Who we are
The Little Flower was built in the worst years of the Depression by families who had very little, for a young Carmelite who taught that very little is enough. Every stone of the tower was paid for a dollar at a time, and you can still find the donors' names on the brass plaques in the narthex.
We are a parish of Polish grandmothers and young families from the new lofts, of choir members who drive in from three counties and neighbours who walk over on Sunday morning. Whatever brings you in — the architecture, the music, a rose left at St. Thérèse's shrine — you are welcome here.
Through the years
The parish was founded in 1926 in a frame chapel on a muddy lot at the end of the streetcar line. Its first pastor wanted a church that would be seen from the avenue, and in 1929 he commissioned one: a limestone tower, stepped like a skyscraper, with a crucifixion carved on its face. The crash came that October. The parish kept building anyway, and the shrine was consecrated on the feast of St. Thérèse in 1933. The Shrine Choir sang its first Midnight Mass that Christmas and has not missed one since. In 1981 a generation of Polish families arrived and brought Wigilia, the blessing of Easter baskets, and a noon Mass in Polish that still fills the church.
Shepherds & servants
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Hale
Rector
Msgr. Hale has been rector since 2011. He gives the tower tours himself and knows every name on the brass plaques.
Rev. Paweł Kowalczyk
Parochial Vicar
Ordained in Kraków, Fr. Paweł celebrates the noon Mass in Polish and coaches the parish soccer team badly and happily.
Dr. Martin Albrecht
Director of Music
Martin has led the Shrine Choir since 2004 and plays the 1933 Skinner organ, which he describes as the parish's oldest member.
Joanna Mazur
Parish Manager
Joanna keeps the calendar, the keys and the peace. If you want to be married, baptised or buried here, start with her.
Serve & belong
The Shrine Choir
Forty voices singing Palestrina, Byrd and the great Polish carols. Rehearsals Thursdays at 7:30; auditions each September.
music@littleflower-demo.org
Rose Guild
Keeps the rose garden and the flowers at St. Thérèse's shrine. Gloves provided; patience required.
Tower Docents
Volunteers who lead visitors through the shrine and up the tower. We will teach you everything, including the stairs.
Koło Różańcowe
The Polish Rosary circle — twenty members, each praying one mystery a day, meeting the first Sunday after the noon Mass.
St. Vincent de Paul
Home visits, groceries and help with utility bills for anyone in Fairhaven Heights who asks.
Little Way Families
Young parents and small children: a monthly Sunday brunch, a play corner and no one minding the noise.
In pictures
