at 6837 Columbia Avenue.  The Catechists used this building 2-3 times per week to provide religious education to the Catholic children in the area.  The first Holy Mass was offered in this building on April 15, 1934.

     On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934, Pope Pius XI canonized the Italian Priest, John Bosco. Fr. Schmidt dedicated this Parish on the very same day in honor of the newly canonized Saint.  This is the first church in the world dedicated to St. John Bosco, a fact confirmed by the Superior of the Salesian Fathers, a Religious Order founded by St. John Bosco.

     In 1937, the number of children attending religious education had grown to about 100, making it necessary to provide more space.  The Hammond School Board had several portable buildings for sale, and Bishop Noll granted permission to purchase one of these buildings and transfer it to the church owned lot on the southeast corner of 171st. Street and Columbia Avenue. During the summer of 1938, the newly acquired school building was remodeled and additions were made.  In October 1939, the interior of the Church was plastered.  Bishop Noll administered the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in this Church on October 19, 1939; 116 children and adults were confirmed. Rev. H. James Conway was pastor from 1934-1936 and Rev. Richard Grunenberg served as pastor from 1936-1940.

     In 1940, when Rev. John Bart was appointed Pastor, there were 50 families in the Parish.  By 1951, the numbers had grown to 600 families. With a reserve account of $160,000 on hand, and the approval of the Bishop, construction began on a new Church and school. The project was completed in 1952. During that year, the Sisters' House was remodeled, and four Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF established residence at St. John Bosco.  In 1953, two more Sisters were added to the teaching staff. In 1956, a new rectory was erected and attached to the old one, which was completely remodeled.  In 1963, a contract was signed for the building of the new convent, which was completed in 1964 and formally blessed by Bishop Andrew Grutka.  This building currently houses the Parish Office, the school library, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry.

     In 1966, Rev. John F. Bart retired as pastor of St. John Bosco. The parish had grown to 1166 families.  Msg. Everard N. Klein was appointed pastor and served until 1982. Rev. Michael Heimer served as pastor from that time until 1985. At this time, with a total of 1685 families in our parish, Rev. Stanley Dominik was appointed pastor. He served until 1998, at which time Rev. Richard Orlinski was appointed.  Currently, the St. John Bosco Parish community consists of 1400 registered families.  Our parish school has an enrollment of 294 students and provides services for preschool through eighth grade.

St. Mary’s Parish

     Polish immigrants in this freeland of ours have always lived up to their traditional motto “God, Honor, and Country”. Deeply rooted in their devotion to God and of freedom to worship, they organized many parishes at first predominantly Polish, because of the language barrier, and because of the instilled love of their native land with many of its fine cultural and religious traditions.  Polish religious hymns, songs, and sermons linked them spiritually with the Motherland.

     So in the year 1912, through the initiative of Rev. Felix Seroczynski, the Pastor of St. Casimir Parish and with the cooperation of the First Parish Committee (members being: Joseph Kolanko, Frank, Lesniewski, Martin Kocal, Peter Sopata and Anton Zalot), steps were taken to build a Polish Church in this region.

     In summarizing the history of St. Mary’s, it is important to point out the unselfish devotion to God and their calling of the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Kunegunda, serving the parish as teachers and nuns. Also contributing significantly to the growth of the parish were many Church Societies and Polish American organizations.      

     Thirty-eight years ago our Parish consisted of over 500 families, with a school enrollment of over 220 pupils. Today, as a result of the exodus to the suburbs, our Parish consists of 88 families of many different nationalities, and our parish remains a strong influence in our community and spiritual lives.

     On the occasion of our 75th Anniversary, as we gathered, we bowed our heads in reverence to our Polish pioneers, to our beloved priests and nuns, to the many outstanding leaders of societies and lodges for sowing the seed which took so good a spiritual and moral root.  We implore the almighty God and the Patron of the parish, Saint Mary of Czestochowa, to bless them in their present and future endeavors, to serve God and country, and to instill Honor in generations to come.