Cerkev sv. Jožefa — St. Joseph's Church Joliet, Illinois
HISTORY OF
St. Joseph's Parish
Joliet, Illinois
1891 - 1941
ZGODOVINA
Župnije sv, Jožefa
Joliet, Illinois
VATICAN CITY MAY 30, 1941
Most Reverend Archbishop Stritch D. D. Chicago, Illinois.
ON THE JOYFUL OCCASION OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF ST. JOSEPH'S SLOVENIAN PARISH, THE HOLY FATHER CORDIALLY FELICITATES ITS PRIESTS AND PEOPLE AND BESTOWS ON THEM HIS APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION.
CARDINAL MAGLIONE
Most Reverend Samuel Alphonsus Stritch, D. D. Archbishop of Chicago
Most Reverend Bernard J. Sheil, D. D. Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Most Reverend William D. O'Brien, D. D. Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Our Pastor
Rev. Matthias J. Butala župnik cerkve sv. Jožefa

FOREWORD
Practically every Parish publishes a Golden Jubilee Book. But in most cases the History of the Parish is very briefly covered. Rev. George Kuzma, the editor of this book, has made certain that St. Joseph's glorious history will not be lost due to the lack of proper recording by a competent historian. This book is sufficient evidence of this.
The people of St. Joseph's Parish have always been not only devout Catholics but also, always faithful in their Parish affiliation. From years gone by the Joliet Slovene Parish was known as the "Slovene Rome of America". This was due to the fact, that St. Joe's Joliet was for years, not only the largest Slovene Parish numerically, but also, the inspirational force in guiding the activitiy of many other Slovene Communities.
During the greater part of the last 50 years, St. Joseph's School of Joliet had the largest enrollment of any Slovene School, educating a large number of American born Slovenes in loyalty to God, Country and Nationality.
In the field of fraternalism, St. Joseph's at present is the seat of three Supreme Offices, the K. S. K. J., Holy Family Society and the Slovenian Women's Union.
It is, therefore, in tribute to the staunch moral character, the many social achievements and the great sacrifice made in the establishment and maintenance of St. Joseph's Parish that this book is dedicated to ths people and the clergy.
We are grateful to Sister M. Roberta for the history of the school. We wish to acknowledge the aid of Rev. Father Alexander Urankar in correcting the Slovenian manuscript. There arè other collaborators whose names will be found with their articles, whose contribution we also appreciate.
We do hope that the glories of the past 50 years will be an inspiration to the younger generation, that they too, through Parish loyalty and sacrifice achieve much for God and Race. We are thankful to God for the many Blessings during the past 50 years. May God, in His generosity, shower still more graces upon the good people of St. Joseph's in the next 50 years.
REV. M. J. BUTALA, Pastor.
Joliet, 111., July 25 — The Feast of St. James, the Apostle.

