Ministries
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Vita Sancta (Holy Life) Ministry
Guided by Christ's love, we embrace and protect the inherent dignity of every human life, recognizing each person as a sacred gift from God from the moment of conception until natural death. We stand as advocates for those whose voices often go unheard - the unborn, the poor, the mentally ill, the imprisoned, those with differing abilities, and the elderly. Through works of mercy and faithful witness to the Gospel, we uphold the fundamental truth that all people are created in God's image, deserving of respect, protection, and care. Our mission flows from Catholic Social Teaching, extending compassionate hands to serve, hearts to understand, and a commitment to defend the sanctity of each precious life entrusted to our care.
Service Outreach (Click on any of the below for more information):- Daybreak Center, Joliet, monthly meal teams for the unhoused
- Beds Plus, Chicago: meal teams and support for the unhoused
- Walking With Moms: literature resource for expectant families and families in need
- Waterleaf Woman’s Center Annual Fundraiser
- Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resources
- Creation Care Team
- Domestic Abuse Awareness
- Perinatal Loss Awareness and Resources
If you interested in becoming a volunteer of Vita Sancta, please contact:
Peggy Grill: [email protected] or Fr. Joe McCormick at the parish office.Charitable Action This organization is devoted to helping those in need in our Parish and surrounding community.
Contact: Chris Knop or Kathy Birch
Phone: 708-301-3020
Children's Liturgy of the Word
We warmly invite our youngest members of the parish to join us at every weekend Mass (4 pm Saturday, 8:30 am and 10:30 am Sunday) to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and participate as well. Before the onset of the Liturgy of the Word, all interested children gather with their leaders and assistants and proceed to our Ava Maria Children’s Chapel. Weekly liturgies consist of age-appropriate readings, responses, reflections, and various hands-on activities to reinforce the Sunday Gospel message. These liturgies are interactive guided by adult instruction and incorporate peer learning. Additionally, all leaders have backgrounds in catechesis. Children then return to their families before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
All children from the age of three and up are welcome to attend. Older siblings who are interested in assisting are encouraged and appreciated. Every liturgy is supervised by at least two adults. No registration is necessary.
Contact: Margie Wilson
Phone: 708-301-3020
Eucharistic Ministers
The ministry of those serving as Eucharistic Ministers should be an outgrowth of a personal spirituality and community service. We are all called to serve our parish community in some way. By being a Eucharistic Minister, one helps to bring Christ to others in a special way.
All who are a part of this ministry are appointed for a three year term. You aid in the distribution of the Eucharist at weekend and Holy Day Masses. You also extend a sign of welcome and blessing to all those who approach the Table of the Lord at Communion time but who do not receive the Eucharist. Training is provided.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020Garden Club
Did you notice the beautiful plants/flowers this past growing season outside St. Bernards? The Gardening Ministry had many Gardening Angels who tirelessly maintained the gardens from Spring to Fall. A big thank you to everyone who worked in all kinds of weather. Also, thanks go out to everyone who dropped a little something in our donation container. Because of your generosity, we were able to buy plants, top soil, and mulch. As well, thanks to everyone who noticed the improvement in the gardens and mentioned it. It's a great affirmation that all our hard work is paying off. The first informational meeting of the season will be the end of March. Watch the bulletin for the exact day.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020Hands of Care
This is a caring, confidential group of trained Lay Ministers available to make hospital and home visits. They are commissioned also to bring Communion to those who are unable to get to Mass because of illness, handicap or related circumstances which keep one confined to home. Training is provided.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020
Hospitality
Hosts & Hostesses welcome you for "coffee & donuts fellowship" after our weekend liturgies once a month.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020Knights of Columbus (in conjunction with Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish)
The Knights was originally formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020Men's Club
The Men’s Club Ministry of St. Bernard’s meets the first Tuesday of the month at Church at 7:00pm. They organize Friday Fish Fry; Cookies with Santa; Fishing Derby; Chili Tasting; and donate to as many of the parish ministries as possible throughout the year. Consider joining them!
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020
Music Ministry
The gift of music may be given back to the Lord and shared with our parish community in several ways.
The Adult Choir meets for rehearsal on Thursdays and leads the assembly in song at one of the weekend liturgies. They also sing for special liturgies throughout the year. The choir especially needs a few male voices
The Children’s Choir meets for rehearsal on Thursdays. A permission slip can be obtained through Religious Ed or Julie Kane. The children’s choir is open to singers in grades 1– 8.
Our gift of music comes from the Lord. He has not created all of us to be professional musicians. Use the unique gift He has given you to praise His Holy Name!
Contact: Julie Kane
Phone: 708-301-3020Proclaimers/Lectors
The role of proclaimer dates back to the early days of the Church. The lay ministry of the Word is one of the earliest and richest traditions of the Church. Jesus, Himself, was a forerunner of the Christian proclaimer. And in the early Church, Ministers of the Word were sent by their Christian community to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Jesus. The call to proclaim the Word of God is an honor and a responsibility. Those serving in this ministry are enriched through their study of Sacred Scripture. The proclaimer gives public witness to his/her fundamental beliefs.
Men, women and teens of the parish are called to proclaim the Scripture readings at our weekend liturgies. They are a part of the procession in and out, carrying the Book of Sacred Scripture. They also lead the assembly in the Prayers of the Faithful. You may volunteer anytime to be a proclaimer. Training is provided.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020
Seniors Group/Happy Hours
Our Seniors meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Church Foyer from 11:30-2:30 for food and fellowship.
Contact: Deacon Kevin Ryan
Phone: 708-301-3020
Email: [email protected]
Ushers/Greeters
Ushers are special people because they are the first people the parishioners meet as all gather for the celebration of the Eucharist. Their duties include welcoming people as they arrive for Mass, assisting in seating, ringing the bell before Mass, taking up the collection, arranging for the gifts to be brought to the altar, aiding in the flow of parishioners receiving communion and passing out bulletins after Mass. Men, women and couples are urged to participate in this ministry of hospitality.
Contact: Parish Office
Phone: 708-301-3020