Human Concerns

As a Parish, we are also members, individually and collectively, of the human community:

	ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY...Provides temporary assistance to those in need. They operate a food pantry, and provide limited financial assistance when possible.
	PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMISSION...varied programs to promote and further the equitable treatment of all God's children.
	SPRED...The SPRED (special religious education) program provides services for adults who are developmentally challenged, through the SPRED division, Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Meetings are held weekly from September through June, alternating between planning meetings and sessions with the Ludeman residents.
	NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR...Welcomes newly registered parishioners and serves as a communication network for the parish. With continued growth, this group could provide a representative to each neighborhood within the parish boundaries who will serve as a liaison between the neighborhood and the parish staff.
	PADS...Is an organization in the southern suburbs which provides food and shelter for the homeless during the months of October through April. Our church hall serves as a shelter site on Friday nights.
	CULTURAL ENRICHMENT AND OUTREACH... In an effort to better understand and appreciate the cultural differences among our parishioners, we have organized various ethnic groups for the purpose of enriching our parish community through our liturgies and special parish celebrations.

	ELIZABETH MINISTRY...Outreach to women during the joys and sorrows of childbearing years, bringing together women who share similar stories and providing an opportunity for one-to-one ministry. The Elizabeth Ministry joins with parents in celebrating the wonders of pregnancy and birth; offers support and healing at moments of complications, crisis , miscarriage, or the loss of an infant or child; offers compassion and support for couples dealing with fertility issues; shares the ups and downs of the adoption process; and, prayer, blessing, and family support.
	PRISON OUTREACH MINISTRY...Known as the Good Shepherd Catholic Prison Ministry, this group ministers to the inmates at the Joliet correctional center. Now has one Communion service on Saturday and we visit cell-to-cell on Sundays. We are now involved in starting a "Kairos Outside" retreat for women (wives, mothers, and daughters) who have men they love in prison.
	VIDEO PRODUCTION GROUP...Is involved in videotaping one weekday mass each week, to be shown in neighboring hospitals and nursing homes.
	DRIVERS...Volunteers provide transportation to and from church for Sunday mass and other parish celebrations, as requested.