ZGODOVINA ŽUPNIJE SV. JOŽEFA V JOLIET-U, ILLINOIS
I. POGLAVJE
Splošne razmere.
RED petdesetimi leti so bile splošne razmere v Ameriki precej drugačne kakor so sedaj. Ravno tako v Jolietu. Mesto še ni imelo električne razsvetljave. V glavnem delu mesta so svetile plinove sevtilke. In to samo do Benton ceste. Od Bneton cesie naprej, kjer so živeli Slovenci in še drugi priseljenci, ni bilo nobene razsvetljave zunaj po ulicah. Po hišah so si ljudje svetili s petrolejem, kakor v stari domovini. Tisti del mesta, kjer so živeli po večini Slovenci, to je: Indiana, No. Chicago in Scott ceste, so drugo-rodci, ki so se imeli za stare Amerikance, čeravno so mogoče mesec poprej sem prišli iz revne Irske, ali švedske, nazivali "Polack Town", ali Poljsko mesto.
Slovenci.
"Poljsko mesto" je bilo precej znano mestnim ljudem, posebno pa policijski oblasti. Vsako nedeljo večer, skoraj brez izjeme, je bila policija klicana v ta ali oni slovenski salun delat mir, ker so se fantje stepli. Zapomniti si je treba, da tisto dobo so bili tukajšni slovenski možje še vsi mladi. Sem so prihajali v najbolj aktivni in vroči fantovski dobi. Bili so močni kot voli, vajeni težkega dela in toliko ponosni na sebe, da se niso dali drugorodcem.
Delo so takoj dobili. Vsak pondeljek je šel "forman" k tovarn-niškim vratom Iskat nove delavce. Oziral se je najbolj po čevljih. Katerega je tam videl stati obutega še v starokranjske čevlje, mu je samo namignil rekoč: "Come here, John Austria! I have a job for you".
V	tovarni seveda so imeli prednost Irci, ki so govorili angleško. Ti so Slovencem ukazovali in večkrat z njimi tudi šale vganjali. To je bilo slovenskim fantom odveč. V tovarni niso mogli Ircem do živega, ob nedeljah pa, če se je kateri Irec pokazal, kjer so bili naši fantje, je bil takoj tepen. Zato so radi hodili v gručah, pa tudi to ni nič pomagalo. Kjerkoli so zadeli na Slovence, je bil pretep in Slovenci so navadno zmagali. Kdaj pa Ircev ni bilo, so se fantje tudi med seboj zlasali. Nobeden policaj ni sam vstopil v slovenski salun, ker bi bil tudi on tepen. Ko so bili klicani, jih je prišlo več s policijskim vozom, naložili so vanj tiste, ki so ga imeli največ pod kapo in jih odpeljali na policijsko postajo. Tam so jih imeli zaprte skozi noč in ko je bil čas it na delo v pondeljek zjutraj, so jih izpustili.
Domače razmere.
V	tisti dobi so bili tukajšni Slovenci po večini še neoženjeni fantje. Stanovali so pri oženj enih rojakih, katerih žene so vodili takozvane "boarding houses", ali domače hotele. Nekatere gospodinje so imele od deset do dvajset fantov na stanovanju in v oskrbi. V kateri hiši jih je bilo manj, sta bila dva, ali tri v eni sobi; kjer jih je bilo pa večje število, so bili vsi v eni veliki sobi. Postelja in kovčeg, postelja in kovčeg, po vrsti kakor v litanijah. Koliko kovčegov je bilo v sobi, toliko fantov je bilo tam na stanovanju.
Ženitve.
Slovenskih deklet je bilo ob pričetku zelo malo. Katera je prišla iz stare domovine, se je v par tednih poročila. Veliko porok je bilo že naprej dogovorjenih, še predno je dekle sem prišla. V nekaterih slučajih nista celo drug drugega poprej nikoli videla. V tisti dobi niso potrebovali pet ali deset let za zaročen je kakor dandanes in vendar je bilo manj razdrtih zakonov kakor jih je sedaj.
Naj se tukaj izreče beseda v počast starim slovenskim gospodinjam. Bile so, skoraj brez izjeme, zgledne krščanske žene. Fantom na stanovanju so kuhale, prale na roke in šivale. Obenem so pa odgojile številne otroke v pravem krščanskem duhu. S svojim zgledom so vodile njihovo duševno rast; s svojim delom in zaslužkom so jim pa preskrbele lastne hiše in domove. Bile so delavne, skrbne in bogaboječe. Sedanji rod bi bil veliko bolj srečen, če bi imel več takih mater in gospodinj kakor so bile te.
Delo in zaslužek.
Za prve slovenske priseljence je bilo delo trdo in zaslužek bolj slab. Prejemali so od $1.00 do $1.50 na dan, za 10 do 13 urno delo. Zaposleni so bili večinoma v jeklarni in pa kamnolomih.
Verski položaj.
Prvi slovenski naseljenec v Jolietu je bil menda Markus Kraker, ki je prišel sem nekoliko pred letom 1870. Leta 1885 je bilo v Jolietu vseh skupaj približno 40 Slovencev. Do leta 1890 se je to število pomnožilo na 200 oseb. Od tedaj, naprej so naši ljudje prihajali v Joliet vsako leto v večjem številu.
V teh letih so Slovenci hodili k božji službi v nemško cerkev. Sv. Janeza. Ob pričetku je bilo vse dobro, toda ker je število Slovencev tako rastlo — vsako nedeljo jih je prišla več v cerkev — so se nemci zbali za svoje prostore. Slovenci niso bili več dobrodošli. V tej cerkvi so imele posamezne nemške družine svoje sedeže v najemu, kakor je bila tedaj navada. Slovenci še niso bili vajeni tega sistema in zato so sedali v sedeže, te ali one, katerikoli je bil prazen. Prišlo je tako daleč, da je tedanji nemški župnik javno v cerkvi povedal, da "Avstrijcev" tam ne potrebujejo. To je bilo leta 1889.
Prva kolekta za lastno cerkev.
Še tisto nedeljo so se možje in fantje sestali kar na North Chicago cesti, pred Zupančičevo hišo in se posvetovali, kaj naj bi počeli. Rekli so: "Mi moramo imeti svojo faro in svojo cerkve; tako ne bo šlo več dolgo. Dajmo začeti pobirati prispevke za cerkveno zemljišče. Ti Jabob Cesar, ker si že dolgo tukaj, imej ta denar v oskrbi." Stari Cesar pa pravi: "Ali se nič ne bojite za denar, kaj bo ako mi ga kdo vzame?" "Smo brez skrbi. Ti si že star Amerikanec, tebi zaupamo." Segli so v žep in vsak je takoj daroval cekin za pet dolarjev. Sestali so se še večkrat in delali načrte za bodočo župnijo.
Obisk č. g. Solnceta.
Leta 1890 je prišel v Joliet č. g. Janez Solnce iz Minnesote za velikonočno spoved na prošnjo dr. sv. Jožefa. Spovedoval je v nritičlju St. Mary's Church, isti večer je pa imel sejo v Werner dvorani. Pohvalil je Slovence, da se trudijo za svojo lastno župnijo. Dal jim je nasvet, naj si takoj izberejo polnomočni cerkveni odbor, in on sam jim bo pa preskrbel slovenskega duhovnika za to novo župnijo. Ljudje so sledili
The First Pastor
Rev. Frančišek Šaleški šiisteršič Ustanovitelj žijpnije sv. Jožefa
navodilu. Takoj so sestavili cerkveni odbor: Markus Kraker, predsed-sîdnik; Jos2rh štuk°l, blagajnik, in Arit.in Golobic, tajnik Č. Solnce je izpolnil svojo obljubo s tem, da je šel osebno v staro domovino v svoj rojstni kraj in od tam pripeljal s seboj moža, kateri je bil po božji previdnosti odločen postati ustanovnik slovenske župnije sv. sv. Jožefa v Jolietu, ustanovnik najstarejše slovenske podporne organizacija Kranjsko Slovenske Katoliške Jednote, prvi organizator slovenskih župnij v bližini Chicage, duhovni oče in moder svetovalec revnim slovenskim priseljencem, z eno besedo povedano, imel je postati najbolj zgleden slovenski izseljenski duhovnik. In to je bil č. g. Frzniišsk Šaleški šusteršič.
Ustanovitelj župnije.
Č. g. Frančišek S. šusteršič je dosnel v Joliet 12. maja 1891. Pooblaščen od chikaškega nadškofa Feehan-a, da ustanovi lastno župnijo za tukajšne Slovence. Sprejet je bil z.velikim veseljem. Rojaki so ga težko pričakovali, že dve leti so /bifali" dona.r 7a svojo lastno cerkev, toda začeti niso mogli predno so imeli tudi svojega župnika. Zdaj so lahko začeli, ker dobili so tako dobrega voditelja, da boljšega še ni imela nobena druga slovenska župnija v Ameriki.
Po svojem prihodu v Joliet, ni mali gospod (the little pastor) nič čakal ali premišljeval, kaj bo sedaj. S tistim navdušenjem in vnemo, katera ga je odlikovala njegovo celo življenje, se je takoj lotil dela. Nekaj časa je maševal v nemški šoli na oltarju, katerega je naredil Mr. Anton Nemanič. Stregel mu je Mr. Anton Golobic. V tej nemški šoli je imel tudi prvo farno sejo, na kateri so določali, kakšno cerkev bodo gradili na zemljišču, katerega so bili far ani že poprej kupili. In ta prostor je bil tam kjer sedaj stoji novo župnišče. Določili so, da bo nova cerkev iz kamna zidana in Markus Krakar je obljubil, da bo on daroval kamen iz svojega kamnoloma.
Prva cerkev.
Z delom so takoj začeli. Ljudje so radi pomagali, vsak, kateri je imel kaj prostega časa, je prišel in pomagal kopati temelj za cerkev. ' Dne 19. julija 1891 so blagoslovili vogelni kamen ob veliki udeležbi ne samo Slovencev, ampak tudi Hrvatov in Poljakov, ki so se ločili od nemške cerkve in se priklopili Slovencem. V treh mesecih je bila cerkev dozidana. Bila je iz rezanega kamna, 90 čevljev dolga in 52 čevljev široka, oskrbljena s plinovo razsvetljavo. Za patrona so si fáráni enoglasno izbrali sv. Jožefa. Dr. sv. Jožefa je kupilo kip sv: Jožefa za glavni oltar. Ostala društva, kakor tudi posamezniki, so se kosali med seboj, kateri bo več daroval za cerkev. Č. g. šusteršič je izdal ves svoj denar, ki ga je prinesel s seboj iz starega kraja, za to cerkev. Ti stari farani, ustanovniki, naj bodo vedno mladini v zgled. Njihov spomin je časten. Pomagali so tudi Slovaki. Kupili so kipa sv. Cirila in Metoda za veliki oltar.
Blag^oslovljenje prve cerkve.
Dne 18. oktobra 1891 je bil določen dan za blagoslovitev nove cerkve. Iz Chicage so prišla slovenska in češka društva. Naredili so veliko parado, katero sta nadzorovala jolietska maršala Anton Nemanič in Steve Stanfel skupno z maršali iz Chicage. Mil. opat Bernard Ločnikar, v lepi pontifikalni opravi z mitro na glavi in škofovo palico v roki, je s pomočjo ostale duhovščine naj orej blagoslovil cerkev in potem daroval slovesno sv. mašo za vse dobrotnike jolietske cerkve.
The First Church
Prva cerkev sv. Jožefa
Prvi harmonij.
Kmalu za blagoslovitvijo je cerkev dobila tudi harmonij. Orglanje je sprva oskrbovala gospa Krakarjeva. Prvi organist je bil Frank Ber-nik, ki je orgij al in vodil petje do leta 1894, za njim je prišel A. Gerčar, Ta je ostal pri cerkvi 10 let.
Zvonovi.
Notranje potrebščine v cerkvi, kakor stranska oltarja, kipi in kri-žev pot so farani v teku enega leta vse nabavili. Toda zvonov so rojaki pogrešali pri cerkvi. Vajeni so bili iz domovine lepega zvonenja, in zato jim je bilo tukaj dolg čas. Začeli so posebno zbirko za nove zvonove; vsi so radi darovali. Č. g. župnik je obljubil, da vsako društvo ali posameznik, ki daruje $10.00, bo imel svoje ime zapisano v bronu na novih zvonovih. Veliki zvon, ki mu je ime "St. Joseph", nosi na sebi sledeča imena: Društvo sv. Jožefa, Joseph Pezdirc, Joseph štukelj, Mathias Puhek, Anton Golobic, Martin Kapsch, Peter Jurjevčič, Jakob Kren, Jakob Zelko in John Vraničar. Srednjemu zvonu je ime sv. Jurij (St. Georgius) in nosi sledeča imena: Vitezi sv. Jurija, Anton Nema-nich, Jakob Bluth, Štefan štanfel, Štefan Kukar, in Matthew Bradeška. Mali zvon je posvečen Mariji (Sancta Maria). Uglasbeni so na P. A. C. Tehtajo 3,000 funtov, in stanejo $800.00. Blagoslovljeni so bili v nedeljo dne 23. novembra 1892 z veliko svečanostjo. Obešeni so na starokranjski način in zato se tako lepo slišijo, ko vabijo vernike k službi božji, ko oznanujejo praznike prihodnjega dne in ko pojejo zadnjo slovo umrlim faranom. Ob velikih praznikih se še bolj krasno slišijo, ko naši možje tako spretno pritrkavajo in klenkajo nanje.
Pokopališče.
Čeravno je bila ob tem času slovenska naselbina v Jolietu še mlada, vendar se je tu in tam pripetil kak smrtni slučaj. V tisti dobi je umrlo precej otrok in tudi nekateri odrasli so zaradi ponesrečenja pri delu, ali pa zaradi hude bolezni morali iti že v mladosti na oni svet. Od začetka so bili naši mrliči navadno zakopani na nemško pokopališče. Ko so Nemci odpovedali, so nekateri bili položeni na Irsko (St. Patrick's) pokopališče. Toda nastajale so vsakikrat večje težkoče, tako da so se Slovenci odločili za svoje lastno pokopališče. Spomladi '°ta IBQ"' so kupili na zanadni strani mesta, kake dve milji od cerkve, lep prostor v obsegu peterih akrov. Prostor je veljal $1,500.00, ograja križ, delo in nasadi pa $500.00. Blagoslovljeno je bilo z veliko slovesnostjo dne 26. -maja, 1895.
Zemlja, ki je bila tistikrat prazna, je sedaj po 46 letih polna grobov naših rojakov in prejšnih faranov. Ravno tako so na tem pokopališču pokopani zemeljski ostanki štirih duhovnikov. Trupla čč. gg. Kranjca, Tomazina, Soj ar j a in Plevnika tam čakajo angelske trombe, ki jih bo, po milosti božji, skupno z njihovimi umrlimi farani pozvala k častiti jevem vstajenju. Cenjeni bralec! Če te kedaj pot zanese gori na hrib k slovenskemu pokopališču, stopi noter na blagoslovljeno zemljo, poglej ta imen na kamnih in odkrij se! Tu počivajo trupla, ki so nosila blaga in za vero vneta srca, da, junake za sveto vero. Zmoli kratko molitvico za te dobre slovenske duše, katerih trupla so tudi po smrti združena, daleč od kraja, kjer jim je tekla zibelka.
šola.
Č. g. šusteršič se je takoj od začetka zanimal za slovenski mladež. Ko je ustanovil župnijo je bilo samo 12 otrok godnih za šolo. Nekoliko
The Old Cemetery
Staro pokopališče fare sv. Jožefa
jih je hodilo v nemško šolo, nekoliko v javno šolo, nekateri pa so bili doma. č. g. župnik jih je zbiral skupaj ob sobotih in jih učil slovensko brati in pisati. Ta poduk se je vršil v zakristiji. Ob nedeljah popoldne jim je v cerkvi razlagal krščanski nauk. In ta navada je ostala v tej župniji skoraj trideset let.
Ker je število otrok rastlo od dne do dne, so farani od začetka župnije začeli misliti tudi na lastno šolo. Veliko slovenskih družin se je preselilo v Joliet, ko so slišali, da imajo rojaki v Jolietu svojo lastno cerkev. Nekateri so tudi dobili svojo ženo in otroke iz stare domovine in zato je bila lastna šola vsak dan bolj potrebna. Ko so imeli že načrt narejen za šolo, so prišli slabi časi leta 1893. Delo se je zaprlo in ostalo zaprto celih 18 mesecev. Ljudje so se s težavo preživljali in ni bilo misliti na graditev nove šole. Ko se je delo zopet odprlo in ljudje se zopet malo oprijeli, so leta 1895 začeli z graditvijo šole. Končana je bila meseca septembra. Poduk se je začel 2. oktobra. Poslopje je bilo enonadstropno, 60 čevljev dolgo in 30 čevljev široko. Stalo je z opravo vred $2,000.00 Vpisalo se je 64 otrok. Eden izmed prvih učencev in strežnikov je bil Jožef štukel, zdaj č. g. Joseph štukel, župnik na hrvatski župniji v Chicagi. Ena izmed prvih častitih šolskih sester je bila Sestra Ferdinanda, ki je potem ostala v naši šoli do leta 1935, do malega celih 40 let. Le Bog sam ve, koliko dobrega je č, sestra Ferdinanda storila za naše otroke v teku te dolge dobe. Bila je izvanredno dobra in bogaboječa, potrpežljiva in odpustljiva do skrajnosti. Nobeden otrok, ki je hodil v našo šolo, ne bo rekel, da se mu je sestra Ferdinanda kedaj zamerila. Vsak se je spominja z najlepšimi in hvaležnimi občutki. Bila je v resnici svetniška duša.
The First School
Stara šola sv. Jožefa 18
Nove orgije.
Leta 1896 so si farani cerkve sv. Jožefa nabavili nove orgije. Harmonij, katerega so poprej uporabljali, se jim je zdel nezadosten. Slovenci že po svoji naravi ljubijo lepo petje in godbo. Najljubše jim je dobro cerkveno petje in orgijanje. In zato so to leto potrošili $475.00 za dobre orgije. Te orgije so se rabile tudi v sedanji novi cerkvi do 1919, ko so se kupile sedanje krasne električne orgije.
Nova sv. maša.
Prva nova sv. maša v cerkvi sv. Jožefa je bila leta 1896. Daroval 10 je č. g. Matija šavs na novega leta dan. Velečastiti dekan šavs je še precej pri moči in še vodi svojo župnijo sv. Marka v Shakopee, Minnesota. Z blagopokojnim č. g. šusteršičem sta bila velika prijatelja. Sodelovala sta pri Amerikanskem Slovencu in pri ustanovitvi Kranjsko Slovenske Katoliške Jednote. Velečastiti g. dekan še dandanes rad obišče jolietsko naslebino, da si poživi spomine na svojo prvo daritev v tej župniji.
Sv. birma.
Zakrament sv. birme je bil prvikrat podeljen v naši župniji 28. aprila 1897. Podelil ga je mil. g. chikaški nadškof Feehan. Farani so se pridno pripravljali za to slavnost. Cerkev so dali preslikati, kar jih je stalo $200.00. Otrok ni bilo za birmo. Komaj 24 jih je prejelo ta sv. zakrament. Vzrok, da jih ni bilo več, je bil ta, da tisti čas ni bilo dovoljeno prvo sv. obhajilo pred dvanajstim letom in kateri ni bil še pri prvem sv. obhajilu, ni bil pripuščen k sv. birmi.
Novo zemljišče.
Vsak dober gospodar gleda in računa na bodočnost. Tako so tudi farani cerkve sv. Jožefa, skupaj s svojim župnikom imeli bodoče potrebe pred očmi, ko so kupili kos zemlje za cerkvijo, kjer zdaj stoji nova šola. Lota je bila 165 čevljev dolga in 66 čevljev široka. Stala je $1,200.00. Pogodba je bila sklenjena 24. maja 1891.
Zopet nova maša.
Č. g. Plevnik je bil znan v Johetu še kot študent. Pri č. g. šust°ršiču je prebil več svojih počitnic. Zato ni čuda, da je v Jolietu tudi daroval svojo prvo sv. daritev. C. g. Plevnik je študiral v slavnem "St. Mary's Seminary" v Baltimore. Prevzvišeni kardinal Gibbons ga je posvetil v mašnika dne 17. junija 1897. Novo mašo je pel v cerkvi sv. Jožefa dne 20. junija.
Novo župnišče.
Leto 1898 je bilo zelo napredno za našo župnijo. To leto so premaknili staro župnišče iz vogala Chicago in Clay cest na novo-kup-Ijeni prostor poleg šole. To staro župnišče so potem imele častite sestre za svoje stanovanje, da niso več morale hoditi vsak večer gor na hrib v svoj samostan spat. Na izpraznjenem prostoru so zgradili novo župnišče z dvanajstimi sobami. Stalo je $4,000.00 brez notranje opreme. Blagoslovljeno je bilo 16. oktobra 1898. Prvo župnišče, ki je potem postalo dom za č. sestre, je še sedaj pri življenju. To je hiša, v kateri živi Mrs. Mary Golobic na vni;?iu -Ta^.kson in Indiana C3st. Žuonišče, ki je bilo tedaj zgrajeno na tem prostoru, kjer je zdaj nova cerkev, je bilo pozneje premaknjeno na vogal Clay in Scott cest in to je sedanja sesterská hiša. Seve je bila pozneje nekoliko povečana.
Newly Ordained
Rev. John Plevnik kot novomašnik Šola povečana.
Isto leto ko so gradili novo župnišče, so tudi povečali šolo. Dodali so še eno nadstropje, čas vse spremeni. Kar je bilo tedaj novo, je sedaj staro. Šolo, katero so tedaj gradili, zdaj imenujemo "staro šolo". Ko pišemo te vrstice, je staro šola v slabem položaju. Toda upamo, da predno ta spominska knjiga zagleda beli dan, bo stara šola temeljito popravljena. Obzidana bo z opeko, z novimi okni in durmi in od znotraj prenovljena. In odslej se bo imenovala "Ferdinand Hali" v spomin č. sestri Ferdinandi, ki je toliko let v njej učila.
Jaslice.
Za božič, leta 1900 je dobila naša cerkev prekrasen dar, katerega še vedno ljudje občudujejo. To so krasne jaslice, katere je kupilo dr. sv. Jožefa K. S. K. J.
Prvi sv. misijon.
Naši farani so imeli prvič priložnost biti deležni milosti sv. misijona v lastni župniji od 17. do 25. marca 1901. Misijon je vodil č. g. F. X. Bajec iz Minnesote.
Prvi jubilej.
Prvi jubilej obstanka svoje župnije so naši farani obhajali leta
1901, ko so praznovali desetletnico ustanovitve župnije. Začeli so v nedeljo 30 junija. Zjutraj so imeli pontifikalno sv. Mašo, katero je daroval mil. škof J. Trobec iz St. Cloud, Minn. Popoldne istega dne je mil. škof Trobec podelil zakrament sv. birme. Po birmi je škof blagoslovil zastave in bandere za društvo sv. Alojzija in Dekliško Marijino Družbo. Birmanci so imeli vsi enega botra in to je bil Mr. John Grahek. Birmanke pa eno botro Mrs. Mary Kukar.
V	pondeljek 1. julija je bila slovesna peta sv. maša za farane in dobrotnike cerkve sv. Jožefa. Po maši se je odprla šolska razstava. Otvoril jo j^ mil. g. škof Trobec, šolske sobe so bile vse olepšane in obdane z izdelki šolske dece. Isti večer so šolski otroci naredili krasno ovacijo v poslovitev škofu Trobcu, ki je odhajal nazaj v Minnesoto.
V	torek zvečer so se zbrale naše žene, da ustanove novo društvo v spomin desetletnice fare. Ustanovile so dr. sv. Ane Katoliških Borštnaric. Umeščevanje je slovesno izvršila visoka nadborštnarica chicaškega naddvora EL Rodgers. Prve uradnice dr. sv. Ane so bile: Anna Jerman, nadborštnarica; Mary Buh, podborštnarica; Anna Klobučar, tajnica in zapisnikarica; Mary Grahek, tajnica in blagajničar-ka; Mary Košak, blagajničarka; Catherine Jurjevčič, Catherine Papež, Mar;/ Petročič, odbornice; Barbara Škof in Catherine Požek, maršal-ke, Mary Skrinar in Anna Perše, vratarice.
V	sredo zvečer je bil veličasten koncert v "Joliet Opera House". Peli so moški in ženski zbori, kakor tudi zbor šolskih otrok pod vodstvom organista A. Grčarja. Peli so tudi nekatere angleške pesmi. Med petjem so nastopili slavnostni govorniki, kakor jolietski župan Richard Barr, in misijonar č. g. F. X. Bajec. Program se je zaključil z himno "America". Koncert je naredil najlepši utis na vse navzoče.
V	četrtek dne 4. julija, ker je to v Ameriki narodni praznik, so naši farani praznovali desetletnico svoje fare na najbolj impozanten način. Na ta dan so prihitela slovenska bratska društva, kakor hrvatska in slovaška. Pred sv. maš d. katero j 9 daroval č. g. Plevnik, tedaj župnik v Chicagi, so zbrana društva naredila špalir pred cerkvijo. Po sv. maši se je pa začela ogromna parada po mestu. Te parade so se udeležili poleg zbranih društev tudi: tri godbe, mestna policijska straža, pet oddelkov ognjegascev (fire department) in veliko število okrašenih vozil. Vsi meščani so se čudili tako veliki paradi. Mestni župan se je izrazil takole: "Tako lepe in veličastne parade posameznega naroda še ni bilo v Jolietu". Glavni maršal te parade je bil g. M. War d j an.
Parada se je vila po glavnem delu mesta in potem odkarakala po Collins cesti v prostrani Riverview Park. Tam je bilo vse pripravljeno za velik piknik. Imeli so razne tekme, igre in ples. Nastopil je tudi slavnostni govornik Hon. William A. Bowles, zastopnik državne zakonodaje iz Springfield-a, 111. Nastopil je tudi moški pevski zbor z g. Grčarjem na čelu in s svojimi pesmi kratkočasil občinstvo. Ljudje so se vračali domov pozno zvečer, vsi veseli in navdušeni za svojo župnijo.
II. POGLAVJE.
Cpomini izpod peresa starega farana g. George Stonicha.
A ne bo kdo rekel kaj ti gospodje, ki so S3daj na fari in pišejo to zgodovino, vedo, kako je bilo tukaj pred petdesetimi leti, bomo vem tukaj podah izvirno poročilo, katero je sestavil iz svojih spominov g. George Stonich, soustanovitelj župnije sv. Jožefa in dolgoletni član cerkvenega odbora.
"Po oblastilu preč. gos-^oda župnika M. J. Butala in pomožnih župnikov George J. Kuzma in Michael Cepon, tekom proslave zlatega
staro župnišče-zdaj sestrska hiša — Former Rectory and the New School
jubileja ali 50 letnice obstanka fare sv. Jožefa v Jolietu, 111. podam sledeče zgodovinske podatke, V priobčilo Zgodovinske knjige ki bo izdana tekom proslave 50 letnega zlatega jubileja župnije in slovenske naselbine.
"Biio je leta Ipro nedeljo v p-^letnem času. Zbralo s" nas je okoli 10 do 15 mož in fantov na No. Chicago cesti in se trezno pogovarjalo, da Bog sam ve, kako smo potrebni svoje lastne župnije in ako bi nam bilo mogoče, da bi že kmalu zagledali veseli dan, ko bi sezidali svojo lastno katoliško cerkev.
"In med nami se je nahajal stari sivobradec in stari Amerikanec po imenu Jakob Cesar. Doma je bil iz semiške fare v Belokrajini, tedaj ie sradal v nemško cerkev sv. Janeza. Ta sivolaš^.ek nam = dal veliko navodil, kako se moramo organizirati in si izvoliti začasni odbor in začeti z nabiranjem denarja v ta namen. Pri tem shodu je takoj vsak dal po $!^.00. Obenem smo izvolili g. Jakoha C-îsarja za kolektarja, ki bo hodil po hišah nabirat denar za slovensko cerkev. Z izgovorom, da ako ne bi bilo nič, dobi vsak svoj denar nazaj.
"Leta 1890 smo ustanovili podporno društvo sv. Jožefa, spadajoče v češko Katoliško Srednjo Jednoto, — sedaj spada v K. S. K. Jednoto pod številko 2. — Prišel je postni čas, bilo je potrebno izpolniti versko dolžnost. Kako bomo to storili, ko ni bilo slovenskega duhovnika. Na zadnje je to društvo povabilo preč. g. Janeza Solnce, da je prišel v Joliet in smo bili Slovenci V soboto pri izpovedi, v nedeljo zjutraj smo prejeli sv. obhajilo pri osmi sv. maši in po sv. maši nam je navdušeno pridigal. Potem je naznanil, da če nameravamo ustanoviti svojo lastno faro, naj pridemo popoldan na skupno sejo, ki se bo vršila v mestu v Werner dvorani, to je na No. Chicago in Van Buren cesti, kjer je sedanji "Darcy Building". Tega zborovanja smo se udeležili vsi Slovenci. Sejo je vodil sam č. g. Solnce. priporočal nam je, da naj takoj izvolimo stalni odbor ki bo nabiral denar za nakup prostora, na katerem nameravamo zidati cerkev. In kakor hitro naberemo dovolj denarja za zemljišče, nam bo on dobil duhovnika iz stare domovine. V resnici zgodilo se je, da smo v enem letu nabrali dovolj denarja in kupili dve loti na No. Chicago cesti, na katerih danes stoji velika in moderna cerkev sv. Jožefa in lepo moderno župnišče. Za lote smo plačali v gotovini.
"Ko je bilo vse to storjeno, je Father Solnce šel v staro deželo in nam dobil gospoda duhovnika po imenu Frančišek šastsršič kot prvega župnika slovenske fare v Jolietu. V Joliet je prišel meseca maja 1891. Mi smo mu takoj nabavili zelo skromno stanovanje, v katerim je stanoval. Za svete maše so pa najeli zgornje prostore šolske dvorane nemške fare sv. Janeza. Tam so se vršile službe božje skozi celo poletje tako dolgo, dokler ni bila naša nova cerkev sezidana, za katero so takoj podpisali kontrakt ali pogodbo. Z zidanjem se je začela takoj in je bila dogotovljena do prvega oktobra 1891. Pred-no je bila cerkev blagoslovljena, smo priredili cerkveni bazar in dva "kontestmana" (tekmovalca) sta bila na tem bazarju po imenu Anton Golobič in Frank Legan. Ta dva sta pridobila lepo svoto denarja za novo cerkev sv. Jožefa, ki je bila zidana iz domačega kamna, ki ga je daroval stari Amerikanec in industrijalec kamnolomec pokojni Mar-kus Krakar, ki je bil doma is semiške fare Belokrajna. Cerkev je vseeno stala okoli $7,000.00 in ako vpoštevamo, da smo delavci služili po $1.50 za dvanajsturno delo, je bila to veliko svota za nas. Takrat nismo veliko slišali o tisočakih.
"Cerkev je bila primerno velika. Prostora je bilo za 400 oseb. Ob začetku fare je bilo komaj 40 družin. Kakor hitro pa je bila cerkev sezidana, so se ljudje začeli seliti iz drugih mest v Joliet, ker delo se
Ustanovitelji župnije — The Parish Founders
Prva vrsta: K... Vertin, M. Bradeska, A. Ursich, A. Slobođnik, A Bczek, A. Marentich, M. Panian, A Mutz. Druga vrsta: A. Korevec, F. Russ, A. Kocjancich, M. Kolich, J. Mutz, F. Korevec, M. Bradeska, J. Slielko. Tretja vrsta: L. Planine, M. Ursich, M. Buchar, A. Kolman, J. Klemenclch, M. Zoran, J. Muhich, J. Jerman.
je lahko dobilo. Ravno tako so prihajale cele trume iz stare dežele in zaradi slovenske župnije so se tu stalno naseljevali. Sedaj je bilo seveda poslopje sezidano, ampak to so bile samo 4 stene in streha. Zatem je bilo potrebno nabaviti oltarje, sedeže, križev pot, spovednice, orgije, zvonove, mašno obleko in veliko drugih stvari, ki jih rabijo duhovniki pri cerkvenih obredih. Vse to je bilo nabavljeno do časa "žegnanja". Nismo se bali stroškov za božjo čast. Far ani so darovali za vse take potrebščine. Na primer: društvo sv. Jožefa je plačalo za kip sv. Jožefa za velik oltar $100.00, drugi so prispevali za druge potrebščine tako, da je bilo vse pripravljeno za blagoslovitev cerkve, ki se je vršila drugo nedeljo v mesecu oktobru 1. 1891.
"Ta slavnostni dan ne bo nikoli pozabljen od navzočih ki so še danes med živimi. Na to blagoslovi j en je smo povabili vsa katoliška društva v Jolietu in iz Chicaga, ki jih je bilo jako malo. Bilo je samo dvoje slovenskih društev, dr. sv. Martina v Chicagi in dr. sv. Jožefa v Jolietu. Povabili smo tukaj šna nemška društva in pa vsa češka društva iz Chicage, ki so se v takem lepem številu udeležila te lepe slavnosti. Ko smo korakali skozi mesto, je bila ta parada tako dolga, da so se čudili, odkod je ta narod prišel. Eden "news reporter" (časnikar) je poročal, da je bilo v tej paradi 400 ljudi, oblečenih v raznih uniformah in da je vse z veseljem gledalo.
"To je šlo vse dobro naprej do leta 1893. Takrat je pa nastala denarna kriza in vse tovarne so bile zaprte eno celo leto in ni bilo nobenega dela po celi Ameriki. Tudi veliko naših faranov je bilo prizadetih in so "vandrali" od mesta do mesta za delom. Tedaj je bila tudi cerkev hudo udarjena. Father šustešič je na vse mogoče načine delal in se trudil, da bi prišli do kakega denarja, da bi se fara naprej vodila. Ker je bilo tudi veliko naših ljudi zaposlenih pri kopanju kanala ali prekopa, ki ga je država gradila od Chicage do Lockporta, je hodil č. g. župnik prosit darove za cerkev po Romeo, Lemontu, in Summitu od ene do druge kampe. Tako je nabral nekoliko denarja za hujšo silo. V ta namen se je naredil tudi cerkveni piknik kar W hosti, kake tri milje severno od Romeo. Bilo je lepo poletno nedeljo, Piknik se je začel s sv. mašo. Pod košatimi drevesi so napravili mali oltarček in so č. g. šustsršič darovah sv. mašo pod milim nebom. Pri tej daritvi je bil č. g. Plevnik za strežnika. Bil je takrat mlad študent na počitnicah pri č. g. Susteršiču, kot svojemu oskrbniku.
Ko se je fara od leta do leta množila, je cerkev postajala premajhna. Bilo je treba misliti na zidanje nove in veliko večje cerkve, ki bi odgovarjala potrebam bodočega naraščaja naselbine. V ta namen je bilo sklicano posebno farno zborovanje. Na tem zborovanju so nam predložili oris nove cerkve in seveda tudi povedali ceno. Ta cena je bila $100,000.00. O' tem se je še dolgo razmotrivalo in na vsezadnje je bila ta svota glasno odobrena z velikim navdušenjem, čez nekoliko mesecev je Father Susteršič podpisal pogodbo in obenem imenoval 12 mož v posebni odbor za zidanje cerkve. Ta velika stavba je bila dogotovljena in blagoslovljena leta 1905, ker je zidanje vzelo cele dve leti.
"čez nekoliko let se je č. g. Father susteršič pohabil na zdravju, radi tega se js leta 1910 poslovil od nas in šsl v rojstni kraj, odkoder se ni več nikoli povrnil nazaj k nam. V enem dcbrem letu je umrl. Toda mi "Jolietarji" ga ne bomo nikoli pozabili in ga imamo Š3 danes v svojih srcih.
GEORGE STONICH, Soustanovitslj fare sv. Jožefa.
Opomba: Mr. Stonich je napisal še druge podatke iz poznejše farne
zgodovine, ki bodo na svojem mestu omenjeni v t?j knjigi.
III. POGLAVJE.
Sedanja nova cerkev.
OKAZ, kako hitro je rastla jolietska slovenska naselbina, je dejstvo, da so po dvanajstih letih morali resno misliti in se odločiti za graditev nove cerkve. Prejšnja cerkev je bila komaj dvanajst let stara, bila je trdna kakor nova, lahko bi bila služila narodu še sto let, toda premajhna je bila za to mlado bujno rastočo slovensko naselbino. Ljudje so pridno prihajali v cerkev in so opazovali, kako je bilo vsako nedeljo manj praznih sedežev. Toda kmalu ni bilo nobenega sedeža več in tudi ne prostora za stat. Zato so ljudje ponavljali svoj domači izrek: "Naša cerkev je vsak dan krajša in ožja." Župnik je tudi s skrbjo in z veseljem opazoval, kakor se krči njegova cerkev z vsako nadaljno nedeljo. Ker je bil praktičen mož, ga ni to preveč oplašilo. Poizvedel je naokrog pri svojih duhovnih sobratih o dobrem arhitektu, kateremu bi mogel zaupati. Odločil se je končno za Mr. Brinkmana. Povedal mu je, da hoče postaviti cerkev, ki bode odgovarjala bodočim potrebam in katera bo tako krasna, da bo v časten spomin jolietski slovenski naselbini in slovenskemu narodu v Ameriki.
Ko je imel arhitekt povprečen načrt za novo cerkev, je naredil krasno sliko bodoče cerkve in jo izročil č. g. župniku. Č. g. šusteršič je sklical posebno farno sejo in razlagal faranom načrt za novo cerkev. Slike jim ni hotel takoj pokazati. Najprej so debatirali, ali bo nova cerkev imela en zvonik ali dva. Če bo imela samo enega bo cerkev $7,000.00 cenejša. Nekateri so bili za enega, drugi za dva. Končno jim je pokazal sliko z dvema zvonikoma, kakor jo je narisal arhitekt in navdušenje za dva zvonika je nastalo tako veliko, da so vsi pričujoči soglasno volili za cerkev z dvema zvonikoma, čeravno so imeli biti stroški toliko večji. Tu in tam v dvorani se je čulo zavestno govorjenje temu podobno: "Nemška cerkev ima samo en zvonik, naša bo pa imela dva."
Povest o dveh zvonikih.
Naši stari farani imajo svojo posebno zgodbo, kako je prišlo do tega, da ima naša sedanja cerkev dva zvonika in ta zgodba se glasi takole: Prvi slovenski priseljenci v Jolie tu so se skoraj vsi do zadnjega nastanili v bližini, kjer zdaj stoji slovenska cerkev sv. Jožefa. Največ se jih je ustavilo na znani Indiana cesti, katera je še danes popolnoma slovenska. Pridne gospodinje so tam imele najboljše "boarding houses" in fantje, kateri so prihajali iz stare domovine, so se najraje tam ustavili. Po navadi je bilo tako, da tisti, ki je naj zadnji prišel iz starega kraja, je bil najbolj "suh", brez denarja. Tisti pa ki so bili tukaj že par mesecev, so tudi bili suhi, toda na drugačen način. Ti so bili žejni. In ker se jim ni samim zljubilo iti na hrib po pijačo, so pošiljali finančno "suhega" po pivo. Seveda vsak tak je rajši šel po "ohtelc" piva, kakor pa da bi pozneje samo gledal, kako drugi pijejo, ki že imajo denar.
Stara Sehring-ova pivovarna je bila blizu nemške cerkve, kamor so spadali tudi Slovenci v tisti dobi. In ko so naši fantje valili sodčke piva po Bridge cesti navzdol mimo nemške cerkve, je tako bobnalo, da se je čulo po vsej cerkvi in motilo župnika č. g. patra Ciprijana pri njegovi pridigi. Župnika ssveda je to močno jezilo, da so njegovi prisiljeni farani tako zgodaj v jutro začenjali svojo nedeljsko slavnost. In ko je ta gospod pozneje slišal, da bodo Slovenci zidali svojo lastno cerkev, je rekel: "Ti bi že zidali cerkev, če bi se cerkve zidale s praznimi sodi piva."
Siovenci so si zapcmnili to cpaako. S svcjo prvo cerkvijo niso mogli prekositi Nemce, toda, ko so imeli zidati sedanjo novo cerkev so zahtevali, da nova cerkev mora imeti dva zvonika. Eekli so: Nemška cerkev je lepa; naša mora biti še lepša. Nemška ima en zvonik; naša mora imeti dva."
Še dve novi maši.
Predno so farani zapustili svojo prvo cerkev so se v njej brale še dve novi maši. Prvo je daroval novomašnik A. M. Kraschowitz, dne 27. marca 1904. Drugo je pel novomašnik Anton Sojar, dne 26. junija 1994. č. g. Sojar je potem ostal v Jolietu za kaplana, dokler ni bil oktobra meseca 1905 imenovan za župnika pri Sv. Štefana v Chicagi.
Assistant Pastor 1994-1905
Assistant Pastor 1907-1911
Rev. Anton Sojar
Rev. Alojzij Kraschowitz
Blagoslovljenje vogelnega kamna.
Kakor hitro so farani premaknili tedanjo župnišče od vogala No. ^ihicago in Clay cest na vogal Clay in Scott cest, kjer še sedaj stoji 'ot sestrska hiša, so začeli kopati temelj za novo cerkev. Vogelni kamen je bil blagoslovljen dne 21. avgusta 1904. Bagoslovil ga je mil. g. škof J. N. Stariha iz Lead, So. Dakota. Slavnost je bila velika. V 'ogelni kamen so deli bakreno skrinjico kakor je že navada in v to ■skrinjico so deli posebne dokumente tikajoče se cerkve in župnije.
oleg tega so dali noter vzorce ameriškega denarja, časopise in več drugih stvari, katere bode zanimale zgodovinarje v poznejših dobah.
Blagoslovljenje nove cerkve.
Slavnost blagoslovitve nove cerkve se je začela v nedeljo zjutraj 'ne 15. oktobra 1905 s tako impozantno parado, da so tudi angleški sti trdili, da take parade še ni doživelo to mesto. V tej paradi je bilo različnih društvenih zastav in 4 godbe. Jolietski Vitezi sv. Jurija n češki kadebi iz Chicage so delali prezvišenemu nadškofu vojaški
špalir. Pri balgoslovitvi so bili navzoči poleg mnogoštevilne duhovščine tudi mil. g. nadškof chicaški J. E. Quigley, mil. g. Carrol škof iz Helene, Mont, in škof J. Trobec iz St. Cloud, Minn. Nadškof Quigley je blagoslovil cerkev. Škof Trobec je daroval pontifikalno sv. mašo. Slavnosti govornik je bil č. g. J. Solnce. Popoldne ob treh je mil. g. škof Trobec podelil zakrament sv. birme 80 birmancem.
čestitke župniku šusteršiču.
Isti večer, po blagoslovitvi nove cerkve, so se duhovni sobratje zbrali pri župniku in mu iskreno čestitali. Č. g. šusteršič, ki za svoja dela ni nikjer iskal slave ali priznanja, je moral tisti večer — hočeš nočeš — poslušati govor za govorom, priznanje za priznanjem, s katerimi so čč. gostje slavili njegovo neutrudljivo delovanje in tako izvan-reden uspeh.
Resnica je, da ne najdeš v naši okohci cerkve, kakoršna je slovenska cerkev sv. Jožefa v Jolietu. Kdor ne verjame, naj pride sam v Joliet, da bo videl na lastne oči. In kdo je zidal to cerkev. Ali je to zasluga č. g. šusteršiča ali njegovih vernikov? To je zasluga sloge, edinosti in ljubezni med ljudstvom in dušnim pastirjem. To slogo med nami Bog živi in ohrani!
The Old and The New Church
Stara in nova cerkev 28
Veličastna cerkev.
Je zidana v modernem rimskem slogu, iz rezanega bedfordskega kamenja (Buff Bedford Stone) Dolga je 152 čevljev, 62 široka in od motraj približno 45 čevljev visoka. Zvonika sta 156 čevljev visoka. Ogromno jekleno ogrodje drži železno ostrešje. Notranščina cerkve je razdeljena v tri ladje. Sedeži so iz lepo rezanega hrastovega lesa, ravno tako spovednice, obhaj ilna miza in prižnica. Na prostranih oknih se bliščijo krasne podobe na umetno slikanem steklu. Za ta okna so darovala razna cerkvena in podporna društva, katerih patroni so naslikani na teh oknih. Na koru, nad orgijami, se nahaja krasno okroglo okno s podobe sv. Cecilije v sredini. In naša cerkev ni nikoli tako krasno razsvetljena kakor ob četrti uri popoldne jasnega spomladanskega dne, ko se solnce upre naravnost v to okno in z mnogoštevilnimi žarki vsemogočih barv razsvetljuje vso notranjščino, posebno pa glavni oltar.
Cerkev ima poleg glavnega še dva lepa stranska oltarja in stranko kapelo Matere božje. V tej kapeli se nahaja slika Marije Pomagaj iz Brezij, naslikana po vzorcu slike ki je na Brezjah. V tej kapeli narede tudi božji grob vsak veliki teden. Nad stranskimi oltarji se nahajate dve veliki sliki. Ena predstavlja Kristusa na Oljski gori, druga pa Kristusov vnebohod. Prvo je kupil g. Michael Kočevar, drugo pa g Geo. Lopartz. Vsaktera stane $200.00. Dr. sv. Ane je kupilo stranski oltar sv. Ane, Dekliška Marijina Ůružba in družba sv. Neže pa stranski oltar Srca Jezusovega. Kip Srca Jezusovega je kupila Mrs. Margaret Mušič.
1907
To leto so se Ibčili od naše fare Hrvatje in začeli svojo lastno faro pod vodstvom svojega župnika č. g. George Violiča. Ravno tako se je junija meseca tega leta podal č. g. šusteršič v Rim, da se pokloni vrhovnemu pastirju Papežu Piju X. in da obišče svoje sorodnike in znance v stari domovini. V njegovi odsotnosti ga je namestoval č. g. Krascho-witz, kateri je potem ostal tukaj za kaplana do šusteršičeve smrti:
1908
Leto 1908 je prineslo nenavadno slavnost. Ob navzočnosti obeh slovenskih škofov, Starihe in Trobca in večine slovenskih duhovnikov v Ameriki ter ogromni udeležbi vernega občinstva je starosta slovenskih svečenikov v tej deželi, mnogozaslužni misijonar preč. g. Mgr. J. F. Buh praznoval petdesetletni jubilej svojega mašništva dne 2. junija v naši cerkvi sv. Jožefa. Po zlati maši je bil izvrsten banket v Golobičevi dvorani.
Č. g. šusteršič zboli.
Vsa zgodovina slovenske župnije sv. Jožefa, kar smo do sedaj povedali o nji, je tudi zgodovina delovanja njenega ustanovitelja č. g. Řusteršiča. Vsak dogodek je dihljaj njegovega življenja, vsako delo njegov napor, vsak uspeh sad njegovega truda, vsaka slavnost slika njegovega veselja do dela in naroda. On je bil tisti duh, ki je vodU naše prve Slovence v tej okolici k pravi krščanski omiki. Iz njega so črpali ljubezen do Boga, spoštovanje do svojega naroda in zvestobo do svoje izvoljene neveste nove Ameriške Domovine. On jih je navduševal, on jih tolažil, on jim je modro svetoval. Bil je duhovit, ampak ne sanjač. Bil je praktičen, toda ne brez občutkov. Bil je učen in vendar priprost. Bil je iz bogate družine, sam je bil pa revež. Bil nadarjen
Siđe Altars and Grotto—Stranska oltarja in kapelica Marije Pomagaj
in vendar ponižen; majhen po postavi, velik pa po duhu in skoraj nedosegljiv v energiji. Ne samo, da je do leta 1904 sam opravljal vsa cerkvena opravila, sam spovedoval sam pridigoval, sam vse vodil, sam vse nadzoroval, obenem je tudi našel čas, da je obiskoval rojake po bližnjih in daljnih naselbinah. Bil je v vsaki slovenski naselbini v državah Illinois, Icwa, Indiana in Wisconsin, in tam za nje maševal in jih ob velikonočnem času spovedoval. Njegova zasluga je, da so se tako zgodaj ustanovile slovenske župnije v Chicagi, South Chicagi, La Salle, Waukegan in Indianapolis. Kjer ni sam osebno fare ustanovil, tam je zbral odbor in jim dal modra in praktična navodila, da so rojaki potem prišli do svojih župnij in lastnih duhovnikov. Njegov značaj je bil tako širokogruden, da je obsegal Evropo in Ameriko, njegova ljubezen do naroda tako velika, da je ogrevala ne samo njegove lastne larane, ampak vse Slovence raztresene po širni Ameriki in tiste v stari domovini. Med ameriškimi Slovenci je misijonaril s svojo živo besedo, za rojake v domovini je pisal članke in knjige, da so imeli nelœliko bolj pravilne pojme o Ameriki! Vodil je društveno gibanje, ustanovil je Kranjsko Slovensko Katoliško Jednoto, dopisoval in urejîval Amerikanskoga Slovenca, spisal učne knjige za ameriške-slovenske šole in skrbel po svoji moči za duhovniški naraščaj med ameriškimi Slovenci.
Ali je čuda, da je v svoji najlepši moški dobi omagal cd prevelikega dela. Leta in leta je začel dan ob šestih zjutraj in bil pokoncu vsako večer čez polnoč, če ni spovedoval v mrzli in nezakurjeni cerkvi, je pa sedel v mrzlem župnišiu pri svoji pisalni mizi in vodil cerkvene račune, študiral načrte za nove zgradbe, pisal knjige ah pa urejeval gradivo za Amerikanskoga Slovenca. In če je že potem, ko je legel k počitku, prišel klic za bolnika, je moral iti sam, ker drugega ni bilo. Drugo jutro je bil zopet pokoncu pred šesto uro in če je bila zima, je prebil led v skledi, da se je umil. Prve jutranje molitve je opravil stoječ, ker mu je bila soba premajhna da ni mogel poklekniti poleg postelje. Udobnosti ni imel in je tudi ni iskal. Iskal je le čast božjo in resnični blagor svojega naroda.
Dobri pastir da svoje življenje za svoje ovce. Č. g. šusteršič je bil tak pastir. Njegove življenske sile niso mogle več prenašati neprestanega dela in napora. Začel je bolehati. Najprej se mu je poznalo na glasu. Njegov glas ni bil nikoli preveč močan, sedaj je pa začel vidno pešati, župnik je čutil veliko utrujenost. Začel je legati k počitku takoj po deveti zvečer; nekaj časa je spal. O'o eni in drugi uri zjutraj je pa zopet gorela luč v njegovi sobi. Ker ni mogel spati, je ta čas skušal opravljati svoja navadna opravila. Toda to ni šlo dolgo. Pokhcal je zdravnika, svojega osebnega prijatelja dr. James Kleina. Ta ga je obiskoval vsak dan. Zdravil se je tudi z domačimi zdravili, katere mu je kuhala njegova zvesta gospodinja Miss Ana Rogina. Toda vse ni nič pomagalo. Bolezen je postajala vsad dan hujša. Dr. Klein ga je peljal k specialistu v Chicago. Ta je povedal: "Vi, gospod imate jetiko; svetujem vam, da premenite podnebje." Dr. Kleinu je pa ob strani namignil: "Prepozno je!" No potu domov je gospod oiital dr. Kleinu: "Zakaj mi nisi tega prej povedal, da je tako daleč z menoj?" Dr. Klein mu je odgovoril: "Težko je kaj takega povedati svojemu dobremu prijatelju."
Odhod č. g. šustsršiča.
Težko je bilo tudi za č. g. župnika vzeti slovo od svojih farano i, od svoje župnije, od svoje krasne in veličastne cerkve. Predno je odšjl, je obhodil vsa farna poslopja. Najbolj je ogledoval cerkev cd ene in druge strani, od zunaj in od znotraj. Hotel si je utisniti večni spomin te stavbe v svoje srce. Vedel je, da ko jo enkrat izpusti, izpred oči, je ne bo ni-
koli več videl. Vdan v voljo božjo, s solzami v očeh, se je knočno poslovil od svojih potrtih in jokajočih faranov in dne 5. julija 1910 se je za vedno iztrgal iz jolietske nasebine.
Bolan je bil tako resno da so se njegovi prijatelji bali, da bo na potu v domovino umrl. Č. g. Bajec ga je spremljal do New Yorka. Imel je namen iti tudi v staro domovino z njim. Toda ker je gospodu malo odleglo, se je č. g. Bajec vrnil v Cleveland, kjer je imel voditi misijon, č. g. šusteršič je pa sam nadaljeval pot v Evropo.
Ko je č. g. šusteršič izstopil iz ladje, je moral takoj za nekoliko časa v bolnišnico. Šele, ko se je malo oddahnil, je zopet nadaljeval pot do svoje rojstne dežele in do svoje rojstne matere.
Srečanje z materjo.
šusteršičeva mati, daleč naokrog poznana gospodinja pri "Boben-čku" na Viču pri Ljubljani, ni vedela, kako hudo bolan je njen sin Frančišek. Popolnoma nič ji ni bilo povedano, da prihaja njen sin domov iz Amerike, č. g. S3 je bal, da bi mati zbolela, ko bi slišala to slabo novico, zato ji ni hotel povedati. Prišel je nenaznanjen domov. Ob sedmih zjutraj je izstopil iz vlaka na ljubljanskem kolodvoru. Najel si je voz, da ga je pripeljal pred rojstno hišo. Stopil je v gostilniško sobo. Mati je tam brisala prah, kakor je bila njena navada vsako jutro. Rekel je: "Dobro jutro mati!" Mati je odzvala: "Dobro jutro, Bog daj!' ne da bi se ozrla kdo prihaja. Gospod je čez nekoliko mučnih sekund povzdignil glas in zopet rekel: "Dobro jutro mati, ali me nič ne poznate?" Zdaj ga je po glasu spoznala. Presenečena se je ozrla; prvi pogled na bolnega sina jo je vso prestrašil. Vzkliknila je: "Moj Bog, kakšen si!" Ali si živ ali mrtev?" Padla sta si v vroč objem, in nista mogla verjeti svojim lastnim očem; da sta zopet skupaj.
Bolezen in smrt.
Kar mu je vzela Amerika, mu ni mogla dati nazaj ne mati, ne domovina. Sel je za nekaj časa v Dalmacijo in zopet prišel nazaj k materi. Dan pred Božičem je šel pod nož, na dvojno operacijo. Dne 4. februarja mu je umrla mati, 6. je bila pokopana in še na njen pogreb ni mogel iti. Petdeset dni pozneje ji je sam sledil. Umrl je v Ljubljani dne 24. marca 1911 ob eni zjutraj.
žalujoča župnija.
Isto jutro je dospel brzojav iz Ljubljane v Joliet, da je č. g. šusteršič umrl. Kakor blisk se je raznesla ta tužna novica po vsej župniji. Zvonovi so milo plakali, cerkev je bila oblečena v žalno obleko, šolska deca in farani sploh po jokali, jokala je cela naselbina, ker s to novico so bih na mah uničeni vsi upi, da č. g. še kedaj pride nazaj med svoje ovčice, šele sedaj so se ljudje začeli zavedati, k3ga so imeli in koga so izgubili.
Umrl je — mož!
Kje tak je še med nami.
Kot on, ki spi v prezgodnji groba jami.
Posuti v zimi z venci, s šopki rož?
SIMON GREGORČIČ
Pogreb.
O pogrebu piše ljubljanski "Slovenec" z dne 27. marca takole: "Pogreb č. g. šusteršiča se je vršil včeraj veličastno za moža, ki je vsled ogromnega dela za versko in narodno probu j o naših ameriških rojakov legel v prezgodnji grob .... Sprevod je vodil prezv. škof
The Resting Plaça of Rev. Francis X. šusteršič
Spomenik č. g. šusteršiču na viško-glinškem pokopališču
Stariha .... župna cerkev, kjer se je vršil obred, je bila do mala polna ljudi. Od tu so truplo blagega gospoda spremili na pokopališče .... 6. g. šusteršič je prvi duhovnik, ki počiva na viško-glinškem pokopališču. Z njim je legel v grob zadnji član nekdaj imovite in obče spoštovane Bobenčkove rodovine. Naj počiva v miru v zemlji domači, katero je ljubil z zvestim srcem in krepkimi, požrtvovalnimi dejanji! Hvaležen mu spomin!"
Spomini na t Č. g. šusteršiča.
šusteršičev prvi kaplan č. g. Anton Sojar je ob priliki 25 letnice jolietske fare podal te spomine o svojem prejšnem župniku.
"Ne bom pisal zgodovine — ne o njegovem življenju, ne jolietski župniji, pač bi rad v kratkem ob tej slovesnosti napisal nekaj o spominih na njega.
"Biti mora tega okrog 25 let, ko sem ga prvič videl na Rožniku v Ljubljani. Jaz sem bil ministrant, on celebrant . . . Jaz v rdeče in belo napravljen ministrant sem sedel na stopnice, ki vodijo na prižnico, da bi slišal kaj bodo povedali "gospod iz Amerike."
"In gospod iz Amerike je pridigoval — to dobro vem — kako in zakaj naj katoliški delavec ljubi in časti Mater Božjo.
"Ni mi bila všeč njegova pridiga, ker sem si mislil: To mi vsako nedeljo slišimo v vseh cerkvah, od svojega gospoda iz Amerike pričakujemo kaj novega, toda on, kakor mi je sam povedal, ko sva po preteku petnajst let sedela pri mizi v Jolietu kot župnik in kaplan, ko sem mu omenil, kedaj sem ga prvič videl: "Vem, da so pričakovali kaj drugega, a jaz sem jim oznanjal — besedo božjo. Nisem maral govoriti ne za Ameriko, ne proti Ameriki in tudi ne o Ameriki."
"Kot kandidatu za duhovski stan (v 3. letu semenišča) mi je dal pravico, da smem pridigovati v cerkvi. Vprašal sem ga: "Gospod, kaj naj pridigujem?" odgovoril mi je: "Gospod, kar hočete, da bo le — beseda božja." Iz teh besed sem takoj spoznal: to je v resnici vzor katoliškega duhovnika.
"In kamorkoli je šel, povsod je oznanjal — besedo božjo. Vabili so ga v razne slovenske naselbine v Ameriki, in če mu je le čas dopuščal, rad je šel.
"Bil je pok. Rev. šusteršič katoliški duhovnik, vzor nam vsem .... Bil je svojim župljanom res pravi oče. V spovednici, — tako so ljudje rekli, — je bil mil sodnik. Na prižnici je bil dober učenik. Glas njegov ni bil močan, toda kdor je njega poslušal, je iz njegovih lepih pridig spoznal, da je ta sejalec, ki seje v resnici seme božje besede."
še duh njegov živi med nami Na delo nas budi in drami.
Umrl on ni, V nesmrtnih delih mož živi!
SIMON GREaOBĆie
č. g. Joseph Štukel.
Kmalu po odhodu č. g. šusteršiča iz Jolieta, še pred njegovo smrtjo, so jolietski farani obhajali lepo slavnost nove sv. maše, katero je daroval domačin Joseph štukel, 4. septembra 1910. čeravno je bil č. g. Štukel rojen v Chicagi, je bil vzgojen v Jolietu; njegovi starši so bili stari farani cerkve sv. Jožefa in zato so ga Jolietčani smatrali za svojega domačina. Torej prvo novo mašo, v novi cerkvi je imel domači faran č. g. Štukel.
Po svoji novi maši je č. g. Stukel ostal v Jolietu kot pomočnik gospodu Kraschowitz-u, kateri je nadomestoval župnika, dokler ni po šusteršičevi smrti nadškof Quigley imenoval č. g. John Kranjca za župnika v Jolietu.
Rev. Joseph Stukel Assistant Pastor 1910-1911
Spremembe
Po šusteršičevi smrti so se ljudje v župniji začeli razburjati. Debatirali so, — kakor je med našimi ljudmi navada—kdo bo sedaj župnik? In ne samo debatirali, ampak tudi odločevali, kdo ima prevzeti to odgovorno mesto. Eni so bili za to, da ostane g. Krashchowitz za župnika, drugo so hoteli imeti g. Kranjca. Nadškof je imel končno besedo in je imenoval č. g. Kranjca za župnika pri csrkvi sv. Jožefa. Kraschowitz je pa dobil Kranjčevo faro v Sout Chicago. Ta sprememba se je izvršila 7. julija 1911. Isti čas je dobil svojo faro tudi č. g. Štukel in to v Bradley, 111. Na njegovo mesto v Jolietu je prišsl č. g. Pollak.
Kar ni našim faranom znano, je to, da blagopokojni g. šusteršič ni imel namena več priti nazaj nf svojo župnijo, ko jo je enkrat zapustil. On je imel trden sklep ostati v stari domovini v pokoju, ko enkrat ozdravi. In zato je pred svojih odhodom govoril z nadškofom in priporočil č. g. Kranjca za svojega naslednika. Kranjcu je pa rekel tole: "Ti bodi z mojimi starimi farani dober, če kateri pozneje ne bo mogel podpirati cerkev, kakor bi moral, bodi potrpežljiv z njim. Kateri je prvi dal, je dvakrat dal." č. g. Kranjec se je tega navodila tudi držal.
Novi problemi.
Že leto 1911 je število šolskih otrok naraslo do 489. Stara šola je bila premajhna za to veliko število. Zato so morali nekoliko otrok odsloviti, da jih niso vzeli v šolo. Treba je bilo resno misliti na novo poslopje za šolo.
Leta 1912 meseca maja je cerkev dobila lep dar v obliki krasnega 1-ipa Matere Božje, katerega je darovala Mrs. Anna Nemanich v spomin svojih staršev Petru.
Second Pastor of St. Joseph's Church 1911-1915
Rev. John Kranjec, drugi župnik
Meseca septembra je odšel č. g. Pollak in na njegovo m^sto je prišel č. g. Anton Berk.
Istega meseca je prišlo toliko otrok nanovo v šolo, da so morali najeti sobo pri Želkotu in tam imeti poduk.
Novi glavni oltar.
Glavni oltar, katerega imamo sedaj v naši cerkvi, ni bil postavljen do novembra meseca 1912. Č. g. šusteršič je imel namen ga postaviti, načrt za njega je že imel. Toda, ko je zbolel je vedel, da ne bo mogel izpeljati tega dela. Načrt je dal spraviti, v svojem t3stamentu je pa zapustil $1,000.00 cerkvi za novi oltar in svojo zapuščino pri Jednotí je izgovoril v ta namen. Po njegovi smrti je njegov naslednik dal izdelati oltar po istem načrtu, katerega je odotril šusteršič. Toda ker je č. g. šusteršič živel v stari dcrřiovini več kakor tri mesece, je po pravilih izgubil svoje pravice pri Jednoti in Jednota ni izplačala njegove posmrtnine za oltar, kakor ga je on želel. Po določilu konvencije se je ta posmrtnina izplačala za njegov spomenik v domovini.
Ta krasni oltar, katerega občuduje celo mesto, je v resnici siDcme-nik č. g. šusterliču; on sam si je želel tega spomenika. Blagoslovljen je bil 24. novembra 1912.
Ker ni šusteršičcva zapuščina zadostovala za pokritje stroškov pri novem oltarju, so se morali farani potruditi za to. Dr. sv. Genovefe, Roženvenska bratovščina, šolska mladina in drugi so prirejali igre in programe v pokritje stroškov. Ker je še manjkalo $880.00 je dr. sv. Jožefa sklenilo darovati toliko dolarjev, koJikov članov je pri društvu. Dr. sv. Cirila.in Metoda ji storilo ravno tako — kolikor članov, toliko dolarjev. Dr. Vit'=i33v sv. Jurija je darovalo $100.00 Poleg tega je bila še posebna kolekta, tako, da so se končno pokrili vsi stroški.
Nova šola.
Leto 1913 je pomembno za našo župnijo ker to leto so sklenili in začeli zidati novo šolo. Hišo, kjer so stanovale č. šolske sestre, je kuxiil in odpeljal Mr. Anton Golobic. Na tistem prostoru so v jeseni začeli kopati temelj novemu poslopju. Načrt je izdelal Charles Wallace; kontraktor je bil Henrv Latz. Šola je bilo dogotovljena prihodnjega maja. Stala je $32,163.00.
To jesen so imeli tudi živahen "fair". Na kontestu sta bila Louis Weiss in Joe Zalar. Mr. John D. Strutzel je pa Dodaril nov avtomobil za srečkanje. Dobiček od te veselice za novo šolo je znašal lepo svoto $2,518.12. Z namenom, da pomagajo plačat novo šolo, so organizirali naši fantje Društvo slovenskih fantov, in dekleta Društvo slovenskih deklet. Člani in članice teh društev so se zavezali darovati ves zaslužek enega dneva v mesecu za novo šolo. Dr. sv. Jožefa je zopet priskočilo na pomoč z darom $300.00.
1914
To leto ni bilo nič manj aktivno kakor prejšne. 31. maja je bila farna seja. Na seji je bilo sklenjeno, da se podre stara cerkev in da se na tem prostoru zida novo župnišče. Staro žunnišče poleg nove šole pa prepuste č. šolskim sestram za njihov dom. Nekaj je bilo treba storiti ker č. sestre niso imele nobenega stanovanja odkar se j s začela zidati nova šola. Z delom so začeli že meseca junija.
4. julija so farani priredili velik piknik na Teller parku, sedaj Rivals Park. Za piknik so najeli godbo, vsa društva so se zbrala pri stari šoli, in ob 10. uri zjutraj je odkorakala ogromna parada na park. Maršala za to parado sta bila Joseph Sitar in Joseph Zalar.
Septembra meseca so začeli v novi šoli tudi nov trgovski tečaj.
Nova šola — The New St. Joseph's School
Sobo v ta namen je opremilo dr. sv. Jožefa. Zdaj so imeli naši otroci priložnost se vadit še dve leti v trgovskem tečaju (Business Course). I'isto jesen se je zapisalo v našo šolo 625 otrok, tako da so bile vse sobe nove šole napolnjene. Šola ima dve nadstropji. Dolga je 112 čevljev in 64 široka in ima dvanajst prostranih sob. Zdaj ob zlatem jubileju je manj otrok v naši šoli, kakor jih je bilo, ko je bila šola dozidana in z .to ste dve šolski sobi prazni. Pač slab znak za napredek župnije. Današnji rod nima več istega veselja do življenja, kakor so ga imeli naši prvi priseljenci. Bog mu greh odpusti!
Boleča slutnja v srcih se oglaša, da bo umrla vsa lepota naša, da v silnem tujem morju brez sledu končal bo zadnji svojega rodu.
IVAN ZORMAN
Spremembe.
Pred koncem tega leta so bile še nekatere spremembe pri duhovnikih. č. g. A. Berk je 13. julija odšel v Bridgeport, Ohio. Nekaj časa je bil g. Kranjec brez pomočnika. Na to mu je nadškof poslal irskega duhovnika P. A. Kelley. Ker ni znal slovenskega jezika, je prišel na pcmoč č. g. John Plevnik; ta je nastopil službo z pričetkom meseca oktobra.
Assistant Pastor 1912-1914
Assistant Pastor 1911-1912
Rev. Anton Berk
Rev. Joseph Pollak
Decembra meseca je č. g. Kranjec hudo zbolel, moral je za nekaj čc.. a v bolnišnico. Okreval je toliko, da je prišel domov in se preselil v ovo župnišče, katero je bilo dogotovljeno za novo leto 1915. Župnišče je -talo $13,067.00. Zgradil ga je Mr. Lozar.
Č. g. Kranjec zboli.
Ko se je zidalo novo šupnišče, je gospod župnik sam nadzoroval delo. In ker je to bilo v mrzli jesenski dobi je dobil iz tega revmatizem. Ne da bi docela okreval, se je naselil v novo župnišče. Bil je v njem štiri tedne in je zopet zbolel, takrat na prehladu. Mučila ga je vroč-nica in ko se mu je od vročine bledlo, je neopažen odprl okno svoje sobe in januarska burja je bulila vanj, ko je ves prepoten hodil po sobi. Iz tega je nastala pljučnica in v dveh dnevih je umrl. Svojo dušo je izdihnil dne 12. februarja 1915, v 44. letu svoje starosti.
Pogreb.
Pogreb umrlega župnika se je vršil 16. februarja. Na pogreb je prišel prezv. nadškof Quigley in pomožni škof Rhode kakor tudi približno 60 duhovnikov, slovenskih in drugih. Nadškof je daroval mašo zadušnico in pomožni škof je imel Libero. Po sv. maši so peljali truplo umrlega župnika na domače pokopališče. Sprevod je bil skoraj dve milji dolg. Vdeležila so se sprevoda vsa slovenska društva kakor tudi mnogo drugih. Truplo so položili k počitku na sredi pokopališča poleg velikega križa med umrle farane cerkve sv. Jožefa. Cerkveni pevci so mu še enkrat zapali: "Blagor mu" in "Nad zvezdami."
Novi župnik.
Po prezgodnji smrti č. g. Kranjca, so ljudje zopet debatirali, kdo mu bode sledil kot župnik jolietske fare. Skoraj vsi so bili mnenja, da bo prišel č. g. Kraschowitz nazaj v Joliet; nadškof je pa zopet po svoje naredil. Odločil je, da bo ostal na fari č. g. John Plevnik, ki je že za časa župnikove bolezni vodil faro. In če ravno ni bil že tisto dobo č. g. Plevnik pri najboljšem zdravju, vendar mu je Bog odločil, da je modro in vestno vodil to veliko župnijo celih 23 let do svoje smrti.
Rev. Joseph Škur Assistant Pastor 1914-1915
Še druge spremembe.
Dne 22. oktobra 1915 je bil imenovan za pomožnega župnika na
40
naši fari č. g. John Plaznik. Dva tedna pozneje je odšel iz Jolieta č. g. J. Škur. ki je bil kaplan tukaj od prejšne jeseni. Dobil je faro v Lorain, Ohio.
Father Plaznik je ostal tukaj kot pomožni žu'^nik do začetka marca 1919, ko je po smrti č. g. Kraschowitza postal župnik pri cerkvi sv. Jurija v So. Chicagi. č. g. Plaznik je storil veliko dobrega za našo župnijo. Zelo se je trudil za dostojno proslavo srebrnega jubileja obstanka župnije. Ob tej priliki je tudi spisal krasno spominsko knjigo. Ill ta knjiga je največ pripomogla, da se je ohranila zgodovina naše župnije za poznejše čase. Veliko je tudi dopisoval v Amerikanskem Slovencu v obliki pridig in poučnih spisov. On je tudi priporočal šolskim otrokom tedensko spoved in pogosto sv. obhajilo. Spovedoval je rad in če pomislimo, da je bilo tisto dobo več otrok v naši šoli kakor jih je danes, je bilo to veliko delo. On zasluži, da mu je župnija hvaležna.
Rev. John Plaznik Assistant Pastor 1915-1919
IV. POGLAVJE. Druga. dcba.
AHKO rečemo, da se je po prerani smrti č. župnika Kranjca 'It« začela za našo župnijo druga doba. Prva j s bila od začetka do šusteršičeve smrti. Kranjčeva je bila tako kratka, da je služila za nekak most med prvo in drugo dobo. Ako bi primerjali rast naše župnije z razvijanjem mladega človeka, bi rekli, da je bila šušteršičeva doba čas zgodnjs mladosti. To so bila tista leta, v katerih se razvija dojenček v otroka, otrok v dečka, deček v fanta in fant v mladeniča. Pri otroku ni ni: stalnega, vsak dan je nekaj drugačnega, vsak dan nekaj novega. Tisti, ki ga imajo pri srcu z najlepšim veseljem gledajo, kako raste in se izpopolnuje dan za dnem. Tako je č. g. šusteršič gledal na svojo faro.
The New Church and Rectory
Nova cerkev in novo župnišče.
Čas Kranjčevega župnikovanja se da primerjati z tisto prehodno dobo od sedemnajstega leta, ko mladenič preide v moža. Skoraj v enem letu so sezidali novo šolo in novo župnišče. To je bila doba aktivnosti v materijalnem oziru.
Pod Plevnikovim vodstvom je pa župnija začela iti naprej po ubrani poti zavedno in premišljeno. V materij alnem oziru ni bilo več tiste gonje in sile, v družabnem oziru ni bilo več tistega otroškega za-
čudenja in mladeniškega navdušenja. Toda v duševnem oziru se je naredil velik napredek. S pomočja njegovih zvestih in delavnih kaplanov so se množile lepe cerkvene pobožnosti, vernikom se je dajala večja in večja priložnost pogostoma prejemati sv. zakramente. S sodelovanjem č. šolskih sester se je izboljšal šolski poduk in v cerkvi se je upeljal najlepši red pri cerkvenih obredih, č. g. šusteršič je vladal z ljubeznivostjo, Kranjec z avtoriteto in Plevnik z premišljenostjo. č. g. šusteršič je bil izboren organizator, č. g. Kranjec agilen graditelj in č. g. Plevnik vesten oskrbnik.
Jubilejno leto 1916.
Dne 15. avgusta 1916 zvečer so se zbrali farani cerkve sv. Jožefa, da počastijo č. sestro Ferdinando za njejno petindvajsetletnico, kar je stopila v red sv. Frančiška v Jolie tu. Sledil je zanimiv program in številne čestitke.
Pogreb č. g. Tomazina.
Meseca avgusta 1916 se je pripetil v mestu Chicago čuden dogodek. V nekem javnem hotelu je bil na stanovanju zelo prileten bradat starček. Bila je huda vročina in ker ni mogel zvečer spati, je sedel v svoji ponočni obleki na odprtem oknu in molil rožni venec. Najbrž, da je tam zadremal, zgubil ravnotežje in padel iz okna na tlak. Bil je na mestu mrtev. Nobeden ga ni poznal. Niso vedeli, kdo da je, ne odkod je prišel, čhikaški dnevniki so pisali o tem dogodku, č. g. Plevnik je bral o tem, šel je v Chicago pogledat truplo in spoznal, da je to bil zar služni indijanski misijonar-zlatomašnik č. g. Ignacij Tomazin iz Min-nesote. Ker ni imel tukaj drugih znancev ali prijateljev, mu je gospod Plevnik preskrbel dostojen pogreb z mašo zadušnico iz cerkve sv. Jožefa na naše farno pokopališče. Pogreb je bil 29. avgusta. Pokopan je bil poleg č. g. Kranjca. Nagrobnega spomenika ni imel, dokler mu niso leta 1940 slovenski ameriški duhovniki postavili dostojen sporne nik.
Srebrni jubilej župnije sv. Jožefa,
Srebrni jubilej naše župnije se je vršil v nedeljo 22. oktobra 1916. Začel se je s parado. Dva maršala sta šla do slovaške cerkve po slovaška društva. Dva sta bila poslana na postajo po društva iz La Salle in Ottawa. Ko so ta društva dospela do naše cerkve, so se jim pridružila domača društva in vsi skupno odkorakali do hrvaške cerkve po hrvaška društva, potem do nemške cerkve po nemška društva, nadalje so se pomikali do Jefferson ceste in po tej mimo "Court House" do postaje, kjer so sprejeli prezv. nadškofa Mundeleina. Od tam je ko-lakala množica društev nazaj proti slovenski cerkvi. Za njimi je sledila godba, za godbo, nadškofov avtomobil, za tem častni gostje in ostala duhovščina, špalir nadškofu je segal od srede mesta do cerkve. Najprvo so stali v vrstah društveniki, potem Slovaki v uniformah in kadeti s puškami, za temi so stali šolski otroci, ki so sami tvorili dva bloka dolg špalir. Pred cerkvijo so pa stali mašni strežniki. Pred cerkvijo je č. g. župnik napravil obredni sprejem nadškofu, nato so stopili v krasno okinčano cerkev. Pevski zbor, pod vodstvom organista Geo. Malovrha, je zapel škofovo sprejemnico "Ecce Sacerdos Magnus". Sv. mašo je daroval č. g. Wencel Sholar, ob asistenci čč. gg. A. Krascho-witza in Jakob Černeta. Ceremonijar za nadškofa je bil Rev. E. F. Hoban D. D. ki je zdaj škof v Rockford, 111. Pridigo je imel č. g. F. X. Bajec.
t His Eminence George Cardinal Mindeleln
Po sv. maši je nadškof sam govoril v angleščini, med drugim je rekel tole: "To je dan, za katerega se moram tudi jaz zahvaliti. Zahvaljujem danes vsemogočnega Boga za goreče in verne duhovnike, kateri so službovali med vami v teku petindvajset let. Posebno se še zahvaljujem za vašega ustanovitelja in prvega župnika. Njegova fara se je raztezala od Atlantika do Pacifika. Prepotoval je več tisoč milj, da je mogel krščevati, maševati, delitii sv. zakramente in tolažiti razkropljeno ljudstvo. Njegovo apostolsko delo ga je nazadnje izmučilo;
odpovedal se je župniji, da se mimo pripravi na smrt, katere ni dolgo čakal. Zahvaljujem Vsemogočnega Boga, da je poslal vas, ljudstvo k.epke narave in močne vere, v to škofijo. Vi boste dodatek k moči, k )stem in mišicam tega ljudstva v prihodnjosti, ker vaša kri ni omadeževana z pregrehami in razbrzdanim življenjem; ker vašega razuma 1 iso omadeževali nespodobni nauki.
"Častitam vam zavoljo vsega, kar ste storili v teku petindvajset let; upam pa, da bo ta dan šele začetek celo večjega truda za gmoten procvit vaše župnije in duševni napredek njenih faranov."
Banket.
Isto nedeljo zvečer so far ani pripravili slavnosten banket v sedanji farni dvorani. Banketa so se udeležili vsi duhovniki, ki so bili Zjutraj pri sv. maši in do petsto drugih ljudi. Stoloravnatelj je bil Anton Golobic. Po pojedini so sledili številni govori in petje.
Blagoslovitev šole.
Jubilejna slavnost se je nadaljevala še v pondeljek z blagoslovitvijo šole, katero je izvršil č. g. Wencel Sholar O. S. B., govor je imel č. g. F. Ažbe. V torek je bila slovesna sv. maša za umrle dobrotnike naše župnije in s tem se je končala slavnost srebrnega jubileja.
1917.
Zelo živahno cerkveno veselico so imeli ob koncu novembra 1917. Bil je tudi dvojni farni kontest. Na kontestu sta bila Mr. Math. Golobic in Mr. Joseph Slapničar, kakor tudi Miss Frances Culik in Miss Mayme Stefanich. čisti dobiček je znašal $4,602.07. To leto so plačali $4,000.00 na cerkveni dolg.
1918.
Marca meseca je bil sv. misijon, ki sta ga vodila čč. gg. Wencel S'lolar in Frančišek Ažbe.
Rdeči križ.
Dne 28. aprila so s posebnim programom razvili "Službeno zastavo" ah "Service Flag", katero je daroval Ameriški rdeči križ naši župniji v priznanje za delo, katero so naše žene in dekleta, pod vodstvom Rdečega križa, storile za naše ameriške vojake. Ta zastava je bila podarjena v spomin fantov, ki so bili poklicani iz naše fare k vojakom. It.t i dan so članice Dekliške Marijine Družbe priredile lepo igro, pri kateri je bilo $200.00 dobička za cerkev.
Dne 19. maja so se vsa naša podporna društva udeležila skupne pirade, katero je vodil "Ameriški rdeči križ za celo mesto. Naši ljudje st se odzvali v velikem številu in s tem naredili lep utis na drugorodce. V naši župniji smo imeli svoj lastni odsek te dobrodelne organizacije, kateri je deloval še dve leti po vojni.
Raznoterosti.
Veselica šolske mladine se je vršila dne 23. junija v Orpheum gl -lališču. Udeležba je bila velika in dobiček za cerkev je znašal $256.
Meseca avgusta je naša cerkev dobila novega organista Mr. Martina Cvenka. Prejšnji organist Mr. Geo. Malovrh je bil odpotoval v Ci -veland že v februarju.
Na kontestu za čast farne kraljice to leto ste bili Miss Mary Koch var in Miss Mary Markelc. Kontest in veselica sta prinesla $4.] 60,92 dobička za cerkev.
To jesen je tudi po naši naselbini neusmiljeno kosila bela žena smrt pod krinko španske influenze. V teku enega meseca je v naši župniji umrlo 41 oseb.
Takoj po koncu svetovne vojne (11. novembra 1918), ko se je odprla pot v domovino, so naše žene in dekleta začele nabirati in šivati obleko za vojne trpine v Sloveniji, in pozneje je šla posebna komisija s temi darovi v domovino. Eden izmed teh je bil Mr. Joseph Sitar, predsednik KSKJ.
V tem letu se je veliko nabiralo za raznovrstne patrijotične in dobrodelne namene. In kakor pričajo stara nedeljska oznanila, je naš č. g. župnik vsakikrat navduševal svoje farane, naj bodo radodarni in naj ne zaostane j o za drugimi narodnostmi.
1919.
Letna cerkvena seja se je vršila v nedeljo 2. februarja. Na tej seji so farani soglasno sklenili začeti denarno zbirko za nove orgije. Nekateri so na seji ugovarjali, da je bolj potrebno slikati cerkev kakor pa skrbeti za nove orgije, ker je cerkev še vedno nosila tiste nepobarvane stene, kakor so bile narejene ko je bila cerkev zidana. Da bo vsem prav, so farani sklenili storiti oboje. Šli so na delo. Cerkvena in podporna društva so prirejala razne igre, predstave in veselice. Agilni nabiralci in nabiralke so hodile od hiše do hiše, šolska deca se je trudila na vse moči in v skupnem delu in naporu je bil splošni uspeh nepričakovano lep. Za orgije je bilo nabrano $7,436.12, tisoč več kakor so orgije stale; stroški so bili $6,420.00. Za slikanje cerkve so farani darovali $5,246.08, stroški pri slikanju so pa znašali $5,600.00.
V pričetku meseca marca tega leta je v South Chicagi nagloma umrl č. g. A. Kraschowitz. Na njegovo mesto je prezv. nadškof imenoval č. g. John Plaznika in tako je naša župnija izgubila večletnega marljivega pomožnega župnika. Dve leti smo čakali, da smo dobili zopet stalnega kaplana in to je bil naš sedanji župnik č. g. Matija J. Butala.
Dne 2. aprila 1919 je Kranjsko Slovenska Katohška Jednota obhajala svojo 25 letnico v svojem rojstnem kraju v Jolietu.
Pred koncem tega leta so naši farani z svojim župnikom na čelu naredili zelo pameten in dalekoviden korak, ko so kupili blizu farnega pokopališča 13 akrov zemlje za $8,857.95. Pet akrov so takoj odločili za novo farno pokopališče, ostali del je pa stal neporabljen do leta 1939, ko so na tem prostoru zgradili farni park.
Dne 21. aprila je priredila Dekliška Marijina Družba s sodelovanjem cerkvenega pevskega zbora igro: "Mati svetega veselja", v korist cerkve, čisti dobiček je znašal $230.25. Par tednov pozneje je pevsko društvo sv. Cecilije s sodelovanjem La Salle-skih pevcev in pevk priredilo koncert v korist naše župnije. Njihov dar je znašal $170.00.
Slovenski odsek Ameriškega rdečega križa je daroval $45.00 za cerkev, predno se je razpustil.
Prva seja za ustanovitev moškega društva Presvetega Imena se je vršila v nedeljo zvečer 27. oktobra. Dve nedelji pozneje je bilo društvo že ustanovljeno in člani so prvikrat prejeli skupno sv. obhajilo.
1920.
Delo, katero so farani začeli prejšne leto, je to leto rodilo sad. V nedeljo zvečer 15. februarja so bile blagoslovljene nove cerkvene orgije. Ob tej priliki je cerkveni pevski zbor podal dovršen pevski program, v splošno občudovanje vseh navzočih. Nekaj časa pozneje je cerkveni pevski zbor, pod vodstvom domačega organista Martina
Cvenka, priredil izboren pevski koncert v korist cerkve. Cerkvi so darovali $200.00.
V nedeljo popoldne 16. maja je imel cerkveni odbor posebno sejo na pokopališču. Cerkveni odborniki so se zbrali na tem prostoru, da bi se s župnikom vred pogovorili glede razdelitve zemlje za novo po-
Novo pokopališče — The New Cemetery
kopališče. Določili so, da se porabi pet akrov za pokopališče, ostala zemlja pa naj ostane za bodoče potrebe. Parani so bili tako zadovoljni s tem načrtom, da so prišli na Spominski dan in sami postavili ograjo za novo pokopališče.
V soboto 12. junija so Katoličani v Jolietu obhajali petinsedem-desetletnico obstanka ehikaške škofije. Popoldne se je vršila ogromna parada po mestu. Pri tej so sodelovale vse katoliške župnije te okolice. Najlepši odsek te parade je tvorila naša šolska mladina. Poleg teh smo iemli število okrašenih vozil, na katerih so se vozile mlade osebe v simbolični opravi, ki so predstavljale božje čednosti, kakor vero, upanje in ljubezen in druge verske resnice. Po splošnem mnenju občinstva je bila naša skupina najbolj mična in najbolj spretno sestavljena.
Septembra meseca je prišlo uradno pismo iz Rima, s katerim se je obvestilo našo župnijo, da je Bratovščina Presvetsga Rešnjega Telesa pri nas kanonično ustanovljena, češčenje presv. Rešnjega Telesa se je vršilo v naši cerkvi že več časa; imeli smo pobožnost prvega petka v mesecu, pri kateri je bilo izpostavljeno sv. Rešnje Telo. Zdaj pa je naša pobožnost, kakor tudi naša bratovščina, dobila uradno potrditev iz Rima.
Officers of Men's Holy Name Society
Odborniki dr. Presvetegra Imena.
Prva vrsta: John Kostelz, Louis Zeleznikar, George Stonich, Michael Hochevar, Frank Terlep, John Vidmar.
Druga vrsta: Frank Zeiko, Frank Terlep, Rev. M. J. Butala, William Vertin, Fred Krcn.
V	nedeljo ropoldr.e 31. oktobra je naš župnik č. g- Plevnik, ob pri-čujočnosti svojih faranov blagoslovil novo pokopališče. Novi križ na pokopališču je stal $480.00.
V	novembru so postavili in blagoslovili nov umetniško izdelan križev pot. Vsaka postaja je stala $100.00.
Cerkveni "fair" to jesen je bil izvanredno uspešen, čisti dobiček za cerkev je znašal $8,750.31. Na kontestu sta bila Mr. Paul Laurich in John Jevitz ml.
Predno je bilo to leto zaključeno, sd farani darovali svoji csrkvi za božično kolekto $1,916.00, kar je bilo do tedaj največja svota v zgodovini naše župnije. Leta 1915 je božična kolekta znašala $586.44. Res lep napredek v petih letih.
To leto je bilo res aktivno. V tem letu so preslikali cerkev, postavili križev pot, dobili nove orgije in uredili novo pokopališče. Skupni cerkveni dohodki to leto so znašali $43,818.78; stroški pa $34,073.76.
1921.
Cerkvena dvorana.
Cerkvene in društvenprireditve sd ss vršile, skoraj brsz izjeme, v Golobičevi, — pozneje Sternovi dvorani. Ko je bila ta dvorana leta 1921 na prodaj, so cerkveni cdborniki. s župnikom vr?d, sklenili, da jo kupijo za cerkve. Mr. Joseph Sitar j s bil izbran, da vodi pogodbo v imenu cerkve. Kupna cena je bila 20,000.00. Ko je bila kupčija sklenjena je č. g. župnik bral svojim faranom v cerkvi sledeče oznanilo: "Tem potom naznanimo, da je Sternova dvorana zadnji petek prešla v posest župnije sv. Jožefa in prosimo Boga, da bi bila ta naša dvorana vedno za pravi krščanski napredek naše naselbine; za dobro razvedrilo in lepo zaUavo ter pravo krščansko izobrazbo. Molimo pa tudi, da bi bili vedno na čelu te dvorane pravi krščanski možje in da tako naša dvorana ne bo nikdar služila v to, da bi se ljudje cdvračevali od cerkve in zapeljevali s pohujšanjem v greh in k odpadu od vere."
Nova maša.
Med temi, ki so 21. maja v škofijski katedrali v Chicagi prejeli mašniško posvećenje po rokah prezv. nadškofa George W. Mundelei-na, je bil tudi naš rojak in faran. Rev. Matija J. Butala. Drugi dan je bila jolietska naselbina praznično oblečena za novo mašo. Naš novo-mašnik je opravil svojo prvo slovesno daritev v naši cerkvi v nedeljo 22. maja, ob veliki udeležbi vernih faranov. Slavnostno pridigo je imel č. g. Plevnik. Pri oltarju so mu pomagali čč. gg. Wencel Sholar O. S. B., John Plaznik in Francis Ažbe. Popoldne so mu sorodniki in farani piiredili javen sprejem z lepim programom v cerkveni dvorani- Po svoji novi maši je č. g. Butala ostal v Jolie tu za kaplana, dokler ni bil leta 1929 poslan v Wankegan, da prevzame mesto č. g. župnika Ažbeta, ki je bil bolan.
Med dobrotniki, ki so novomašniku pripomogli do oltarja, je bil tudi blagopokojni č. g. šusteršič, čeravno je bil že deset let med mrtvimi. In to je bilo takole: Ko je č. g. šusteršič odhajal zadnjikrat v domovino je izrazil željo, da naj bi njegov naslednik skrbel za duhovniški naraščaj in če bo nadškof kedaj povpraševal za slovenskimi fanti, ki bi želeli postati duhovniki, naj priporočijo nadškofu Matija Butaleta, ker on je bil vedno tako priden in nadarjen v šoli. Ko je leta 1912 nadškof Quigley res vprašal župnika Kranjca, če ima katerega kandidata za mašniški poklic, mu je ta dogovoril, da bo doma poizvedel. Ko je č. g. Kranjec to reč doma omenil, mu je njegova gospodinja Miss Ana Rogina povedala, da je pokojni župnik šusteršič o tej stvari že poprej govoril in priporočil Butaletovega Matijčka. Mladi Matija je še tisto jesen začel šole v "St. Francis Seminary" blizu Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tam se je učil devet let, dokler ni končal potrebne šole in bil posvečen v mašnika.
Pevski koncert.
Drugo nedeljo v novembru je cerkveni pevski zbor priredil igro in koncert v korist cerkve. To je bil prvi koncert pod vodstvom novega organista Ralfko Zuuanca, kateri je prevzel službo v začetku maja, ko se je bivši organist Martin Cvenk radovoljno odpovedal službi. Lahko rečemo, da je bil Ralfko Zupanec najbolj nadarjen in izučen organist, kar smo jih še imeli. Pevski zbor je zelo napredoval pod njegovim vodstvom. Umrl Je prezgodnje smrti v septembru 1927.
Depresija.
To leto je vladala prva povojna depresija. Delo se je zaprlo v spomladi in se ni odprlo do pozne jeseni. Veliko naših faranov je bilo
Cerkvena dvorana — The Parish Hall
prizadetih. Skupni cerkveni dohodki za to leto so bili za 15 tisoč dolarjev manjši kakor v prejšnem letu. Nekaj tega so bile krive slabe delavske razmere, nekaj pa nesloga v fari. Toda hvala Bogu tisti slabi časi so precej hitro minuli, v župniji so se duhovi pomirili in fara je spet šla naprej.
Srebrni jubilej č. g- Flevnika.
V	nedeljo 18. junija je naš č .g. župnik John Pievnik praznoval svojo 25 letnico mašništva. Slovesno srebrno sv. msšo je opravil v naši cerkvi ob pričujočnosti prezv. pomožnega škofa Hoban-a iz Chicage in n^nogoštevilne duhovščine. Č. g. John Seliškar je bil dijakon, č. g. John PerŠ3 pa subdijakon. Slavnostni govornik je bil č. g. Wencel Sholar O. S. B. Cerkev je bila krasno okinčana in nabito polna zvestih faranov.
Po sv. maši je bila južina v šolski dvorani. Zvečer je bil obširen program v farni dvorani. Pri tem so sodelovali cerkveni pevski zbor, šolska mladina, cerkvena društva in bratske organizacije. Nastopili so razni govorniki in farani so izročili svojemu župniku jubilantu $1,000.00 v dar.
Takoj po tej slavnosti je č. g. jubilant odpotoval na obisk v domovino. Nazaj se je vrnil v pričetku oktobra.
22. oktobra je bilo oznanjena tudi v naši cerkvi posebna kolekta za stradajoče ruske otroke v komunističnem raju v prej bogati Rusiji. In kakor je znano, je šla posebna papeževa komisija s temi ameriškimi darovi v Rusijo. In še tedaj so bili bolševiki tako nesramni, da so ztrali lačne otroke v veliko dvorano in jim rekli naj prosijo Boga za jed. Otroci so seveda ubogali, toda jedi še ni bilo. Tedaj so jim pa rekli: zdaj pa molite k Leninu in ko so otroci to storili, so jim brž prinesli hrano, katero je papeževa komisija pripeljala v Rusijo.
Igra in koncert.
Tretjo nedeljo v novembru so obiskali našo naselbino pevci in igralci iz Waukegana in priredili tukaj lepo predstavo v korist naše cerkve. Isti mesec je bil tudi cerkveni "fair", kateri je prinesel cerkvi $5,150.20 čistega dobička. Na kontestu so bile Julia Rogina, Alice Jud-nich in Ana Lukanich.
1923.
To jesen so imeli farani zelo zanimiv in živahen kontest za korist cerkve. Na tekmi sta bila g. Frank Terlep, večletni cerkveni odbornik in g. John Petric, dobro poznani cerkveni pevec in agilen faran. čisti dobiček je znašal $6,161.50. Isti John Petirc je šsl pozneje k slovenskim Očetom Frančiškanom v Lemont se pripravljat za duhovski stan in je zdaj župnik na slovenski župniji v New Yorku, kot č. g. Pius Petric O. P. M.
1924
Novi pcmožni župnik.
V	začetku tega leta je prevz. nadškof Mundelein izročil župnijo v Rockdalu č. g. Plevniku v oskrbo, kot nekako misijonsko postajo. Zato je naša župnija dobila še enega pomDŽn;ga župnika č. g. Ernest E. Horvata, ki je ogrske narodnosti. Ostal je tukaj nekaj nad tri leta. Faranom je bil zelo priljubljen. Zdaj je župnik na ogrski fari "Our Lady Of Hungary" v Chicagi.
Prireditve za cerkev.
Društvo Triglav je priredilo posebno predstavo v korist cerkve. Dobiček je znašal $130.80. Dekliška Marijina Družba je bila zelo agilna v tem letu. članice so nriredile več veselic v korist cerkve in s temi fiose^le lepo svoto $537.05.
Veselica pevskega zbora je prinesla $96.50. Veselice šolske mladine pa $485.90.
Božična kolekta je bila zelo uspešna to leto. Bilo je prvič v zgodovini te župnije, da je ta zbirka presegala svoto tritisoč dolarjev. Znašala je $3,152.37.
1925
Velikonočna kolekta.
Zopet prvič v zgodovini župnije je velikonočna kolekta znašala tako lepo svoto, namreč: $3, 375.54.
Društvo sv. Jožefa
Dne 10. maja je društvo sv. Jožefa praznovalo 35 letnico svojega obstanka. Ker je bilo eno leto poprej ustanovljeno kakor župnija, zato tudi praznuje svoje obletnice eno leto poprej kakor župnija. Ob vsaki taki slavnosti so farani z veseljem počastili to društvo, ker ono je bilo vedno vneto za cerkev in župnijo.
Assitant Pastor 1924-1927
Our Faithful Frienđ
Rev. Ernest E. Horvat
Rev. Wencel Sholar, O. S. B.
Srebrni jubilej č. g. Wencel Sholarja O. S. B.
V nedeljo 12. julija je č. g. Wencel Sholar praznoval v naši cerkvi svoj srebrni jubilej mašništva. Te slavnosti so se udeležili njegovi redovni sobratje, slovenski duhovniki od blizu in daleč, kakor tudi obilno število naših faranov. Č. g. Wencel je naš'm faranom dobro znan. Hodil je k nam maševat vsako nedeljo po odhodu č. g. Plaznika pa do prihoda č. g. Butaleta. Hodil je pomagat za vse večje praznike in slavnosti leta poprej in še dolgo za tem. Imel je večkrat sv. misij on in štirideseturno pobožnost je vodil nepretrgano celih dvajset let. In če človek pomish, koliko je spovedovanja pri takih pobožnostih, bo spoznal nekoliko, kaj to pomeni.
s pokojnim župnikom č. g. Plevnikom sta bila zvesta prijatelja od začetka do župnikova smrti. In božja previdnost je tako hotela, da č. g. Wencel Sholar prišsl po naključku obiskat svojsga bolnega prijatelja č. g. Plevnika ravno tisto uro ko je ta umiral, da mu je še enkrat podelil zadnjo tolažbo in mu s prijateljsko roko zatisnil njsgo-ve trudne oči.
Radi ga imajo tudi naši farani in zs.to ga še vedno z veseljem obiščejo na njsgovem domu v St. Bede College, Peru, Illinois. On jim pa z opravičenim ponosom razkazuje svoj izvrsten muzej, v katerem so nagačene vsakovrstne živali od slona do komarja, kakor tudi vzorci raznovrstne rude, razne indijanske najdbe in druge zgodovinska zanimivosti. Č. g. Wencel je pravi mojster v tej stroki. Muzej, na katerega je zavod tako ponosen, je njegovo delo.
1926
Društvo sv. Frančiška Šaleškega.
Je praznovalo 30 letnico svojega obstanka 24. januarija s slovesno sv. mašo v cerkvi in z lepim programom popoldne v farni dvorani. Dr. sv. Frančiška je mlajše kakor društvo sv. Jožefa, toda v članstvu sta si nekako enaka. Rada se kosata med seboj, katero bo pridobilo več novega članstva, ali doseglo kateri drugi hvalevreden uspeh.
Mednarodni evharistični kongres v Chicagi.
Vsi prinoznajo, da je bil Mednarodni evharistični kongres v Chi-cagi največji sestanek katoličanov v celi zgodovini Združenih držav ameriških. Bil je tudi najlepši izraz prave vere, kakor tudi najbolj veličasten poklon našemu Odrešeniku, resnično pričujočemu v presve-tem Zakramentu.
Slovenski narod ni zaostal za drugimi pri tej izvanredni slavnosti. Ameriški Slovenci so sodelovali pri ogromni pripravi za to velikansko manifestacijo. Po vseh župnijah so ljudje pristopali k sv. zakramentom v ta namen. Rojaki v bližini Chicage so pripravili stanovanja za goste iz drugih bolj oddaljenih mest. Prezv. Kardinal Mundelein je imenoval č. g. Plevnika za predsednika posebnega odbora za Slovence. Pod spretnim vodstvom č. g. Plevnika so se ustanovili še posebni odbori. Na glavnem odboru so bili: č. g. Plevnik, predsednik; č. g. Kazimir Zakrajšek, tajnik: Mr. Anton Golobič, blagajnik; č. g. Francis Ažbe in č. g. Benvenut Winkler, nadzornika.
Na odboru za SDrejem gostov iz stare domovine so bili č. g. John Plevnik, č. g. John Oman in č. g. Francis Ažbe. Ti so šli v New York in tam snrejeli častite goste iz domovine. Ti so bili Prevz. knezoškof Anton Bonaventura Jeglič, prezv. škof Janez Gnidovec. velečastiti Relegat čebulj frančiškanski provincijal, velečastiti kanonik dr. Miha Opeka in še drugi odlični eospr-^je duhovniki in nekoliko lajikov.
V Jolietu so farani s župnikom na čelu naredili i^rezv. nadškofu sijajen sprejem. Cela parada avtomobilov ga je prineliala iz Chicage. V Jolietu so bile vse slovenske hiše okrašene, špalir, katerega so mu naredili, je segal od Ruby ceste mosta pa do slovenske cerkve. Ko se je prezv. knezoškof peljal skozi to množico navdušenih vernikov se je izrazil: "Tak sprejem bi mogel pričakovati le v slovenski Ljubljani, nikoli pa ne v tuji Ameriki", bil je do srca ginjen. Ljudje so mu sledili v cerkev in tam je imel prezv. knezoškof krasen govor v pozdrav in vzpodbudo naš^m faranom.
Za časa kongresa so ti odlični gostje stanovali v bližini Chicage. Prezv. knezoškof Jeglič in dr. Opeka sta imela Joliet za svojo postojan-
ko. Farani se še sedaj spominjajo, kako sta pridno spovedovala od zgodnjega jutra in potem še delila sv. obhajilo. Najbolj se je jima dopadlo, da so tudi naši fantje in možje v tako velikem številu pristopali k mizi Gospodovi.
Dne 20. junija so ameriški Slovenci imeli javen evharistični shod v dvorani Kolumbovih vitezov v Chicagi. Predsednik shoda je bil č. g. John Plevnik, dvorana je bila nabito polna občinstva, med temi je bilo lepo število naših faranov.
V torek 6. julija je obiskal našo naselbino prezv. škof Janez Grii-dovec. Isti večer je imel lepo pridigo v naši cerkvi. Dr. Kanonik je pa imel posebne stanovske pridige v petek 9. julija in v nedeljo 11. julija. Farani so ga z veseljem poslušali.
Društvo vitezov sv. Jurija.
Dan po Božiču, 26. decembra je društvo vitezov sv. Jurija praznovalo 35 letnico svoj3 ustanovitve s slovesno sv. mašo zjutraj v cerkvi, popoldne pa z lepim programom v farni dvorani.
Božična kolekta.
Še en rekord je padel, prsdno je minilo to leto in to je povzročila izvanredna božična kolekta, ki je prvič v zgodovini župnije dosegla svoto $4,015.32.
t Prevzvišeni knezcškof tir. Anten Bonaventura Jeglič
1927.
Obletnica evharističnega kongresa.
Na željo prezv. kardinala Mundeleina so verniki te nadškofije obhajali obletnico mednarodnega evharističnega kongresa v Chicagi s tem, da so zopet pristopili k sv. zakramentom in se udeležili spominske procesije, katero so priredili v Mundeleinu, kjer je škofijsko semenišče. Veliko naših faranov, posebno članic Dekliške Marijine družbe, je bilo v tej procesiji.
Obisk v domovino.
Po sklepu šolskega leta se je č. g. župnik John Plevnik podal na obisk v domovino. Tukaj ga je nadomestoval njegov zvesti kaplan č. g. M. J. Butala. Kmalu za tem je prezv. kardinal Mundelein izročil Rockdalsko župnijo očetom Benediktincem v oskrbo in zato je bil odpoklican od naše fare pomožni župnik č. g. Ernest Horvat; bil je premeščen v Chicago. Tukaj sta potem ostala do župnikove povrnitve čč. gg. Butala in Podbregar.
Č. g. župnik se je vrnil iz stare domovine v pričetku oktobra in dne 2. oktobra so mu farani naredili lep sprej sm.
Rev Paul Podbregar Assisted at St. Joseph's 1927-1930
1928.
Sv. Misijon.
Od 25 marca do 1. aprila je bil sv. misijon v naši cerkvi, katerega je vodil č. g. Odilo Hajnšek O. F. M. Misijon je bil zelo dobro obiskan.
Č. g. Plevnik bolan.
Naš župnik je bil že več let rahlega zdravja. Najprej mu je nagajal želodfc in še druge kronične komplikacije. To leto je pa bil hudo bolan na golši in od tega mu je naleglo na živčevje in srce. Prišlo je tako daleč z njim da ni mogel več maševati in svoje ime je le z težavo podpisal. Poda! se je v "Mayo Clinic" v Minnesoto. Tam so mu povedali, da ni druge pomoči kakor operacija; nevarnost, da je velika, toda je edina mogoča rešitev, če se operacija posreči, bo ostal pri življenju; drugače bo pa smrt na en ali drugi način, šel je pod nož in z božjo pomočjo prestal operacijo. Tisti teden, ko je bil operiran, so farani doma vsaki dan po sv. mašah molili za njegovo zdravje. Bog jih je uslišal in za pet tednov se je povrnil č. g. župnik med svoje farane. To je bilo sredi avgusta. Za to operacijo je bil č. g. Plevnik pri dobrem zdravju na-daljnih osem let.
1929.
Odhod č. g. M. J. Butaleta.
Aprila meseca je prezv. kardinal in nadškof chikaški George W. Mtindelein imenoval č. g. Butaleta za oskrbnika slovenske župnije v Waukuganu, 111. župnik č. g. Ažbe je pa odšel v domovino iskat zdravje.
Ker se č. g. Ažbe ni mcgel več vrniti nazaj na svoje mesto zaradi slabega zdravja, je bil č. g. Butala pozneje imenovan za župnika v Wau-keganu. Ostal je tam devst let, dokler ni zopet prišsl nazaj v Joliet, kct naš sedanji župnik.
Z odhodom č. g. Butaleta je naša župnija zgubila vestnega in zelo agilnega mladega delavca. Kot kaplan se je č. g. Butala posebno odlikoval kot priden učitelj vsronauka v šoli in v csrkvi, kot zmožen voditelj mladine in navdušen športnik, kot goreč spovednik in vesten obiskovalec in tolažnik bolnikov. Farani so neradi gledali njegov odhod, toda višji predstojniki se morajo ubogati.
Na naši fari je dsloval kot kaplan celih csem let, dalje, kakor kateri drugi pred njim. Pczneje je č. g. Hiti dosegel isti rekord osem let, toda to jubilejno leto je padel ta rekord. Sedanji kaplan č. g. Geo. Kuzma je tukaj ž s celih devet let.
35 letnica KSKJ.
Dne 7. junija je bila v naši cerkvi slovesna peta sv. maša ob priču-jočnosti pomožnega škofa prezv. Sheil-a v proslavo 35 letnice Kranjsko Slovenske Katoliške Jednote. Isti popoldne so se naši farani udeležili v velikem številu katoliškega shoda pri Očetih Frančiškanih v Lemontu.
Cerkvena veselica.
V avgustu so farani imeli farni karnival, za katerega so prodajali številke za lep Chevrolet avtomobil. Uspeh je bil izvanredno dober. Dobiček za cerkev je znašal $8,196.97.
"Drill Team" dr. sv. Ane.
Dr. sv. Ane je imelo v tej dobi telovadniški klub za dekleta. Poleg telovadbe so dekleta gojile tudi dramatiko. Priredile so večje število zanimivih predstav v angleškem jeziku, pod spretnim vodstvom Miss Genevieve Laurich. To jesen so priredile eno v korist cerkve. Cerkvi so darovale $182.38. Gospodična Laurich se še dandanes rada udej-stvuje na dramatičnem polju. Vsaka igra, katero ona uči je mojstgrsko dovršena, predno se vprizori.
1930.
Gospodarska kriza.
Takozvana depresija se je začela v tem letu. Dežela je šla dan za dnem bolj nazaj ; vedno manj dela in manj zaslužka. Brezposelnost in splošna kriza je dosegla svoj višek v 1933. Rojaki v Jolietu so bili posebno udarjeni. Velika jeklarna, kjer je bila večina Slovencev zaposlenih, se je skoraj popolnoma ustavila. Topilnica za rudo še dandanes mrtva stoji. Tudi po drugih tovarnah so bili naši delavci hudo prizadeti. Vsi pripoznajo, da je bilo mesto Joliet eno izmed najbolj udarjenih od te svetovne krize.
Ker so bili naši rojaki skrbni in varčni, so imeli nekoliko prihrankov, toda tudi ti so sčasoma pošli in ljudje so morali na javno podporo, ali državno delo. V veliko pomoč našim ljudem v teh težkih časih je bilo to, da so imeli svoje lastne domove. Nekateri so seveda zgubili svoje hiše radi dolgov, katere niso mogli v brezposelnosti plačevati. Toda večina naših ljudi si je ohranila svoje domove tudi v tej dolgi krizi, kar je našim priprostim priseljencem v čast in ponos. Imajo pač gospodarske zmožnosti in dalekovidnost.
Popravek sestrske hiše.
Vkljub temu, da je brezposelnost dnevno naraščala, so naši faranl dozidali sestrsko hišo, ker je bila premajhna za tako veliko število <•,. sester.
Na starem pokopališču so postavili in blagoslovili nov križ.
Č. g-. Matija J. Hiti.
V soboto pred Belo nedeljo je prezv. Kardinal Mundelein podelil inašniško posvečen je, med drugimi tudi ameriškemu Slovencu č. g. Hitiju iz Chicage. č. g. Hiti je bil prvi Slovenec ki se je šolal v slavnem Mundelein semenišču. Tam je bil tudi posvečen dne 26. aprila 1930; svojo prvo slovesno daritev je opravil na Belo nedeljo 27. aprila, v "St. Catherine of Genoa Church" Chicago, 111.
Rev. Matthias J. Hiti Assistant Pastor 1930-1938
V sredi junija ga je prezv. kardinal imenoval za pomožnega župnika pri cerkvi sv. Jožefa, v Jolietu. Sem je prišsl nepoznan, toda v kratkem času se je popolnoma seznanil s farani, postal vsem domač in splošno priljubljen. Svoje izredne zmožnosti in tolsnt?, katore mu je Bog podaril, je začel takoj uporabljati v čast božjo in povzdigo naše župnije. Ostal je pri nas osem let, dokler ni postal župnik v Wauke-ganu, kjer zdaj uspešno deluje.
Cerkvena veselica.
Kako hitro je gospodarska kriza rodila svoj sad, je priča dejstvo, da so to leto farani zbrali skupaj pri cerkveni veselici komaj polovico tega, kar so dosegli prejšne leto. Dobiček je bil $4,860.59, prejšne Isto so pa dosegli čez osem tisoč.
Predno se je zaključilo leto, so č. gospodje obiskali vse farane m jih popisali za natančen seznam.
Nov sistem pobiranje stolnine.
Na letni farni seji 18. januarija, je bilo sklenjeno, da začno pobirati stolnino pri vsaki maši po 10 centov za sedež. Sedeži se ne bodo več dajali v najem za celo leto. Novi sistem je bolj praktičen, ker ni noben sedež rezerviran, se vsak lahko brez skrbi vsede kjer j a prostor.
Pomoč šolskih otrok.
V nedeljo 8. marca je naš č. g. župnik Plevnik bral to oznanilo v cerkvi: "Naši dohodki pri šoli so tako majhni, da nikakor ne moremo plačevati vse stroške, da se nekoliko opomoremo k pokritju stroškov, bodo šolski otroci prihodnjih 14 dni prodajali številke za razne dobitke in starišem in vsem faranom se priporočamo za pomoî." Otroci so šli res na delo in nabrali lepo svoto blizu $600.00.
Šolska godba.
To pomlad je bilo sklenjeno, da se ustanovi šolska godba. Č. brat Basil F. S. C. predstojnik De La Salle višje šole v Jolietu je to idejo toplo priporočal in sam je prevzel delo, da se je ustanovila naša slovenska šolska godba.
Veliko odgovornost je prevzel tudi č. g. Hiti, kateri razume godbo in glasbo; on je postal "boter' temu mlademu kričaču. č. g. Plevnik je pa imel vlogo radodarnega strica, kateri gre za svojim razvihranim nečakom, da poplača njegove potrebne in nepotrebne račune.
40 letnica župnije
Je bila praznovana na slovesen način v nedeljo 14. junija 1931. Med odličnimi gosti je bil pričujoč tudi chikaški pomožni škof prezv. Bernad J. Shell. Pred sv. mašo je bila krasna parada, katere so se udeležila vsa društva, cerkvena in podporna. Ustanovitelji župnije so se peljali v tej paradi v posebnih avtomobilih.
Slovesno sv. mašo je daroval č. g. Joseph Stukel, župnik na hrvatski župniji v Chicagi, dijakon je bil č. g. M. J. Butala in subdijakon pa semeniščnik George Kuzma. Slavnosti govornik je bil č. g. John šeliškar iz St. Paul, Minn.
Zvečer je bil veličasten banket z bogatim programom v počast starim faranom in ustanoviteljem župnije.
Izlet K. S. K. Jednote v dcmovino.
Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliška Jednota je to poletje priredila velik izlet v domovino. Kot duhovni vodja KSKJ. se je udeležil tega izleta tudi naš č. g. župnik John Plevnik. Odpotoval je takoj po slavnosti 40 letnice župnije.
Ko se je ob koncu avgusta vrnil nazaj, so ga domači presenetili s tem, da mu je novoustanovljena šolska godba zaigrala za god 29. avgusta. To je bil prvi nastop mlade organizacije. Č. g. župnik j s bil do srca ginjen, in skrajno ponosen na svojo mlado godbo.
Vodnjak na pokopališču.
Predno je nastala zima, je bil dograjen vodnjak na novem pokopališču, tako da farani lažje oskrbujejo grobove svojih ranjkih, s tem da gojijo in zalivajo cvetlice na tem svetem kraju.
SLOVENSKA ŠOLSKA GODBA
pri cerkvi sv. Jořěfá Jolíet, niinoiř
SLOVENIAN SCHOOL BAND St. Joseph'» Church •■ Jolîçl, illinoi«„ ,


