Human Concerns
Courage
The COURAGE Program is a very special and unique ministry based at St. Germaine Parish. COURAGE provides assistance to pregnant young women and those who are single parents by offering resources to help them make important life decisions on issues of sexuality, self-esteem, parenting, personal growth and maturity. The program networks with local area high schools and continues to recruit and train volunteers who are the backbone of this ministry. Additional housing resources continue to be sought. If you would like to help or know someone who may benefit from this ministry contact COURAGE at 708-636-8001 or by e-mail or visit the COURAGE Website. Sr. Nancy Swanson, RSM is the director; Maureen Shields is the Director Emeritus.
God’s Special Friends
This organization was founded 20 years ago at St. Germaine to provide social interaction and spiritual support to mentally and physically challenged children and adults from surrounding areas. The group meets every third Saturday during the Spring (January through May) and Fall (September through mid-December). In addition, special events/fields trips are also held during summer and winter breaks. A typical meeting consists of games, snacks, a craft activity, religion lesson and group discussion. The group seeks to foster greater parish involvement between members, counselors and the church community. In addition to maintaining existing enrollment and attracting new membership, the group is looking to increase program contributions from outside donors by 15%. Kim McNamara serves as Director.
Ministry of Care
This ministry focuses on meeting the spiritual needs of
parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. The primary functions of
this ministry are: bringing Communion to our homebound parishioners;
visiting those admitted to Little Company of Mary and Christ Hospitals;
maintaining contact with our parishioners who move to retirement and
nursing homes, through visits and correspondence. We strive to convey
to those we serve that they are valued members of our parish family. If
you or a family member need the services described, or if you would
like to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Kath Rimac at (708)
636-6647.
Ministry of Praise
This ministry provides the opportunity for people to unite with the parish from their homes through prayer. While this is especially appealing for those who are homebound or in nursing homes, it is open to anyone.
Sharing Parish Committee
Marion Krucek and Jim Shea work with our Sharing Parish, St. Columbanus, to provide food support to the St. Columbanus area.
Social Justice Team
Members of the Social Justice Team meet to educate themselves so they can educate the parish. Immersed in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the team decided to concentrate on the following issues:
- The environment
- Fair Trade
- Darfur
- Southwest Chicago PADS
- Collecting cell phones for veterans
St. Vincent De Paul Society
St. Germaine Parish hosts a local chapter of this
international social service ministry of the Catholic Church. Working
out of the Parish Center, the society serves those needing assistance
due to family illness, financial, physical or marital difficulties.
Support for this ministry comes from “poor boxes”
in church.
Call Marion at 636-5060 for information or to join the society.
Wake Committee
Whenever possible, the parish is represented at the wake of a parishioner. The committee also plans a memorial Mass in November and hosts the reception. Marge Randich is the Coordinator.