Church Ministries
Each of us has been gifted in some unique way, and at the heart of stewardship is the belief that all of these gifts flow from God, the Source of all. As Christians, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, and cultivate them responsibly. It is our privilege to share them lovingly with others. The grateful return of time and talent to God in an ecclesial setting is accomplished when each person supports the Church’s mission of proclaiming, teaching, serving, and sanctifying.
You have unique abilities, skills, and interests. Matching your gifts with a particular ministry can heighten the spiritual experience and prevent any uneasiness. Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a basket but to let it shine forth. (Matthew 5:15-16). To help you determine the ministry best suited to you, consider:
St. Bernardine Church has been blessed with many talented people who participate in our ministries. These ministries and their contacts are:
Each of us has been gifted in some unique way, and at the heart of stewardship is the belief that all of these gifts flow from God, the Source of all. As Christians, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, and cultivate them responsibly. It is our privilege to share them lovingly with others. The grateful return of time and talent to God in an ecclesial setting is accomplished when each person supports the Church’s mission of proclaiming, teaching, serving, and sanctifying.
You have unique abilities, skills, and interests. Matching your gifts with a particular ministry can heighten the spiritual experience and prevent any uneasiness. Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a basket but to let it shine forth. (Matthew 5:15-16). To help you determine the ministry best suited to you, consider:
- Your occupation/profession
- Your skills and talents
- Your hobbies and interests
- How much time you can commit
- Gifts that other people say they recognize in you.
St. Bernardine Church has been blessed with many talented people who participate in our ministries. These ministries and their contacts are:
- The Parish Council assists the pastor and the parish in achieving its mission as expressed in our Mission Statement. Its members are selected by the pastor and each member serves for 3 years. The pastor meets monthly with the Parish Council which is his advisory board in decision-making in matters involving ministries, service, community, buildings & grounds, as well as others which may be presented either by the community or our Pastor. Contact Julie Doloszycki, (708) 366-4382, or Father Stan, (708) 366-0839, if you have questions about the Parish Council.
- The Building & Grounds Committee works with the pastor to ensure that our property and buildings look their best, inside and out. This includes the preventive maintenance and repairs of the buildings as well as the year-round upkeep of the church grounds. Father Stan, (708) 366-0839, if you would like to participate in this ministry.
- The Finance Committee assists the pastor in planning, providing for, and supervising the parish resources, budget, and plant maintenance. The committee develops the budget with the pastor for approval by the Parish Council. The committee also reviews, approves, and signs the annual financial report of the parish. Father Stan, (708) 366-0839, if you have talents in this area.
- The Liturgy Committee plans and provides for the spiritual development of our parish community through liturgies, devotions, and other programs that enable people to pray and to love God. They are responsible for Sunday worship through solicitation and formation of special ministers of Liturgy, including extraordinary ministers of Communion, lectors, sacristans, servers, ushers/greeters, and caretakers of the altar and sanctuary. They also assist in preparing for holy days and special days of prayer. Contact Father Stan, (708) 366-0839, if you would like to participate in this ministry.
- Altar Servers are a very important part of the Liturgy as they assist the priest on the Altar duringthe weekend Masses, Holy Days, Holy Week, and Funerals. Altar servers fully participate in the service and set an example for the parishioners by being attentive and respectful during the service. Boys and girls who have received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion serve in this Ministry. Adults who have been trained generally assist during day-time services when children who attend school are not available. Contact Father Stan, (708) 366-0839, if you would like to participate as an altar server.
- Eucharistic (Extraordinary) Ministry - Extraordinary ministers distribute Holy Communion at eucharistic celebrations only when there are no ordained ministers present or when those ordained ministers present at a liturgical celebration are truly unable to distribute Holy Communion. They may also exercise this function at eucharistic celebrations where there are particularly large numbers of the faithful and which would be excessively prolonged because of an insufficient number of ordained ministers to distribute Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are also used in order that the sick or homebound may receive communion. To establish the connection between the Sunday assembly and the homebound and sick of the parish, extraordinary ministers ideally are sent from the Sunday celebration of the eucharist to take communion to them. Extraordinary ministers must be confirmed Catholics. Training is required for this ministry. Contact Julie Doloszycki, (708) 366-4382, if you would like to participate in this ministry.