Prvi koncert šolske godbe.
Šolska godba župnije sv. Jožefa je priredila svoj prvi javni koncert v nedeljo 7. februarija 1932. Mladi godbeniki so se vežbali že skoraj eno leto in zdaj so bili zmožni javno nastopiti. Prvi koncert se je izborno obnesel. Igrali so raznotere komade, lahke in težke, slovenske in angleške, s tako spretnostjo, da so jih vsi občudovali. Dvorana je bila polna navdušenega občinstva. Č. g. F. Ažbe je imel poseben govor o pomenu godbe za naše otroke. Godbo je dirigiral Mr. Ernest Potzman.
Tri mesece pozneje je ta godba stopila v tekmovanje z drugimi godbami naše nadškofije. Dobila je najvišjo odliko v razredu D. Tekmovanje se je vršilo v Chicagi.
Nova maša č. g. George Kuzma.
V soboto po Veliki noči je v semeniški kapeli v Mundeleinu prejel mašniško posvećenje naš rojak in far an č. g. George Kuzma. Na Belo nedeljo 3. aprila, je pa daroval svojo prvo slovesno daritev v naši cerk-
Rev. George Kuzma Assistant Pastor since 1932
vi sv. Jožefa, če ravno ni bil č. g. Kuzma vzgojen v naši župniji, vendar je od svojega prihoda iz stare domovine, imel Joliet za svoj dom in zato so mu far ani izkazali vso čast ob njegovi novi maši, kakor svojemu vzgojencu.
Pred sv. mašo je bila lepa parada, katere so se udeležila cerkvena in podporna društva. V paradi je korakala tudi šolska godba v svojih novih uniformih. Pred vhodom v cerkev je zaigrala: "Naprej zastava slave!"
Pri novi maši so mu pomagali sledeči: č. g. Wencel Sholar, arh-dijakon; č. g. M. J. Butala, dijakon; č. g. M. J. Hiti, subdijakon. Slavnostno pridigo je imel domači župnik č. g. Plevnik, v kateri je živo slikal dolžnosti in odgovornosti mašniškega stanu in podal novomaš-niku modro navodila za življenje.
Popoldne je bil lep program in domač sprejem v farni dvorani v počast novomašniku. Ob koncu programa se je novomašnik v iskrenih
besedah zahvalil vsem svojim dobrotnik;om, ki so mu pripcmogli do oltarja. Poleg svojih starišev je posebno omenil čč. gg. duhovnike, ki so ga najbolj podpirali v njegovih šolskih letih in to so bili: čč. gg. Wencel Sholar O. S. B., John Plevnik in M. J. Butala.
Sredi junija je bil č. g. Kuzma imenovan za kaplana na naši fari, kjer še sedaj deluje.
"Miracle of Roses"
Članice Dekliške Marijine Družbe so priredile, dne 10. aprila, izvanredno krasno igro v angleščini: "The Miracle of Roses". Igro je dirigiral č. g. Hiti, ki je vešč tudi dramatike.
Č. g. Frančišek Ažbe umrje.
V nedeljo 19. junija je dospel brzojav iz Ljubljane, da je umrl č. g. P. Ažbe. Bil je že več tednov opasno bolan in zdaj je zatisnil oči za vedno. Pred svojim odhodom v domovino pričetkom maja je bil
Rev. Francis Ažbe Assisted at St. Joseph's 1930-1932
nastanjen v Jolie tu že čez dve leti, ker se je bil, radi slabega zdravja, odpovedal župniji v Waukeganu. V tem času ss je našim faranom zelo priljubil. Bodi mu blag spomin.
Finančni položaj.
Gospodarska kriza je v tem letu dobila svoj največji razmah. V spomladi so tri jolietske banke zaprle svoja vrata in težko prisluženi prihranki naših rojakov so na ta način postali nedosegljivi, če ne popolnoma zgubljeni. Ljudje so bili do cela prestrašeni.
Kako težko je-bilo v teh časih voditi župnijo, nam jasno prica samo en primer, namreč: Skupni cerkveni dohodki za leto 1929 so bili $43,720.42, za leto 1932 pa $21,719.94. Dohodkov ni bilo niti polovica prejšne svote, vsakdanji stroški so bili pa enaki.
Tedanji župnik č. g. Plevnik je osebno veliko prestal radi te krize. Denarja ni zgubil, ker ga ni imel, toda zelo ga Je skrbelo radi župnije, kje naj dobi denar za pokritje vsakdanjih stroškov. Ker ni bilo odkod
plačevati stroškov, je najprej sam sebi pritrgal. V treh letih je pustil $1,040.00 od svoje plače. Te svote mu ni župnija nikoli povrnila. In še tisto, kar je vzel za svojo plačo, je porabil za šolsko godbo, samo da ni župnija trpela stroškov.
1933.
"The Masterful Monk"
V	nedeljo 15. januarja so naši igralci ponovili krasno dramo "The Masterful Monk". V decembru prejšnega leta so jo vprizorih trikrat, toda ker je bilo občinstvo tako navdušeno za igro, so jo igrali še dvakrat v naši dvorani in enkrat v dvorani De La Salle višje šole.
Angleški duhovnik O. F. Dudley je spisal povest: "The Masterful Monk". Naš pomožni župnik je pa s pisateljevim dovoljenjem priredil to povest za oder in to je bila prva dramatizacija te zanimive povesti in prva vprizoritev je bila na našem odru. Vsi, kateri so videli to igro, trdijo, da je bila najbolj zanimiva in umetniško izpeljala dramatična igra, kar smo jih šs imeli na našem odru prej in slej. Priznanje zaslužijo naši igralci, posebno pa č. g. Hiti, ki je igro spisal in igralce vežbal.
Zveza slovenskih društev.
Dne 3. septembra je Zveza slovenskih društev priredila velik piknik v Rivals parku v korist naše šole. Čisti dobiček je znašal $500.00, kar je bil zelo dobrodošel dar v tistih hudih časih.
Mladeniško društvo Presvetega Imena.
Dne 24. septembra je bil prvi sestanek za ustanovitev Mladeniške-ga dr. Presv. Imena. 5. oktobra je bila prva seja in v nedeljo 8. okt. je bil slovesen sprejem mladeničev v to društvo. Pristopilo jih je lepo število, č. g. Hiti je bil imenovan za duhovnega vodjo tega društva. Društvo je rastlo in se udejstvovalo na raznovrstne načine pod njegovim spretnim vodstvom.
Deško društvo Presv. Imena.
Novembra meseca je bilo ustanovljeno Deško društvo Presv. Imena. V to društvo so bili sprejeti dečki od 13. do 16. leta. č. g. Kuzma je bil imenovan za duhovnega vodjo tega društva. Prvi mesec se je zapisalo v to društvo 53 članov.
1934
V	marcu so imeli dvatedenski sv. misij on: prvi teden v slovenskem jeziku, drugi teden v angleškem. Slovenski misij on sta vodila čč. gg. Vencel Sholar, O. S. B. in Frančišek Jager. Angleški misij on sta vodila čč. gg. Matthew T. O'Neil, O. Carm. in Sylvester L. Snee, O. Carm. Misij on je bil dobro obiskan.
"Najdenček".
Dne 6. maja so na našem farnem odru priredili izvanredno krasno in zanimivo igro "Najdenček". Igra je bila posneta iz znane zgodovinske povesti Peter Pavel Glavar, katero je spisal priljubljeni slovenski pisatelj Ivan Pregelj Za oder sta jo priredila naša domača kaplana čč. gg. George Kuzma in Matthias J. Hiti. Igrah so jo tukaj rojeni fantje in dekleta, s tako lepim uspehom, da je vsakdo rekel, tako krasne igre še ni videl.
Dva tedna pozneje je cerkveni zbor priredil krasno angleško spe-
voigro v korist cerkve. Cerkev je prejela $303.70 od te prireditve.
Naslednjo nedeljo je Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliška Jednota proslavljala 40 letnico svojega obstanka, s slovesno sv. mašo in z bogatim programom popoldne.
Uradniki Mladenišksga dr. Presv. Imena.
Officers cf Young Men's Holy Name Society
Joseph Klepec, Albert Skul, John Nemanich Jr. William Buchar, John A. Mutz, Martin Kolar.
Cerkvena veselica in piknik
Kako slabe so bile gospodarske razmere v tem letu, nam priča dejstvo, da so na letni farni veselici napravili samo $708.42 dobička. Imeli so še cerkveni piknik, ki se je bolje obnesel. Za piknik, 12. avgusta, so se dobro pripravili. Naredili so krasno parado katera je po deseti sv. maši odkorakala na Rivals Park. Na parku je bil zanimiv program, pri katerem so sodelovali cerkveni pevci in farna godba. Čisti dobiček je bil $515.59.
Družba sv. Družine
je v nedeljjo 19. avgusta praznovala 20 letnico svojega obstanka. Pred slovesno sv. mašo je bila velika parada, po sv. maši pa okusen banket in živahen piknik na Rivals Parku. Pri tem programu je igrala šolska godba sv. Štefana iz Chicage, ker naša farna godba je bila ravno tisto nedeljo odpotovala v Indianapolis, Indiana za otvoritev 18 redne konvencije K. K. S. Jednote. Naši godbeniki se še danes radi spominjajo na ta izlet.
Koncert.
Ena med najlepšimi prireditvami v zadnjih letih je bil godbeni in pevski koncert v nedeljo 21. oktobra 1934, v dvorani Katoliške višje šole. V godbi so igrali naši šolarji, kakor tudi oni, ki so že končali našo šolo. Pela sta dva zbora: Pevski zbor cerkve sv. Jožefa, Joliet in Pevsko društvo Lira iz Waukegana, 111. Nastopili so razni godbeni in pevski soloisti. Prostrana dvorana je bila polna do zadnjega sedeža.
1935
Na letni farni seji so farani sklenili zidati novo poslopje na farnem pokopališču. Prostovoljne darove v ta namen so pobirali sledeči možje: John Barbich, Leo Adamich, Jakob Skubic in Frank Semrov. Poslopje je stalo $590.00.
Rev. Pius J. Petric, O. F. M.
Nova maša č. p. Pija J. Petrica, O. F. M.
V nedeljo 16. junija je naš bivš| dober faran in cerkveni pevec č. g. Pij J. Petric daroval svojo prvo'slovesno sv. mašo v naši cerkvi. Posvečen je bil prejšni dan v Orchard Lake Semenišču, Michigan. Slavnostno pridigo je imel č. g. Hugo Bren, O. F. M. P'ôpoldne so farani priredili lep sprejem v farni dvorani.
Č. p. Pij J. Petric je veliko prestal, predno je dosegel svoj cilj. Služil je v avstrijski in jugoslovanski armadi, bil v vojnem vjetništvu in ko je prišel v Ameriko, je več let težko delal v tukajšni tovarni. Toda vse te težkoče ga niso mogle odvrniti od cilja, za katerega ga je Bog odločil. Zdaj ja župnik na slovenski župniji v New Yorku. Bog ga živi.
Blagoslovitev Ruby St. mosta.
V pričetku julija so dogradili Ruby St. most. Država Illinois ga je gradila ze tri leta in je stal nad polovico milijona dolarjev Za dovršita tega mosta se je osobito zanimal in poganjal naš domači župnik C. g. Plevnik, da so naši farani imeli zopet krajšo pot v cerkev On je tUdI s'pomočjo svojih kaplanov čč. gg. Hitija in Kuzma slovesno blagoslovil most na dan otvoritve 20. julija. Te otvoritve so se udeli-zili: nasa solska godba, godba mestne višje šole, najvišji zastopniki mesta, m države, kakor tudi do 10.000 občinstva. Naš narod ie bil imenitno zastopan.
Prebarvanje šole.
Ker je bilo to leto mnogo naših faranov brez dela, so se nekateri bolj podjetni odzvali povabilu našega župnika č. g. Plevnika in darovali svoj cas, da se je prebarvala naša farna šola, kar je bilo zelo potrebno. Nekateri med temi so delali nekoliko dni, drugi pa čez meseec dni Vsem, ki so kaj pripomogli pri tem delu, je župnija hvaležna.
Farni kontest.
Farna veselica in kontest sta se dobro obnesla, čisti dobiček je znašal $4,005.59. Na kontestu so bile članice Dekliške Marijine Družbe-Pauline Stefanich, Julia Verdnik in Margareth Pluth
.^lost Rev. Gregory Rozman, D. D. Archbishop of Ljubljana
Obisk prezv, nadškofa Gregorija Rožmana.
V soboto 23. novembra je dospel v našo naselbino na kratek obisk
65
ljubljanski nadškof prezv. Dr. Gregorij Rozman. Trideset avtomobilov je šlo Iz. Jolieta v Chicago po visokega gosta. V Joliet so dospeli ob 4. uri popoldne. Peljali so se po N. Broadway, kjer so bile vse slovenske hiše okrašene z ameriškimi in slovenskimi zastavami. Pri Ruby St. mostu je čakalo 105 naših godbenikov, številna društva s svojimi zastavami in nebroj občinstva. Društva in občinstvo so naredili špalir, ki je segal od Ruby St. mostu pa do cerkve. Pred župniščem je pozdravil prezvišenega gosta sam jolietski, župan Mr. George T. Jones in mu izročil velik pozlačen ključ, na katerem je bilo pisano: "Prevzvi-čeni, mesto Joliet vas pozdravlja".
Po.sprejemu so bile v cerkvi litanije. Po litanijah je govoril našim faranom prevz. nadškof in se jim iskreno zahvalil za tako veličasten sprejem.
V	nedeljo 24. novembra je! prevz. nadškof imel pontifikalno sv. mašo in krasno pridigo. Popoldne istega dne so farani priredili v počast prevz. gosta zelo lep godbeni in pevski programi v dvorani Katoliške višje šole.
V	pondeljek je prevz. nadškof obiskal še našo farno šolo in se mudil nekoliko časa v vsaki šolski sobi. Vabil je našo mladino, da naj, ko jim bo mogoče, obiščejo domovino svojih starišev — lepo Slovenijo. Obiskal je tudi glavni urad K. S. K. J. V svojih spominih, katere je pozneje objavil v ljubljanskem Slovencu, se je prevz. nadškof lepo izrazil o svojem obisku v Jolietu.
To leto je bila sprememba pri organistih. Joseph H. Sterbentz, ki je spretno vodil cerkveno petje že od leta 1928, je pustil službo. Na njegovo mesto je prišel mlad in zmožen fant Anthony Rozman iz Cle-velanda. Mr. Rozman je sedaj tukaj v splošno zadovoljstvo vseh fa-ranov
1936
C. sestra Ferdinanda umrje.
V	nedeljo 19. januarja 1936 so v naši cerkvi brali sledeče oznanilo: "Včeraj je mirno v Gospodu zaspala in se preselila v večnost naša Sestra Ferdinanda. Sestra Ferdinanda je blizu 40 let učila v naši šoli sv. Jožefa in tako postala duhovna mati neštevilnim otrokom, ki so od nje prejeli prvi pouk v lepem krščanskem življenju. Sestro Ferdinande lahko imenujemo mater cele župnije sv. Jožefa in samo Bog ve, koliko dobrega je storila v teh letih za našo župnijo. Sedaj je šla k Bogu po svoje plačilo za delo tukaj pri nas. Pogreb bo v torek zjutraj ob 10. uri iz naše cerkve sv. Jožefa, kjer je služila svojemu Bogu tako dolgo vrsto let."
Na dan pogreba je bilo neusmiljeno mrzlo, vendar so se farani udeležili pogreba v največjem številu, da skažejo zadnjo čast in priznanje svoji dobrotnici. Bodi ji blag spomin!
Farni kontest.
Na farnem kontestu to leto ste bili Miss Dorothy Zlogar in Miss Agnes Vidmar. Obe skupaj ste nabrali za cerkev $1,310.55, kar je bila izvzanredno lepa svota za tiste slabe čase.
1937.
40 letnica mašništva
Dne 20 junija 1937 je naš župnik č. g. John Plevnik praznoval 40 letnico svojega mašništva. Zahvalno slovesno sv. mašo je opravil
Ven. Sister M. Ferdinand Stalzer, O. S. F. Taught in St. Joseph School 39 years
Častita Sestra M. Ferdinanda, učila v naši šoli od 1895 do 1934.
ob 6. uri zjutraj, popoldne so mu farani priredili krasen program v farni dvorani. Nastopili so številni govorniki in zastopniki cerkvenih in bratskih organizacij. Iskreno so mu čestitali in mu želeli še mnogo plodnih let v službi Najvišjega. Toda Bog je imel drugačen namen.
Č. g. Plevnik je bil vnet za čast svojih faranov in svojega naroda, a svoje lastne hvale pa ni nikoli iskal. Neka slutnja, da bo to njegova zadnja obletnica, ga je navdihnila, da je imel to slavnost. Ko je bil teden za tem na duhovnih vajah v Mundeleinu, 111., se je izrazil pred svojim prijateljem č. g. Štuklom takole: "Zdi se mi, da so to zadnje duhovne vaje za mene." In to se je res zgodilo, prihodnjo spomlad je umrl.
Veselica in kontest.
Poletna cerkvera vesehca se je povoljno obnesla. Posebno uspešen je bil konstest, v katerem sta se kosala mladenič Louis Martincich in dekle Lorraine Kalcic. Oba skupaj sta dosegla krasno svoto $2,066.94. Z veselico vred je bil čisti dobiček za cerkev $4,310.92.
Miss Lorraine Kalcic je leta 1941 graduirala z odliko iz St. Francis College, Joliet. Louis Martincich je pa moral umreti že pred tremi leti. Bil je priden fant. Že kot prvoletnik v St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa se je odlikoval kot najboljši "basketball" igralec. Rožnata bodočnost mu je sijala v obraz, toda zavratna bolezen ga je podrla na posteljo, vsaka zdravniška pomoč je bila zastonj, vdan v božjo previdnost je umrl 27. februarja 1938. Zglednemu mladeniču bodi časten spomin.
Dar ženskih društev.
To jesen so združena ženska društva priredila uspešen "card party", ali veselico, na kateri so naredili $509.60 čistega dobička za cerkev.
Koncert in igra.
To leto se je začelo z veseljem. Na novega leta dan so farani imeli godbeni in pevski koncert, ki je bil dovršeno izpeljan. Sodelovali so domači pevski zbori in farna godba.
Prihodnji mesec 20. februarja so naši igralci in pevci vprizorili krasno spevoigro "The Admiral's Daughter", katero je sestavil in učil nedohitljivi "Father" Hiti. Je bila zopet predstava, ki bo ostala fara-nom dolgo v spominu.
Bolezen in smrt č. g. Plevnika.
Č. g. John Plevnik je že dve leti bolehal na srčni hibi. Večji del s-imskega časa v letih 1937-38 je prebil na postelji. Njegov zvesti prijatelj dr. Charles R. Curtis ga je pridno in brezplačno obiskoval, ko je bil bolj bolan, celo dnevno in še ponoči. 16. marca so ga vzeli v bolnišnico sv. Jožefa, tam se mu je zdravje navidezno zboljšalo, toda v sredo 23. marca popoldne mu je na enkrat postalo slabo in je ob 4:54 uri, v navzočnosti treh duhovnih sobratov, izdihnil svojo dobro dušo.
Žarujoči farani.
Da je bil č. g. župnik Plevnik bolan, so farani vedeh, toda nobeden se ni zavedal da je res tako daleč z njim. Ko so se isti večer zbrali v cerkvi za križev pot, jih je ta vest tako presunila, da so med pobož-nostjo vsi ihteli. Ko je truplo ležalo na mrtvaškem odru v župnišču in pozneje v cerkvi, ga je prišlo kropit nebroj ljudstva; njih žalost je bila iskrena. Kar po vrsti so se slišah besede: "škoda je gospoda; meni je bil dober, — za me je veliko storil, — meni je veliko pomagal".
Third Pastor of St. Joseph's Church 1915-1938
Kev. John Plevnik, tretji župnik.
Pogreb.
Pogreb se je vršil v pondeljek 28. marca. Bil je tako veličasten, da takega če ni doživela jolietska naselbina. Sv. Mašo zadušnico je daroval Preč. Monsignor Jernej Ponikvar župnik pri sv. Vidu, Cleveland, Ohio. č. g. Josip Stukel je bil dijakon, č. g. M. J. Butala subdi-jakon in č. g. E. Horvat ceremonijar. č. p. Wencel Sholar, O. S. B. je imel slovensko pridigo, preč. Kanonik J. J. Oman in č. g. John Finn pa angleško. Prevz. pomožni škof William O'Brien je imel Libero. Pogrebne obrede na pokopališčšu je opravil pater Wencel Sholar. Truplo je bilo položeno poleg č. g. Anton Soj ar j a, njegovega nekdanjega prijatelja. S pomočjo K. S. K. Jednote so mu farani postavili veličasten spomenik.
Značaj č. g. Plevnika.
Blagopokojni č. g. Plevnik je bil po naravi zelo bistrega uma in odločne volje. Odlikovala ga je izvanredna razsodnost in previdnost. Bil je vztrajen, natančen in dosleden do skrajnosti. Predno je kaj začel, je vse dobro premislil, vse pretehtal, vse preračunal in kar je enkrat začel, je vse osebno nadzoroval, vse do zadnje podrobnosti.. Radi tega so bili vsi programi in vse prireditve katere je on imel v oskrbi tako dovršeno izpeljani. Ravno tako je vladal najlepši red v cerkvi, v šoli in pri cerkvenih knjigah.
Po značaju je bil tiste vrste človek, proti kateremu ne more biti nihče nevtralen. Vsak kateri je prišel v stik z njim, se je moral odločiti za eno ali drugo stran. Kateri ni sodil le po zunajnosti, kateri ga je resnično spoznal, ga je občudoval, spoštoval in ljubil. Drugi pa, ki ga je povprečno pogledal in nepremišljeno sodil, mu je lahko, radi njegove ostre zunajnosti tudi zameril.
Kakor vsak drugi človek, ravno tako č. g. Plevnik, ni bil res brez napak; toda njegove dobre lastnosti so daleč nadomestile vse njegove pomankljivosti. Slabo lastnost vsak hitro vidi; hvalevredne čednosti pa ostanejo prikrite. Taka prikrita lastnost je bila župnikova radodar-nost. Samo v Jolietu je župnikoval 23 let. Sam prevz. Kardinal Mundelein je sodil, da bo zapuščina izdatna — bila pa je malekostna. Kam je šel denar? Vsak, kateri je poznal župnika Plevnika, ve, da ga on za sebe ni porabil. Malokdo je z tako malim zadovoljen, kakor je bil ravno č. g. Plevnik. Kar je njemu dala župnija, je on župniji nazaj poklonil na en ali drug način. Kar ni izdal za šolsko gdobo, je pa porabil za uboge. Nobeden človek ne ve, kolikim je pomagal. On sam ni nobenemu tega povedal, nikamor ni zapisal, kaj je dal; zapisal je angel Gospodov in to, kar je angel zapisal bo ostalo zapisano v knjigi življenja za vse veke.
živeti vrli mož ne sme za se. Iz bratov sreče njemu sreča kliie. Veselje ljudsko njemu v oku sije. In tuja solza mu meči srce!
SIMON GHEaORČIČ.
Sodba javnosti.
Jolietski list "Herald-News" je cb njegovi smrti prinesel uredniški članek, v katerem je povdarjal nesebičnost in požrtvovalnost, s katero je pokojni župnik deloval za svoj narod.
Ljubljanski "Slovenec" je pisal tole: "Z njim odhaja v grob eden izmed najbolj delovnih slovenskih kulturnih delavcev, eden izmed najbolj odličnih slovenskih duhovnikov v Ameriki, ki je užival izredno velik ugled ne samo pri Slovencih, temveč tudi pri drugih narodnostih.
Bil je značaj en in odločen Slovenec, da malo takih. Njegova smrt je silno zabolela njegove farane, ki so ga imeli nepopisno radi. Z bridko žalostjo pa navdaja tudi vse njegove mnogoštevilne prijatelje v Ameriki in Sloveniji, katerim je bil nad vse dober in zvest prijatelj. Poleg vse kremenite odločnosti, ki je bila ena glavnih potez njegovega značaje, je bil Rev. John Plevnik tudi silno dobrega srca, ki je v svojem življenju izkazal nešteto dobrot. Ta tako številna dobra dela so ga spremila v večnost in Bog mu bo dal gotovo bogato plačilo za njegovo izredno dobro tljivost."
Pisec zgoraj citiranih besed je bolj resnično pisal kakor se je sam zavedal. Kajti zadnja prošnja umirajočega župnika je bila ta, da so mu podali iz njegove miznice dolžna pisma tistih, katerim je on denar
The Last Besting Place of Our Priests
Grobovi naših duhovnikov.
posodil in tistih, katerih dolgove je on nase prevzel. Ta pisma so morali pred njim raztrgati in s tem je vsem njih dolg odpustil. "Blarjor usmiljenim, zakaj ti bodo usmiljenje dosegli." Bog je bil tudi njemu milostljiv sodnik.
Novi župnik.
Žalost jolietskih Slovencev po izgubi svojega dušnega pastirja,^ je nekoliko polegla, ko je bil imenovan na njegovo mesto mlad, zmožen in goreč duhovnik č. g. Matija J. Butala iz Waukegana, 111. Bil je domačin, ki je prišel nazaj med svoje rojake, da vodi faro, v kateri je bil rojen in krščen in v kateri je bil poprej osem let kaplan. Prišel je nazaj domov in far ani so ga sprej eh kot svojega. Dela se je lotil takoj, s tisto agilnostjo, vztrajnostjo in mladeniško navdušenostjo, katere ga posebne odlikujejo. Zgodovina ki sledi bo pričala, koliko je s pomočjo svojih zvestih faranov, dosegel v kratki dobi treh let.
še druge premembe.
Ob istem času je prevz. Kardinal Mundelein imenoval č. g. Matija J. Hiti j a za župnika na izpraznjenem mestu pri cerkvi Matere Božje v Waukeganu. Jolietski farani so se neradi poslovili od svojega priljubljenega kaplana č. g. Hitija. Ker je bil od svojih predstojnikov klican na višje mesto, mu farani niso mogli na potu stati.
Sv. misijon.
Še tisti večer, ko je bil pokopan umrli župnik č. g. John Plevnik, so farani začeli dvatedsnski sv. misijon. Č. g. Thomas Kennedy, O. S. M. je vodil angleški misijon. Č. g. Vital Vodušek pa slovenskega. Farani so bili ravno v pravem duševnem razpoloženju za izredno veliko udeležbo pri sv. misijonu.
Obisk dr. Jurij Adlešiča.
V	nedeljo 22. maja so naši farani priredili krasen sprejem ljubljanskemu županu dr. Juriju Adlešiču. Naša številna društva so naredila špalir za skupino avtomobilov, kateri so šli v Lemont po častne-go gosta, šolska godba je čakala pri Ruby mostu in spremila slavne goste do farne dvorane. Tam je sledil lep program in govori.
Farna knjižnica.
Po zaslugi naše dobre faranke Miss Elizabeth D. Mutz se je ustanovila farna posojilna knjižica. V tej knjižnici se dobijo najbolje sodobne katoliške knjige in izdaje. Večina teh knjig je Miss Mutz darovala iz svoje privatne zbirke. Želimo, da bi se naša mladina bolj pridno poslužila te prilike dobiti dobre knjige na posodo. Miss Mutz pa zasluži najlepše priznanje za svojo blagodušnost.
Kontest.
Na farnem kontestu sta bila Leonard Wedic in Frieda Brule. Leonard Wedic je dosegel to čast, da je nabral za cerkev več kakor kateri drugi tekmovalec pred njim. Njegova svota je znašala $1,113.93. Miss Brule je tudi nabrala lepo svoto. Skupni dobitek kontesta in veselice je bil $4,004.59.
Razno.
V	septembru so napeljali v naši cerkvi zvočnike (Public Address System), da s pomočjo teh lažje slišijo, kar duhovnik govori.
Isti čas so imeli tudi popisovanje faranov.
V	oktobru se je ustanovil angleški oddelek Roženvenske bratovščine.
V	novembru so članice Dekliške Marijine Družbe priredile lep program v počast čč. sestri Roberti in Flori. č. sestra Roberta je bila veliko let voditeljica Marijine Družbe, in č. sestra Flora pa voditeljica Dekliške Družbe sv. Neže.
Nekako v isti dobi so se ustanovile sledeče organizacije: Dramatični klub, "Civic Association", in "Alumni Association". Dramatični klub je priredil več uspešnih iger., kakor "Under the Seal" in "Death Takes a Holiday". "Alumni Association" se trudi z zbirko za popravo stare šole in "Civic Association" gleda za civilno korist naših faranov.
To jesen smo dobili krasen kip sv. Antona za našo cerkeev. Kip ste darovali Simon Setina in Joseph Erjavec družini v spomin Mrs. Mary Setina.
DRAMATIČNI KLUB — DRAMATIC CLUB OFFICERS
First row: Marge Dollnshek, Agnes Vidmar, Olga Erjavec, Second row: Raymond E, Mutz, Antliony Vidmar, John Nemanich
CIVIC ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
First row: Frank Wedic, Antonette Wedic, Mary Golobitsh, Katherine Przybylski, Anton Pasdertz.
Second row: Frank Vranichar, Rev. M. J. Butala, Rev. M J Cepon, Frank J. Fire
St. Joseph Parish Park — Farni park.
Novena na čast Žalostni Materi Božji.
Se je začela v naši cerkvi 3. februarja. Pozneje so dobili umetno na bakru slikanp postaje žalostne Matere Božje. Vsaktera je stala
74
$50.00. Za postaje so darovali sledeči: Frank Wedic, Sr. družina, Mrs. Rose Lausch, Fred Korevec družina, V spomin Katarine Butala, Anton Golobitsh družina. Matt Vranesich družina in Dekliška Marijina Družba.
Farni park.
V	marcu so farani, pod vodstvom svojega mladega župnika, začeli pripravljati zemljo poleg novega pokopališča za nameravani farni park. Zasadili so nad sto dreves, zgradili poslopja, tako da je bil park poraben že to poletje za piknike. Chikaški pomožni škof Bernard J. Sheil je blagoslovil park v nedeljo 9. julija, ob veliki udeležbi duhovščine in vernikov. V svojem govoru je prevz. škof čestital župniku in faranom na zgradbi parka, ker so s tem pokazali da jim je naša mladina pri srcu. "Bogastvo naroda je mladina" tako je rekel škof.
Poleg župnika, zaslužijo posebno priznanje tisti naši farani, ki so dve leti hodili brezplačno delat na park; brez njih ne bi bilo parka. Naj jim Bog poplača.
Velik koncert.
V	nedeljo 7. maja smo imeli velik pevski koncert v dvorani Katoliške višje šole. Poleg domačih pevskih zborov, so sodelovali slovenski pevski zbor iz Chicage, So. Chicage in Waukegana. Koncert je bil nad vse uspešen.
Rev. Francis Papesh, O. F. M.
Nova maša č. g. Francis Papeža, O. F. M.
4. junija je bila jolietska slovenska naselbina zopet praznično oblečena; za novo mašo domačina č. g. Papeža. Novomašnik je bil rojen in vzgojen v naši župniji. Pohajal je tudi v De La Salle višjo šolo, ookler se ni podal leta 1932 k slovenskim Frančiškanom v Lemont.
Tam je nadaljeval svoje študije in bil 28. maja 1939 v mašnika posvečen.
Pri njegovi prvi slovesni daritvi so mu pomagali sledeči čč. gg.: M. J. Butala, Benedikt Hoge, O. F. M., in Bernard Ambrožič, O. F. M. Slavnostno pridigo je imel č. g. Vital Volušek.
Popoldne so farani izrazili svoje čestitke novomašniku z lepim programom v farni dvorani.
Rev. Michael J. Cepon Assistant Pastor since 1939
Ć. g. Michael J. Cepon.
1. julija je naša župnja dobila novega pomočnika, novomašnika č. g. Michael J. Cepona. č. g. Cepon je bil posvečen v mašnika po prevz. Kardinalu Mundeleinu dne 15. aprila. Svojo prvo sv. daritev je opravil 16. aprila v svoji rojstni župniji Matere Božje v Waukeganu, 111.
Č. g. Cepon je imel od početka nek stik z Jolietom. Č. g. Plevnik ga je krstil, č. g. Butala ga je pripravil za začetno semenišče in č. g. Hiti mu je vse uredil za novo mašo. Torej ni bil popolnoma nepoznan, ko je prišel v Joliet. Odkar je pa pri nas, se je, v tej kratki dobi, priljubil vsem faranom. Dal Bog, da bi ta pobožni goreči in požrtvovalni duhovnik ostal pri nas še mnogo let.
Kontest.
To leto so bili otroci na farnem kontestu: James Zelko, Thomas Nasenbeny, James Pruss, Judith Gersich, Anthony Smrekar in Ber-nandine Vanisko. Kontest in veselica sta prinesla cerkvi lepo svoto $4,700.00.
Kapela za č. sestre.
V jeseni so uredili sobo v sestrski hiši za kapelo, kjer se zdaj enkrat na teden mašuje. Darove za opremo te kapele je nabrala Mrs. Mary Terlep.
BOY SCOUTS AND COMMITTEEMEN
First row: F. Wedic, S. Stukel, J. Pruss, J. Lobas, R. Tođorovlch, R. Rolih, W. Traven, Jos. Avsec. Second row: J Nemanich, J. Horvatin, M. Setina, A Hochevar, R. Callick, A. Russ, A. Golobitsh. Third row: J. Russ, D. Johnson, W Lesnik, W. Govednik, A. M hDlich, A. Vidmar
Fourth row: Rev M. J. Cepon, R. Adamich, L. Miklich, E. McCarthy, L. Dobzyk, R. Riffel, R. Skerjanc.
"Boy Scouts"
Prvi sestanek naših sljavtov je bil 25. januarja; prvi slovesni sprejem se je vršil v cerkvi 5. junija. S tem se je zopst ustanovila ta hvalevredna organizacija v naši župnpiji. Za vodnika in špirituala te skupine je bil imenovan Ć. g. Cepon, Mr. Anthony Vidmar je pa glavni "Scout Master". Pod tem vodstvom mlada organizacija zslo napreduje in raste.
Sv. misijon.
Angleški misijon, od 18. do 25. februarja, sta vodila dva izvrstna pridigarja čč. gg. C. P. Ford, S. J. in C. W. Clark, S. J. Udeležba je bila izredno lepa.
Slovenski misijon je imel preč. kanonik J. J. Cman. Ta misijon je ravno tako dobro izpadel. Preč. g. kanonik je jolietskim Slovencem dobro znan in vselej dobrodošel. Slovenski misijon je trajal od 25. februarja do 3. marca.
40 letnica Dekliške Marijine Družbe.
26. maja je Dekliška Marijina Družba praznovala 40 letnico svojega obstanka. Glavne poteze iz zgodovine te zaslužne družbe so bile vprizorjene v živih slikah pri večernem programu. Naša Dekliška Marijina Družba je ena izmsd najstarejših in najbolj agilnih cerkvenih organizacij. Priporočena bodi vsem našim dekletcm.
URADNICE DEKLIŠKE M.4RIJINE DRUŽBE
OFFICERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY
First row: E. Klepec, R. Umek, A Vidmar, I. Gregorich, M. Dolinshek, L. Kalcic. Second row: M. Ambrozirh, L. Cernetich, Rev. M. J. Butala, A. Jurjevlch, V. Mutz.
Letni kontest.
V tem kontestu so bile tri male deklice: Katherine Stimac, Lois
PIONEERS — STARI FABANI
First row: M. Shelko, K. Wedic, M. Bradsska, A. Ursich, A. Bezek, A. Korevec, R. Kuss, M. Gaspich, A. Stukel, M. Fabian, F. Avshc, A. Bozich, M. Gregorash.
Second row: K. Vertin, M. Pasdertz, A. Buchar, A. Sternisha, A. Slobodnik, A. Marenticli, M, Panian, A. Mutz, M. Skul, A. Buchar, M. Gregorash, K. Kuzma, N. Russ, B. Pruss.
Third row: J. Russ, A. Lilek. F. Russ, A. Kocjancich, M. Kolich, J.Mutz, F Korevec, M. Bradeska, J. Shelko, J. Sustersich, J. Petric, L. Sternisha.
Fourth row: A. Korevec, L. Planine, M. Ursich, M. Buchar, A. Ko'man, J. Klemenclch, M. Zoran, J. Muhich, J. Jerman.
Legan in Barbara Fabian. Starši teh so se pridno trudili za pomoč cerkvi. Skupno z veselico so naredili $3,426.02.
Razno.
V avgustu je cerkev dobila lepe mehke blazine po vseh klečalnikih. Moško društvo Presvetega Imena se je zavzelo za to udobnost v prid našim faranom in je z raznimi darovi in prireditvami pokrilo vse stroške, ki so bili čez $400.00.
18. avgusta je Družba sv. Družine praznovala 25. letnicD svojega obstanka. Zjutraj je bila slovensa sv. maša v naši cerkvi, popoldne pa veličasten banket v našem farnem parku. Naslednji dan se je začela 11. redna konvencija Družbe sv. Družine. Zborovali so v farni dvorani.
Zlato jubilejno leto 1941.
Za dostojno proslavo 50 letnice župnije so farani, z duhovniki vred, hoteli, da se preslika naša cerkve. Razpisala se je posebna kolekta v ta namen in farani so se z veseljem odzvali. Darovali so nad $4,00.00.
Z delom so začeli 4. januarja. Delo je prevzela tvrdka John Kirsch iz Milwaukee, Wise. Najeta sta bila tudi dva slikarja iz naše župnije Joseph in Anton Muren. Ta dva sta že vajena delati v naši cerkvi, ker že veliko let krasita naš oltar za večje praznike ali slavnosti, kakor tudi vsako leto urejujeta jaslice in božji grob.
Vzelo je skoraj tri meseca, da se je cerkev preslikala in vse v redu dovršilo. Novo-preslikana cerkev vsem zelo ugaja.
Nove svetilke.
Obenem smo tudi dobili nove svetilke v cerkvi. Te umetno izdelane bronaste svetilke služijo v lep okras naši cerkvi. Vse so bile plačane s posebnimi darovi. Vsaktera je stala $30.00.
Za svetilke so darovali sledeči: Bratovščina sv. Rožnega Venca, Dekliška Marijina Družba, Rosarian Club, Cerkveni odbor za leto 1941, Mary Golobitsh družina, Paul Dolinshek družina, Joseph Erjavec družina, Simon Setina (za dve), Michael Ursich družina, V spomin John A. Težak, Frank J. Ambrose družina, John Zlogar družina, Joseph in Marv Jerman, Frank Lubich družina, Mladen^ško dr. Presv. Imena, Društvo sv. Družine št. 1, D. S. D., Dr. sv. Jožefa št. 2. K. S. K. J., Martin Gorsich družina, V spomin Frank Zadel, Cerkveni pevski zbor in Slovenska ženska Zveza.
Vihar.
15. maja zvečer je kar naenkrat silen vihar zavihral po okraju. Lomil je drevesa, strehe trgal in hiše podiral. Izredno močan sunek tega viharja se je zaletel v našo komaj leto staro dvorano na našem farnem parku in je tri zidane stene na tla podrl, škodo so cenili na svoto $6,000.00 ki je bila plačana od zavarovalne družbe. S tem denarjem so farani zor)et nazaj zgradili in še povečah dvorano. Vzidali so tudi močjo železje, tako, da dvorano ne bo nikoli več vihar podrl.
Jubilejni koncert in veselica.
Od 6. do 13. julija smo imeli letni karnival, ki je bil zelo povoljno obiskan od faranov. Avtomobil, ki je bil na srečkanju, je dobil naš dolgoletni faran Mr. Andrew Kolman.
Jubilejni kontest je tako izvrstno obnesel, da se je dosegel nov rekord. Na kontestu so bile članice Bratovščine sv. Rožnega venca.
St. Joseph's Church — Cerkev sv. Jožefa
Mrs. Jean Težak in Mrs. Mary AmbrozicJi in članice Rosarian kluba: Mrs. Anne Stukel in Mrs. Marie Culik.
JUBILEE CONTEST — JUBILEJNI KONTEST
Anne Stukel, Marie Culik, Jean M. Tezak, Mary Ambrožích
Mrs. Jean Tezak ni samo zmagala v tem kontestu, ampak je tudi s svojo sveto $1,239.65 prekosila vse druge tekmovalce v zgodovini naše župnije. Ostale tekmovalke so tudi nabrale lepe svote za cerkev: Mrs. Ambrožích $609.00, Mrs. Stukel $526.41, Mrs. Culik $350.25. Vsak, ki prevzame tako naporno in nehvaležno delo v korist svoje župnije, zasluži priznanje in pohvalo vseh faranov. Vsa čast našim tekmovalkam. Skupni dohodki veselice in kontesta so znašali blizu $6,000.00
Zlati jubilej.
Zadnje dve nedelji v avgustu bomo praznovali zlati jubilej naše župnije. Želimo da bi ta proslava uspela in ostala faranom za vedno v spomin. Dal Bog, da bi to praznovanje naše farane še tesneje združilo v eno srečno in Bogu dopadljivo družino, v kateri bi vsi njeni člani našli pravo blagostanje na tej zemlji, po smrti pa večno srečo pri Nebeškem Očetu.
SLAVLJENKI — ŽUPNIJI SV. JOŽEFA V JOLIETU ČESTITKA SLOVENSKIH FARA PO AMERIKI.
Spominski dan
odet v prelepo zlato zarjo prisijal je, v veselje Tebi in nam drugim Dan Gospodov vstal je; Na potu Tvojem do Boga mejnikov pet stoji, s Teboj krepost slovenska zlati jubilej slavi.
Pšenična njiva plodna je župnija vsaka
kjer klasje duš Bogu in večnosti zori.
Vinograd, ki prežlahtno trsje dobrih del
človeštvu v prid, krščanstvu v slavo prirodi.
župnija v "našem Rimu" je med vsemi—njiva najbolj rodna,
župnija "trta Jožefova za nebo", med vsemi najbolj plodna.
Krepost župljanov Vsemogočnemu prekrasni dom je dala, gorečnost njihova na tisoče darov in svetih žrtev zbrala. Domovi, šola, društva in družine nosijo pečat Boga in glasno pričajo o plemenitosti jolietskega srca. Ni Bog, da taka naselbina nebi še stoletja stala!
Kjer radodarnost, vera upanje, ljubezen so dcma tam sije soïnce zlatih nad in blagoslov neba.
Župnija jubilantka, s Tabo vsaka duša leta božja šteje; vsa sestrska naselja po Ameriki ta sveta želja greje:
Poklical Te je Bog, ohranil Bog in jačil Bog,
Bog blagoslovi Te še zanaprej in varuj vseh nadlog.
ALEXANDER TJRANKAR, O. F. M.
THE TEACHING STAFF OF 1B40-1941 — UCITELJICE V NAŠI ŠOLI.
First row: Sr M. Modesta, Sr. M. Engratj.i, Sr. M. Arnold, Sr. M. Nepomućene,
Second row: Sr. M. Thea, Sr M. Petronette, Sr. M. Verona, Sr. M. Perpetua, Sr. M. Rosette,
Third row: Sr. M. Charlotte, Sr. M. Harriet, Sr. M. Roberta, Sr M. Domitllla.
PART II
CHAPTER 1
OUR PARISH SCHOOL
INDFUL of the fact that the school is one of the principal mainstays of the parish, Father šustsršič and his good people shrank from no sacrifice to provide the opportunity of a Catholic education for the children of Saint Joseph's parish. A small frame school was built in 1895 and was opened on October 2 of this same year with an enrollment of sixty-four pupils. Before the close of the year the enrollment had increased to ninety-six.
Our School Sisters
When the building of the school was in operation Father šusteršič had applied to the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate, whose motherhouse is in Joliet, for teachers. Sister M. Eugenia Dillon and Sister M. Ferdinand Stalzer were appointed for the school. Sister Eugenia's appointment was temporary, and after a few months she was transferred to another field of labor. Sister M. Emerentia Kilanowicz was sent to take her place as teacher in the school. Sister Ferdinand's appointment, however, marked the beginning of that long stretch of thirty-nine uninterrupted years of devoted service as teacher, principal and superior of Saint Joseph's School. In 1934 when failing health forced her to give up this work of love, during the year and a half that she lived'at the motherhouse until her death in January 1936, Sister Ferdinand was ever in spirit and in heart with the people and children of Saint Joseph's. Her prayers and sacrifices and sufferings were all for them.
Attendance
The little ones who entered Saint Joseph's school during the first year of its opening were so eager to be with the Sisters that they were quite content to sit about on the floor until the school was fully equipped. One of the first things the Sisters did afer assuming charge of the school was to begin instructions preparatory to First Holy Communion. A class of nine of the older children received their first Holy Communion that year. The number of children in attendance increased year after year and in 1898 two additional classrooms were provided to relieve the crowded conditions. This more comfortable situation did not last long. Within the next few years the growh of the school exceeded all expectations. By the year 1902 the first grade teacher had a class of 100 pupils: the following year this number increased to 110 and in 1904 to 127. A colossal task for one teacher! Surely, a supreme test of patience these pioneer teachers endured and the sacrifices they brought. Not only the teachers, but the pupils, too, shared in the hardships and inconveniences of those early years. Yet all was done with a willing and cheerful spirit and God visibly blessed their endeavors.
Upon the completion of the new magnificent church in 1905 two classrooms were opened in the old church and once more overcrowded conditions were temnorarily relieved. As time went on two more classrooms were added in the old church.
First Graduation
At the close of the scholastic year in June, 1909 the first formal eighth grade graduation was held. There were twelve graduates in the group, eight boys and four girls, among the boys was our present beloved pastor, Father Butala. It was with singular joy and pride that Father šusteršič presided at this first graduation exercise. How much added joy there would have been if it had been vouchsafed the devoted Father šustešič to lift the veil of the future and to see among these eight boys, the one who, in less than thirty years, will be a priest of God like himself, taking his place as pastor of Saint Joseph's, and organizing and directing in this golden year of jubilee the celebration commemorating the fiftieth year of the parish, which he founded and served so many years in loving devotion and zeal.
The First Graduates
Jacob Benedick	Frank Kostelz	Josephine Marentic
Matthew Bezek	John Mutz	Anne Mutz
Jacob Brunskol	Martin Perse	Mary Stefanich
Matthias Butala	Joseph Spelich	Amalia Ursich
Sickness and death of Rev. F. X. šusteršič
As Father šusteršič distributed the diplomas to his first graduating class, there was a note of deep sadness mingled with his joy. He seemed to sense that this would also be his last graduating class. And so it happened. On July 5, 1910 he left for Europe, where he hoped to regain his failing health. He never returned to his beloved flock. Instead the children of St. Joseph's learned the sad news of his death on March 24, 1911.
Rev. John Kranjec
Sadness turned to joy upon the appointment of the new pastor. Father Kranjec, who was especially devoted to the children. When he saw the over-crowded classrooms and the unsatisfactory conditions of the buildings he determined at once that he would make the building of a new school his first concern, promising both teachers and pupils that he would help them as soon as he could. He called a parish meeting, explained conditions to them, and after mature deliberation, all agreed to coperate fully with the pastor in the erection of a new school. Father Kranjec undertook this difficult task in 1913.
The New School
At the opening of the term in September, 1914, there were 641 happy pupils distributed in twelve beautiful, well-lighted, well-ventilated classrooms under the direction of twelve happier teachers. To provide still further for the education of the children of the parish, a two-year commercial high school course was offered in September, 1914. The facilities of the new school building made this desirable project possible. Nine students were registered for the class and were graduated after completing the course. Sister Gervase was the teacher of the commercial class during the first year; Sister Celestia succeeded her the iollov/mg year and remained until the commercial classes were discontinued in September, 1919, at the time the movement was made throughout the archdiocese to discontinue the parochial high schools in favor of central regional high schools.
GRADUATES OF 1941 — GRADUANTI NAŠE ŠOLE
First row: D. Klejiec, F. Smollch, L. Benedick, M. Resetich, R. Barbich, B. Plut, T. Metesh, Rev. M. J. Butala, M. Nasonbeny, I, Kn-revec, L. Matkovich, Mary Bartol, D. Azman, A. Ancel, D. Bozích.
Second row: J. IMuren, Ë. Čolnar, L. Flander, S. Plut, A. Pire, .1. Lobas, J. Machak, J. Burirh, J. Sukle, R. Todorovlch, S. Stukel, B. Mutz, W. Traven,, J. Versliay, L. Dobzyk, R. Horvatin.
Tliird row: C. Carpenter, E. Crnkovich, H. Kolene, L. Korevec, C. Laurieh, H. Janesh, L. Madlc, J. Muhich, T. Muliich, V. .Ambrose, G. Russ, D. Vldetich, A. Masura, G. Gregorich, D. Terlep, D. Nemanii'1).
Fourth row: R. Gřillick, J. Mihelich, S. Smrekar, E. McCarthy, W. Zugel, C. Huggins, R Frausto, R. Riffel, P. Lukanich. Fifth row: E. Zugel, W. Staraslnlch, L. Mlklich, E. Horvat, R. Adamich, P. Johnson, R. Hren, Sixth row: J Pasdertz, D. Culik, A. Mauser, R. Plut, D. Meznarsich.
The death of Rev. Kranjec
The new school v/hich was the pride and joy of Father Kranjec, the culmination of his ardent desire for the children and teachers, had housed the classes only a few months when he took sick and died on February 12, 1915. Not unlike Moses of old, he was vouchsafed as it were, scarcely more than sight of the "Promised Land". But Father Kranjec had builded well in erecting the large school. His successor. Father Plevnik, our late lamented pastor saw the school grow, not only in membership to its highest point, but also, under his guidance and encouragement, attain to high scholastic and other educational achievements during the many years of his pastorate.
Record Enrollment
Before the lapse of many years the new school became overcrowded and it became necessary to open one classroom after the other in the old school building and soon all four of these were also filled to capacity. The school enrollment reached the highest peak in 1928 with a membership of 873 pupils in charge of sixteen teachers and a non-teaching principal. Sister Ferdinand was principal during these years, that is until the close of 1933. This peak enrollment has not been exceeded by any school, public or parochial, in the city. During the years of the depression the school steadily declined in attendance. During the scholastic year just ending, in this year of the parish golden jubilee, the school numbered 479 pupils taught by ten teachers in as many classrooms under the direction of a non-teaching principal. Not all the children of Saint Joseph's parish are attending the parish school, but it is the earnest wish of both the priests and sisters that pupil enrollment will increase until every child is in the Catholic school.
Vocations to the Priesthood
Saint Joseph's School has an enviable record from many standpoints. Not the least among its accomplishments has been the nurturing of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Three of its former pupils have been ordained to the holy priesthood.
Rev. Joseph Stukel, now pastor of Saint Mary Assumption Church, Chicago, was the first of Saint Joseph's pupils to attain this dignity. He was ordained in Insbruk, Austria on July 26, 1910 and offered his First Solemn Mass in Joliet on Sept. 4, 1910.
Rev. Matthias Butala was ordained May 21, 1921, by Archbishop Mundelein, in the Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, 111. He said his First Mass on May 22, 1921.
Father Butala not only served as assistant in his home parish from 1921 to 1929 but he has the rare distinction of being its present pastor, and that too in this eventful year of the Golden Jubilee.
Rev. Francis J. Papesh, O.F.M., entered the Order of Friars Minor in Lemont in 1932. He was ordained to the priesthood May 28, 1939, and said his First Holy Mass in our church on June 4, 1939. He has volunteered to serve his Country as an Army Chaplain.
The very first aspirant to the priesthood, the Reverend Mr. Anton Stanfel, did not live to see the day of his ordination. Just a few months before his great day God saw fit to call him to Himself. He died on Dec. 16, 1906 in Orchard Lake Seminary, Orchard Lake, Mich.
Two additional vocations from our parish, but not from our school, were Rev. George Kuzma and Rev. Pius Petric O.F.M. Rev. Kuzma
SERVERS — MAŠNI STREŽNIKI
First row. R Kïi7ma, R. Thomas, D. Pruss, D. Nasenbeny, D. Gregory, R. TezaU, V. Ambrose, R. PaifierW, W. Adamich, R Russ, L. Zeleznikar J. Konopek
Second row: J. Jevitz, J. Terđich, J. Masura, S. Malnar, R. SloboSnik, D. Pruss, V. Felix, R. Mihelich, K. Frausto, G. FrankDvich, G. Camp, W Hulbert.
Third row: B. Muren, J. Legan, W. Camp, R Zlogar, R. Juricich, J. Slobodnik, A. Russ, S. Stukel.
Fourth row: H. Bluth, L. Gorsich, R. Vicich, J. McGuckin, J Boltî, R. Launch, B. Kalcich, J. Culik, H. Troppe.
Fifth row: M. Setina, J. Nemanicli, R. Zeiko, E. Gregorich, J. Muren, W. Traven, L. Dobczyk,
Sixth row: R, Nemanich, W. Vergo, J. Pasdertz D. Johnson, R. Gollick.
was ordained by Cardinal Mundelein on April 2, 1932 and offered his First Holy Mass in our church on April 3, 1932. He has been an assistant at our parish since his ordination. Rev. Pius Petric O.F.M. was ordained by Bishop Rhode on June 15, 1935 and said his First Holy Mass in our church the next day. He is at present pastor of the Slovenian Franciscan Church in New York.
Candidates for the Priesthood
Albert Adamich graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary of Chicago on June 3, 1941. He has the honor of being the first member of St. Joseph's parish to graduate from this fine institution. He is to enter the Major Seminary in Mundelein this September. Edmund Gregorich also attended Quigley last year and in the coming year we hope to have one or two more boys in this preparatory seminary.
There are years ahead before they will be numbered among God's chosen anointed, but their childhood Alma Mater looks forward to the day when they will add their names to the list of her priests.
Ven. Br. Bernard Marších, F. S. C.
Ven. Br. Lucian Alphonsus Pluth, F. S. C.
Religious Brothers
God has called two other boys to the religious life as teaching Brothers. Brother Bernard, Joseph Marsich, and Brother Lucian Alphonsus, Raymond Pluth, are professed religious in the congregation of Brothers of the Christian Schools, popularly known as the Christian Brothers. Brother Bernard is at present teaching at Father ■ Flanagan's Home, Boystown, Nebraska. Brother Lucian Alphonsus is teaching at the De La Salle High School in Minneapolis, Minn.
Two other parishioners, but not our alumni, chose for themselves the life of a Religious Brother, they are: Br. Antonine Sega, O.F.M., and Br. Marcus Papich, S.J.
Brother Marcus Papich, S. J.
Brother Antonine Sega, O. F. M.
Ven. Sisters from St. Joseph's Parish
Three sisterhoods all Franciscan communities, have claimed twenty-five girl pupils of St. Joseoh's School. Twenty two have joined the ranks of their teachers, belonging to the congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet They are:
			RECEPTION			PROFESSION		
Sister	Ruflna	Emma Ivansek	March	6, 1900		August	15,	1902
Sister	Susanna	lVi.ary Skrinar	August	12,	1902	March	6. 1905	
Sister	Seounda	Mary Govednik	August	12,	1906	August	15,	1908
Sister	Matthia	Agnes Laurlch	August	12,	1913	August	12,	1915
Sister	Roberta	Anna Simonich	August	12,	1913	August	12,	1915
Sister	Engratia	Anna Urslch	August	12	1921	August	12,	1923
Sister	Remlgla	Mary Zlogar	August	12;	1922	August	12,	1924
Sister	Domltllla	Apollonia Korevec	August	12,	1922	August	12,	1924
Sister	Venantla	Josephine Kostelec	August	12,	1924	August	12,	1926
Sister	Dlomede	Angela Kostelec	August	12,	1925	August	12.	1927
Sister	Walburga	Dorothy Urslch	August	12,	1926	August	12,	1928
Sister	Ivana	Mary Flajnik	August	12,	1926	August	12,	1"28
Sister	Jane	Mary Baron	August	12,	1926	August	12,	1928
Sister	Harriet	Julia Tezak	August	12,	1926	August	12.	1928
Sister	Marguerite	Mary Bamblch	August	12,	1927	August	12	1929
Sister	Gilbert	Frances Kostelec	August	12,	1927	August	12	1929
Sister	Olga	Anna Flajnik	August	12.	19^0	August	12,	1932
Sister	Emerentla'	Mary Azman	August	12,	1930	August	12,	1932
Sister	Silveria	Clara Lustlk	August	12	1931	August	12,	1933
Sister	Carmelita	Mary Ogulin	August	12.	1P35	August	12,	1937
Sister	Robertlne	Irene Bluth	August	12,	1936	August	12	1938
Sister	Laetare	Angela Martincích.	August	12,	1938	August	12,	1940
Pour other young ladies of the parish, though not former pupils of the school, also joined the Sisters of St.Francis of Mary Immaculate:
Sister Perpetua Sister Flora Sister Hllarla Sister Olga
Helen Kaiser Marsa ret Mlhelclc Theresa Goljar Mary Berllc
January 25,	1906
August 12.	Ifl06
Augu'^t 12,	1910
August 12,	1911
Autrust	15,	1908
August	12,	1908
AuBust	1?.	1S12
August	12,	1913
The Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King, Lemont, Illinois have claimed two sisters, Anne and Christine Adamich. Sister Cherubim received the habit August 15, 1929; Sister Cecilia, August 15, 1930.
Sister Pauline, Helen Racich, entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Joliet, whose motherhouse is in connection with Saint Joseph's Hospital, and received the habit on October 4, 1938.
Among the Dead
Three of those who entered have been taken in death. Sister Ru-fina Ivansek, who was the first girl of the parish to enter religious life, was also the first to die. Sister Olga Berlic was the next and Sister Susanna Skrinar the last.
Teaching at St. Joseph's School
The majority of those who entered the sisterhood of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, after their years of probation and training in the sisterhood had been completed, returned to their Alma Mater as teachers. Some of these have remained as teachers through a long period of years. Sister Secundà spent 26 years six of which she was superior and principal. Sister Flora spent 32 consecutive years from 1908 to 1940, having been transferred to Chicago in October of this past year. Sister Perpetua has been stationed at St. Joseph's for 33 years. Sister Matthia has 25 uninterrupted years to her credit before being transferred to another school during the past summer. Sister Roberta has taught 20 years. Sister Engratia has been teaching at St. Joseph's since 1925 and Sister Harriet since 1928.
Other Alumni
While we boast of the many vocations God has pleased to instil within the hearts of children, we are likewise impressed with the hundreds of children who have developed into fine Catholic men and women, exerting a strong influence for good on their fellowmen primarily because of their religious education. These are the fathers and mothers of the children who year after year have been enrolled, and are at present enrolled, as pupils of their Alma Mater, and who in turn
Sister M. Rufina Ivansek
Sister M. Susanna Skrinar
Sister M. Perpetua Kaiser
Sister M. Flora Mihelcich
Sister M.
Secunda Govednik
Sister M. Hilar ia Gol jar

