Music enriches our faith experience. Our Lady of the Ridge is blessed with many parishioners grateful to be able to share their time and talent through voice and instrument. If interested in being part of Music Ministry, contact John Black.
Adult Choir
Open to high school age and above. The choir leads song at the 9:30 AM Mass from Fall through Spring. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
2019-2020 Calendar
Contemporary Ensemble
The Contemporary Ensemble consists of selected musicians who minister at the 11:30 Mass and at various other services throughout the year. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed.
Rehearsal Recordings
B62 Psalm (Short version)
B62 Gospel Acclamation (Short version)
DOWNLOAD THESE HELPFUL PAMPHLETS:
President: Mike Carroll
michaelcarroll3853@gmail.com
Vice President: Bill McFarland
billm@idealpop.com
Treasurer: Karen Carroll
carrollk388@gmail.com
Secretary: John Mrozek
smilesaver77@gmail.com
Click here for the registration form.
Click here for the flyer.
Watch previous Boxing Show footage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKmEttk9Nsw
Moderator: Steve Nestel
708-420-7363
Adoration Chapel
Our parish is committed to remaining in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord. Our adoration chapel is currently open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight seven days a week. Hundreds of parishioners have been immensely enriched by spending one hour a week with Christ before the Blessed Sacrament. However, there are always hours that need scheduled adorers and substitutes. Please prayerfully consider participating in this powerful devotion. Ministry Coordinators: Jim & Marianne Grisolano Phone: (708) 361-3876 Email: Marianne Grisolano
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is open to singers high school age and older. The choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and ministers at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass. Come share your talent and help us lead God’s people in the prayer of song. Ministry Coordinator: John Black
Phone: (708) 227-3460
Email: jabolor@sbcglobal.net
Altar Servers
Boys and girls in grades 4-8 serve the entire parish by assisting the priest and deacon during liturgical celebrations. New altar servers must attend an initial training session. Adults are also welcome. Ministry Coordinator: Marg Landry
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: landry1993@comcast.net
Anne, Lay Apostle
Our group meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center to pray the rosary and read the monthly message given by our Lord to Anne. Ministry Coordinator: Mary Graves Phone: (708) 599-2956 Email: gbillmary@aol.com
Art & Environment Committee
This committee ensures that our beautiful church is appropriately decorated for the liturgical season. The aim is to draw us into worship and to remind us of the facets of Christ’s life, death and resurrection that are being celebrated in particular liturgies in the Church calendar. Ministry Coordinator: June Houston Phone: (708) 422-4518
Email: junehouston@hotmail.com
Athletic Association and Booster Club
The OLOR Athletic and Booster Club provides support for children in our Religious Education program to participate in sports and other Parish activities. Sporting activities open to all boys and girls in our Parish are Basketball, Volleyball, Co-Ed Soccer and Boxing. Sports registration is held in June of each year. In addition, the organization is committed to supporting Parish activities; and the religious education program through volunteer work and fundraising in order to keep registration costs to a minimum. Ministry Coordinators: Michael Carroll, 312-509-3809, Bill McFarland, 312-241-4861 Mike Carroll, michaelcarroll3853@gmail.com
Baptismal Preparation Couple
Experienced couples take turns leading a monthly class for new parents who are preparing to baptize their son or daughter. The class focuses on the meaning of Baptism and the duties of parents in raising their child in the Catholic faith. Ministry Coordinator: Deacon John Orzechowski Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory)
Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
Beds Plus
In conjunction with several other local churches, our parish reaches out to the homeless in a program called PADS (Public Access to Deliver Shelter). Every Wednesday during the cold months of the year (October-April), a large team of parishioners provides a meal and temporary shelter for the homeless. Volunteers are needed to organize donations, cook meals, and stay overnight on 4-5 hour shifts. Ministry Coordinator: Chris Looby
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory)
Bereavement Ministry
Our ministry meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the parish center where we share fellowship and discuss in confidentiality the path to healing, both physical and emotional. We support one another through the journey of grief as well as receive God’s love, comfort and understanding through prayer and our own personal experiences. We create our own rituals and memorials to our deceased loved ones and provide speakers professionally trained to help us cope with our grief and sorrow at various times throughout the year. We welcome all those who have suffered the death of a loved one whether the loss was recent or many years ago. Grief is natural, necessary and normal and we hope to understand through sharing and prayer our emotions during the grieving process. We hope, with God’s love and care, and by walking together and alongside each other that in some small way He will bring comfort, support, strength and encouragement to all those who mourn.
Ministry Coordinator: Judy Paciga Phone: (708) 425-5797
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir is open to all parish children – grades 3 through 8. The choir rehearses once weekly and sings at Mass once monthly. Ministry Coordinator: John Black Phone: (708) 227-3460
Email: jabolor@sbcglobal.net
Church Cleaning Ministry
Men, women and children meet every other Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. for one hour. We sweep, vacuum and do light dusting to clean the Lord’s house for weekend services. There is no set commitment. Come on one Tuesday, once a month, or once a year. The more hands, the lighter the work.