- Music Ministry directs us as we gather together in church. We sing our joy, sorrow, concern, lament, hope, praise and unity. We reach out to God in song and simultaneously we connect to one another. The Church holds singing as necessary and integral to the celebration of Mass. It is not an add-on or an adornment, but rather an essential element to worship. Due to COVID-19, we have been asked to refrain from congregational singing, out of care and concern for the health and safety of all who gather to pray. The parish has an adult choir, a children’s choir, and a handbell choir. Cantor and instrumentalists are also a part of this ministry. Contact Jurate Lukminas, (708) 257-0645, to share your talents in this area.
- Lectors assists in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by proclaiming the Word of God. The lector participates in Liturgies by singing or reciting selected biblical texts, although never the gospels, whose reading is only permitted by a priest, deacon or bishop. A lector reads from the lectern, or ambo, and also performs secondary duties, such as carrying the Book of the Gospel in the procession to the altar. Persons with a good speaking voice tend to lend their talents to this ministry. Contact Mary Beth Beal, (708) 366-7567, to volunteer in this area.
- Ushers offer a friendly, welcoming face that says, “All are welcome!” An usher is one of the first touch points of hospitality and welcome. They are called on to provide support prior to, during, and after the celebration of the Liturgy. They ensure the comfort and safety of the assembly, and assist in keeping order during liturgical events. Contact Tom Gill, (708) 848-6454, if you would like to participate in this ministry. Minimal training is done.
- Parish Life Ministries foster an environment in our parish community in which a sense of caring and sharing becomes a way of life by planning and coordinating community-building events in the parish, such as community focused activities; motivating parish members to assume the responsibility of stewardship in the life of the parish by supporting the communal, social and recreational needs of the faith community; and ensuring that the goals and objectives of the commission are in keeping with the vision of the Parish Council.
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to COVID-19, these groups may not be meeting. Please talk to the ‘Contact’ person for additional information.- The Book Club is for readers who are interested in encouraging fellowship and strengthen our faith community through the discussion of books. Contact Lin Beribak, (312) 882-3386, if you would like to be a member.
- FIL-AM Parishioners - The Filipino-American Association (Fil-Am) seeks to appreciate and cultivate values that will enhance unity and solidarity through cultural heritage, family and community service. Lenny Acosta-Fiad currently leads this group.
- The Hospitality group ensures intentional and active hospitality coupled with the opportunity for involvement fosters an enhanced sense of vested interest in the parish. Contact Kathy Capron Jankun, (773) 882-1605, for opportunities to participate in the group or to learn of events that are scheduled.
- The Italian Catholic Federation promotes and supports the Catholic faith and its values, encourages apostolic and charitable works, and celebrates our Italian American heritage and all the heritages of our communities. Contact Al Cimino, (708) 345-4173, if you would like to join this group.
- Kingdom Retreat is a one-day retreat that offers interesting talks, group discussions, and the opportunity for prayer and reflection. Contact Jim Murray, (708) 366-8427, for additional information.
- The Prayer Shawl Ministry brings together people who share a similar interest to share in fellowship and to put to use the talent of knitting and crocheting to create prayer shawls that will be given away to help spread the message of God’s mercy, love and compassion. A prayer shawl can be worn when one is drawn to prayer or needs to feel God’s love. Contact Helen Kreidermacher, (708) 771-3567, if you would like to join this group.
- The Respect Life Committee promotes the Catholic Church’s teaching on respect for and the legal protection of every human life from conception to natural death. Contact Leslie Huzyk, (708) 366-7441, to become involved in this group.
- Women’s Club is an opportunity to have fun with friends and by developing new friendships through active participation in a wide variety of events and initiatives throughout the year. In the spirit of giving back, the Women’s club presents or donates to different areas of our parish, including the religious education program, the rectory, and the church. This is accomplished via membership, our annual spring event, and other special events during the year. Contact : Lisa Gill, (708) 243-1065, if you would like to join.
