Altar & Rosary Society Filipino Ministry - Sambayanihan Prayer Shawl Ministry
Art & Environment Ministry Grief Support Ministry Religious Education Program
Becoming Catholic Habitat for Humanity and Soup Kitchen Respect Life Ministry
Bible Studies, Adult Faith Enrichment High School Youth Ministry St Vincent de Paul Society
Catholics Returning Home Holy Family Rosary Ministry Singles Group
Charismatic Prayer Group Junior High Youth Ministry Senior's Club
Christ Renews His Parish Knights of Columbus Wedding Hostess Ministry
Children's Liturgy of the Word Liturgical Ministries Welcome Ministry
Confirmation - Adult Program Marriage Enrichment Ministry Why Catholic?
Confirmation - High School Program Ministry of Care Women at the Well Speaker Series
Divorce Recovery Ministry Music Ministry Women's Club
Elizabeth Ministry Nursery Program Young Mother's Bible Study


Altar & Rosary Society

Our Society leads the Living Rosary every year in addition to other projects which promote a stronger parish life at St. Mary's. The Altar and Rosary Society also works closely with the rosary ministry to promote this prayer form among our parishioners and throughout the world. Contact Karen O'Connor at (847) 658-9149.
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Art and Environment Ministry

This ministry helps to create the liturgical environment so that the community can experience the liturgical year in a prayerful way. If you have talents in banner making, plant and flower arranging and care, woodworking or other artistic gifts, and would like to be involved, please contact Mary Pristelski at (224) 569-3506.
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Becoming Catholic

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, this is the process for you. The gatherings help you to learn about the teachings of the Church so that you can enter fully into the life of the Church. For those who would like more information on this process, see Becoming Catholic or contact Maria Maddox at (847) 669-3137, ext. 108.
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Bible Studies, Adult Faith Enrichment

Each year we offer numerous opportunities for parishioners to gather for faith enrichment and learning. If you would like information on upcoming bible studies or adult education programs, please contact Maria Maddox at (847) 669-3137, ext. 108.
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Catholics Returning Home

For a variety of reasons, some Catholics drift away from the practice of their faith. This program assists Catholics who have been away from the Church to find a new beginning. It doesn't matter how long someone has been away or for what reason, they can always be welcomed back! If you'd like to learn more about Catholics Returning Home, please contact Maria Maddox at (847) 669-3137, ext. 108.
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Charismatic Prayer Group

This prayer group meets weekly to serve the mission of the Church by enabling people to live a renewed life in the power of the Holy Spirit. For more information please contact Howie or Marti Gielow at (847) 669-6041.
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Christ Renews His Parish

If you are looking to deepen your faith and connection to the parish community, the Christ Renews His Parish renewal weekends would be very beneficial for you. Through presentations, discussion, the celebration of the sacraments and prayer, participants will find their faith being renewed and strengthened. Great food is also provided! For more information on the men's and women's weekends, please contact the parish office at (847) 669-3137 or complete the CRHP Registration Form.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word

During the 10:30 AM Mass, children ages 4-9 learn about God's word at their own level. The children process out after the opening prayer of Mass and return 25 minutes later during the preparation of the altar. The scriptures are presented and explained by adult volunteers in a creative, interactive way. For more information contact Roberta Christian at (847) 669-5953.
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Confirmation - Adult Program

This seven-week program is for Adults who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. After the preparation program, he Sacrament is conferred at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. For more information contact Maria Maddox at (847) 669-3137, ext. 108.
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Confirmation - High School Program

Our Confirmation Program takes place during the freshman year of high school although it is possible for older high school students to receive the sacrament. We meet on a number of Sunday evenings during the year in preparation for receiving the sacrament. If you would like more information on the program or would like to volunteer as a small group leader, contact Elizabeth Lind at (847) 669-5612. View the Confirmation Calendar and key dates. View the Registration Form, Sponsor Form, Retreat Form and Confirmation Name Form.
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Divorce Recovery Ministry

The Church has many different ministries to help those who have experienced a divorce find healing and new life. If you would like to learn more about any of these ministries please contact Fr. Steve at (847) 669-3137, ext. 103.
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Elizabeth Ministry

