St. Joseph was formed, thanks to St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church, in 1887 as one of the first Polish parishes in the Back of the Yards/Stockyard neighborhood. The area was densely populated with Polish families, the same families that worked at the Stockyards and transformed this neighborhood into the community that it is today.

Who is the pastor of back of the yards?

We look forward to being a part of the Back of the Yards community for many more years to come and continuing the Legacy of our forefathers. St. Joseph is currently staffed by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart–our Pastor is Father Ernesto Caicedo.

How has St Joseph changed over time?

Joseph has also changed and evolved, the original church is now St. John Paul II Hall and in 1914 the current church building, designed by Joseph Molitor, opened. In the early 1950s the church was redecorated by artist John A. Mallin ( see pictures here ).

What is happening to St Joseph Parish – Chicago (Hermitage)?

Many aspects of our lives have been drastically changed from one day to the next, including the unimaginable of closing our doors to the public, for the safety and well-being of everyone. However, we are still holding celebrations, masses, and prayers via Facebook Live via our facebook page: St. Joseph Parish – Chicago (Hermitage).