Sister M. Olga Berlic
Sister M. Matthias Laurich
Sister M. Roberta Simonich
Sister M. Engratia Ursich
Sister M. Remigia Zlogar
Sister M. Domitilla Korevec
Sister M.
Venantia Kostelec
Sister M. Diomede Kostelec
Sister M.
Walburga Ursich
Sister M. Ivana Fia j nik
Sister M. Jane Baron
Sister M. Harriet Težak
become the fathers and mothers of the next generation. The school is justly proud of the number of its pupils who have entered the professions, the commercial world, the various other types of work where they have distinguished themselves for efficiency, devotedness to duty and integrity.
Our Alumni in Various Professions
In the medical profession: Joseph Ursich, M. D., Jossph Zalar, M. D., Joseph Zelko, D. D. S., Ralph Zupanec, M. D., Edward Svetich, M. D., Gasperich, M. D., Joseph Kuzma, M. D., Lawrence A. Zema, R. Ph.
In the legal profession: Joseph Kuhar, Anton Mutz, Raymond Mutz, William Zupanec, Matthew Stefanich, Hubert Zalar, Robert Buchar.
In commercial pursuits:......As morticians:... Anton Nemanich,
Joseph Nemanich, Eugene Tezak, Richard Tezak, Martin Gregorich.
As civil eng-ineers: John Grayhack, John A. Zelko, Joseph Zelko.
As accountants:... Ludwig Torkar, John Riffel, Frank Skoff and Edward Ancel.
In the nursing profession: Anne Brunskol, Frances Turk, Anne Barbie, Mary Papesh, Mayme Lopartz, Anne Lopartz, Catherine Simo-nich, Josephine Horwath, Julia Horwath, Mae Rose Gregorich, Gertrude Jevitz, Frances Bozich, Hedwig Ferlin, Olga Todorovich, Bernice Slapnicar, Helen Simonich.
Among our college graduates we have also some ladies: Miss Mayme Gospodaric and Miss Lorraine Kalcic. Miss Kalcic was Valedictorian of the 1941 Graduating Class at St. Francis College, Joliet, 111.
William Todorovich has distinguished himself as a musician and is now organist of Saint Joseph's Church, Rockdale.
Miss Elizabeth Grayhack has attained a high degree of excellence as an opera singer. She has been connected with the Metropolitan Opera Co. of New York, Chicago Civic Opera and Ravinia.
Since the first graduation from the eighth grade in 1909, there have been 1510 pupils graduated from St. Joseph's School. A large majority of these have entered the various high schools of the city and maintained a scholarship record that was a credit to their grammar school training. A number were admitted to the high schools on scholarships won through competitive examinations and such. During their high school course a number maintained excellent grades, thereby meriting scholarships to different colleges upon the completion of their high school work.
In the Service of Their Country
St. Joseph's School is especially proud of its alumni who answered the call of their country during the last World War, as well as in the present emergency. Right now our young men are stationed in almost every camp in the country, some are over-seas in Hawaii, and in other places under Uncle Sam's colors.
Those who gave their life for their country during the last World War are: Anton Klobuchar, Stephen Kochevar, John B. Pulmann, Joseph Simonich, Matthew Vranesich and Frank Muhich.
Extra-Curricular Activities
While the primary aim of the school is to attain top rank in the three "R's", nevertheless educational and recreational extra-surricu-lar activities are by no means neglected. Under the able leadership of Father Plevnik, seconded by his zealous assistants, the school bsgan to participate more actively in archdiccesan and civic events.
Sister M. Gilbert Kostelec
Sister M. Marguerite Bambich
Sister M. Olga Fia j nik
Sister M. Emerentia Azman
Sister M. Silveria Lustik
Sister M.
Carmelita Ogulin

