Rose Winert was a widow raising four children and operating a home for the elderly and yet still found time to pursue her dream. She made plans to build a home near Rose Lane and Schoenbeck Road. In her plans she designed a complete church in the basement with two entrances and exits, proper ventilation, a bathroom, and a furnace. The home was completed in 1955.
Members of St. James Parish who lived in Prospect Heights were invited to a meeting to discuss the possibility of having their own parish. The group initially voted down the idea.
Rose then went to the pastor at St. James, Father George Steir, and together they asked permission of Cardinal Stritch to start a mission church. Cardinal Stritch gave his blessing and plans began to start the new parish.
Rose's enthusiasm became contagious. Her relatives and friends made the altar and donated church accessories. Neighboring parishes gave chairs, kneelers, and altar rails. Rose, at her own expense, donated linen tablecloths, vestments, statues and a parking lot.
The first Mass in Prospect Heights was held January 15, 1956 on Rose's 64th birthday in her basement chapel. In July of that year, the first pastor, Father Anthony Burke, was assigned to the new parish. The parish had graduated from a mission church and received the name of St. Alphonsus by Cardinal Stritch and the Chancellory Office. Alphonsus was the middle name of Cardinal Stritch. St. Alphonsus was a 17th Century scholar and the founder of the Redemptorist Order.
In September, 1958, Bishop Hellinger dedicated the newly built $600,000 St. Alphonsus School and Convent. In 1958, the school could hold 450 pupils (this even before the wing was added) and 480 families were enrolled in the parish. Rose passed away in 1962, but she saw her wonderful dreams become fulfilled.
Believe? Now Belong
~ A welcoming & caring Catholic Community since 1956
411 North Wheeling Road
Prospect Heights, IL. 60070
847-255-7452 - Parish Office & Religious Education
847-255-5538 - Catholic School
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St Alphonsus Liguori Church 2018
