Niles St. John Brebeuf Celebrates 60th Anniversary

St. John Brebeuf (SJB) is celebrating 60 years of serving the greater Niles area through its many ministries. The year long celebration will be highlighted by a festive anniversary dinner in September and, later in the year, the 20th Annual Gala in support of the day school. Other activities are also planned.  

"We are taking this year to reflect on our wide variety of ministries which serve so many of not only the Catholic faith but those of other beliefs along with all residents of Niles and the surrounding area in so many ways," states Rev. Michael Meany, Pastor.

St John Brebeuf serves the geographic areas of Niles, Morton Grove, and Park Ridge; however, it reaches even further across cultures and social need groups. Parish outreach groups host non-sectarian gatherings for grieving families, drug and alcohol recovery, fraternal organizations, food/clothing drives and even musical concerts.

Long described as a vibrant community of faith, SJB has a lovely campus located along Harlem Avenue which serves as a gathering place for many civic organizations such as the Niles Chamber of Commerce, scouting groups and others.

When the Parish started in summer of 1953, the Founding Pastor was the Right Reverend Monsignor John J. Flanagan. Starting with an initial community of 400 families, the parish was named for St. John Brebeuf, one of the five Jesuit North American Martyrs. St. John Brebeuf was born in 1593 in Normandy, France, and spent his early years on the family farm before entering the priesthood. He did most of his great works with Indian tribes in Canada before being killed in 1649. He was canonized in 1930.

“The Memories to The Future”, the 60^th Anniversary Party on Friday, Sept. 13, will be a time to reflect on the history of parish over the past five pastors by viewing a special DVD presented on a large screen during cocktails and then after dinner attendees will enjoy an Anniversary Musical Revue reminiscent of Festival Cabaret Shows which traditionally ran annually in the school from 1953 to 1974. Meany said, “The goal is primarily to recognize the ministry and blessings that have come through the dedicated priest, religious and laity of the parish over the past six decades. God has certainly blessed us and so we will pull out all the stops and party in gratitude!” 

The St. John Brebeuf School 20^th Annual Gala will be held on Saturday, November 2. The Gala is about the children of SJB as well as those who attend the school from St. Isaac Jogues, Our Lady of Ransom and St. Martha.  This dinner dance supports an institution that has provided a quality Catholic education since 1955. A live and silent auction, $10,000 grand raffle, gourmet buffet dinner and dancing make this annual event a gathering of the who’s who of the community.  

The school building is also home to the Polish school where Christian Polish culture is taught. Religious education and preparation for the sacraments is also made available for children and young adults who do not attend a Catholic school.  Adult education is a continuing process featuring marriage preparation and Bible study.

As part of the anniversary celebration this summer, SJB will be launching a capital campaign based on prayer, stewardship, involvement and information called "To Teach who Christ is". SJB was chosen by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Cardinal Francis George as a pilot for an Archdiocesan-wide campaign to raise funds for Catholic education and faith formation, Meany said. The three year campaign is designed raise awareness of how Christ guides everyday living.

"We are excited to be one of the pilot parishes in this multi-year campaign which will eventually involve most parishes in the Chicago area," Meany added. "We hope the entire Niles area joins in and helps us celebrate our anniversary and what St. John's means to the community."

For information on services, activities and celebrations call 847-966-8145 or visit www.toteachwhochristis.com.