Sister M. Laetare Martincích
Sister M. Robertine Blutli
Sister M. Pauline Racich
Sister M. Cherubim Adamich
Sister M. CeciUa Adamich
An event of outstanding importance in the annals of Saint Joseph's school was the part it took in the Archdiocesan Diamond Jubilee Pageant celebrated in Joliet on June 12, 1920. This was Joliet's day for commemorating not only the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the great archdiocese of Chicago, but also the silver sacerdotal jubilee of His Grace, Most Reverend George W. Mundelein, Archbishop of Chicago. Every parochial and private school of Joliet was represented in a colorful pageant of beautiful floats and units of civic, educational and religious groups which moved in a long parade through the downtown streets of Joliet. Saint Joseph's school unit was among the very best. Although in general each school had been limited as to the number of children and floats, Father Plevnik who was always so proud of his children, secured the privilege of having his entire school participate. Our school represented "Patriotism and Religion". On a gorgeous float a girl representing "Liberty" stood on an elevated platform next to the Stars and Stripes. "Slovenia" in Slovenian national costume sat beside "Liberty", a little girl attendant on each side. On either side of a large globe about çix feet in diameter, representing the earth, sat a girl dressed in a long, flowing white silk gown. The one girl held an open Bible, the ôther a large copy of the Constitution of the United States. As a background there was an immense floral cross made of beautiful natural .flowers standing in the center. On the one side of this cross sat a girl liolding a large heart made of cut flowers and on the other side one holding an anchor, also made of natural flowers, depicting in this beautiful way, Faith, Hope and Charity. Sixty boys and sixty girls all dressed in Slovenian national costume marched before the float. Immediately following the float marched a group of one hundred fifty boys dressed in khaki pants, white shirts and soldier caps, and a group of one hundred fifty girls in white dresses and white caps. The smaller children were carried on two floats, sixty boys in the one and sixty girls in the other. The children who marched in the pageant were exceptionally well trained by the boys who had been in service during the World War. Saint Joseph's had every reason to be proud of its showing, and it was no small disappointment to many that the first prize was not awarded to this unit.
St. Joseph's School Band
Saint Joseph's School Band! That name speaks for itself. The Band was organized by Brother Basil, F. S. C., of De La Salle High School, Joliet, on June 16, 1931. Under Brother Basil's direction the members worked so diligently all through the summer that they were able to present ther first concert on August 31 following. The parishioners were more than agreeably surprised at the results accomplished in so short a time. Father Plevnik and his assistant priests were, to. say the least, more than pleased, were in fact very, very proud of the children in the band and grateful to Brother Basil for his untiring efforts in building up the Band. The Band continued to progress, so much so, that several trophies were won by Saint Joseph's unit in the Archdiiocesan Band Contests. Not only the Band as a whole received honors, but individual members also were presented with silver medals in recognition of their ability.
The Tenth Anniversary
On April 20, 1941 the Band celebrated the Tenth Anniversary of its existence. A fine program was prepared which included also a
ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL BAND AND ORCHESTRA First row: B. Stukel, J. Dolinshek, B Vranlchar, T. An-el, L. Mavrin, A. Hochevar, E Troppe, D. Pruss, R. Zlogar, Drum Major, D Troppe J. Nemanlch, G. Papesh, M A. Kostelec, D. Pruss, V. Felix, J. Beber, R. Pasdertz, G. Glavan.
Second row: R. Set-na, R. Metesh, R M. Kramarich, C. Lam'ich, R. Ferguson, R. Zamejc, R Mihelich, T. Wicevich, R. Thomas, R. Skill, G. Franltovich, R. Riffel, E Horvat, M. Nasenbcny, M. A Bartol, A. M. Masura, G. Korelc.
Third row: L. Kiiznia, I. Korcvcc, E Gregorich, A. Russ, H. Troppe, R. Juřicích, J. Jakovrich, J. Mutz, R. Russ, R. Horvatin. Fourth row: L. Miklich. W. Zugel. Rev. G. Kuzma. L. Brule. H. Da Valt. J. Muren. Rev. M. Cepon.
dramatization of the founding of St. Joseph's School Band. Besides the present St. Joseph's School Band, our Alumni Band, as v/ell as our School Orchestra took part in this program.
On the occasion of The Tenth Anniversary, Ven. Br. Basil sent us his recollections of the founding of our Band. Among other things he said this: "I recall many things about the founding of St. Joseph's Band. It really was undertaken with many difficulties in the way. First of all, the depression had its teeth sunk into Joliet as hard as possible — the lowest ebb had been reached in the first two years of the band's existence. That meant courage; it meant many sacrifices, both for the parents and for the parish . . . Father Plevnik was a great man. A priest who was keenly interested in his people, and whose constant desire was to keep his people interested in their own.
"Our early work with the band was carried on in the school building. With a bunch of COMPLETE beginners — no one had ever played a note — I believe there were about fifty when we started — we had plenty on our hands. Gradually, however, through the hard work of our instructors: Ernest Potzman, Francis Mayer, Ray Pluth, and Howard Strom the organization developed into a playing unit.
'Above all — don't forget the devotion of the mothers — and sisters, — the Sodality from which came so many generous self-sacrificing service, and most efficient, too. The way band uniforms were handled would do credit to the care some of the Hollywooders receive in their wardrobe. Of course, I hardly need mention the place that Father Hiti took — he was a man of parts. He could divide himself and scatter himself in numerous places, seemingly. Certainly the mold that St. Joseph's Band received was intimately connected with himself."
Since the founding of the School Band, we have organized our Alumni Band and founded our St. Joseph's School Orchestra. Every opportunity is given our school children to acquire a fine musical education. Our present very faithful and efficient Band Master Mr. Harlan M. Da Valt has been with us since 1933.
School Athletjcs
■ In the field of athletics, too, the bojs ard girls of St. Joseph's School have been outstanding. During the eight years under Father Butala's vigorous leadership, our boys won the Joliet Parochial Baseball League title numerous times, likewise the basketball championship.
Through Father Hiti's inspiration and the coaching of Johnny Zelko, the 1931 squad won the Joliet Parochial School Basketball League, The Will County Toournament. Because of thess victories, the team was pitt-d against St. Mary's Training School of Des Plaines, 111., Cook County Champions for that season. Accompanied by more than three hudred fans from Joliet, the team travslled to Chicago and met their cnponents in the De La Salle gym on April 8, 1931. St. Joe's won by a score of 18 to 9, and were proclaimed the Archdiocesan Champions.
The victories of that year did not end with the basketball S3ason. The victory in June was just as splendid when the Baseball Team carried off the trophy a.s Champions of the Joliet Parochial Baseball
League.	^ ,
During the succeeding years, under Father Kuzma s tutelage, the boys from St. Joseph's School were always at the top of the Parochial Leauges, if not first, at least second. In the 1940 season thoy wen the
title in basketball and in softball, and in 1941 again in basketball. St. Joseph's School is the proud possessor of twenty-two trophies merited by its various athletic groups.
Teaching Staff of St. Joseph School, 1940—1941
Sister M. Modesta, Principal
Sister M. Roberta, Grade VIII., Sister M. Petronette, Grade VIII., VII. Sister M. Rosette, Grade VII, Sister M. Verona, Grade VI, Sister M. Thea, Grade VI, V., Sister M. Engratia, Grade V., IV., Sister M. Harriet, Grade IV., Sister M. Domitilla, Grade III., Sister M. Arnold, H., Sister M. Nepomućene, Grade I., Sister M. Charlotte, Sister M. Perpetua.
JOLIET C. Y. O. GRADE SCHOOL CHAMPIONS FOR 1941 — ZMAGOVALCI
First row: John Mihelich, Paul Liikanich, Anthony Mauser, Raymond Adamlch, Bernard, Mutz,
Second row: John Nemanich, Richard Todorovich, Raymond Horvatin, Rudy Getson, coach. Edward Horvat, Leonard, Ambrose, Frank Mihelich.
VEN. SISTER M. FERDINAND
No record of St. Joseph's School would be complete without a special mention of Ven. Sister M. Ferdinand. She came to us at the very beginning of our school in 1895 and remained here all the rest of her teaching days — nearly forty years. As a teacher and a Superior she left her imprint upon this institution. She was a distinguished person; distinguished by her simplicity, humility and forgetfulness of self. She was saintly; but with that rare type of saintliness which made her a most genial and charming sister. Her piety, her living example did not repel anyone, instead she made everyone feel that holiness is the most desirable achievement in life.
Sister M. Ferdinand Mary Stalzer was born in Chicago, 111., on
February 4, 1867. She was baptized In St. Francis Assisi Church, Chicago, Feb. 7, 1867. She was the daughter oi Joseph Stalzer and Mary ocibsich; both born in Semič, Austria.
Her Early Youth
Sister Ferdinand attended St. Francis Assisi School, Chicago, throughout the grades. She belonged to this parish until she entered the convent on August 22, 1888 when she was twenty-one years old. St. Francis Assissi school was accepted by the Sisters of St. Francis m the fall of 1867, the year that Sister Ferdinand was born. St. Francis Assissi and St. Boniface, both accepted at the same time, were the I'irst schools in Chicago, taught by the Sisters of St. Francis.
She received the holy habit on March 28, 1889 and was thereafter known as Sister Ferdinand. Reverend Ferdinand Kalvelage was the ■oastor of St. Francis Assisi parish.
Sister Ferdinand pronounced her first vows on August 12, 1891. Had she lived she would have been with the group of Sisters who celebrated the golden jubilee of their profeession during June of this year. She pronounced her Perpetual Vows on July 24, 1894.
Sister Martina was one of Sister Ferdinand's teachers: Sister Martina says that as a child Sister Ferdinand showed the same unselfish traits that marked her life in the convent. She was ever ready to help others, always sympathetic and understanding; always first to do the hardest tasks.
Teaching schedule:
Sept. 1889 to June 1890, St. Stephen School, Streator, 111. Sept. 1890 to June 1891, St. Boniface School, Chicago Sept. 1891 to June 1892, St. Stephen School, Streator, 111.
In the early part of this school year Sister Ferdinand was at the motherhouse for a time studying the Slovenian Language. The records do not indicate how long; but apparently she was sent to Streator after a short time.
Sept. 1892 to June 1895, St. Francis Assissi, Red Cliff., Wis.
Sister Ferdinand was not stationed at the Bayfield School. The Sisters from Red Cliff had their home in Bayfield with the Sisters there, going back and forth to Red Cliff. However they often stayed over in Red Cliff. There was no resident priest in Red Cliff, so the Sisters had to go to Bayfield for Mass. They always returned to Bayfield Friday afternoon and remained until Monday morning.
Sister Ferdinand was an assistant to Sister Seraphica in the Red Cliff School, which was at that time a government school. Sister Ferdinand helped with the teaching and also took care of the domestic duties. There was only one classroom, so she took the children for classes into the Sisters' convent. Sister Seraphica says the people ipeak even to this day of Sister Ferdinand.
In St. Joseph's School
She was here for the opening of the first class on October 2, 1895, and she remained here, either as a teacher or Superior, until her retirement in 1934. Her work in St. Joseph's School consisted not only of teaching her classes, or managing the school, but also of guiding and helping many others. She possessed the most desirable quality of being vitally interested in every affair concerning the school or the parish. She was helpful most generously in every parish undertaking. The parish Sodalities and Societies, Study Clubs, the School Band, and even the school athletics received her sympathetic attention and
CHURCH COMMITTEE FOR 1941—CERKVENI ODBORNIKI
First row: Peter Plut, Anthony Buchar, John Culilt, Rev. M. J. Butala, Louis Zeleznikar, Edward Stuke). Second row: William Vertin, Michael Setina, Albert Skul, Martin Juricic.
encouragement. Rev. Wencel Sholar, O. S. B., who knew Sister Ferdinand for many years, in his sermon at her funeral, said in part: "Her care of the young was not limited by the four walls of the school room, instead she watched over her charges with a mother's interest and love during their most dangerous years. God alone knows how many souls she snatched from the clutches of the evil spirit by her admo-nishions and guidance in the rath cf virtue. God alone knows how many tears she wiped off the cheeks of saddened youths. Ven. Sister Ferdinand was indeed the guiding spirit of our young and the angel of mercy to all."
How intense was her love of neighbor, is shown by another incident. Rev. John Plevnik, pastor of St. Joseph's Church was seriously ill in the late fall of 1935. Ven. Sister Ferdinand visited him and consoled him with these words: "I am going to ask God to take me instead of you, and let you get well, so that you can continue your priestly work." That was typical of Sister Ferdinand.
In sweet-Christ-like charity Sister Ferdinand "went about doing good" — the little children, the growing boy and girl, the man and woman in early or later life — all had a share in her devoted love and service, her sympathetic understanding. No trouble was ever too insignificant, no sorrow or grief to deep, that she did not share and understand.
To her Sisters in religion she was ever an example of exact observance; she was ever the kind, sweet, gentle, humble religious.
She died in St. Joseph's Hospital, Joliet, on January 18, 1936 and was buried from St. Joseph's Church on January 21. Her funeral was one of the largest ever held from St. Joseph's Church. She is buried in St. John's cemetery with the rest of the Sisters from her community.
Gauged by the standards of the world, Sister Ferdinand would not be classed with the efficient executives; but she had greater influence than that — she loved people and her influence was far reaching. Much of the success of St. Joseph's school was due to her self-sacrfic-ing spirit and her encouragement of the endeavors of others. Her memory shall be held sacred by all who ever knew her.
CHAPTER II.
The Former pastors of St. Joseph's Church
OLD, diamonds and precious stones are by nature hidden In ^;»!the bowels of Mother Earth. Only through laborious and
painstaking effort docs man dig them out, uncovers them and ^ separates them from worthless dross. Only after careful and skillful cutting and polishing does the natural brilliance and inherent beauty of these gems come to full view in order to be admired and enjoyed by men.
The lives of truly great men are like hidden gems. Before they can be viewed and evaluated properly by men, they must first be freed from the dross of everyday existence, stripped of merely accidental external appearances, and placed on the pedestal of reality, illuminated with the light of truth and balanced with a sympathetic understanding of human nature with all of its possibilities for good and evil. To accomplish this, is the task of a biographer.
Efficient biographers, like expert diamond cutters, are rare. In the absence of an exnert, the lives of our former pastors of St. Joseph's Church shall be presented to you by an unseasoned historian, with the hope that you, in your charity, will overlook the errors
and supply the deficiencies in these biographies of the truly great men who guided the destiny of St. Joseph's Parish for the last 47 years. They were diamonds in the rough, and if these brief sketches of their lives will help to reveal some of their real brilliance and true worth, our effort shall be fully repaid.
Slovenian priests gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the Episcopal Consecration of Most Reverend Stariha, D. D. Bishop of Lead, So. Dakota, now Rapid City, on October 28, 1903.
First row: Rev. Dr. John Seliškar, Rev. Anton VUman, Rev. John Kranjec, Rev. Francis X. šusteršič, Rt. Rev. Mons. Matthias Bilban, Rev. Anton Podgoršek, Rev. John Plevnik.
Second row: Very Rev. Anton Mikš, Rev. Ivan Methodius Solnce, Most Rev. John N. stariha, D. D., Most Rev. James Trobec, D. D., Rt. Rev. Mons. Joseph Buh, Rt. Rev. Mons. Anton Ogulin.
Third row, middle: Rev. Ignatius Biirgar, Rev. Francis Kosmerl, Rev. Francis Jager, Rev. Matthias Stukel,
Third row, full: Rev. Marcus Pakiž, Rt. Rev. Mons. A. J. Rezek, Very Rev. Matthias Savs, Rev. Simon Lampe, O. S. B., Rev. Francis Rant, Rev. Francis X. Bajec.
REV. FRANCIS X. ŠUSTERŠIČ His Youth
The Rev. Francis X. šusteršič was born on January 22, 1864, at Vič near Ljubljana, Slovenia. He descended from a fairly wealthy family who had been inkeepers for some generations.
His elementary and advanced education was received in Ljubljana, the center of Slovenian life and culture. He was ordained priest on July 21, 1886 and celebrated his first Solemn Mass on August 8, 1886. He served as parish assistant in Smlednik and in šmartje.
To America
Like Father Baraga, years before. Father šusteršič also was irked by the Jansenistic spirit which still prevailed among the people and and among some of the clergy of Slovenia. He followed Father Baraga's example by going to America, only to labor among his own people, instead of among the savage Indians, as did Father Baraga.
It was Rev. John Solnce of St. Paul, Minnesota who induced Father šusteršič to come to Joliet. Father Solnce came to Joliet In the Spring of 1890 to hear the confessions of the Slovenians of Joliet. On Saturday evening he heard confessions in St. Mary's Church. Sunday morning he said Mass and preached,, and in the afternoon of the same day, he held a meeting of the Slovenians in the Old Werner Hall. At this meeting Father Solnce instructed the people to select an official committee, whose duty it will be to collect funds and purchase property for the proposed parish. At the same time he promised to go to Europe and bring back a young energetic priest, the Rev. Father šusteršič, who would be their pastor and their leader.
In Joliet
The people followed these directions and Father Solnce fulfilled his promise. Father šustešič came to Joliet on May 12, 1891, fully authorized to establish a parish for the Slovenians of Joliet. No one dreamed at that time, that this little, bright-eyed, smiling young priest was destined to become the founder of an outstanding Slovenian parish in the country, the first organizer of the Slovenian parishes in Chicago, So. Chicago, Waukegan, La Salle, Springfield and Idianapolis, Ind., the founder of the oldest Slovenian fraternal union, namely: The Grand Carniolian Slovenian Catholic Union, the editor of the Oldest Slovenian Publication in America; the Amerikanski Slovenec, and an author of books for his people here and in Europe.
His Work
What our present day parishioners of St. Joseph's know about Father šusteršič, is that he founded the parish, built the first church and school, the second rectory, as well as, the present magnificient church, which is indeed an ornament to the city of Joliet and a source of justifiable pride to every Slovenian of this locality. But only a few have heard how Father šusteršič visited the various Slovenian settlements throughout the Middle West, as far as Pennsylvania and Colorado. He heard their confessions, offered holy Mass for them, and then instructed them what they must do in order to organize their own parish and obtain a priest to take charge. Fewer still, realize how many unwary Slovenian emmigrants were saved from the designs of unscrupulous agents, by the timely publication of Father šusteršič's book intended for those in Europe who have decided to come to America in search of their daily bread. Finally, no one can measure the good which Father šusteršič accomplished for the scattered Slovenians throughout these United States through his writings as editor of the Amerikanski Slovenec. Very many families, in the remotest parts of our land, remained loyal to the church through the influence of the Amerikanski Slovenec.
One wonders, as to how could one man accomplish so much. An ordinary individual could not. But Father šutseršič was not an ordinary man. He was a human dynamo, full of boundless energy, full of that rare youthful enthusiasm, which gave him the impetus and carried him over all obstacles and hardships.
His Daily Schedule
His day began early. He was up every morning before six o'clock, distributed Holy Communion to the Sisters, said his Breviary and offered holy Mass. During the forenoon he taught in the school, or worked in the editorial room of the Amerikanski Slovenec. In the after-
USHER'S CLUB—REDITELJI V CERKVI
First row: John A. Mutz, ■ William Buchar, Henry Ađamich, Edward Dolinshek.
Second row: Anthony Vidmar, Anthony Buchar, Robert Vranesich, George Vertin, Frank Plankar.
noon he visited his parishioners, either taking a census, collecting for the church, comforting the sick. In the evening he balanced his church accounts, wrote letters, examined and studied plans for new buildings, and wrote for his books or publications. Very seldom did he retire before midnight. On Saturdays and vigils of greater Feasts he spent many hours in church hearing confessions. In winter, when the un-heated church was very cold, he would come into the rectory about eleven o'clock in the evening, for a glass of wine to keep him warm, and then return to the church to hear more confessions. About seventeen out of the 19 years that he was in Joliet, he spent without an assistant; he did all the parish work alone.
Sickness and Death
It was no wonder that not even his strong constitution could stand all this ceaseless activity without suffering harm. He fell a prey to tuberculosis. He could not do his work any longer and his physician advised a change of climate. Father decided to go back to Europe and remain there in retirement. He left Joliet on July 5, 1910. His condition was so grave that his friends were afraid he would never reach his native land alive. After a painful journey, he came back to his mother in Vič, only to lose her in death six months later. Fifty days after her death, he followed her into eternity in the early morning of March 24, 1911. He died at the hospital in Ljubljana. He was buried in a cemetery near Ljubljana, as the last member of his once well known and respected family.
The Character of Rev. šusteršič
In order to estimate properly the character of Father šusteršič, we shall set forth a few of his more outstanding qualities and virtues, which raised him above the level of ordinary men.
His Talents
Father šusteršič was very talented by nature. He possessed a very fine mind, capable of deep learning and real scholarship. He loved intelectual pursuits. Yet his love of learning was so practical that he at once applied the result of his knowledge or experience to the problems of his felow men. He did not exhibit his learning for the sake of human praise or admiration, but rather used it to help his countrymen in their actual everyday spiritual and temporal concerns. He wrote books which could and ought to have been read by all of his people.
Self-denial
It wojild have been impossible to do Father šusteršič's work without self-denial. He, however, practiced that virtue even more than was required by his position or circumstances. He came from a wealthy family, yet he was always poor. All the money which he brought with him .from Europe he spent for his first church. His salary, during the first year, was sometimes $20.00 a month, sometimes $10.00. In other words, he took olny what was absolutely necessary to keep body and soul together.
Our pioneer parishioners still remember how Father šusteršič went from house to house collecting for his church and school. That was not always a pleasant task, for some people would lock the door in his face, while others would hide. Once a certain group, in nearby Romeo, went so far as to attack him with stones, so that he and his companion, Mr. Anton Golobitsh, ran under a freight car in order to es-
MIXED CHOIR — MEŠANI PEVSKI ZBOR
First row: Rev. M. J. Butala, R. Umek, M. Dollnshek, D Dolinshek, A. Vidmar, M. Stefanich, L. Kalcic, H. Horvat, M. Mutz, V. Mutz, M. Vranesich, L. Laurich and A. Rozman.
Second row: W. Todorovich, M. Klepec, K. Flajnik, H. Brunskol, A. Fandalf, A. Vertin, A. Mutz, D. Zupančič, H. Zavrsnik and R. Pruss. Third row: J. Papesh, R. Vranesich, W. Gasperich, A. Stefanich, J. Petric, J. Pruss, F. Ferlin, and F. Papesh.
cape the shower of stones. Of course, the great majority of his people were kind and generous, but there were enough of the other sort to discourage a less hearty individual.
For years he bought his own fuel and slept in a room so small that he could not kneel by his bed. He made several trips to Europe and had just enough money to get there. Each time his mother had to pay his passage back to America.
Kindness
One might associate the spirit of self-denial with a stern type of an individual. In Father šusteršič, forgetfullness of self was joined with a most genuine concern for others. He was most kind to all, considerate of their feeelings, and forgiving to the erring.
To his fellow priests he was an extremely popular host. They visited him at every opportunity. Not only Slovenian priests, but also priests of other nationalities, especilly the Irish felt at horns in his rectory. To the Slovenian priests he was affectionately known as "Bobenček". other priests could pronounce neither "Bobenček" nor šusteršič, so they called him "Bobby Sugarstick."
American Slovenian priests who spent some time as guests of Father šusteršič were: Rev. Joseph Laurich, who was with him five months, and Rev. Marcus Pakiz who also made his home with him seven months. The story of Father Pakiz is interesting. He lost all of his possessions in the fire which destroyed the church and rectory in Calumet, Michigan. After this calamity he was laid up a year in the hospital where the Lord tested His servant still more. He had to have his leg amputated. He was so chagrined by this misfortune that he refused to go back to his own parish in Calumet, instead he came to Father šusteršič. Father šusteršič and Father Kranjec bought him an artificial leg so that he could again say Mass. But he said it in the early morning before the church was opened to the public. Finally, after seven months, he became proficient enough in the use of his limb, that he assumed pastoral duties in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Leadership
.................~ nm
»SMM«»
ZUPNISE
. Father šusteršič had the ability of kindling in others that same enthusiasm and zeal which he felt in his own heart. That is why he was such an excellent organizer, a born leader of men. He was an inspiration to his followers, always open, always sincere, always dependable. To his parishioners he was a kind and understanding father, to his countrymen he was a wise and experienced counsellor. To all who knew him he was a dear personal friend. His name shall be held in benediction among the Slovenian people for generations.
JUNIOR CHOIR — MLADINSKI PEVSKI ZBOR
First row: D. Pasđertz, L. Vidmar. S. Korevec, M. Korevec, M. Cohil, M. Marolt, N. Konopelt, M. Frankovich, anđ 1. Felix. Second row: M. Plut, F. Dolinshek, L. Cernetic, R. Pasdertz, M. Korovec, F. Musich, G. Annunzi, and T. Ambrose. Third row; B. Klepec, B. Kuzma, M. Maren, J. Horvat, and M. Metesh.
REV. JOHN KRANJEC
Father Kranjec, then pastor of St. George's Church, South Chicago, was the personal choice of Rev. šusteršič as his successor at St. Joseph's in Joliet. It seems certain that Father šusteršič recommended Father Kranjec to Archbishop Quigley as pastor in Johet, in case he could not return from Europe. The Archbishop fulfilled this request soon after the death of Father šusteršič in 1911.
His Early Days
Father John Kranjec was born in Stari Trg, Slovenia on Feb. 22, 1871. He came to America in 1892, studied in St. Francis Seminary, St. Francis, Wis., and was ordained priest on July 3, 1897 by Archbishop Feehan. His first appointment was to St. Mary's Church, Joliet, 111. The following year he went to Pittsburgh, Pa. to assume the pastorate of the newly founded Slovenian Parish. After four and a half years of faithful work among the Slovenians in Pittsburgh, he was recalled by Archbishop Feehan to organize the Slovenians in South Chicago, 111. There he built the present church of St. George, and at the same time also took care of the parishioners of St. Stephen's parish Chicago.
In Joliet
Father Kranjec was no stranger to the people of Joliet. He was a frequent visitor at the Joliet rectory, he assisted at all major parish celebrations and was often the speaker of the day on such occasions. He also took an active part in the affairs of the K.S.K.J., and that brought him into intimate contact with the people of St. Joseph's parish.
It was no great surprise to the parishioners to have Father Kranjec succeed Father šusteršič as pastor, even though some wanted Father Kraschowitz to remain here. Father Kraschowitz had been the administrator of the parish during the absence of Father šusteršič.
His Pastorate
The pastorate of Rev. John Kranjec at St. Joseph's, Joliet, was very short. He came here on July 7, 1911 and was called to his reward on February 12, 1915. He was at St. Joseph's less than four years, yet, in that short time he managed to build the fine school containing twelve modern class rooms, and the spacious sixteen room rectory. He was a man of action; the man who understood only one argument, and that was the convincing force of actual results.
His untimely death was in a way a tragedy. Due to the great care and responsibility which the building of the school and rectory entailed on his part, his health was undermined. He was obliged to take a rest in the hospital during December of 1914. In his weakened condition he moved into the scarcely completed new rectory and was laid low by sickness once more. One day his fever was so high that he be-canie delirious, and in that semi-conscious condition he opened the window of his room. The midwinter wind blew upon his feverished body, he contracted pneumonia and in two days, he was dead. He died on Feb. 12, 1915, not yet 44 years old.
His Character
The personal qualities of Father Kranjec can be quite accurately described by saying that he was the business type of a man. He was
not the same kind of an idealist as Father šusteršič, He did not have the same innate artistic and poetic sense as his predecessor. But he was a very fine priest, a lover of little children, generous, always direct, alwayys open, sometimes almost too blunt, yet capable of attain-
THE LADIES' CHOIB — ŽENSKI PEVSKI ZBOR
Front row: B. Umek, D. Dollnshek, A. Vidmar, M. Stefanlch, L. Kalclc, H. Horvat, M. Vrancsich, M. Dollnshek, D. Zupančič.
Back row: M. Kíepec, H. Zaversnik, H. Brunskole, A. Fanđak, K Flajnik, V. Mutz, A. Vertln, A. Mutz, M. Mutz, L. Laurich.
MEN'S CHOIR — MOŠKI PEVSKI ZBOR
Front row: L Sternisha, R. Vranesich, W. Gasperlch, R. Pruss, J. Pruss, A. Rozman, organist.
Back row: J. Papesh, F. Papesh, J. Pétrie, A. Stefanlch, J. Viđetich, F. Ferlin, M. Pershey.
ing great material progress in a very short time. He was just the right type of a leader for St. Joseph's parish, at the time when the parish was growing at such a rapid rate, when a quick decision and an unhesitating action was necessary in order to keep pace with the growth of the congregation.
His path also was not strewn with roses. One Sunday morning he was crying at the altar, because one of the creditors of his church demanded at once the payment of $10,000.00 which came due. He was a consciencious administrator of the spiritual and temporal affairs of the parish. His memory is respected by all who knew him.
REV. JOHN PLEVNIK
Of all of our former pastors, the memory of Rev. John Plevnik is most vivid to our readers, being the most recent. But if there is any personality which needs clarification, it is his. If the comparison of a hiden gem is fitting, it may be most aptly used in describing the life and work of Father Plevnik. His heart of gold was incased in a frame of oak, and his brilliance hidden under a commonplace exterior. He, more than either of the other two, was a diamond in the rough.
His Youth
Father Plevnik was born August 28, 1873, in Dobrava near Ljubljana, Slovenia. His higher education was received in Ljubljana. He came to America in 1891 and entered St. John's University, College-ville, Minn. He studied theology in St. Mary's Seminary Baltimore, Md. and was ordained priest by His Eminence James Cardinal Gibbons on June 17, 1897. His First Mass was celebrated in the old-St. Joseph's Church, Joliet, June 20, 1897.
His Priestly Work
Immediately after his ordination. Father Plevnik administered St. Joseph's parish during the absence of Father šusteršič, who went to Europe on a visit. Few months later, he went to Chicago to establish St. Stephen's parish, and also to take care of the Slovenians in South Chicago and Waukegan. In 1903 he went to Waukegan and founded The Mother Of God Parish, and built the present church and rectory.
He came to Joliet in the fall of 1914 to assist Father Kranjec who was sick. After the death of Father Kranjec, he was appointed by his Archbishop to lead the destiny of St. Joseph's Parish, which he did so competently for the next 23 years.
In Joliet
Father Plevnik's administration was characterized by deliberate conservatism. Yet when the time came for an important decision and a quick action, he did not hesitate. Quietly and without public knowledge, he acquired valuable property for the parish, such as the parish hall, and the land uuon which stands the new cemetery and the parish park. In both of these purc?iases the seller did not know to whom he was selling his property, consequently the price was not raised unreasonably, as it would have been, were it known that the parish was interested in that pronertv. Considerable saving v. as made for the church by exercising prudence.