Ministry Coordinator: Karen Powers Phone: (708) 839-8277 (home) or (708) 363-3437 (work)
Email: karenpowers0103@sbcglobal.net
Contemporary Ensemble
The Contemporary Ensemble is comprised of experienced singers and musicians. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed. The ensemble ministers at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Ministry Coordinator: John Black Phone: (708) 227-3460 Email: jabolor@sbcglobal.net
Corpus Christi Sunday
(Feast of the Body of Christ)
This feast is celebrated in the Latin Church on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday to commemorate the Holy Eucharist.
Ministry Coordinator: Elaine Maurer Phone: (708) 424-1580
Email: elainemaurer@sbcglobal.net
Daily Rosary
Every weekday at 7:30 a.m. in the church we pray the rosary. All are welcome.
Ministry Coordinator: Elaine Maurer Phone: (708) 424-1580
Email: elainemaurer@sbcglobal.net
Divine Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated the first Sunday after Easter at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Ridge. Our goal is to say the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the Adoration Chapel at 3:00 p.m. each day. Ministry Coordinator: Elaine Maurer
Phone: (708) 424-1580
Email: elainemaurer@sbcglobal.net
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic ministers have the special responsibility of helping the priest and deacon to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. To become a Eucharistic minister, one must be a practicing Catholic and a member of our parish, and be approved by the pastor. One two-hour training class is required, as well as an annual evening of prayer and reflection. Ministry Coordinator: Robert P. Koepel
Phone: (708) 423-6814
Email: hubbell6@att.net
Religion (ER) Catechists
Catechists aid parents in bringing the love and knowledge of Christ to our children so they can become mature active Catholics. If your children are not enrolled in the Catholic parish school, our program offers quality faith formation and sacramental preparation. The sessions of ER are held on Sundays, September through April, from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Ministry Coordinator: Call the Rectory
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
God’s Knitting Hands
We meet the second Sunday of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Parish Center. We knit and crochet at home for the ill or elderly. Our items are blessed by a priest. We accept donations of yarn. Ministry Coordinator: Ruth Howard
Phone: (708) 448-9215
Greeters
Greeters create a hospitable environment by cheerfully welcoming parishioners and visitors as they enter the church for Mass and distribute bulletins afterwards. Ministry Coordinators: Ron & Barb Zickterman
Phone: (708) 499-5038
Email: barbara.zickterman@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This organization provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community. Learn more at our web site.
Ministry Coordinator: Ken Vari Email: kwvari@comcast.net
Web Site: kc13201.org
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word after prayerfully reviewing the scripture passage by using the lector workbook, distributed shortly before Advent when all lectors attend a blessing service. This annual event also includes a training session for new lectors. Additional training sessions are held as needed. All lectors are alerted to spiritual formation opportunities as provided by the Archdiocese.
Ministry Coordinator: Kathy Lape Phone: (708) 636-6584
Email: k6athy13@comcast.net
Marquee Messengers
Volunteers are needed to change the message on the marquee in front of the rectory. Ministry Coordinators: Deacon Edwin & Marianne Hill Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
Marriage Formation & Enrichment
This ministry prepares engaged couples for marriage at Our Lady of the Ridge by providing many different formation and enrichment programs. Trained married couples with various years of marriage experience share their thoughts and faith on various topics with engaged couples. We also provide enrichment programs for married couples such as an annual married couple’s dinner party.
Ministry Coordinators: Deacon Edwin & Marianne Hill
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
Ministers of Care
The Ministers of Care are parishioners specially trained to bring the Body and Blood of the Lord to our parishioners in the community. We are a sign of the support and concern this church has for the sick and elderly. We visit them, we share the word of God in scripture, we pray for and with them. If you need a Minister of Care to visit a person who is unable to attend church on Sunday because of a temporary or long term illness or disability, please call the rectory and they will contact the coordinator to arrange a visit. If you would like more information on becoming a Minister of Care, please contact either the rectory or Diane Walker for more information. Ministry Coordinator: Diane Walker Phone: (708) 912-4642
Email: debow2001@aol.com
M.O.M.S.