A ministry in which women of the parish follow the lead of Mary's visit to Elizabeth and minister to other women through the events of the childbearing years, i.e., births, pregnancy, miscarriage, adoption, infertility or infant/child death. For more information, please email Heather Rapp or by phone at (847) 669-9736.
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Filipino Ministry - Sambayanihan

A Filipino-American Catholic Community of St. Mary's Church united in worship and service for the socio-cultural-spiritual growth of the members through active participation in the life of the parish, the reception of the sacraments and the teachings of Christ. If you would like to learn more about this ministry contact Ruben Ruelo at (847) 669-0602 or Noel Medina at (224) 569-6768 or visit www.sambayanihan.org.
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Grief Support Ministry

Losing a loved one is a painful experience. It can be very helpful for those who are grieving losses to know the prayerful support of others in order to move toward healing and acceptance. If you would like to help others who are grieving or you need support you can contact Fr. Steve at (847) 669-3137, ext. 103.
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Habitat for Humanity and Soup Kitchen

St. Mary's is involved in these area ministries. Habitat is a group that works to provide affordable housing to those in need. The Soup Kitchen in Elgin provides meals for the homeless and destitute. If you would like to share your time to help those in need through these service ministries, please email Jeanette or call at (847) 669-3233.
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High School Youth Ministry

Our High School Youth Ministry's mission is to create a fun and faith-filled environment that will strengthen the teens' relationships with God and empower them to be active members of the Church through evangelization, service, education and worship. If you'd like to become involved contact Elizabeth Lind at (847) 669-5612. View the Current HS Youth Calendar, Peer Ministry Team Calendar, HS Youth Permission Slip, the High School Mission Trip Packet and Important Mission Trip Dates.
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Holy Family Rosary Ministry

This organization makes rosaries for St. Mary's Church and for numerous organizations around the world. Each year we send hundreds of rosaries to the missions around the globe. Many people's lives are touched by the rosaries that are shared by our parish. If you would like to become involved please contact Tomasina Pollastrini at (847) 669-4610 or Mary Ellen Biell at (847) 515-2710.
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Junior High Youth Ministry

Our mission is to get to know God more through service projects, social and worship activities. These activities provide an environment for junior high students to grow deeper in their faith while having a good time. This group creates an environment that allows our faith and beliefs to be discussed openly and to gain further understanding of the Catholic Church through skits, activities, games, prayer and service. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Lind at (847) 669-5612. View the Jr High Youth Current Calendar, P.O.G.O.S. Calendar , Jr High Permission Slip, the Junior High School Mission Trip Packet and Important Mission Trip Dates.
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Knights of Columbus

This fraternal organization of Catholic men serves the parish and the larger community through numerous activities. Our Knights conduct blood drives, oversee the parish picnic and conduct many service projects throughout the year. If you would like to become a Knight or learn more about the organization please contact Dave Parmer at (847) 669-6284. Visit them at Huntley Knights.
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Liturgical Ministries

Many parishioners share their time and talent as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, and Altar Servers. To learn more about these ministries contact Rick Yurs in the liturgy office at (847) 669-3137, ext. 109. View the Liturgical Schedules for Extraordinary Ministers, Altar Servers, Lectors and Ushers.
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Marriage Enrichment Ministry

This ministry is for couples who are looking to deepen their marital union. We have numerous opportunities throughout the year for couples to gather and strengthen their marriage. If you would like more information on our marriage enrichment ministry, please email Camille Bytnar or call at (847) 836-8534.
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Ministry of Care

Each Sunday at the conclusion of the 9:00 AM Mass, 10-15 parishioners are sent out to bring Communion to our homebound parishioners. We also have parishioners who bring the Eucharist to some of our area nursing homes. Deacon Gene Shubert provides the training and guidance for this ministry. For more information you can contact him at (847) 961-5029.
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Music Ministry

Choir: St. Mary Choir is open to those who are high school age or older. The choir rehearses on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM and sings on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at the 9:00 AM Mass and on other special occasions.

Youth Choir: The Youth Choir is open to those in grades 3-8. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 PM. The choir sings for the monthly Youth Mass as well as other special occasions.

Accompanist: We are always looking for organists/pianists to fill in on an as needed basis.

