St. Charles has a very active parish community. Use
the index below to find information about specific ministries.
We all receive our first commissioning to minister when we
were baptized. At baptism we were anointed "Priest, Prophet, and King."
Choir
The choir serves to enhance parish liturgies and encourage sung
prayer. It provides music for Sunday Masses and other occasions. Parishioner interested
and willing to sing with a choir are invited. No special proficiency is required.
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Contemporary Music Group
The Group, presently comprised of teens and young adults, usually
provide the accompaniment for the Noon Mass on the 1st Sunday of the month.
Eucharistic Minister
A person who seeks this ministry sees their role as a pastoral
minister assisting the priest in giving communion to the faithful at the Eucharistic
Celebration. Laity who seek this ministry have a deep devotion to the Eucharist.
All new ministers attend a training session preparing them for this ministry; and when
they have completed the training they are commissioned by the Chancery for a period of
three years. The commission is usually extended at the discretion of the pastor for
several more periods. Anyone interested in being a Eucharistic Minister should
contact the parish office and you will be contacted by the
Coordinator of Eucharistic Ministers.
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Lector
The Parish Lector proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ through
the reading of the Scriptures.
Time is spent with each person who wants to be a lector in preparation for the ministry.
If you are interested in being a Lector, call the parish
office and you will be contacted by the Coordinator of Lectors.
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Servers
All Parish children in 4th grade and up are encouraged to
become altar servers. We also encourage the altar servers to stay on after graduating from
grammar school. Serving is a ministry, just as being a Eucharistic Minister, Lector,
Usher, etc.
In addition to serving at Mass on Sundays, the altar server also serves at weddings,
funerals and holydays. Scheduling is computerized and any unique conditions can be
provided to the computer program. Training is provided once a year. However, special
consideration will be given to new parishioners who have served at a previous parish. If
you are interested , please call the rectory office.
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Usher
The parish Ushers have the responsibility to greet the
parishioners and visitors as they enter the church. Their ministry is to assist others
such as in handing out material needed for the liturgical functions, finding a suitable
place in the church for everyone, directing those who are receiving Communion and also in
other areas where they are needed. One of their biggest responsibilities is at the
preparation of the gifts, helping the congregation to realize that their gift offering is
truly that, a gift to be given at the Offertory of the Mass.
One advantage of this ministry is that all ages can be involved. If you are interested in
being an Usher, call the rectory office and you will be
contacted.
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Bereavement Ministry
This ministry offers support and comfort to the bereaved family
through prayer and the presence of a trained Bereavement Minister, who represents our
parish community in expressing a loving compassionate concern for their fellow
parishioners in their time of sorrow.
The Bereavement Ministers assist the grieving family in planning a liturgically
appropriate and meaningful Funeral Rite. After the funeral a Bereavement Minister will
telephone the family to offer support and provide resources to assist in the grieving
process.
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Grief Support Group
"COPING WITH GRIEF”
Time: 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month – 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Cost: None
Place: Elmhurst Memorial Hosp. (Bates Conference Room)
Facilitator: Chaplain Don Dahlheimer, Coordinator of Pastoral Care
For: Any adult who has experienced the death of someone they
have loved.
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Ministry of Care
A Minister of Care is aware of Jesus' example to minister to those
in need, giving unselfishly of time and concern. This Ministry realized the
responsibility of the parish to assist in the pastoral needs of the elderly, the sick,
homebound, those in hospitals and the nursing home by listening, consoling and praying with
and for those who ask our prayers. The Minister will be responsible for taking the
Eucharist to parishioner who cannot come to church. They will arrange for a
convenient time for the parishioner as well as the minister.
There is a definite training period for these ministers as the are certified by the
diocese.
This is a very important ministry of our parish as these ministers have the privilege of
brining the Lord Jesus to those who want to receive the Eucharist and are unable to come
to church. It you are interested in knowing more about this ministry, please call the rectory office.
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Council Of Catholic Women (CCW)
The Council of Catholic Women strives to unit all the women of the
parish in religious, educational and social activities and to assist the pastor in
spiritual and material understandings for the welfare of the parish community. It serves
as an agency through which the women of the parish shall participate in the Diocesan
programs of Catholic action, by affiliation with the Diocesan and National Council of
Catholic Women.
CCW annually sponsors a craft show and a spring fashion show. Throughout the year other
events are scheduled as well as 'fun' activities for the women. All women of the parish
are encouraged to participate in the organization.
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Men's Club
The purpose of the Men's Club is to unite all the men of the
parish in religious, educational, and social activities and to assist the pastor in
spiritual and material undertakings for the welfare of the parish community.
