The coming of a Catholic parish to Edison Park was an answer to the prayers and needs of many families in the suddenly-growing community. Though the area had been settled since 1830, it was sparsely populated until after World War I. Beginning in 1920, over a thousand homes were built in less than 10 years. A great demand existed for more schools and churches. Local Catholics attended mass at Immaculate Conception Parish in Norwood Park. A few families belonged to St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge. When Cardinal Mundelein announced the formation of St. Juliana Parish, the Catholics of Edison Park were eager to begin building their own church.

Within a week after that first mass in June, 1927 at Ebinger School the men and women of the new parish came together to lay out their plans. Soon a temporary wooden church was built on the corner of Touhy and Osceola Avenues. On August 7, 1928, the new church was ready and St. Juliana Parish had a home of its own. In the spring of 1928, work began on a permanent school-church building. Word came from Rochester, Minnesota that the Sisters of St. Francis had agreed to teach in the school. The first group of Franciscan Sisters, led by Sr. Mary Camille, arrived in time for the opening of the new classrooms in September.

On November 25, 1928, the new Church was dedicated by Cardinal Mundelein. He warmly congratulated the people for their generous and quick response in bringing a Catholic parish to Edison Park.

Looming over the early history of St. Juliana is the figure of its first pastor, Father Thomas J. Hogan. Father Hogan was thirty-eight when he was appointed to found a new parish in Edison Park. He spent his youthful vigor and priestly zeal in building a firm foundation for the parish. Before the initial euphoria had a chance to wear off, the young pastor and his parishioners faced a severe crisis; the nation was suddenly plunged into the worst economic depression of its history. Money and jobs were scarce, and almost every family had to fight for survival. The new parish was caught up in an endless struggle to meet the financial obligations created by its building projects. Fr. Hogan and his people tirelessly explored means to raise funds and satisfy these obligations. Their efforts were successful. The young parish family gained a solidarity that comes from joining together to overcome great obstacles. Fr. Hogan died on August 24, 1940. He was deeply mourned by the parish which he had founded and guided for the first thirteen years of its existence.

The Reverend Francis C. Young was appointed the second pastor of St. Juliana in October, 1940. Fr. Young was a man of many talents. At the time of his appointment he enjoyed a national reputation as a writer, poet and pioneer in religious broadcasting. At St. Juliana's he was to prove an able administrator and compassionate shepherd to his people.

At the end of 1941 the nation found itself embroiled in another World War. Dozens of local boys were marching off to battlegrounds around the world. On the vigil of the Assumption in 1945, nearly the entire parish joined in a Holy Hour of Thanksgiving. The long war was over.

The post-war years saw another great population surge into Edison Park. The blocks north of Touhy Avenue were mostly comprised of undeveloped prairie land. Suddenly new houses were springing up everywhere. Hundreds of additional families were moving into the parish. By 1950 more than a hundred baptisms took place at St. Juliana, and that figure would be doubled in a few more years.

The need for a larger school became obvious. The teaching sisters moved out of their convent above the school and the area was converted into four classrooms. Additional space had to be rented in nearby stores. Fr. Young developed plans for a new school building. By 1955, the additional facilities were ready--twelve classrooms, a library, administration offices, and a new parish hall. The completed project reflected Fr. Young's deep commitment to Catholic education. He continually exhorted his people to support the school as a top priority of the parish, giving as many children as possible the benefit of Catholic education.

After serving the people of St. Juliana for nineteen years, Father Young died on June 30, 1958. His memory was deeply cherished by all who had been touched by his priesthood and his friendship. His legacy included a sense of parish pride and loyalty that remains the greatest asset of St. Juliana to this day.

Msgr. Michael J. Kilbride was named pastor in December of 1958. With his arrival came a new era of building projects to St. Juliana. In 1961, a modern convent building was dedicated. Soon afterwards, another wing was added to the school to meet the needs of the still growing area. And now Fr. Kilbride and his parishioners were ready to bring life to a very special dream. The time had come to replace the old church. Groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted in June, 1963. Slowly, bricks and mortar gave shape to a splendid new structure on Touhy Avenue. On June 13, 1964, the people of St. Juliana joined the pastor and Bishop Cletus O'Donnell in dedicating their new church, a beautiful house of worship, a fitting symbol of faith to all who pass.

Noteworthy is the extraordinary generosity of the parishioners throughout those expansion years. Between 1960 and 1965 nearly one-and-a-half million dollars had been spent on construction projects. By 1969 the parish debt had been fully retired. Tribute also belongs to Msgr. Kilbride for his tireless leadership. When he retired in September of 1969, St. Juliana could add another name to its Hall of Fame -- a man of commitment and service, Msgr. Michael J. Kilbride.

With the arrival of its new pastor, Monsignor James M. Lawler, St. Juliana entered a new phase of parish-building. The call of Vatican II had to be answered. The time had come for new forms of lay involvement in parochial activities. In designing these structures, Msgr. Lawler drew upon his long experience as director of the Archdiocesan Propagation of the Faith office. The School Board and Religious Education Board were formed. All parish organizations were invited to become part of a coordinating group known as the Combined Clubs Committee. The groundwork was laid for a strong and efficient Parish Council. Msgr. Lawler's gentle spirit and warmth were quickly appreciated by his people. Unfortunately, ill health cut short Msgr. Lawler's stay at St. Juliana. He resigned his pastorate in the fall of 1972.

St. Juliana's next pastor was a well-known and very popular Chicago priest. Msgr. Martin Howard had been rector of the Archdiocesan minor seminary for many years and had also served as pastor of St. Basil Parish on the south side of Chicago. The parishioners would know his quick wit and kind heart for far too short a time; death claimed Msgr. Howard on June 12, 1975. The burden of his loss was a heavy one for the people of St. Juliana.

In September of 1975, Father Donald J. Ahearn arrived as the new pastor of St. Juliana. In a very short time he proved himself to rank with his predecessors as a dedicated and energetic priest in the service of his people. Fr. Ahearn spent twenty years as pastor, retiring in June, 1995 to become Pastor Emeritus. During his 20 years our parish grew in size and love for one another. Fr. Ahearn possesses a wonderful quality of always making people feel wanted, welcomed and loved. His Irish wit was a true gift to our parish. Fr. Ahearn still resides at our parish and actively assists with Masses, Weddings and Funerals along with other parish activities.

Rev. Philip J. Dressler became the new pastor of St. Juliana in July, 1995. He brought with him some fresh new ideas. He began parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, and introduced the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) program. Father Phil retired in November of 2005 after 44 years of active priesthood. He joined Father Don as a Pastor Emeritus and continues to be visible around our parish community.

Today, we welcome Rev. Stephen Kanonik as our new pastor. Father Steve most recently served as pastor of St. Ladislaus, also in Chicago. He provides an introduction in our November 20, 2005 bulletin.

We are very proud of our parish, as it continues to be one of the largest and best in the Archdiocese due to the good and generous people of Saint Juliana.