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ROSARIAN CLUB CHOIR — PEVKE IZ ROSARIAN KLUBA
First row: J. Pruss, E. Konda, G. Padovich, A. Pershey, M. Korelc, A. Stukel, R. Pasdertz. Second row: J. Camp, E. McCarthy, P. Stark, M. Johnson, M. Kren, B. Buchar, K. Przyhylski.
His Shining Virtae
The widely known and publicly admired virtue of Father Plevnik, was his prudence. In fact those, who had foolishly attempted to match their wits against his, declared him to be not only prudent, but positively shrewd. That prudence was the result of an inborn analytical mind sharpened by varied experience and profound knowledge of human nature.
Love of His Own
Another, almost equally known virtue of Father Plevnik, was his love for his own people and a distinct nride in anything they accomplished. Whatever honor or recognition came to any of his parishioners, was the greatest source of joy to him. And whatever honor was accorded to him, was considered by him as an honor to his people whom he renresented. He never sought honor or recognition for himself, or for his own sake. His life was intimately bound up with lives of his parishioners and of his countrymen.
Determination
Everyone who had made even a casual acquaintance with Father Plevnik, saw in him a man of determination. He was never hasty in his judgments, but once he made a decision, he saw to it that it was carried out. That same quality made him unyielding when he thought that he was right. He never sought a quarrel, but likewise he never backed away from an honest fight. And on his part the fight was always honest. He never stooped to any underhand or unfair means in any dispute, even when his oponents were using them against him. Even his enemies were forced to respect him.
Hidden Virtues.
The real jewels in Father Plevnik's forceful personality were his Christian humility and generosity. But they were hidden, and that fact is a proof that they were genuine.
Father Plevnik was a humble man. He possessed that supernatural virtue of humility which is the foundation of all Christian perfection. He realized keenly his own imperfections and limitations, and his entire dependence upon Goďs support. Few persons among the clergy or the laity are as humble penitents as was Father Plevnik.
No less hidden than his humility was his generosity towards the needy. He was a pastor for 23 years in Joliet alone. His salary was the usual pastoral remuneration. A substantial inheritance was expected after his death, but what actully remained was insignificant. Where did the money go? He certainly did not use it for his own pleasure. There are few ordinarv day laborers who spend less on themselves than did Father Plevnik. He lived almost like a miser, yet he saved nothing; because he gave it away to those who needed it even more than he.
If Van. Sister Ferdinand were living, she could tell us how many school books Father Plevnik paid for, how many pairs of shoes he bought for the children, how many medical treatments he provided for. But even Sister Ferdinand could not tell us all. He never told anyone whom he had helped, and he never kept any record, not even for his own information. The St. Joseph's School Band owes its existence to his generosity. He paid cut around three thousand dollars on its account.
If a man evrr shows his true colors, it is when death stares him
in the face. As Father Plevnik lay on his death bed, with his heart and his lips he was asking forgiveness and mercy from God,, and with his hands he was showing mercy to his fellow man by tearing up the promisory notes of those who borrowed money from him, or whose debts he had assumed. Could anyone have done something more noble, or salutary?
In dealing with the people, Father Plevnik was at times quite sharp and unequivocal, but only when he considered it necessary. Some have taken his reprimands with a rebellious spirit,but many more others shall be grateful all their life for his timely warning and firm handling. But all of them must admit that whatever Father Plevnik did with them was done out of his sincere fatherly solicitude for their real welfare. His name stands out prominently in the annals of St. Joseph's Parish.
His Death
After having patiently endured a generous share of bodily suffering from his frequent illness, he died an edifying death on March 23, 1938. He was burried March 28, in the old St. Joseph's cemetery, next to his fellow priests the Rev. Fathers Kranjec, Tomazin and Sojar. His casket was simple and in expensive, but his funeral was grand. And the imposing granite monument, which his parishioners with the help of K. S. K. J., erected upon his grave bears testimony to the love and estesm with which they regarded their leader and spiritual Father.
Cemetery Building — Nagrobna hiša.
CHAPTER III.
Church Sodalities and Societies
Sqiix FTER the parish church and school, the next most important /OU part of a well organized parish, are the parish societies IJj and sodalities. Father šusteršič was keenly aware of this, and every pastor since his time has been most solicitous for their preservation and growth. St. Joseph's Parish has had exceptionally well organized and active church societies.
THE ALTAR AND ROSARY SOCIETY
The very first church society to be established in our parish was the Altar and Rosary Society. It was founded Nov. 6, 1891, with 13
charter members. The first meeting was held in the housB of Mr. Joseph Stukel on Indiana Street.
The purpose of the Society is to provide care for the altar and obtain supplies which are needed in the church, such as altar linens, candles and numerous articles used for decoration. The spiritual purpose is to honor God through personal sanctification of its members.
It is safe to say, that the Altar and Rosary Society has given more material support and assistance to St. Joseph's Church than any other .society.
OFFICERS OF THE HOLY ROSARY CONFRATERNITY
URADNICE ROŽENVENSKE BRATOVŠČINE.
First row: J. M. Tezak, A. Pluth, M. Golobitsh, A. Struna.
Second row: M. Culik, (insert), T. Lilek, M. Dolinshek, M. Panian, M. Cohil,
M. Ambrožích.
The present officers of the Society are: Mary Culik, President; Mary Golobitsh, Vice President; Anna Pluth, Secretary; Jean M. Tezak, ""reasurer; Louise Nasenbeny, Antonia Struna, Frances Kalcic and r/Iary Cohil, Trustees; Mary Dolinshek, Margaret Panian and Theresa lilek. Standard Bearers; Mary Ambrožích, Sentinel.
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY
By Genevieve Laurich
The Golden Anniversary presents a historical panorama of our parish growth since the time there were but few families in Joliet. C ut of the pages of our parish history arise the deeds of the priests p.nd sisters, many of whom spent the greater portion of their lives V'orking for the parish, and also the great number of fine men and \/omen who gave unstintinglv of their time and energy at a sacri-fce so that we, today can celebrate a half-century of progress. The spirit of St. Joseph's parish is synonimous with the accomplishments of these individuals and the various Socities, who formed a bulwark in
HOLY ROSARY CONFRATERNITY
BRATOVŠČINA SV. R02NEGA VENCA
First row: K. Jursinich, T. Lilek, M. Panian, A. Struna, J. Tczak, A. Pluth, M. Golobitsh, M. Cohill, M. Dolinshek, M. Ambrožích, K. Župáncích, R. Giegorash, K. Siihadolc. J. Horvat.
Spcond low: M. Moskric, B. Ancel, J. Požeš, M. Horvat, A. Bezek. A. Slobodnik, A. Sternisha, A. Korevcc, A. Ursich, R. Russ, M. Terlep, M. Gaspich, K. Weclic, A. Bozích, M. Fabian, F. Avsec, K. Kiizma, B. Pniss.
Third row: J. Judnich, B. Gregorash, M. Pasdertz, J. Krali, A. Marentich, J. Muster, M. Skul, A. Stukel, M Gregorash. K. Dragovan. P. Russ.
Fourth row: R. Horvatin, M. Vlaších, M. Klepec, T. Paších, F. Ancel, A. Mutz, M Zívec, A. Buchar, T. Koleto, M. Puncar, B. Vranc:,ich. Fifth row: A. Novljan, A. Shclko, K Vertin. M Lesník, J. Hochevar, M. Papesh, J. Verdnik.
any parish activity or exigency. Among these, the Biesssd Virgin Mary Sodality has contributed in a large measure
Organization
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Queen of heaven and earth, the hope of Christians, the patroness of America, and devotion to Mary has been a tradition among the Slovenian people. It was a natural course then, in 1900 when the parish was just nine years old, for Rev. Francis X. šusteršič, the first pastor, to establish a Sodality to give special honor to the Blessed Virgin. At the same time. Father šusteršič realized the need to place the young ladies of the parish under the protection of the Blessed Mother, not only in those early years, but with wisdom and foresight, he knew it would be of greater importance as this country became more populated.
All the young ladies of the parish were invited to belong, and at the commencement, five girls came to the first meeting, three of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. John N. Pasdertz, nee Mary Sodec, Mrs. Jacob Shelko, nee Mollie Grill, and Mrs. Michael Rogina, nee Emma Pavlin. Within several weeks, this number increased so that the Sodality actually began with 45 initial members. Mrs. Pasdertz made the first badges, of light blue cloth over which was placed a large medal of the Blessed Virgin, and these were worn at the first General Holy Communion.
And so the first seeds were planted in the garden of Our Lady and its blossoms of good works through the past forty-one years have brought immeasurable blessings on the Sodalists as well as the Church.
Tribute
As the Sodality passes into review, it is apparent that some kindly but vital and compelling force has been present to encourage and maintain the cooperation and order of the Sodality. The late Rev. F. X. šusteršič, Rev. John Kranjec and Rev. John Plevnik were Spiritual Directors of the Sodality during their pastorships. Rev. Matthias J. Butala our present pastor has been Spiritual Director as well as Moderator since the fall of 1939. Father Butala follows in the footsteps of his predecessors with his timely counsels and interest in Sodality progress. Rev. Matthias J. Hiti made numerous contributions to the Sodality, besides composing and directing many of their stage productions. Rev. George J. Kuzma is zealous in assisting the Sodality whenever an opportunity presents itself. Father Kuzma is the Sodality's chief refurbisher, transforming the cast of characters into heroes, heroines and villians. Rev. Michael J. Cepon has demonstrated his enthusiasm for our Sodality and is the Director of the Study Club.
A great tribute is due our former Moderators. Dear departed Ven. Sr. M. Ferdinand, O.S.F. ,who gave her time to the Sodality for eighteen years, from its organization to 1918. She was truly an American pioneer, in our parish and in the Sodality. Her far-reaching ability coupled with a sweet personality has left indelible memories. Ven. Sister M. Secunda, O. S. F. a former Sodalist, was Moderator from 1923 to 1928 and again in 1938 to 1939. With her rare sense of humor and keen understanding of human nature, Sister Secunda maintained a happy and progressive Sodality. Ven. Sister M. Roberta, O. S. F., was Moderator from 1918 to 1923 and from 1928 to 1938. Sister Roberta, too, was a former Sodalist, and during all the years she was Moderator, her thoughts, worries and troubles were the Sodality's. She gave of herself unselfishly and her alert spirit brought the Sodalists to action
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY—DEKLIŠKA MARIJINA DRUŽBA.
First row: B. Ancel, H Ogulin. M. Plut, J. Zelko, L. Cerneti h, L. K.ilcic, B. Klcpec. R. Umpk, A. Vicl.nar, A. Jurcvich, M. A:nbrozi;li I. Gregorich, V. Mutz, M. Dolinshek, D. Pasdertz and M. Laurich.
Second row: M. Ivanlch, E. Mutz, G. Lauricli, M. Miren. C Bistry, D. Dolinshpk, F. Dolinshek, L. Vidmar, F. Musich, K. Vlasich, A. Bauer, A. Resetich, B. Martincích, R. Pasdertz, and B. Kuzm^
Third row: M. Russ, L. Ambrose, A Vertin, M. Klepec, A. Kunich, B. Krall, D. Zupancich, B. Vidmar, II. Horvat, D. Zlocar, H Zade", M. Martincích, A. Horvatli, M. Korevec, and L Rogina.
Fourth row: L. Brule, M. Vranesich, M Erjavec, F. Skul, F. Kral?, D Wcdic, E. Musich, and M. Plankar
Fifth row: H. Todorovich, O. Erjavec, S. Matkovich, K Flajn k, A. Sustersich, G. Bcbar, J. Verclnik, and A. Verdnik.
Sixth row: J. Skoff, M. Bostjancic, G. Mlakar, D. Pruss, J. Goved nik, M Terlep, M. Verdnik, R. Petric.
even when they were slow to auprsciats and foresee, SDmïstimes, the results of her numerous splendid ideas.
These priests and sist5rs instilled greater love for the Blessed Virgin in the hearts of the Sodalists. With their ceaseless enthusiasm and direction, it is understandable why our Scdality cDntinuss to bear such abundant fruit.
Spiritual Life
Month after month, since its organization, Sodalists have attended Holy Mass on Sodality Sunday and received Holy Communion, to which is attached a plenary indulgence. Every year, they have c-.rn? to pray between the evening hour of six and seven during the Forty Hours' Devotion. "Spiritual Bouquets" have been presented by Sodalists to the Reverand Fathers, the assistant priests and to the Sisters on special feastdays.
Alternating with the St. Agnes Sodality each month, stipends are offered for a Holy Mass on the first Friday of the month for members of the Sacred Heart League, to which all Sodalists have been enrollled. A High Mass is offered on Mother's Day for' Sodalists and their mothers. A Requiem High Mass is offered annually for the departed priests and sisters who labored in our parish. A Holy Mass is offered yearly for the deceased members of the Sodality. When a member leaves the Sodality to follow the religious vocation or enters the state of matrimony, a Holy Mass is offered for her spiritual and temporal welfare.
From the very beginning, most of the altar linens were made by Sodalists. The beautiful crocheting, fine tatting and daintv embroidery has brought laudable comment from strangers and visiting clergymen. This group within the Sodality had been at one time known as the "Altar Society" and while it is not possible to mention names of all who composed this circle of workers, nevertheless, the following must be singled out for their many years of faithful service, namely, Mary Zlogar, now Sister M Remigia, Anna Ursich, now Sister M. En-gratia, Angela Ursich Setina, Katherine Butala, the deceased Mary Markelz Muren, Mary Kostele Spelich, Amalia Bezek Videtich, Anne Planine, Frances Planine, Anne Mutz, Bertha Mutz Kern, Henrietta Brunskol, Mary Gaspich, Mary Ivanich, Mary Buchar Pasdertz, Anne Brunskol and Gale Kostele Markelz.
In 1901, the Sodality Banner was purchased and the Slovenian Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, the Rt. Rev. J. Trobec, blessed it at a solemn ceremony in church.
In 1918, the first Solemn Reception of candidates entering the Sodality took place in church, and since then, on December 8th the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, solemn reception is held at a beautiful evening service in church, which is preceded with General Holy Communion and Holy Mass in the morning.
An important event occured on June 24, 1920. The Sodality was canonically established in St. Joseph's Church, Joliet, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Pastor, Rev John Plevnik, applied to the General Director of Sodalities in the United States, and through his mediation, the local Sodality was affiliated to the General Sodality of Rome. Thus, the members participate in all the privileges of the Roman Sodality and can gain all the indulgences granted to this Sodality by the Holy Father. In preparation of this solemnity, a four-day retreat was conducted by the Rev. Wencel Sholar, O. S. B.
On December 5, 1920, a tag day was held for the war orphans of Slovenia, Europe, at which Sodalists acted as taggers before and after
ST. AGNES SODALITY — DEKLIŠKA DRUŽBA SV. NEŽE.
First row:G. Russ, E. Mutz, D. Ancel, D. Planine, D. Vidmar,	G. Crnkovich, B. J. McCarthy, L. Gregorich, L. Madic, C Laurich, G Gregorich, I. Felix, H. Janesh, J. Muhich.
Second row: G. Korelc, V. Ambrose, T. Muhich, A. Dolinshek,	L. Vidich, M. Pasdrctz, L. Matkovich,, A. M. Crnetich, D Klobuch>r. L. Korevec, D. Kante, T. Nemanich, D. Klepec, D. Terlep.
Third row: M. A. Stukel, A. Ancel, R. Barbich, D. Azman, B. Libersher, D, Nemanich, M. McGukin.
Fourth row: I. Korevec, P. Russ, M. Nasenbeny,' B. Plut,	D.Zelko.
all Holy Masses, netting a collection cf $426. 37. It was also in 1920 that the first pagan baby was ransomed and it has been the practice almost annually to "buy" Chinese baby girls and save them to the Catholic faith. An appeal from the Guardian Angel Orphans brought gratuities from our Sodalists. For the past ten years at least, they have been responsible for bringing cheer to some seventy-five families in our parish, who receive Christmas baskets of food and sweets.
A mission was given principally for Sodalists in November, 1930, conducted by the Rev. O. McDonnell, S. J. All young ladies of the parish were invited and about three-hundred girls attended regularly.
In 1931, the living rosary was first introduced, whereby Sodalists may gain all the indulgences of the rosary by saying one decade of their own choice every day. A special book is provided, in which each month the Sodalist signs her name next to the decade she desires to pray during that month and this is retained as a permanent record.
A iridium for the feast of the Immaculate Conception was presented to the Holy Father by Sodalists in 1931. Approximately thirty Sodalists have made the iridium annually since that time, consisting of attendance at Holy Mass and reception of the Blessed Sacrament for three consecutive days, including the feastday on December 8th.
In the years 1933 and 1934, 108 Sodalists completed the prescribed visits to gain the Jubilee Year Indulgences granted by the Holy Father to the faithful.
In May, 1938 it was decided that Sodalists should begin the month of May with a procession to honor the Queen of the May. Before Sister M. Roberta's forced retirement as Moderator on account of illness, she arranged for the purchase of 150 white, chapel veils, which are worn by the Sodalists on this occasion annually.
The most recent venture in Catholic Action is the Retreat movement, introduced and headed by Miss Elizabeth Mutz. Sevety-two retreatants spent the week-end of December 2, 1938 at the Cenacle Convent in Chicago, the majority being Joliet Sodalists, others in the group coming from various parishes in Joliet, from the Mother of God parish Sodality in Waukegan, from Chicago and from Whiting and Gary, Indiana. A second retreat was held at the picturesque Retreat House of the Religious of the Cenacle in Warrenville, Illinois on June 9 to 11, 1939, twenty-one Sodalists attending. The next retreat was again held in Chicago. The retreat in 1941 has been scheduled for September 19 to 21. The cost for meals and lodging is minimum and the spiritual benefits are vast. This three-day closed retreat brings peace and contentment to the soul as well as actual physical rest.
Social Life
Sodality social life has been a source of pleasure and opportunity to enjoy the companionship of Mary, as well as of genuine financial assistance to the parish.
Through Sodality functions, a donation of 1,300.00 was made for fixtures and building of the new church. A stained glasss window, angels on the main altar, a side altar. Benediction Cope and velum and a ciborium were some of the first gifts. A total of $2,545.14 was donated to the church from card patries and $1,949.28 was the result of stage productions. Other Sodality projects, including special Sodality raffles at bazaars, brought in $843.00 to the church. They have also donated to various good causes, as mentioned below in reviewing major activity.
Back in 1912, the call to the footlights brought "Sveta Elizabeta", a full-length drama. The cast in this Sodality production was com-
MEN S HOLY NAMH SOCIETY — MOŠKO DRUŠTVO PRESV. IMENA
First row; J. Barbie, L Zelcznikar, J. Rifel. J. Umek, .'. /»nc?!. M. Koshir, J. Klemcnrich, A. Korjriiicich M. Ursich, F. Z-IUo, M. Hochevar, G. Stonich, J. Rozich, J. Wolf, F. Wedic, J. Vidmar, F. Pire, J. Suhadolc.
Second row: J. Kostelce, M, Kramarich, M. Smrekar, ,1. Russ, F. Gerdesich, J. Rakar, P Ancel, J. Horvatin, F. Rues, J. Muh::h, V. Ambrose, N. Vranichar, J. Dragovan, F. Gregorieh, F. Terlsp, J. Stubier. A. Strmec, P. Vidmar, M. Frankovich, Fr. Terlep. Third row: F. .Laurich, F. Struna, L. Sternisha, J. Slapnicar, J. Grabrian, J. Vershay, J. Horvat, J. Ambrozich, A. Jursi.iovlcli, C. Flajnik, A. Korevec, F. Kren.
Fourth row: F. Russ, A. Skoff, M. Vranesich, E. Gale, F. Bostju eich, A. Horvatin, J. Buehar. Fifth row: A. Plut, J. Plut, A. Smrekar, J. Vershay, J. Zlogar.
posed of Ann Lopartz, Agnes Laurich, Mary Zlogar, Anna Stukel and Anna Simonich. "Mati Svetega Veselja" was given in 1919.
The first public card party was sponsored by the Sodality in 1922. No one in the parish knew how to conduct a card party, or even to play bunco, and two young ladies from St. Aiary Irish Church kindly consented to teach the parishioners at this first gathering. Although not recorded, it is logical to assume that Mr. Edward Stukel was the man behind the rafffle wheel. When the idea was first announced, many mothers feared their daughters would develop gambling instincts However, it was such a success from the standpoint of enjoyment for all parishioners that card parties wsre the major diversion in subsequent years.
In 1923, another production was given for the benefit of the church, entitled "JUNAŠKE BLEJKE."
The first Sodality Christms^s party was held in 1928 and every Christmas since then has been celebrated likewise. On May 12, 1929, the Sodalists began their annual practice of having a special program to honor their mothers on "Mothers' Day."
A Sodality outing to the Mission House cf the S. V. D. Fathers at Techny, Illinois, was held on June 25, 1930. The girls returned with such zealous enthusiasim to help the needy, they imbued the entire Sodality with a lasting zeal for the missions, signified by the fact that in the fall of the year, a penny social or Packing Party was sponsored, to which all the parishioners were invited to bring new or discarded apparel. The boxes of clothing were gratefully received at Techny. This mission movement on the part of the Sodalists proved to be providential because in the following year, the depression era had begun and our own parishioners were in need of assistance.
In May 1931, Sodalists contributed $100.00 toward the purchase of white graduation gowns for the eight grade girls and also raised a fund of $233.85 which was used to purchase capes and over-seas caps for members of the St. Joseph's School Band.
On April 10 1932, the play, "Miracle of Roses," was presented, from which $100.00 was given to the St. Francis Academy and the same amount to the De La Salle Institute to promote and encourage higher education in Joliet.
The world's first presentation of the "Masterful Monk" was given in the winter of 1932. It was adapted to the stage by Rev. M. J. Hiti, who also directed the play. There were five performances of this unforgettable drama in the parish hall and it was also given at the De La Salle auditorium for the benefit of that school. Holy Name Young Men assumed the male roles.
With the assistance of the Holy Name Young Men, again, in 1934, "Najdenček" was presented; 1935, "Slehernik"; 1927, "Jack Simpson's Studio" and "Grandma Pulls the Strings;" 1938, the operetta entitled "The Admiral's Daughter;" in 1939 was given a minstrel show; "Moon Over Mulberry Street" was presented in 1940 and in the spring of 1941 the play. "Conquered."
"Hail Mary"
"Hail Mary," the B. V. M. Sodality News, made its first appearancê in May 1933. The staff was composed of Irene Bluth, editor, Mary Rolih, Josephine Slapnicar, Helen Spelich and Anne Vranesich, associate editors, Elizabeth Mutz, business manager, Pauline Stefanich, circulation manager, and all members as reporters. The Rev. John Plevnik, Rev. M. J. Hiti, who drew the title design, and the Rev. G. J. Kuzma, greatly aided this original staff in publication of the first edi-
YOUNG MEN'S HOLY NAME SOCIETY
MLADENIŠKO DRUŠTVO PRESV. IMENA.
First row: E Puncar, A. Skul, R. Vranesich, J. Nemanich, W. Biichar, J. Mutz, and E. Gregorich. Second row: B. Rifel, J. Butala, K. Kolar. A. Rifel, R. Gaspich.
Third row: L. Puncar, F, Bostjancic, E. Dolinshek, J. Skul, R. Bahor, L. Wedic, and H. Delrose. Fourth row: J. KIcpec, J. Zugel, B. Bahor, F. Zugel, F. Riff el and L. Zupančič.
tion and were responsible for its subsequent success.
Appreciating the value of the "Hail Mary", the Holy Rosary Confraternity donated $100.00 toward maintenance of the publication. Subsequently bakery sales and stage presentations have been given to defray printing expense.
The "Hail Mary" enjoys a fine literary reputation among similar publications. It is issued monthly and covers news of the Sodality and parish activity. The annual subscription is fifty cents.
The 1941 staff consists of Editor, Lorraine Kalcic, Assistant Editors, Betty Klepec, Elizabeth Mutz, Betty Vidmar and Prefect,Agnes Vidmar, circulation manager, Margaret Dolinshek.
Study Club
The Study Club, originally formed for the purpose of assisting the writers of the "Hail Mary" held its first meeting on April 11, 1934 under the direction of Rev. M. J. Hiti. Rev. G. J. Kuzma took over the duties as Moderator of the Study Club in June, 1938 upon Father Hiti's appointment as pastor in Waukegan, and Rev. M. J. Cepon succeeded him as Moderator in August 1939.
Sessions consists of discussion of timely topics, study of our religion, Catholic Church History, review of the lives of Saints, and news and notes of the month. Study Club members are afforded the opportunity to extend their knowledge of our faith and become better Catholics. The Study Club meets weekly in the Parish Library.
Catholic Lending- Library
The St. Joseph's Catholic Lending Library opened on Friday, June 17, 1938. Rev. Matthias J. Butala and Rev. George J. Kuzma presented dedicatory speeches, urging all parishioners to take advantage of the reading pleasure offered in the many fine books.
This poject was the inspiration of Miss Elizabeth Mutz, who generously gave to the library her many fine Catholic books of the month and best-sellers. All the Sodality library books were placed in the parish library. There are now at least five hundred books available, which may be borrowed for a period of two weeks. Library hours are from 7 to 9 P. M. on Tuesday and Fridays.
The officers of the Library Association are Elizabeth Mutz, President, Lorraine Kalcic, Vice-President and Treasurer, Elizabeth Bu-char. Secretary and five Directors, Anne Vertin, Genevieve Laurich, Anne Jevitz, Frances Krall and Henrietta Brunskol. Rev. M. J. Butala, Counsellor. Elizabeth Mutz and Lorarine Kalcic, chief librarians.
Individual Statistics
The many blessings bestowed upon Sodality Members is evidenced by the fact that most of the young ladies who followed the religious vocation came from the Sodality.
The greatest majority have chosen the marriage state and are now fine. Catholic mothers. Among the most outstanding is the former Anna Culik, now Mrs. Joseph Skoff, who is the mother of eleven children, the largest family of any past Sodalists. It is an interesting fact that the first bride in the Sodality was Mary Soder, now John N. Pasdertz, and Mrs. Jacob Shelko, nee Molie Grill, was the second bride.
Many Sodalists aided the parish indvidualy as contestants for parish supremacy, who are mentioned by name in the general parish history.
DEŠKO DRUŠTVO PRESV. IMENA — THE JUNIOR HOLY NAME
First row: W. Zugel, R. Kos, J. Muren, S. Plut, R. Todorovich,	S. Stukel,	J. Burich, W. Traven, L. Flander, R. Suhadole, J. Sllc.
Second row: E. Horvat, L. Dobzyk, R. Frausto, E McCarthy, R.	Riffel, W.	Starasinich, E. Kostelec, E. Zugel, P. Papesh, R. Jakich, D. Meznarslch.
Third row: A. Umek, A. Mauser, R. Bolte, J. Jakich, J. Zlogar,	A. Kalcic,	A. Troppe, R. Bartol.
Sodality Order
The Sodality General Holy Communion Mass is at eight o'clock on the first Sunday of the month. The meeting begins with Benediction of the Blesed Sacrament after which the Office of the Blessed Virgin is recited. The business meeting follows.
Sodality activity is promoted by various committees, namely, The Eucharistie Committee, to foster devotion to the Blessed Sacrament; the B. V. M. Committee, to make our Blessed Mother known and loved by all; the Mission Committee, to spread good Catholic literature; and Membership, Social Life and Publicity Committees. Officers ot the Sodality, forming the Central Committee, are chairmen of these aforementioned committees.
The oficers for 1941 are: Agnes Vidmar, prefect; Rose Umek, first assistant; Isabelle Gregorich, second assistant; Betty Klepec, secretary; Margaret Dolinshek, treasurer; Agnes Jurjevic, Victoria Mutz, Leona Cernetic and Marian Ambrožích, Consultants. Rev. M. J. Butala, Spiritual Director and Moderator.
ST. AGNES SODALITY
St. Agnes Sodality was organized in 1906 by Father šusteršić. It was intended to train the younger girls for their entrance into the B. V. M. Sodality. The girls between ages of 13 and 16 years are taken B. V. M. Sodality. The girls between the ages of 13 and 16 years are taken into St. Agnes Sodality. When they reach the age of 16 years they are encouraged to join the B. V. M. Sodality
The rules governing St. Agnes Sodality ars the same as those governing B. V. M. Sodality. The principal obligation being to receive Holy Communion once a month with the Sodality, attend the monthly meetings, and give good example to others. Another obligation placed upon the members is to assist at various programs and affairs of the Church. In the past they have sponsored numerous programs for the benefit of St. Joseph's Church.
The first Moderator was Ven. Sister M. Ferdinand, the second Ven. Sister M. Flora, and the third, Ven. Sister M. Harriet.
The present oficers are: Elizabeth McCarthy, Prefect; Leontine Gregorich, Secretary; Theresa Ambrose, Treasurer; Frances Ancel, Librarian; Ven. Siste M. Harriet, Moderator; Rev. George Kuzma, Spiritual Director.
MEN'S HOLY NAME SOCIETY
The Holv Name Society for men was established in our parish on Oct. 26, 1919, under the direction of Father Plevnik. The Holy Name Society has been recognized for centuries as the most valuable spiritual organization for men in any parish. Its purpose is to induce men to refrain from misusing God's name, from blasphemy or obscene speech. It promotes resnect for all lawfully constituted authority both civil and religious. It encourages personal sanctification through frequent reception of the Sacraments, and through other charitable works.
From its beginning this Society has done a real service to St. Joseph's Church. Their most recent contribution are the canony used in processions and the cushion kneeler for the church pews. The Society has likewise done its share in supporting the Big Brothers, work. The Holy Name Technical School and other charitable projects sponsored by the Central Office.
KOSARIAN CLUB — ANGLEŠKA BRATOVŠČINA SV ROŽNEGA VENCA. First row: A, Pershey, M. Pruss, G. Padovich, A. Pershey, A. Kuzma, A Planine, M. Korelc, M. Vldetlch, A. Stukel. Second row: J. Camp, J. Pruss, E. Konda, S. Korevec, K. Zadel, S Legan, M. Culib, M. Kren, K. PrzybylsW. Third row: E. Surinak, J. Matekovich, R. Pasdertz, A. Pomatto, K. Bozích, K. Zadel, S. Glavan, B. Buchar, Fourth row: E. McCarthy, M. Rezek,. P. Stark, A. Wedlc, M. Johnson, M. Kren.
The 82 charter members selected the following as their first officers: Rev. John Plevnik, Spiritual Director, Anton Golobitsh, President, George Stonich, Vice President; Michael Ursich, Secretary; Paul Laurich, Recording Secretary; Joseph Muhich, Treasurer; Louis Anze-kovich, Marshall; John N. Pasdertz and Anton Stefanich, Representatives.
The Society now has 235 membsrs with the following as officers: Rev. M. J. Butala, Spiritual Director; John Kostelec, President; Andrew Hochevar and Martin Juricic, Vies Presidents; Louis Zeleznikar Sec.; Frank Zelko, Rec. Sec.; Fred Kren, Treasurer; Anton Smrekar, Wilham Vertin and Michael Setina, Trustees; John Mutz and Frank Ter lep, Repres. Frank Terlep, Sentinel; George Stonich is the Honorary President and John Butala Sr. the Honorary Secretary.
THE YOUNG MEN'S KOLY NAME SOCIETY By William Buchar
The Young Men's Holy Name Society was organized on September 24, 1933, when our late Pastor, Rev. John Plevnik, appointed the Rev. Matthias J. Hiti, Spiritual Director of the new organization. The first officers of the Society were: John A. Mutz, President; George Luksich, Vice President; Edward Mutz, Financial Secretary; Joseph Judnich, Recording Secretary; Raymond E. Mutz, Treasurer; Matthias Laurich, Marshall; Paul Laurich, Chairman of the Catholic Literature Committee; Joseph L. Zelko, Chairman of the Athletic Committee; Anthony Golobitsh, Chairman of the Holy Name Name Committee; and George Vertin, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee.
Members of the Society are single men, at least sixteen years of age. The purpose of the Society is to encourage men to live by their faith in public; to combat the abuse of the Holy Name and the ridiculing of things sacred; to increase man's faith in the Divinity of Jesus Christ; and to promote respect for both religious and civil authority.
Members, who find it possible to do so, make an annual Retreat. Those athletically inclined participate in baseball, basketball, bowling, tennis, and horseshoe tournaments. The Society sponsors a stag and a picnic annually, and plays and dances at regular intervals.
Upon the death of Father Plevnik in 1938, Father Hiti was appointed Pastor of the Mother of God Church in Waukegan, and the Rev. Matthias J. Butala was appointed Pastor of o".r Parish. Since then, Father Butala has been the Society's Spiritual Director.
The present officers of the Young Men's Holy Name Society are: William Buchar, President; Bernard Kambich, Vice President; John R. Nemanich, Financial Secretary; Joseph Klepec, Recording Secretary; A1 Skul, Treasurer; La Verne Kren, Marshal; Martin Kolar, Chairman of the Athletic Committee; Raymond E. Mutz, Chairman of the Catholic Literature Committee; and John A. Mutz, Chairman of the Entrance Committee.
The Society receives Holy Communion in a body and holds Its meetings on the second Sunday of each month.
THE JUNIOR HOLY NAME SOCIETY
The Junior branch of the Holy Name Society was founded In November 1933. The purpose of this section is to train younger boys — between the ages of 13 and 16 years — for their work in the Holy Name Society. The members have the same duties as the regular Holy Name men.
KOSARIAN CLUB OFFICERS — URARDNICE ROSARIAN KLUBA
Mary Pruss, Marie Cvilik, EIizal)eth McCarthy, Barbara Buchar, Anna Stukel
Officers of St. Joseph's Alumni Association
Katherine Przybylski, Maiy Kren, Olga Erjavec, John Kren, Anne Stukel.
134
The first officers were: Franic D. Laurich, President; Joseph Gni-dovec, Vice President; William Buchar, Recording Secretary; Albin Vidmar, Treasurer; Richard Tezak, Marshall.
The present officers are: Joseph Zlogar, President; John Jakich, Vice President; John Bosjancic, Secretary; Steve Stukel, Marshal.
The members receive Holy Communion in a body every second Sunday of each month, at the 7:00 o'clock Mass. The monthly meeting is usually held on that Sunday.
THE ROSARIAN CLUB
The Rosarian Club is the English section of the Altar and Rosary Society. The members have the same duties and obligations as the members of the Altar and Rosary Sodality. At present they are rendering an added service to the Church by singing at the 7:00 o'clock Mass every Sunday. The Club vi^as founded in October, 1938.
The first officers were: Katherine Przybylski, President; Marie Ne-manich. Vice President; Barbara Buchar, Secretary; Anne Stukel, Treasurer; Antonette Wedic, Julia Camp, Mary Stefanich, Anne Fan-dak, Trustees,
Present officers are: Marie Culik, President; Elizabeth McCarthy, Vice President; Anne Stukel, Secretary; Anne Papesh, Treasurer; Marie Nemanich Barbara Buchar and Mary Pruss, Trustees.
CHAPTER IV.
Fraternal Organizations and Societies K. S. K. J.
THE GRAND CARNIOLIAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION
HE Grand Carniolian Slovenian Catholic Union, or K. S. K. J. was founded in Joliet on April 2, 1894. It comprised nine local societies of variouh States with a combined membership of 333.
The idea of combining the scattered societies existing among the Slovenians in various far-flung settlements into a central union was in the mind of Rev. Francis X. šusteršič as early as 1891. The next two years were spent in acquainting the Slovenian public with this idea, through the medium of informative articles published in the Amerikanski Slovenec, which was then edited and published by Father Buh in Tower, Minn. These articles were written by Father šusteršič, Fr. šavs who was then a seminarian, Mr. Wardjan and others.
Whilst the agitation was being carried on. Father šusteršič composed the first constitution and rules for the proposed union and these were published in the same paper in November of 1893. A short time later an invitation was sent out by Michael Wardjan of Joliet, to 17 societies to send a répresentative to the founding meeting called for April 1. 1894 in Joliet, 111.
Eight societies sent delegates, and one named Father šusteršič as its spokeman. Ten societies were received into the Union, they were: St. Joseph's, Joliet; St. George's, Joliet; St. Cyril & Methodius, Joliet; St. John The Baptist, Joliet; St. Cyril & Methodius, Tower, Minn.; St. Cyril & Methodius, Ely, Minn.; Holy Family, La Salle, 111.; St. Martin's, Chicago; St. Rock's, Clinton, Iowa; and St. Joseph's, Forest City, Pa.
The first officers of the newly formed Union were: Joseph Stukel, President; Steve Pasich, Vice President; Michael Wardjan, 1st Secre-
tary; Ivan Pakiz, 2nd Secretary; Steve Stanfel, Treasurer; Rev. Francis X. šusteršič, Spiritual Director; Matt Brinski, John Oberstar and Peter Miketich, Trustees.
The Union was named: '"Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliška Jednota" or The Grand Carniolian Slovenian Catholic Union. It began to function with July 1, 1894. As soon as the required number of 500 members was reached, a petition was sent to Springfield for incorporation. K.S.K.J. was incorporated and received a charter on Jan. 12, 1898. From then on the Union grew steadily in membership and assets.
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In 1916, when immigration from Europe stopped due to the War, the Juvenile Department was organized and thereby the future growth of the K.S.K.J. was assured.
The first permanent home for the Headquarters of K.S.K.J. was built in 1909 at 1004 N. Chicago St. Joliet. After years of steady growth even this building became too small and a new one had to be erected.
This was done in 1938 when the new home of the K. S. K. J. was built at 351-53 N. Chicago St. Joliet. The new building is not only spacious enough for the business of K.S.K.J., but is also beautiful enough to be to the credit of K.S.K.J. and to Slovenian people of Joliet. It was officially opened on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of K.S.K.J. July 23, 1939.
The Slovenians of Joliet are especially proud of K.S.K.J. not only because it was conceived, born and established in Joliet, but more §o because it is a real fraternal union built upon solid Christian principles. They are also proud of the fact that all of our pastors have served a number of terms as spiritual directors of this fine organization. Our present pastor Rev. M. J. Butala has been the Spiritual Director of K.S.K.J. since 1939.
The Union has 182 local societies with total membership of 27,084 in the Adult Department, and 10,044 in the Juvenile division, with combined assets of $4.832,026.74.
Mr. Joseph Zalar, the Supreme Secretary of K. S. K. J. has been in office for 32 consecutive years. Much of the progress of K.S.K.J. has been due to his wise and efficient direction.
JOLIET SOCIETIES BELLONGING TO THE K.S.K.J.
ST.JOSEPH SOCIETY, NO. 2, K.S.K.J.
St. Joseph's Society, No. 2, K.S.K.J. was founded on Tuesday, May 6, 1890. The original charter members were: Peter Jevcek, Joseph Stukel, Martin Kramarich, Peter Ivansek, Martin Fir, Math Bezek, John Vidmar, Stefan Stukel, Jacob Hren, Anton Golobich, Nicholas Nemanich, Frank Zlogar, Florijan Stertzel, George Stonich, John Zmajc, John Bluth, Marko Nemanich, John Stopnik, Jacob Bluth, John Ramuta, John Kambic, Michael Brodarich, Joseph Cavlovic, and John Zupančič. Of these 25 pioneers, two are still living today. They are: John Kambic, and George Stonich.
The first officers of the society were: Peter Jevcek, President; John Zmajc, Vice President; Joseph Stukel, Secretary; Anton Golobich, Treasurer; John Stopnik, Recording Secretary; and Martin Fir, Sentinel.
Thereafter it continued to grow and prosper and today the St. Joseph's Society has a combined membership of 1028. There are 671 adult and 357 juvenile members at the present time.
Since the society was organized it has paid $55,195.50 in the form of sick benefits to members. During its existence, the K.S.K.J. has paid death claims on 219 adult members $189,450.00, and 14 claims on juvenile members $3,767.00, a grand total of $193,217.00.
The officers for 1941 are: John Cernovic, President; Louis Kos-merl, Vice-President; Rev. Michael Cepon, Spiritual Director; Louis Martincích, Secretary; Peter Plut, Treasurer; Martin Kramarich, Recording Secretary; Robert L. Kosmerl, John A. Bluth, and John A. Mutz, Trustees; John Mutz, Sr., Sentinel; Anthony Buchar, Reporter; and Raymond Mutz, Director of Athletics.
THE KNIGHTS OF ST.GEORGE SOCIETY N0.3, K.S.K.J.
The Knights of St. G-^orge Society was founded Nov. 8, 1891. Beside being a fraternal society it also fostered military and calisthenic drills. Its members wore full military uniforms at the sociRtv's furetions. For many years they furnished a guard of honor during the Holy Week at the repository in our church.
At first the society belonged to the Bohemian Catholic Union. Its
officers were especially active in founding the K.S.K.J., and this society was one of the first to form the new K.S.K.J.
The first officers of the society were: Anton Nemanich, President; Stukel, Recording Secretary; John Zupancich, Treasurer; Anton Geo. Rogina, Vice President; Michael Wardjan, Secretary; Joseph Trdich, Sentinel.
St. George's Society is celebrating its Golden Jubilee on Sunday July 27 1941.
The present officers of the Society are: Joseph Wolf, President; John Nemanich Jr., Vice President; Peter Metesh, Secretary; John Musich, Treasurer; John Nemanich Sr., Rec. Secretary; Martin Mutz, Marcus Pasich and Victor Benac Trustees; John Traven, Flag Bearer.
During its lifetime the Society has paid out over $12,000.00 to its members in the form of various benefits.
ST. CYRIL & METHODIUS SOCIETY N0.8, K.S.K.J.
St. Cyril & Methodius Society was founded Dec. 18, 1892, with 18 charter members.
The founders and first officers were: Stephen Kukar, President; John Golobich, Vice President; Peter Pershe, Secretary; Joseph Stukel, Treasurer; Marcus Znidarsich, Recording Sec., Jacob Solnce, Sentinel; Rev. F. X. šusteršič. Representative; James Bukovec and John Tekav-cich, co-founders. All of the founders and first officers are now dead.
During its existence the Society has paid out $18,000.00 in sick benefit, $3,500.00 for funerals, $700.00 for Mass offerings and flowers. The present assets amount to about $2,800.00.
The present officers are: Frank Terlep, President; Martin Kambic Jr., Vice President; Matthew Buchar, Secretary; Felix Jamnik, Treasurer; John Znidarsich, Recording Sec.; Joseph Rakar, Sentinel; John Barbich, Thomas Buchar and Matthew Vranesich Trustees.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SOCIETY NO. 29, K.S.K.J.
St. Francis de Sales, Society was organized February 2, 1896, with 22 charter members. The first officers of the Society were: Anton Nemanich, President; Math Nemanich, Secretary and Representative; Michael Kochevar, Treasurer.
On Sunday June 22, 1941 St. Francis de Sales, Society celebrated its 45th anniversary.
During its existence, the Society has paid out to its members $52,316.60 in sick benefit and $7,700.00 for funeral expenses. To June 1st, 1941 the K.S.K.J. has paid $174,200.00 Death Benefits in the Adult Department and $5,414.00 in the Juvenile Department to the beneficiaries of the 198 adult and 23 juvenile deceased members of St. Francis de Sales, Society.
The present membership of the Society is: 654 in the Adult Dept. and 256 in the Juvenile Dept. The assets of the Society are $11,759.89.
The Society was cited 18" times in the Golden Book of K.S.K.J. history, for its splendid record in numerous membership campaigns.
The present officers are: Martin Tezak, President; Anton Kam-bich. Vice President; John Gregorich, Secretary; John Potochnik Recording Sec.; John Lekan, Treasurer; Rev. George Kuzma, Spiritual Director; Joseph Fabian, Sentinel; Peter Stefanich, Albert Skul and Anton Cauko, Trustees.
ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA SOCIETY NO. 87, K.S.K.J.
St. Anthony's Society was founded May 7, 1905, with 15 charter
members.
The first officers of the Society were: Anton Sraj, President; Frank Ohlin, Vice President; Frank Kocjan, Secretary; John Habinc, Treasurer; Frank Turk, Representative; Frank Okoren, Sentinel; Matt Vidmar, John Krall and John Kochevar, Trustees.
The present officers are: Paul Laurich, President; Gregor Papesh, Vice President; Matt Krall, Secretary; Leo Adamich, Recording Sec.; Matthew Kozuh, Treasurer; Martin Jaksha, Sentinel; Nick Vranichar, Joseph Horvat and John Videtich, Trustees.
ST. GENEVIEVE SOCIETY NO. 108, K.S.K.J.
The first Joliet ladies society belonging to the K.S.K.J. was founded Nov. 8, 1906, under the name of: St. Genevieve Society. It had 12 , charter members.
The first officers were: Mary Gerchar, President; Ivana Ogulin, Secretary; Mary Dunda, Treasurer.
The Society, beside being beneficial to its members, has distinguished itself in helping the church and promoting social affairs proper to the ladies.
The present officers are: Jean Tezak, President; Mary Terlep, Vice President; Antonia Struna, Secretary; Mary Cohil, Recording Sec.; Katherine Suhadolc, Treasurer; Theresa Koleto, Sentinel; Mary Ambrožích, Josephine Horvat and Barbara Buchar, Trustees; Pauline Russ, Mary Kunstek and Katherine Przybylski, Flag Bearers.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SOCIETY NO. 143, K.S.K.J.
The youngest and officially English speaking society belonging to K.S.K.J., is St. John The Baptist Society. It was founded July 10, 1911, with 17 charter members.
The first officers were: Joseph M. Grill, President; John A. Brassier, Vice President; Frank T. Nemanich, Secretary; Joseph F. Skrinar, Matthew H. Rogina and August Stukel, Trustees.
Most of the Supreme Officers of K.S.K.J. living in Johet, belong to this society.
The present officers are: Joseph Avsec, President; John Kren, Vice President; Frank Buchar, Secretary; George Luksich, Recording Sec.; Joseph Kochevar, Treasurer; Math Rogina Sr. Sentinel; William Vertin, Hubert Zalar and Robert Vranesich, Trustees.
THE HOLY FAMILY SOCIETY OF U. S. A.
The Holy Family Society was founded May 14, 1914 in Joliet, 111. it was incorporated in the State of Illinois Nov. 15, 1915.
The founders of the Society were: George Stonich, John N. Pas-dertz, Jerry Laurich, Anton Nemanich Jr., John Nemanich, John Pétrie, Louis Wise, Joseph M. Grill, Joseph Klepec, Stephen Kukar, John Jerman.
Jerry Laurich, Louis Wise and Stephen Kukar have since died, the rest are still living.
To date the Society has paid over $250.000.00 to its members in death claims, sick benefits and other helps. Its present solvency is estimated at 111.90%. Both English and Slovenian are used as the official language.	■ ■
Mr. George Stonich was chosen as the first Supreme President and still holds the same office. Joseph Klepec, the present Supreme Treasurer, was elected as the first Supreme Scretary. He was succeeded in office by Joseph Slapnicar, who founded the Juvenile Depart-
ment. The present Supreme Secretary Mr. Frank Wedic is holding this office since 1927.
Holy Family Society issues a number v modern certificate, all of which carry a certain cash value. The Society operates according to American Experience Table, which is sponsored by the State Insurance Department. The membership in the Society is limited to practical Catholics.
The headquarters of the Society are at: 301 Lime St., Joliet, 111.
JOLIET SOCIETIES BELONGING TO THE HOLY FAMILY SOCIETY
OF THE U. S. A.
HOLY FAMILY SOCIETY NO. 1. D. S. D.
The founders and first officers of this society are the same as those of The Holy Family Society of U. S. A. This local society served as a nucleus for other local societies to combine into central union of the same name.
At one time, the local Holy Family Society No. 1, D. S. D. was the largest Society in Joliet. Its membership today is 419 members in the adult department, and 139 in the juvenile division.
The present officers are: Joseph Bucar, President; John Petric, Vice President; John Barbich, Secretary; John Nemanich, Recording Sec.; Joseph Russ, Treasurer; John Zaitz, Sentinel; John Kren, Joseph Mikolich and William Vertin, Trustees.
ST. CECILIA, NO. 12, D. S. D.
St. Cecilia's Society was organized May 21, 1916. The first officers were: Frances Spelich, President; Amaha Zelko, Vice President; Mary Stefanich, Secretary; Frances Culik, Recording Sec.; Theresa Nemanich, Treasurer; Anna Mutz, Anna Znidarsich and Josephine Setina, Trustees.
The present officers are: Anne Jerisha, President; Antonette Wedic, Vice President; Julia Camp, Secretary; Jennie Konopek, Recording Sec.; Ursula Ambrose, Sentinel; Frances Papesh, Jennie Bam-bic and Anne Zeleznik, Trustees.
ST. BERNARD LODGE NO. 33 D. S. D.
St. Benard's Lodge No. 21, was organized April 14, 1935, as an English speaking lodge affiliated with the Holy Family Society of U. S. A.
Present officers are: Emery Subar, President; Ralph Wedic, Secretary; and Frank Ivnik, Treasurer.
ST. MICHAEL'S LODGE NO. 24 D. S. D.
St. Michael Lodge No. 23, belonging to the Holy Family Society, was organized on oMther's Day, May 12, 1940.
Present officers are: Martin R. Dragovan, President; Matthew Pershey Jr., Secretary; John Russ Sr., Treasurer.
OTHER FRATERNAL SOCIETIES IN JOLIET ST. ANNE SOCIETY NO. 534, WCOF.
St. Anne's Society was founded in St. Joseph's parish July 2, 1901, on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the parish. There were 44 ladies of the parish who joined this society at the beginning.
St. Anne's Society also has seen very helpful to St. Joseph's Church from its beginning.
The present officers are: Agnes Stukel, President; Anna Buchar, Vice President; Amalia Kostelec, Secretary; Mary Ambrozich, Recording Sec.; Agnes Koerber, Treasurer; Rose Horvatin, Agnes Skul and Anna Turkovich, Trustees; Mary Mahkovec and Mary Skul, Marshalls; Katherine Jursinic, Sentinel.
ST. MARTIN SOCIETY NO. 80, W. C. U.
St. Martin's Society, belonging to the Western Catholic Union, was founded in Joliet, October 5, 1902, with 25 charter members.
The first officers were: Matt Gerdesich, President; Martin Koche-var, Vice President; Carl Sitar, Secretary; Blaze Culik, Recording Sec., Anton Golobitsh, Treasurer.
The present officers are: Martin Mutz, President; Michael Sve-tich. Vice President; John Jerman, Secretary; John Bluth, Recording Sec.; Joseph Klemencic, Treasurer; Frank Juricic, Sentinel; George Stonich, John Stublar and Frank Zelko, Trustees.
ST. PETER AND PAUL SOCIETY NO. 66, A. F. U.
St. Peter and Paul Society belonging to the American Fraternal Union, was founded in Joliet, August 26, 1906. The founders were: Anton Kosicek, Michael Wardjan, Frank Blatnik, Frank Skul, Joseph Cerne, Frank Kocjan, Albert Less, Anton Kastelic, Frank Russ and Matt Krall.
The present officers are: Joseph Ancel, President; John Russ, Vice President; John Adamich, Secretary; Peter Musich, Treasurer; Louis Martincích, Recording Sec.; Frank Vranichar, Louis Kosmerl and John Grabrian, Trustees; Matt Kolich, Sentinel.
"TRIGLAV" SOCIETY
"Triglav" is an independent fraternal-educational Society. It was founded in Joliet, June 30, 1912.
In the past it has sponsored and produced dramatic plays and other programs.
Present oficers are: Frank Laurich, President; Joseph Zameic, Vice President; Louis Kosmerl, Secretary; Joseph Matkovich, Recording Secretary; Frank Hochevar, Treasurer; Peter Musich, Joseph Ancel, and Leo Adamich, Trustees; Frank Medic, Sentinel.
ST. BARBARA SOCIETY NO. 189, S. N. P. J.
St. Barbara's Society was founded in Joliet, July 2, 1916 and became a member of of St. Barbara Society or Union with headquarters in Forest City, Pa. Later on it joined the SNPJ.
Present officers are: Frank Hochevar, President; John Lesnik, Vice Presidnet; Philip Bebar, Secretary; Joseph Matkovich, Recording Sec.; Joseph Gregorash, Treasurer; Frank Terlep, Jacob Mihelich and Frank Bostjancic, Trustees; Joseph Rakar, Sentinel.
ALL SAINTS LODGE NO. 56, Z. S. Z.
All Saints Lodge, No. 56, Western Slavonic Association (Zapadna Slovenska Zveza) was organized, Sunday, October 23rd, 1938, at 604 Sterns Avenue, Lockport, Illinois, by Mr. Leo Jurjovec, Sr., Supreme President of the Association.
Eight Adults were present at the time and to-date the Adult membership consists of 26 members.
The All Saints Cadets, No. 12, Juvenile Branch includes 52 members.
Lodge Officials for the year 1941 are: Frank J. Bradach, President; Martin F. Gregorich, Vice-President; Frank D. Spelich, Secretary and Treasurer; Edward M. Vesel, Recording Secretary; John Glavan, John Kolene, Stanley Gregorich, Trustees; Mildred A. Gregorich, Juvenile Supervisor; Edward J. Plankar, Sport Activities; Dr. Joseph A. Zalar, Medical Examiner;
Officials at time of Lodge organization were: Frank J. Bradach, President; Stanley Gregorčič, Vice-President; Vincent Crnkovic, Secretary and Treasurer; Mary Gregorčič, Recording Secretary.
KRATKA ZGODOVINA SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE.
Sestavila Mrs. Josephine Erjavec, gL tajnica.
Dasiravno je bilo potreba za slovenske žene in dekleta v Ameriki imeti svojo lastno žensko organizacijo, to kar so že prej imele žene drugih narodnosti pred nami, vendar nobena slovénka na na našem kontinentu ni imela toliko poguma in moči, da bi stopila pred javnost in začela delovati za združitev vseh slovanskih žena in deklet v en delokrog kakor je to storila ga. Marie Prisland iz Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
širši javnosti je bilo znano da je začeti tako delo med našim narodom velika težava. Hitro najdeš ovire. A vendar trdni pogum in vstrajna volja, katera je bila pri Mrs. Prisland, nam je dala uresničenje ideje, imeti svojo lastno organizacijo. Ta nova organizacija se imenuje Slovenska ženska Zveza.
Prva podružnica je bila ustanovljena v Sheboyganu, Wis., in sicer dne 1. dec. 1926. Isti večer je bila ustanovljena tudi pod. št. 2 v Chicagi. Tretja podružnica v Pueblo, Colo., se je ustanovila isti dan kot Zveza in sicer dne 19. decembra 1927.
Slovenska Ženska Zveza je leto za letom lepo rastla tako po članstvu kakor tudi v premožneju; kajti danes šteje ta organizacija 103 podružnice, ki posljujejo od New Yorka do San Francisco, Cal. Z eno besedo od Atlantika do Pacifika. Premoženja ima $106,681.06.
Prva redna konvecija se je vršila v Chicagi, novembra 1927. S. Ž. Z. je bila inkorporirana dne 14. decembra v državi Illinois.
Prvi članek pod menom "Žena" ki je povzročil ustanovitev Zveza, je bil spisan po ga. Prisland in je bil priobčen v Amerikanskemu Slovencu, dne 30tega oktobra 1926.
Organizacija je izdala prvo knjigo pod imenom "Ameriška Slovenka" maja, 1928.
Izdajati je začela svojo lasno glasilo mesečnik "Zarja", meseca julija 1929. Prvi članek v tej knjigi se glasi "Z veselim srcem na pot", spisan po tednaji prvi gl. tajnici Julia Gottleib.
Razen v Chicagi so se po presledku treh let vršile konvecije tudi v Sheboyganu, Clevelandu, Milwaukee, Wis.; Chisholm, Minn., in prihodnja konvencija bo pa v Pittsburrghu, Pa.
Žene i dekleta sprejemamo v Zvezo od 4. leta do 55 let, mesečnina je samo 25 centov. Zveza izplačuje posmrtnino v svoti $100.00. Nadalje prejme vsaka članica za isti 'asesmenť še mesečnik Zarjo, ki je po mnenju čitateljev in čitateljic jako zanimive vsebine.
Prvi glavni odbor je bil sledeči: glavna predsednica, Marie Prisland, Sheboygan, Wis.; II. gl. podpredsednica, Katie Triler, So. Chicago, 111.; Gl. tajnica, Julia Gottlieb, Chicago, 111.; Gl. blagajničarka, Matilda Duller, Chicago, 111.
Sedež Slovenske ženske Zveze, je bil do leta 1939 v Chicagi, 111., nakar se je preselil v Joliet, 111., po peti redni konnvenciji.
Naše podružnice imajo vežbalne krožke, šivalne klube, keglaške skupine in pevske zbore. Vršijo torej obširno kulturno in narodno delo.
PODRUŽNICA ŠTEV. 20, S. Ž. Z.
Slovenska Ženska Zveza, podružnica štev. 20, je bila ustanovljena v Jolietu, 11. junija 1928. Pri ustanovitvi je štela 14 ustanovnih članic. Prvi odbor je bil sledeči: Predsednica, Antonia Struna, podpredsednica Agnes Skedel, tajnica Anna Pluth, blagajničarka. Rose Gor-sich; Nadzornice, Josephine Erjavec, Louise Riff el, Mary Župáncích.
Sedajni odbor; predsednica, Emma Planinssk; podpredsednica, Anna Korevec; tajnica, Josephine Muster, blagajničarka, Mary (Anton) Terlep; zapisnikarca, Josephine Erjavec, nadzornice, Anna Stu-kel; Jennie Benedik in Elizabeth Kostelec; Rediteljica, Mary Kůstek
Podružnica 20, je v minulih kampanijah SŽZ že štiri krat odnesla prvo nagrado, in sicer, v prvi kampanji, SŽZ. v letu 1928, v prvi mladinski kampanji v letu 1939, v zlati kampanji 1943, tsr jubilejni kampanji 1941.
Podružnica danes šteje 604 v odraslem odelku ter 75 v mladinskem odelku. V glavni urad so bile izvoljene od podružnice 20, na zadnji konvenciji v Chisholm, Minn., Josephine Erjavec, kot glavna tajnica in Josephine Muster kot glavna blagajničarka Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Podružinca 20, ima tudi vežbalni krožek, (drill team) ki je edini v fari in tudi edini slovanski krožek, ima 34 deklet, ter tri "mascots". Ima tudi mladinski krožek, kateri nastopa v javnosti v slovenskih narodnih nožah, kakor tudi šilvani krožek.
Ima tudi keglaške krožke, kateri so že večkrat prejeli prvo nagrado na ksglaških tekmah. Tudi pevska skupina večkrat nastopi.
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VITAL STATISTICS	t
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, JOLIET, ILLINOIS	•>
Deaths	X
9	%
21	%
24	❖
27	.>
41	t 31
48
28 47 74
42
47
51 74 76
84
43
59
49 87 79
60 61 45
48 66 60
85 60
52
47 54
49
65
51
66 62
48 57
52 62 40 57 56 47
44 42 40 54
49 28
Year	Marriages	Baptis
*1891	17	32
1892	36	77
1893	18	89
1894	8	94
1895	24	88
1896	22	121
1897	24	124
1898	23	133
1899	31	158
1900	39	149
1901	26	143
1902	46	174
1903	44	160
1904	29	190
1905	51	194
1906	42	187
1907	30	152
1908	28	186
1909	24	162
1910	28	181
1911	40	177
1912	49	168
1913	46	185
1914	51	174
1915	24	199
1916	34	185
1917	32	182
1918	13	178
1919	37	168
1920	38	150
1921	44	184
1922	35	165
1923	29	127
1924	27	159
1925	34	151
1926	44	120
1927	33	129
1928	23	113
1929	33	103
1930	34	86
1931	25	87
1932	21	92
1933	26	79
1934	23	80
1935	32	68
1936	39	92
1937	39	61
1938	28	95
1939	34	82
1940	62	80
tl941	18	41
96 134 152 186 199 206 255 277 307 218 357 378 380 392 480 439 436 501 573 641 656 685 735 687 692 767 732 767 774 802 851 867 862 873 831 835 810 752 718 659 637 608 581 546 513 479
t Until July 1st
%

ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH THANKS THESE PATRONS FOR THEIR HELP IN PUBLISHING THIS GOLDEN JUBILEE BOOK
A Friend
A Friend
John Adamich
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Adamich
John Adamich & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel J. Ambrosini
Mr. & Mrs. Valentine Ambrose
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ambrozich
Frank Ambrosich Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ancel
Mrs. Frances Avsec
Anthony E. Avsec
Rev. M. J. Butala
Mrs. Anna Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony F. Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Buchar
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Buchar
Wilham F. Buchar
Robert R. Buchar
Stephanie C. Buchar
Josephine A. Buchar
John Butala Sr.
John Butala Jr.
Frank C. Butala
Katherine Butala
Rev. Michael J. Cepon
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Camp
John A. Churnovic
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Culik
John A. Decman
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Dolinshek
Dorothy Dolinshek
Margaret Dolinshek
Edward Dolinshek
Mr. & Mrs. John Dragovan
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Erjavec
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ferkol
Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Flajnik Sr.
Kathryn Flajnik
George Flajnik
Mr. & Mrs. Mich. Frankovich Sr. Vera Galick
Mr. & Mrs. Matt Gasperich Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gerdesich John Gersich Sr. Barbara Joan Gosack Ignatius Gregorich Carl R. Gregorich Edmund J. Gregorich Mae Gregorich
Mr. & Mrs. Anton Hochevar
Mr. Mrs. Michael Hochevar
Max Ivanich, Sr.
Joseph Jagodnik
Mr. & Mrs. Anton Jelenich
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Johnson
Agnes Jurevich
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Juricic
Mr. & Mrs. Anton Juricic
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Jursinic
Mr. & Mrs. George Karl
Elizabeth Kastelic
Mr. & Mrs. Ludwig Kerzich
Nick Kirincich
Mrs. Rose Klancher
Joseph Klemencic, Sr.
George Klemenčič
Marie Klepec
Betty Klepec
Joseph Klepec Jr.
Mrs. L. Koludrovich
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Konda
Mr. & Mrs. John Konopek
Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Kostelz
Ignatius T. Kovalcik
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Kraus
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Krall
Adolphe Kramerich
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Krameric
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Kramerich
Bernard E. Kren
Jerome Kren
LaVern Kren
Mr. & Mrs. John J. Kren
Mr. & Mrs. William Kuzma
Rev. George Kuzma
Paul J. Laurich
Joe Laurich
Mae Laurich
Genevieve C. Laurich
Joseph G. Laurie
Mrs. Mary Laurie
Frank Laurie
Mr. & Mrs. Matthias F. Laurich
Mr. & Mrs. John Lesnik
Mr. & Mrs. Anton Libersher
Anton Lilek
Anthony Mali Jr.
Anna Marentic
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Martincích
Erwin J. McCarthy Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. William McTee
Mrs. Anna. Meadsr
PATRONS (Continued)
Frank Miklich Family Mr. & Mrs. Anton Muhich Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Louis Muren Mr. & Mrs. Peter Musich Mrs. Mary Musich (Scott St.) Mr. & Mrs. Martin Mutz Raymond E. Mutz Elizabeth Mutz Mr. & Mrs. John Mutz John A. Mutz Anne M. Mutz No Name
Mr. & Mrs. Kervin J. Nasenbeny
Mrs. Josephine Omotta
Fred Padovich
Mrs. Margaret Panian
Mrs. William Papesh
William Papesh
Mr. & Mrs. John Pasdertz. Jr.
Mrs. Mary Pasdertz
Mr. and Mrs. Marko Pasich
Joseph Petric
John Petric
Rev. Pius Petric
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Plankar
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Plut Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Pluth
Johanna Pozes
Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph Pruss
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pruss
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Riffel
Mr. and Mrs. John Riffel
Albert Riffel
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Rozman Helen Rozich
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Russ Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Russ
Mary Russ
Joseph Russ
Simon Setina
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Setina
Sisters of St. Francis
(St. Joseph School) Mr. & Mrs. Frank Skedel Sr.
Edward Skedel
Mrs. Mary Skerjanc
Miss Mary Skerjanc
Mrs. Mary Skul
Mr. & Mrs. Anton Skul
Mrs. Frances Slapnicar
Ludwig Solnce
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sraj
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Stukel
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Struna
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Terlep
Miss Lillian Terlep
Miss Anne Terlep
Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Terlep
Mr. & Mrs. John Torkar
Mr. & Mrs. John Traven
Mr. & Mrs. John Umek, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ursich
Anne Vertiii
Anthony F. Vidmar
Katherine Videtic
John Videtic
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Vlasic
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Vlasic
Kathryn Vlasic
Mary Vranesic
Margaret Vranesic
Robert Vranesic
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Vranesic
Mr. & Mrs. N. J. Vranichar
Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Wedic
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Wynne
Joseph Zalar
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Zalar
Joseph Zalokar
Joseph L. Zelko
Mrs. M, Zelko
Barbara Zelko
Zlogar Family
Mrs. Anna Znidarsic
Mrs. Johanna Zugel
Mrs. Katherine Zupančič
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Zupančič
Dorothy & Leonard Zupančič
Najboljšo garancijo zavarovalnine jamci vam in vašim otrokom
Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliška Jednotaj
najstarejša in najmočnejša slovenska katoliška podporna organizacija v
Ameriki
članstvo: 37,000	Premoženje $4,800,000.00
SOLVENTNOST KSKJ ZNAŠA 135,19% #
K. S. K. JEDNOTA SPREJEMA MOŠKE, ŽENSKE IN OTROKE POD SVOJE OKRILJE. AKO ŠE NISI ČLAN ALI ČLANICA TE MOGOČNE IN BOGATE PODPORNE OFGANIZACIJE, POTRUDI SE IN PRISTOPI TAKOJ!
-#-
Starši, vpišite svoje otroke v K. S. K. Jednoto!
--
Za pojasnila o zavarovalnini in za vse druge podrobnosti se obrnite na uradnike in uradnice krajevnih društev K. S. K. J. ali pa na:
GLAVNI URAD
351-353 N. Chicago St.	JOLIET, ILL.