If interested in any of the above areas of Music Ministry, please contact
Rick Yurs our Director of Worship at (847) 669-3137, ext.109, or visit St. Mary Music.
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Nursery Program

The Nursery Program takes place during the 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday morning Masses. Children ages 1-4 gather to learn about God through simple interactive lessons, songs, stories and crafts. Our adult volunteers provide an enjoyable, safe, faith-filled environment for the children while their parents attend Mass. Volunteers are always welcome! For more information, contact Elizabeth Lind at (847) 669-5612 and complete the Nursery Registration Form. View the Nursery Guidelines.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry

This ministry knits and/or crochets prayer shawls for the sick and homebound of our parish. The care and prayer that goes into the shawls helps those who receive them know the love and presence of the Lord and the care of our parish community. For more information please email Syl or call at (847) 961-5029.
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Religious Education Program

We provide formal religious education for children grades 1 though 8. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Marlowe Middle School in Huntley. We also prepare the children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. We always have a need to RE teachers and aides. If you have a passion to hand on the faith or would like more information on the program please contact Roberta Christian at (847) 669-5953.
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Respect Life Ministry

Participants in this ministry work to promote the sacredness of human life from conception until natural death. The ministry also seeks to educate parishioners on life issues and to advocate laws that uphold the sacredness of life. The spiritual adoption program and baby bottle collection to support Catholic pregnancy counseling centers are examples of ways we seek to foster a respect for life. For more information you can contact Helen Fioresi at (847) 669-7376.
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St Vincent de Paul Society

Many parishioners serve the poor in this ministry. We conduct food and clothing drives, and provide assistance for those who are in need. If your talents and interests are in the area of Christian service, this ministry touches the lives of many people each year. If you would like to become involved please contact Dennis Quinn at (224) 569-6224 or if you are in need of assistance please call (847) 669-3137, ext. 361.
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Singles Group

This group serves the spiritual and social needs of single adults ages 40-65. We gather for many different types of activities to help the singles in the parish feel at home at St. Mary's. If you would like to become involved in this great ministry please email the Singles Group or call Jerry at (847) 961-6365.
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Senior's Club

This group is open to all senior citizens of the parish to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. Many events are planned throughout the year which can be found in the bulletin or you can learn more by contacting Dolores Boychuk at (847) 669-7029.
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Wedding Hostess Ministry

Wedding Hostesses serve as assistants to the Director of Worship at weddings. Some of the things this includes could be helping to pin on corsages and boutonnieres, speaking with the photographers and videographers, ensuring that family members and guests are seated on time, and assisting the bride and bridal party as needed. For more information, please contact Rick Yurs, the Director of Worship, at (847) 669-3137, ext. 109.
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Welcome Ministry

St. Mary's adds many new households each year. All new parishioners attend a one hour welcome gathering led by teams of parishioners. Six teams rotate to welcome our newcomers. We view a video and other materials that describe our history and ministry life as a parish community. We also provide a tour of the church and the facilities. Anyone who would like to register in the parish can contact the parish office at (847) 669-3137. If you'd like to help out in this ministry, please contact Fr. Steve at (847) 669-3137, ext. 103.
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Why Catholic?

This small group program helps participants come to a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith. Groups of 6-12 meet in parishioners' homes or at the church for reflection and discussion on the teachings of the Church. This year we will be focusing on coming to a greater understanding of the sacraments and Christian Spirituality and prayer. Contact the parish office at (847) 669-3137 for more information.
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Women at the Well Speaker Series

This speaker series for women provides an opportunity to gather and learn from guest presenters who share their wisdom on relevant topics for women. It is an opportunity to learn and grow in a relaxed environment. Food and childcare are provided. For more information on upcoming gatherings, please contact Eileen Delahanty at (847) 669-8664.
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Women's Club

This organization is open to all women in the parish to provide spiritual growth, fellowship and service opportunities for those who participate. The Women's Club also oversees the Giving Tree program every Christmas. To become involved or to learn more contact Carole Janninck at (224) 569-3031.
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Young Mother's Bible Study

This gathering allows moms with children to gather for scripture study, prayer, discussion and mutual support. Childcare is provided. For more information contact Gretchen Striedl at (847) 669-9050 or Nicole Raclawski at (847) 854-9662.
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