The Men's Club biggest fund raiser is its annual $10,000 raffle.
The men meet on the first Friday of every month for a short business meeting, followed by
social activity. All men of the parish are invited and encouraged to attend the meetings.
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P.A.D.S. Public Action to Deliver Shelter
P.A.D.S. is a not-for-profit program that works with the homeless
in Dupage County. St. Alexis, our neighboring parish, is the site for this charitable
work, hosting the homeless every Saturday night. We at St. Charles Borromeo volunteer our
services for the 2nd Saturday of the month to monitor shifts throughout the night,
providing meals, helping with clean-up and laundry.
P.A.D.S. is in operation from October 1st through the end of April. There is always a need
for volunteers and prepared meals. New volunteers are always welcome. Call the rectory for more information.
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Seniors
Membership in this group is open to both men and women 55 years or
older. The purpose of the meeting is to socialize and be informed of programs available to
the seniors.
Meetings are held the 3rd Friday of every month from 12:30 to 3:00 PM in the Grasso
Center. If possible rides are arranged for those in need.
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Social Events
The Social Committee has been organized for the purpose of
bringing a joyful and celebrative spirit to the parish community. This committee is made
up of volunteers willing to contribute time and effort into the planning and staging of
several functions per year. The functions are mainly family oriented such as, the annual
fall dinner dance which includes children and lunch with Santa.
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Garden Club
The purpose of the Garden Club is to bring together parishioners who are
interested in enhancing the appearance of the Church surroundings.
Through the spring and summer they meet periodically to maintain what they have planted.
Parishioners are welcome to join the group. For further information call the rectory.
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School Board
The St. Charles Borromeo School Board, elected by the
parishioners, oversees the growth of the parish school.
The purpose of the School Board is to develop and define the policies which govern the
operation of the school, and to promote the implementation of the policies. The School
Board normally meets on the second Monday of the month. All parishioners are invited and
encouraged to attend.
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Religious Education Board
The Religious Education Board is an advisory board to the Director
of Religious Education, set up to consider matters of policy and operation of the
Religious Education Program. The Religious Education Board usually meets on the 3rd
Thursday of the month. Parishioners are welcome to attend.
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Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council is the coordinating and unifying
structure of the Parish Community. Members gather together the thoughts and ideas of the
community, work them together reaching an agreement, and then translating this consensus
into parish goals. The council memberships includes representation from each commission,
at-large members, representation of the Senior's and youth and the pastor.
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Worship/Liturgical Life Commission
The Worship/Liturgical Life Commission is an advisory, policy
making and liturgical planning group. The members meet monthly to assess the Worship needs
of the parish and to plan the major liturgical seasons. Members also read and discuss
basic liturgical guidelines and church documents, as well as relevant articles. Ongoing
formation is expected of any member of the Commission. Any adult parishioner may seek
membership.
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Administration/Budget/Stewardship Commission
The Administration Commission plans, provides for and supervises
the financial affairs and physical properties of the parish. This commission is concerned
with the effective utilization of parish resources, the budget and church support.
Included in the commission are : Finance, Budget, Stewardship, and Maintenance of the
building and grounds.
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Education Commission
The Education Commission is concerned with the continuous
life-long Christian education for all members of the parish from pre-school through adult.
Included on this commission are representatives from the school board, the religious
education board, adult continuous education group and anyone else whose competency would
be valuable to the Education Commission.
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Ministry Commission
This Commission is composed of parish staff members who have
responsibility in the area of concern, and at least one representative of each of the
ministries and others with particular interest or competency that would be valuable to the
Ministry Commission.
Ministries include: Ministry of Care, Bereavement, Brief Support, Befriender, and Blended
Families.
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Parish/Christian Life Service Commission
This Commission is composed of the Christian Service
organizations, including at least one representative from each group.
The main objective in to inform and involve each parishioner in service to one another and
to the larger communities. Special concern is given to meeting the human needs of people.
The various organizations include: Council of Catholic Women, Men's Club, Knights of
Columbus, Social Events, Seniors, Girls Scouts, and PADS.
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Junior High Youth Ministry
The Junior High Youth Ministry is a vital part of life at St. Charles.
Teens gather on Sunday evenings for open gym, companionship and serious talk. They are
active in service, and outreach projects as well as parish events. You may contact the
Junior High Youth Minister through the Religious Education Office.
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High School Youth Ministry
The High School Youth Ministry is alive and well at St. Charles.
Older teens gather Sunday evenings. Some of their events include the Annual Thanksgiving
Dinner, Volleyball Tournament, and Lenten Fastathon. Contact the High School Youth
Minister through the Religious Education Office.
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