The Ministry of Mothers Sharing welcomes women of all ages and from all paths of motherhood. We meet on the first Monday of each month in the Gathering Space of the church at 7:00 p.m. We start in a circle of prayer and we share our thoughts about different topics that focus on Christian women. We also share stories of the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Ministry Coordinator: Rita Pratl Phone: (708) 422-4576
Email: ritapratl@comcast.net
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our ministry gives you the opportunity to meet with other parishioners to pray and bring our traditions and devotion for Our Lady of Guadalupe to our church, and all those around, in need of her love. Please come to help us organize and prepare for her feast day. Ministry Coordinators: Mago Chacon, Sylvia Greska
Phone: (708) 243-3945, (708) 448-1160
Email: magocreations@yahoo.com
Our Lady of Knock
This ministry is dedicated to honoring our Blessed Mother’s appearance in Ireland on August 21, 1879. A special Mass and reception are held on the third Sunday of August to commemorate Our Lady, her husband St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist’s appearance in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland. Ministry Coordinator: Christina Noone
Phone: (708) 499-6561
Email: noonechristina@att.net
Prayer, Bible, and Jesus (PBJ)
Group Do you want to know Jesus a little better? Do you want to know more about the Bible? Do you just need a place to bring all of life’s struggles as a Catholic? We welcome you to discuss the Word with your fellow brothers and sisters. Join us for Bible Sharing and Fellowship on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1 North in the Parish Center. No prior bible knowledge is required to attend – just a desire to know the Lord better. Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Feel free to drop in and give it a try! Ministry Coordinator: Rob Macchia Phone: (708) 983-9140
Email: sparklenjo@att.net
Prayer Line
Parishioners phone the parish office to request prayers for their special needs. In turn, these prayers are passed by phone to a large network of parish volunteers who actively intercede through prayer for these intentions. Copies of these prayers are in the Gathering Space. Please take one and pray for all of these needs. If you receive a call from a prayer line volunteer please accept the call.
Ministry Coordinator: Mary Waitches
Phone: (708) 422-4121
Prayer Ministry
One of the many gifts that Jesus has given his church is the gift of healing prayer. Our Lady of the Ridge has prayer ministers who have completed an extensive formation program for this ministry. They are available to you as the need arises in your life. Prayer ministry is offered regularly each month in a variety of formats: 1) After the First Friday Mass 2) After all Masses on the third Sunday of each month, and 3) In an Extended Prayer Ministry format. You may arrange an opportunity for Extended Prayer Ministry by calling the Rectory to request a prayer ministry appointment. Ministry Coordinator: Helene Albano
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory)
Pro-Life Ministry
The Pro-Life Ministry of Our Lady of the Ridge Parish is dedicated to the respect and protection of all human life from conception to natural death. We are also committed to providing education and information on ethical issues concerning life and promoting Christian family life. We strive to achieve this mission through prayer, education, and service. Ministry Coordinator: Marianne Grisolano Phone: (708) 361-3876
Email: mariannegrisolano@hotmail.com
RCIA Sponsor
Sponsors are assigned to RCIA candidates and catechumens to support them on their faith journey. They act as a friend and mentor both before and after their reception in the Catholic Church. Ministry Coordinator: Call the Rectory
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
RCIA Team
RCIA is the process by which adults become Catholic. The RCIA Team assists in this process by providing education, hospitality, support, and facilitation at gatherings. They not only welcome the candidates into the faith, but also help them integrate into our parish family. Ministry Coordinator: Call the Rectory
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
Sacristans
Sacristans work quietly behind the scenes to ensure that our liturgies run smoothly. They prepare the sacred vessels, linens, and vestments needed for the liturgy, and also clean and put away all items afterwards. Sacristans are also responsible for cleaning the sanctuary and monitoring the candles. In these tasks, they are dedicated to St. Therese the Little Flower, who herself was a sacristan and counseled that each person do small things with great love. Ministry Coordinator: Barbara Halm
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee strives to educate and communicate with the parish at large regarding living Stewardship as a way of life.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
This organization is dedicated to providing emergency assistance to needy families in our community who have become distressed due to loss of employment or other problems. Men and women of the Society visit homes to determine need, and then offer food and, if able to, financial assistance for utilities, medications, etc. Our food pantry provides bags of food to the needy the second Saturday of each month. Funds are gathered mainly through the Poor Box in the church’s Gathering Space, as well as the annual pumpkin sale and various fundraisers. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to join.
Ministry Coordinator: Jack Sartori
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: johnnysarts5@gmail.com
Ushers
Ushers serve at Mass by assisting people to their seats, collecting the offertory, and directing the flow of people during Communion.
Ministry Coordinators: Ron & Barb Zickterman
Phone: (708) 499-5038
Email: barbara.zickterman@gmail.com
Welcoming Sunday
Four times each year we have a special celebration for our new families at Sunday Mass. Ministry Coordinator: Marg Landry
Phone: (708) 289-0943
Email: landry1993@comcast.net
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is designed to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of their faith community. Through a variety of events and activities, youth ministry empowers young people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. OLOR youth ministry provides: Kairos retreats, parish retreats, co-ed sports, mission trips, liturgy/prayer experiences, service opportunities and games/activities nights. Ministry Coordinator:
Call the Rectory
Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory) Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com
General Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help plan and host various parish events throughout the year.
Call the Rectory Phone: (708) 425-3800 (Rectory)
Email: jjpatmush04@aol.com