ČESTITKE
od društva sv. Jožefa štev. 2, K. S. K. J.
ST. JOSEPH'S SOCIETY NO. 2, K. S. K. J — DRUŠTVO SV. JOŽEFA | First row: A Buchar, R. Kosmerl, P. Plut, L. Kosmerl, J. Clirnovich, Rev. | M. Ccpon, L. Martincích, J. Mutz, J. Mutz Sr, A. Kocjancich.	J
Second row: F. Russ, M Ivanlch, J. Stonich, M. Ursich, F. Wedic, J. Mutz, J. Matkovich, A. Korovec, A. Jurslnovich, J. Kramarich. Third row: A. Cullk, F. Struna, J. Culik, F Zelko, J. Ivanlch.
IMIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIII
The oficers for 1941 are: John Cernovic, President; Louis Kosmerl, Vice-President; Rev. Michael Cepon, Spritual Director; Louis Martincich, Secretary; Peter Plut, Treasurer; Martin Kramarich, Recording Secretary; Robert L. L. Kosmerl. Johon A. Bluth, and John A. Mutz, Trustees; John Mutz, Sr. Sentinel; Anthony Buchar, Reporter; and Raymond Mutz, Director of Athletics.

CONGRATULATIONS
ILLINOIS WINE & LIQOUR CO.
FRANK J. GOSPODARIC
300 RUBY STREET
Phone 2-2634
Joliet, 111.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Frank J. Gospodaric Insurance Agency
351 North Chicago Street PHONE 9830
Quality Meats and Groceries
M. PLANINSEK
1314 ELIZABETH STREET PHONE 9675 Joliet, ni.
MUREN'S SHOE REBUILDING
Prize winner of the National Shoe Rebullders
516 N. CHIICAGO ST.
JOLIET, ILL.
ISKRENE ČESTITKE OB PRILIKI PETDESET LETNICI
želi
Slovenska Ženska Zveza, štev. 20, Joliet
Mrs. Emma Planinsek, predsednica	t
Mrs. Josephine Muster, tajnica	i
Mrs. Mary Terlep, blagajničarka |
K zlatemu jubileju cerkvi in Župniji sv. Jožefa, ter častitim dušnim pastirjem, Rev. Matthias J. Butala, Rev. George J. Kuzma, Eev. Michael J. Cepon, iskrene čestitke izreka
DRUŠTVO SV. FRANČIŠKA SAL. štev. 29, K. S. K. Jednote Joliet, Illinois
v svojo sredo vabi in sprejema vse katoliške Slovenes v Jolietu in okolici, od 16 do 60 leta stare. Sprejema otroke od rojstva do 16 leta v Mladinski Oddelek. Naše društvo vam nudi potom K. S. K. Jednote najmodernejše in najbolj praktične smrtninske zavarovalnine in odškodninske ter operacijske slučaje.
Ne jutri pač pa danes se cdloči za pristop v društvo sv. Frančiška Šaleškega in K. S. K. Jednoto! Jutri bo morda že prepozno. Pregovor pravi "danes meni, jutri tebi zapoje mrtvaški zvon. Zatorej bodimo zmiraj pripravljeni za vse nezgode in smrtne slučaje, potom dobrega in solidarnega društva.
Za potrebna pojasnila se obrnite na društveni odbor:
MARTIN TEŽAK, predsednik, JOHN GREGORICH, tajnik, JOHN LEKAN, blagajnik.
#
A. W. HAYS CO.
Masons' and Plasterers' Materials Light and Heavy Weight Concrete Blocks Concrete Trim and Chimney Blocks
BENTON AND MICHIGAN STREETS Telephones 5367-5368	Joliet, 111.

COMPLIMENTS OF
SENATOR RICHARD J. BARR
JPhone 4118
COMPLIMENTS
OP	^ J	JOHN VIDMAR
Real Estate — Insurance
WYOMING
TAVERN	J >	515 North Broadway
327 Russell Street	J \	Joliet, 111.
WW^ vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

SINCE 1895	PHONE 2-2575
NEMANICH
FUNERAL HOME
AND
FLORIST
500-502-504 No. Chicago Street -DAY AND NIGHT SERVICE-
ČESTITKE OD
DRUŠTVA SV. CIRILA IN METODA
štev. 8, K. S. K. J. — Joliet, 111. #	OB ZLATEM JUBIILEJU
Frank Terlep, predsednik	Matt Buchar, tajnik
Felix Jamnik, blagajnik.

Matt Gregory
General Contractor
833 SUMMIT STREET Phone 31012	Joliet, Illinois
PAPESH TAVERN
CHICKEN AND STEAK DINNERS
2306 N. Broadway	Joliet, Illinois
Old U. S. Route 66	PHONE 2-9547
Congratulations to St. Joseph's Church
upon the occasion of its GOLDEN JUBILEE. This bank, which itself is 84 years old, has been interested in St. Joseph's Church since its foundation and has watched with interest and admiration its growth and influence. This church, together with its splendid park and playground on Raynor Avenue, has done much for the betterment of the community and we wish the Church, and all those connected with it, many more years of success and service.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
JOUET, ILLINOIS

COMPLIMENTS OF
FRANK J. JONES
#
COMPLIMENTS OF
RUSINA & ERJAVEC
GENERAL MASONRY
Phone 2-2468
656 Landau Avenue
Phone 2-2468
COMPLIMENTS OP
JAKE'S
TAVERN Jake Glavan, Prop.
312 Theodore Street
Schlitz Beer
CONGRATULATIONS
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH PRZYBYLSKI AND JOSEPH JR.
The Beer That Made
Milwaukee Famous
COMPLIMENTS FROM
JOS. SCHLITZ BREWING CO.
DISTRIBUTOR
RADAKOVICH
Liquor & Beverasre Company
DIAL 5484—5485	JOLIET, ILL.
«VVV^yVVVVVVVV^^VVVV^VVVVVVVVVV^^VVVVV^VVVVVVVVV^VVVVVVVVVV^VVVVVV«^
BEST WISHES
THE EAGLE
212 North Chicago Street PHONE 4481—4482
i
i
COMPLIMENTS OF
ALLEN ORANGE CRUSH
!	t
I	7 OHIO STREET |
•	À
t	t
!	DIAL 6417 JOLIET, ILL. Î
!	i

J. L. ADLER, Inc.
ROOFING AND S»DING CONTRACTORS RUBEROID PRODUCTS
JOLIET	DIAL 9231
CHAS. L. WALLACE	JOS. J. WALLACE
Architect and Engineer	Engineer and Manager
ARCHITECTURAL
and
ENGINEERING SERVICE
Steel Fabricators Structural, Ornamental and Plate Construction
loliet Engineering Co.
SWAN BREAD
WEDDING CAKES
COLUMBIA BAKERY
Phone 2-0522
t	I
i
i
? Compliments and Congratulations

JOSEPH ZALAR AND FAMILY
Congratulations

"That Good^^
CITIZENS BEER
Bottled - Draught
Joliet Citizens Brewing Co.
100-108 Collins St.
PHONE 4714
Joliet, Illinois
Phone 9871
R. N. SCHUSTER, Inc.
Plumbing and Heating Contractor
560 North Chicago Street
Joliet, ni.
VWWVWVWVWVWWW^VVWWVWWI
DEICHMAN & PERUSH
TAVERN TO-NITE'S THE NIGHT Rudy Deichman's Orchestra 1101 N. Hickory Street PHONE 6316
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES ON YOUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
WINSTON CHEVROLET COMPANY INC
402 NORTH CHICAGO STREET JOLIET, ILLINOIS
Lunches	Dancing
ANN KRIESCHE'S
TAVERN
Pioneer and Budweiser Beer on Tap
Assorted Bottle Beer
524 N. Broadway JOLIET, ILL.
Phone 2-9567
Congratulations and Best Wishes
KING'S DRUG STORE
E. H. KING, R. Ph.
Broadway and Buby Sts Phone 2-2989	Joliet, HI.
THE HOLY FAMILY SOCIETY of U. S. A.
DRUŽBA SV. DRUŽINE
Organized May 1914 Incorporated State of Illinois, November 1915
Insurance for the Whole Family — From birth to age 55
A good Insurance Policy is a savings account with protection. Policies issued: ORDINARY WHOLE LIFE — TWENTY PAYMENT LIFE — TWENTY YEAR ENDOWMENT. Same kind of policies issued to Juveniles, also term policies to age 16. Insure today as tomorrow may be to late.
Policies carry — Cash and Loan Values, paid up, and extended insurance.
HOME OFFICE
301 LIME STREET
JOLIET, ILLINOIS
COMPLIMENTS OF
SPRAGUE DAIRY COMPANY

WE SPECIALIZE IN
Electric Air Conditioning — Night Air Cooling Systems — Water Coolers — Commercial Refrigerators — Electric Ranges — Electric Wiring and Devices — Automatic Heating — Fans and Ventilating Systems
e{-fs
AUTOMATIC HEAT and AIR CONDITIONING CORP.
PHONE 2-941
122 SCOTT ST.	JOLIET, ILL.
COMPLIMENTS
BOB MUSSER'S
Sport Shop 65 NortH CHicago Street PHONE 3-1614
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I
ANDERSON STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DISTINCTION
19 E. Jefferson Street
YOUNG BLDG.
Dial 2-0398	Joliet, ni.
►vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv^vv^vvvvvvvv*

JOLIET SLOVENIC COAL COMPANY
Texaco Gasoline and Oil
5 WEST JACKSON STREET PHONE 2-2789

CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH from
JOLIET'S GREATER
BOSTON STORE
Buy with Confidence .... Save with Safety
Iskrene čestitke in mnogo božjega blagoslova ob 50 letnici župnije sv. Jožefa» Vam želi celokupno članstvo
Društva sv. Družine, štev. I, D. S. D.
Odbor dr. sv. Družine, štev. 1, D. S. D. je sledeči: Predsednik, Joseph Buohar; Podpredsednik, John Petrlc Sr.; tajnik, John Barbie, Zapisnikar, John Nemanlch; blagajnik, Joseph Russ, Sr.; duhovni vodja, Bev. George Kuzma; nadzorniki, Joseph Mikolich, William Vertin, in Johu D. K^-en. Reditelj John Zaje. Društveni zdravniki. Dr. Edward M. Svetlch. Dr. Jos. A. Zalar In Dr. Martin J. Ivee.
ČESTITKE OD
DRUŠTVA SV. CECILIJE
štev. 12, D. S. D., Joliet, 111. #
^Anna Jerisha, predsednica; Antonette Wedic, pod-presednica, Julia Camp, tajnica, Jennie Krali, blagajničarka; Jennie Konopek, Zapisnikarca; Frances, Papesh, Jennie BamlDic, Anne železník, nadzornice; Ursula Ambrose, rediteljica.
ISKRENE ČESTITKE
DRUŠTVA SV. ANTONA PAD.
štev. 87, K. S. K. J. JOLIET, ILL.
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
ST. ANNE'S COURT
No. 534, W. C. O. F.
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SOCIETY
No. 143, K. S. K. J.—Joliet, 111.
#
Joseph Avsec, President	Frank Buchar, Secretary
Joseph Kochevar, Treasurer
HICKORY STREET MARKET
AL. J. JURICIC, Prop.
Meats, Groceries, Fruits, Vegetables
-"Home of Cleanliness, Quality, and Price"

JEAN M. TF7AK	
FUNERAL DIRECTOR	
AND FLORIST	
	457-459 INDIANA ST.
	Phone 2-0524
	JOLIET, ILLINOIS
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
TO ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH IN JOLIET. ILLINOIS ON ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Slovenian Women's Union of America, organized by Mrs. Marie Prisland of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will observe its 15th anniversary in Dec. 1941.
It has 103 branches extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It has a membership of 11,480 in the adult department and 808 in the junior department. Total assets for May, 1941, $106,691.06.
S. W. U. accepts members from the age of 14 to 55 years. Assessment 25 cents for adults and juniors 10 cents a month. Junior members accepted from age of 4 to 14 years. Both departments receive a death benefit of $100.00.
The organization also issues its own monthly magazine, called the "Dawn", which is sent to every member of the union with out any extra cost.
The present oficers: Spiritual advisor. Rev. Milan Slaje, Lorain, Ohio. Supreme President, Marie Prisland, Sheboygan, Wis.; Vice Presidents, Frances Rupert, Cleveland, O.; Mary Coghe, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mary Shepel, Ely, Minn.; Frances Raspet, Pueblo, Colo.; Mary Kozjan, Calumet. Mich.
Secretary, Josephine Erjavec, treasurer, Josephine Muster, both of Joliet; auditors, Mary Tomazin, Chicago, IIIL; Mary Otoničar, Cleveland, O.; Mary Lenich, Eveleth, Minn, and Josephine Selye of Sleveland, O., as substitute auditor. Educational committee. Editor Albina Novak, Cleveland, O.; Frances Ponikvar, Cleveland, Ohio; Frances Susel, Cleveland, Ohio; Anna Petrich, Warren, Ohio and Emma Shim-kus. La Salle, 111.
Advisory board, Agatha Dezman, president, Milwaukee, Wis., Anna Kameen, Forest City, Pa., Rose Jerome, Eveleth, Minn., Agnes Mahovlich, So. Chicago, 111., and Olga Mirkovićh, Portland, Oregon.
SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION CAEETS OF BRANCH 2D
Reading from left to right: First row: Mascots Jon:ta Erjavec and Irene Planinsek.
Second row: Joan Muster, flagbearer; Rita Stukel (charter member); Helen Todorovich Sak (charter member); Mildred Erjavec (chartcr member); Marie Terlep (charter member), Bernice Kuzma, treasurer; Genevieve Glavan, (charter member) vice-president; Josephine Mahkovec, (charter member). Captain; Bertha Planinsek (charter member), Lieutetiant: Isabelle Musich (charter member), pres'dent; Jean Gombac, Secretary; Olga Erjavec (charter member), reporter; Mildred Gregor.ch (chart:!r member); Isabelle Gregorich (charter member)
Third row: Sophie Matkovich, Bernice Musich, Madeline Culik, Francos Ancel, Mary Frankovich, Norrine Konopek, Mary Bostjancic, Géraldine Heintz, Marion Korevec, Irene Korevec, Marion Jelenich, Elizabeth Vershay.
Fourth row: Jean Govednik, Dolores Fire, Mary Legan, Marie Metesh, Bernardine Kostelz, Marie Kostelz, Marie Popek, Virginia Heintz, Matilda Pavesich.
This coming year the cadets will celebrate their fifth anniversary, for which occasion they have purchased new uniforms. Ths new uniforms were worn for the first time on Zveza's Day hslđ In Lemont, Illinois, July 20, 1941
SAVE MONEY! INSURE YOUR PROPERTY WITH
AMERICAN INSURANCE AGENCY
3312 North Center Street Phone 2-5312
Frank E. Vranichar	William Vranichar
ISKRENE ČESTITKE OD	I
i
DRUŠTVA SV. PETRA IN PAVLA i
štev. 66, A. B. Z., Joliet. 111.	I
OB ZLATEM JUBILEJU	\
i
Joseph Ancel, predsednik	John Adamič, tajnik ^
Peter Musich, blagajnik	t
COMPLIMENTS OP
t i ? i
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
JOSEPH JERMAN | |
TAVERN	I I	I
20 Jackson Street	I I MARTIN "MARTY" ?
JOLIET, ILL.	I \	SKERJAN	i
•	o
? i t
C .•..«..•..eMOMi
CONGRATULATION ON 50th ANNIVERSARY
OF ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH #
SLOVENIAN EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
"TRIGLAV"
#
PRANK LAURICH, Pres.	JOSEPH ZAMEIC, Vlce-Pres.
LOUIS KOSMERL, Secy.	PRANK HOCHEVAR, Treas.
JOSEPH MATKOVICH, Reo. Secy.	PETER MUSICH, Trustee
JOSEPH ANCEL, Trustee	LEO ADAMICH, Trustee PRANK RADICH, Sgt.-at-Arms.
ISKRENE ČESTITKE OD DR. VIT. SV. JURIJA ŠT. 3 K. S. K. J. FARI SV. JOŽEFA OB 50 LETNICI

Jos. Wolf, predsednik	Peter Metesh, tajnjik
John Musich, blagajnik.
mCKET RÊSTAURAMT
164 N. Chicago St.
HOME OF FINE FOOD —REASONABLE PRICE OPEN ALL NITE
When in Lockport, Illinois
STOP AT
DELLWOOD RESTAURANT 907 State Street
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When you buy the best for your table it is the cheapest.
Buy Your Meats and Groceries at
A. PASDERTZ
773 N. Broadway Phone 2-2768	Free De'ivery
BUY
PURE ICE
INGALS AVENUE ICE HOUSE
JOSEPH PASDERTZ

COMPLIMENTS OF
K. S. K. .T. OFFICE FORCE
J. Judnic D. Sitar J. Slapnicar V. Zalar B. Kosmerl A. Govednik
D. Zlogar I. Gregorich B. Martincích D. Dolinsheli M. Terlep M. Hochevar


COMPLIMENTS OF
UNITED LIQUOR & BEVERAGE CO. Inc.
564 North Chicago Street JOLIET, ILL.
.... I
i i i I
i ?
I ?
i ?
Compliments anđ Congratulations
FRANK A. RUSS
Groceries and Meats
Cor. Ruby and Center Streets PHONE 2-0450
JOSEPH KLEPEC
Room 210 Morris Bldg.
PHONE 5768 Res. 903 Woodruff Road PHONE 2-8593
Phone 2-4787
JOSEPH SLAPNICAR
MONUMENTS, MARKERS and MAUSOLEUMS Let Us Help You in Your Selection
Office and Plant 527 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, 111.

COMPLIMENTS	^ ^ CONGRATULATIONS
MICHAEL J. BREEN \ I	GORDON
and his
of™c®ouXy	I ^	ORCHESTRA
*
■ I1
ISKRENE ČESTITKE od
L N. R BEATTY
Lumber Company
WARD LOEPFLER,	JOE LAURICH
Manager	Zastopnik
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If iťí
^CTÎÙ^
ICE CREAM
IT'S GOT TO BE GOOD
Phone 2-3849	116 N. Center St.

MARENTIC
RADIO SOUND SERVICE
704 VISTA LANE JOLIET, ILL.
JOSEPH ZAMEIC
GROCERIES AND MEATS 925 N. CENTER STREET
Phone 2-2513
Joliet, 111.

COMPLIMENTS OF
A Friend

BENEDICK'S
SERVICE STATION 2201 N. BROADWAY
Phne 2-9473
Joliet, 111.

i t
COMPLIMENTS OP
BROADWAY CASH MARKET
QUALITY MEATS and GROCERIES pa tuđi Izvrstne suhe klobase 501 N. BROADWAY Fređ J. Troppe, Prop.
Recorded on the books of time:
FIFTY YEARS OP SPLENDID SERVICE TO GOD AND MAN Heartiest felicitations to St. Joseph's Church upon the occasion of Its GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY May the next half century be even more productive
METROPOLITAN PHARMACY
LAWRENCE W. ZEMA, R. PH.
SLOVENIAN SPOKEN
Only fully registered pharmacists fill your prescriptions here. Trusses, surgicals supports, elastic stockings, appliances, etc.
GRADUATE FITTER IN CHARGE
Številno faranov fare sv. Jožefa je z našim delom zadovoljno. Delo Vam izvršimo na nizka mesečna odplačila brez obresti ali nadaljnih stroškov.
Dependon Roofing Co.
FRED R. SPIES, Manager
465 Indiana Avenue	Joliet, 111.
PHONE 2-4122
Siding — Roofing — Insulation
WE DO OUR OWN FINANCING NO INTEREST ON CARRYING CHARGES FREE ESTIMATES
-Turtle Soup Served-
JOHN DAMES
TAVERN
Route 66 at Ninth St. LOCKPORT, ILL.
EDWARD J. EVANS
Genersil Contracting and Carpenter Jobbing
611 Douglas St.
Phone 2-3740
CONGRATULATIONS
IMPERIAL TAVERN
Joseph Petrovič, Prop. 264 RUBY STREET I Phone 2-9883	Joliet, 111.
SAVE TIME
With Modern — Time Saving
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
COMPLETE STOCKS OF
DESKS - CHAIRS - FILING CABINETS
AT
THE BOOK SHOP
72 N. Chicago St.	Phone 4793
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Ready Mix Concrete is Cheaper, | | jjancfng	Lunches
Stronger and More Uniform
WELSCH WATERPROOF BLOCK COMPANY
FRANZ FEDO'S
TAVERN
DIAL 6261	I I	'^^«^Oï'
306 Gardner St.	Jollet, HL 1 I
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Save By Buying
MILK AND CREAM
in gallons, ^ gallons and quarts
Dial 5969
SAM CHELLINO, Mgr.

J. TERLEP
MEATS AND GROCERIES 225 SMITH STREET Joliet 111.
COMPLIMENTS
HARVEY BROS.

COMPLIMENTS OP
FRANK E. FITZGERALD JOSEPH E. SPELICH
RUETTIGER'S DAIRY
Service and Quality All-Ways
WE'D WELCOME AN OPPORTUNITY OF SERVING YOU
Dial 2-8706
JOHN A. BLUTH
GROCERY and MEAT MARKET
1207 CORA STREET PHONE 2-3390
ALBERT M. SCHUESSLER
500 N. Broadway Dial 2-1111
Estimates cheerfully given free on Gutters, downspouts and frunaoes Also anything made of sheet metal We do repair work on any make of furnace, and can furnish parts
..•..•..«•••••••■••••»•„••••«•••«..•..•.•■••■••••••••••••••••••»«'•s
COMPLIMENTS OP
M. AND MRS. MATT F. SLANA |
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i
COMPLIMENTS OF
JOLIET LUMBER AND FUEL CO.
2320 CASS STREET Phone 4448	Jollet, 111.

COMPLIMENTS OF
PEERLESS PRINTING CO.
112 Bissel Street PHONE 7557
1	COMPLIMENTS
OP
JOLIET OFFICE SUPPLY CO.
65 North Chicago Street
PHONE 2-4626
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COMPLIMENTS HARRY F. BEACH, Inc.
62 W. Washington Street DIAL 2-9187
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH ON YOUR GOLDEN JUBILEE from
JOLIET RIVALS CLUB
"Joliet's Most Popular Club" HOME OF ALL AMERICAN SPORTS 1425 N. Broadway —Bowl for Health and Pleasure— Phone 2-3597


Poehner & Dillman
Jpiumblnp, Heating and Sheet Metal* Work—Electric Refrigeration—Air Conditioning—Oil Burners, Pumps Water Softeners — Hardware and Mill Supplies
27-29 Cass Street
JOLIET, ILL.
^STILLMAN'S
Headquarters for EASTMAN, BELL HOWELL and AFGA STILL CAMERAS MOVIE
FILMS AND SUPPLIES
VVWW^WVVWWVk v< .*vwwvwvwv»»v»wvv»wwwwv»>
ISKRENE ČESTITKE OD	|
DRUŠTVA SV. GENOVEFE	Í
štev. 108, K. S. K. J—Joliet, 111.	j
ŽUPNIJI SV. JOŽEFA OB 50 LETNICI	\
#	i
Jean M. Težak, predsednica	Antonia Struna, tajnica i
Catherine Suhadolc, blagajničarka	?

FOR GOOD FOOD SEE US
GORSICH'S
900 N. HICKORY ST. PHONE 2-2628

FRANK SKEDEL
TAVERN 901 N. HICKORY ST. JOLIBT^ ILL.
COMPl.IMENTS OP
DR. M. J. IVEC
Ihysician and Surgeon
Office: 425 N. Chicago St., Cor. Clay PHONE 2-9141
Residence: 416 Buell Avenue i PHONE 2-5930	i
i
...... t
SEE
YOUR GOOD FRIEND J. J. COHEN AT
THE WHITE STORE
JOLIET, ILLINOIS
Iskrene čestitka Župniji sv. Jožefa ob njenem zlatem jubileju izražajo
SLOVENSKI OČETJE FRANČIŠKANI LEMONT, ILLINOIS

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
JAMES BURKE
STATES ATTORNEY
of Will County

❖ ❖
.j	st. Joseph's Church thanks all of our Advertisers for
their contribution to the Souvenir Book. We hope	❖
that our readers will remember them.
»%	A
Gratitude is due also to all our faithful Parishioners. •>	who have supported St. Joseph's Church for many
%	years. Even though their names may not appear in	'j;
this book, they are gratefully remembered.	❖
❖ '
Ý ❖
I ❖
t ❖ I	«
BEG YOUR PARDON!
In «pite of best of intention and all possible care, some involuntary ommisions and accidental typographical errors have occured on the foregoing pages. We offer the following corrections:
On page 59 among the Band members the following have wrong initials: H. Adamich. L. Filak and E. Kuglich.
On page 89 among the names of the Servers, the following are missing from the third row: K. Pagarason, J. Lobas, R. Todorovich and R. Setina.
On page 108 the name of Raymond E. Mutz is missing from the front row of the Usheř^~Club. The correct reading is: John A. Mutz, William Buchar, Raymond E. Mutz, Henry Adamich, Edward Dolinshek.
We trust that our kind readers will forgive any other error which they may find in reading this book commemorating the Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's Parish.'
We wish to ask the same forgiveness on the part of our Advertisers for any possible error in their advertisement.
THE EDITORS.
.J. ♦♦♦	»j»	»j»	♦♦»♦t» »j.	»j, »t» »♦♦	»j,	»j».
Ž

JOE
TONY
Lifelong members of St. Joseph's Parish, Alumni of St. Joseph's School,
X
V ❖
❖
AVSCC CCCTBiECS
COMMERCIAL PRINTERS
extend their congratulations to St. Joseph Parish on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee
❖
❖

JOHN
LOUIS
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NRRODNH in UNIUERZTEÎNH HIJlŽNi:
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