St. Norbert
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Established in what was then known only as Northfield Township, St. Norbert had a history of growth and development concurrent with the community. The parish was founded by the Society of the Divine Word. On Pentecost Sunday, May 21, 1899, the first Mass was celebrated in a cheese factory.
In 1917 a combination church and school was built on Glenview Avenue (now Waukegan Road), and the name of the parish was change to St. Norbert. The building now houses the National Mission Offices of the Society of the Divine Word. By 1953, recognizing that St. Norbert was no longer a mission, the care of the parish was transferred to the Archdiocese of Chicago. Rev. Vincent P. Casey became the first diocesan pastor of St. Norbert Parish. The Sisters of the Holy Spirit returned to missionary work and the Sisters of St. Casimir agreed to staff the school. |
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Our Lady of the Brook
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To meet the needs of Catholic families who lived in the west end of the village of Northbrook, John Cardinal Cody appointed Rev. Robert Herne to organize a new parish, effective May 15, 1968. The Northbrook area was developing so rapidly that St. Norbert Church at Walters and Spruce could no longer accommodate the Catholic population.
Our Lady of the Brook was founded with a vision of Our Lady, who welcomes all with arms outstretched to come to the water and be refreshed. The streaming sunlight and changing seasons visible in the worship center reveal the miracle of God’s creation. It was built as a place where Jesus’ message could be taught and witnessed to without barriers, and its unique design enables us to hold parish events that reflect our warm hospitality. |
Catholic Community of Northbrook
On July 1, 2014, Rev. Robert Heinz began as pastor of Our Lady of the Brook while also remaining as pastor of St. Norbert, where he had been since 2007. The two communities began to dream about ways to combine their talents, gifts, and resources in order to better communicate and witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
After three years of collaborative efforts, including combining the parish bulletins, choosing a new daily Mass schedule, and relocating the parish offices, the two parishes were officially merged into one, effective in May of 2017. Fr. Christopher Gustafson was named Pastor in July 2019. After prolonged deliberations, and coping with the effects of the pandemic, the decision was made in July 2021 to close the OLB Worship Site. The final Mass was held on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
After three years of collaborative efforts, including combining the parish bulletins, choosing a new daily Mass schedule, and relocating the parish offices, the two parishes were officially merged into one, effective in May of 2017. Fr. Christopher Gustafson was named Pastor in July 2019. After prolonged deliberations, and coping with the effects of the pandemic, the decision was made in July 2021 to close the OLB Worship Site. The final Mass was held on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
We removed the dedicated brass 'Bricks' on the north and south walls of the Worship Center's entrance. They are available at the Parish Office - contact the office to retrieve the one you dedicated. Not sure if you have one? Click the files below to search.
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Parish OrganIn spring, 2024, the parish's beautiful pipe organ was gently dismantled, crated and packed up.
It was put in a shipping container, and sent to the Philippines, where it awaited a team to re-assemble it in its new home. Photos are of the packing process. |
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Parishioners Invited to Put OLB Items to Use
All of the items at Our Lady of the Brook have found a home. We offered the opportunity to look through these items on Saturday, August 19, 2023 to our parishioners. There were items such as candles, decorating fabric, vases, artificial flowers, dishes, kitchen items, small appliances, posters, frames, some drawings of OLB, baskets, Christmas trees, glassware, and much more. Unclaimed items were donated.
OLB ART
There were some pieces of secular artwork that were offered at the BASH on Nov. 13, 2021. These were mostly paintings that hung in the rectory living quarters or the meeting rooms.
Items Donated
In early 2022, we were made aware of a desperate need for household items for Refugees, via the World Relief organization. They took three truckloads of small furniture and kitchen items, which are already in the apartments of families who arrived from Afghanistan with nothing. They immediately used most of the bedroom furniture and small items such as lamps and alarm clocks.
Other items were offered to Family Promise.
The large art piece "hunger cloth" has been moved inside St. Norbert School. Some art pieces have been gifted to former pastors.
February 2023: The remaining household furniture was donated to the Chicago Furniture Bank.
Most Blessed Trinity Church in Waukegan was very happy to upgrade their church seating and moved all 560 wooden chairs from the worship center.
We donated the little kid chairs and some office furniture to the Westside Health Authority.
The handbells have been donated to St. John of the Cross, and will be used by Jessica Koch and her choirs.
August 6, 2023 Bulletin:
THANK YOU
Dear Fr. Chris,
Most Blessed Trinity parish has been enriched by your parish’s generosity during these past 6 months. We’ve been able to use the OLB chairs in our three churches and chapel. We are grateful for your generosity that continued to grow when we learned that the sanctuary altar and other sacred items were available.
I was able to speak with parishioners, especially those who attend mass at Queen of Peace church, and Fr. Jim Merold who was pastor when the parish was formed 30 years ago. Everyone, include Fr. Jim, encouraged me to go ahead and welcome the sanctuary furniture from Our Lady of the Brook. There has been unanimous appreciation for all the items you have shared. The altar, processional cross, and baptismal font are the most incredible additions to our church. The chairs, now residing at Holy Family Church, Immaculate Conception Church and St. Joseph Chapel, are easy to move and are very helpful.
On behalf of the parish, I renew my thanks to St. Norbert & Our Lady of the Brook parish, and will send photos. I am especially thankful for the anticipated use of the organ at Holy Family in the coming months.
Sincerely your sin Christ,
Rev. Timothy O’Malley, Pastor,
Most Blessed Trinity, Waukegan
THANK YOU
Dear Fr. Gustafson,
I am writing on behalf of the parishioners of St. Therese of the Child Jesus parish in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines to express our gratitude to you and your parish (through Rhoda Gonzalez) for the donation of liturgical vestments, books, linens, and vessels from Our Lady of the Brook. These contributions will greatly enhance our liturgical celebrations. Our parish is one of the mission parishes of the Society of Jesus serving the indigenous people (IP) in the Philippines.
Rest assured that your donation will be put to good use in our parish. Generous people like you have given us the strength and support to continues our mission with the IP community. This response includes our fervent prayers for you and the people you serve.
Again, thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Fr. Jereme Asunto SJ,
St. Therese of the Child Jesus parish
Philippines