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 amy@northbrookcatholic.church to retrieve the one you dedicated. Not sure if you have one? Click the files below to search.
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OLB Items
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.
OLB 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. (See photos below) They immediately used most of the bedroom furniture and small items such as lamps and alarm clocks.
Other items were offered to Family Promise. Nothing inside the 'church walls' has yet been moved.
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.