Human Concerns
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry
The mission of this ministry is to
- raise awareness of domestic violence
- connect victims of domestic violence to services within our community
- advocate for the prevention of domestic violence
- support and remember all victims of domestic abuse in our prayer
The main efforts of this group happen during the two months when national campaigns are spreading word about this issue.
April – National Child Abuse Awareness Month
October – National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
We are always looking for volunteers, high school-age and up.
Peace and Justice Initiatives
For more than 30 years, this group has been active in addressing issues of justice, not only in our parish but our local communities, our state, and our nation as well. The group informs the parish about the social justice issues that need to be considered when we vote. They sponsor the annual CRS Rice Bowl collection. For more information, contact Tony Graefe at tonygatty@aol.com or 708-848-9753.
Respect Life
This group helps build awareness of the need to respect and protect every human life in all its stages. They promote the teachings of the Catholic Church through education, prayer, and fund-raising activities.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
This lay organization offers person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. It is the longest, continually operating organization in the parish, the chapter having started at St. Bernardine Church 90 years ago!
The group provides many services to the needy within our parish community and beyond. Their activities include:
- assisting those in financial hardship by providing referrals for assistance, arranging for partial payments of rent/mortgage/utilities to avoid shut-offs, and providing food gift certificates for perishable food items
- operating a food pantry at the St. Bernardine campus on Saturday mornings, where those in need can come weekly to receive bags of non-perishable food items. Some durable medical supplies (e.g. walkers, walking canes, wheelchairs) are available on a limited basis.
- partnering with another group (Project 22:NINE) to provide pre-packaged, fully prepared meals to parish members who are homebound, recovering from illnesses, etc. as well to a number of local organizations that also provide the meals to the hungry. A number of these meals are available through the Saturday morning food pantry as well. Currently more than 800 meals are distributed each week through this project.
- transforming a Forest Park Library book box into a “snack box” on Des Plaines Avenue near the CTA Blue Line terminal for the homeless in the area
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) welcomes new members and volunteers to help serve the needy in our midst. Contact the Parish Office for more details on volunteering or to make SVDP aware of people in need of assistance.