Our Lady of Nazareth Parish was formed by the unification of the parishes of Annunciata, St. Kevin, St. George, and St. Francis de Sales. From July 1, 2020, until February 11, 2021, the combined parish was temporarily known as Annunciata, SS. George, Kevin, and Francis de Sales Parish, until our new name was selected. Through the Renew My Church efforts in the Archdiocese of Chicago, our new parish was formed and today our united parish serves both the East Side and South Deering communities on the Southeast side of Chicago.
Annunciata Church serves as the main church for worship and St. Kevin Church serves as a chapel of the parish for Sunday worship. St. George Church and St. Francis de Sales Church celebrated their final masses on July 19, 2020.
St. Kevin Church is located at 105th and Torrence Avenue. It was founded in 1884 for the Irish people of the community in South Deering. St. Kevin's Church under the direction of the former pastor of St. Patrick Church in Maytown Illinois, Father Timothy D. O'Sullivan, was established to keep separate records for the congregation of South Deering.
Early land history about the premises of St. Kevin's Church indicates that the University of Notre Dame owned the six lots where the church was constructed. Notre Dame intended to build a boy's school but since the area of South Deering becoming more industrially prosperous the plan was canceled.
Father O'Sullivan made many contributions to Irondale and other surrounding neighborhoods. The influence of Father O' Sullivan was a factor in developing the character of children and adults in the area. He ministered to the needs of the Catholics in Glenwood, Illinois and had a major role in the construction of St. Columba parish in Hegewisch. Father O'Sullivan performed charity to the Catholic congregation especially in the Cheltenham section of South Shore where he directed the construction of St. Bride Church.
PASTORS
Fr. Walter Yepes (2020-present)
Fr. Pedro Campos (2007-2020)
Fr. Alfredo Gundrum, OFM Cap (1994-2007)
Fr. George Schopp