Ministries
Adoration Chapel
Our parish is committed to remaining in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord at all times. 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. Please prayerfully consider participating in this powerful devotion.
Jim & Marianne Grisolano, (708) 636-6185
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is open to all singers from high school age and beyond. We rehearse every Wednesday night in church from 7:00-9:00 and sing for 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, as well as at other events during the year. If you enjoy singing, come share your talent and help us lead God's people in prayer through song.
John Black, (708) 227-3460
Adult Sunday School
Adult Sunday School is open to high school age and older. We meet each Sunday from 8:15-9:00 a.m. in the school library. The stand lectionary is our curriculum. We read God’s word in each Sunday’s readings, examine them, learn about the cultural and/or historical context of what is said, and discuss the overall application of these scriptures to our daily lives. We explore questions of faith together. Sunday school is a place to journey. Sunday school is about creating a space for us to grow in our relationship with Christ, and each other. Together we encourage each other, safely express our doubts, ask questions, and enter into a holy honesty about our faith.
Rick Landry, (708) 601-7771
Altar Servers
Boys and girls in grades 5-8 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.
Marg Landry, (708) 289-0943
Anne, Lay Apostle
Our group meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center to pray the rosary and read the monthly message given by our Lord to Anne.
Mary Graves (708) 599-2956
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.
June Houston, (708) 422-4518
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.
Deacon John Orzechowski, (708) 425-3800
Children's Choir
The Children's Choir is open to all parish children – grades 3 through 8 – regardless of the school they attend. The choir rehearses once weekly and sings at Mass once monthly.
John Black, (708) 227-3460
Contemporary Ensemble
The Contemporary Ensemble is comprised of experienced singers and musicians invited to provide enrichment to various worship events. They regularly serve at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.
John Black, (708) 227-3460
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.
Elaine Maurer, (708) 424-1580
Eileen Killelea, (708) 422-0229
Daily Rosary
Every weekday at 7:30 am in the church we pray the rosary, all are welcome.
Elaine Maurer, (708) 424-1580
Eileen Killelea, (708) 422-0229
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.
Elaine Maurer, (708) 424-1580
Eileen Killelea, (708) 422-0229
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.
Robert P. Koepel, (708) 423-6814
Experience 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 Sunday, September through April, from 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Cathy Marth (708) 259-6618
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.
Ruth Howard, (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.
Ron & Barb Zickterman, (708) 499-5038
Healing Prayer Ministry
The Healing Prayer Ministry is a group of spiritual lay people who minister to those who are in need of healing – physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Rosa Ramirez, (773) 586-6195
Holy Hour
Every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. parishioners gather in the church to pray before Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Please join us for an uplifting time of quiet prayer and song.
Elaine Maurer, (708) 424-1580
Eileen Killelea, (708) 422-0229
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, especially by raising funds through events such as the fish fry, Movie Nights, the Annual Tootsie Roll Drive and summer flea markets.
Mike Marth, (708) 259-6612
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word after prayerfully reviewing the scripture passage by using the lector workbook, blessed shortly before Advent when all lectors attend a blessing and commissioning service. Training sessions are held as needed. All lectors are alerted to spiritual formation opportunities as provided by the Archdiocese.
Kathy Lape, (708) 636-6584
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.
Deacon Edwin & Marianne Hill, (708) 425-3800
Martha Ministry
Men, women and children meet every Friday at 3:00 p.m. in our church. We sweep, vacuum and do light dusting to clean the Lord’s house for weekend services. There is no set commitment. Come every Friday, once a month, or once a year. The more hands, the lighter the work.
Karen Powers, (708) 839-8277 (home) or (708) 363-3437 (work)
Men’s Club
The Men’s Club is a long-standing parish organization that provides an opportunity for all children of the parish to participate in sports activities. The sports offered are volleyball, basketball, football, and boxing. Registration for all sports is held in May of each year, and is open to all parish children. This excellent program is made possible by many members and volunteers, both men and women.
John Parillo, (708) 233-1070
Ministers of Care
Dedicated parishioners bring Communion to those who cannot worship with us on Sundays due to illness or advanced age. Every week they bring kind words and prayers to hospitalized parishioners, homebound and the residents of local nursing homes. We are always in need of more volunteers for this rewarding ministry.
Florence Wagner, (708) 307-7702
Diane Walker, (708) 912-4642
M.O.M.S.
The Ministry of Mothers Sharing welcomes mothers of all ages and from all paths of motherhood. We gather on the first Monday of each month in the Gathering Space of the church at 7:30 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. As a group, we are new moms, seasoned moms, grandmas, single moms and step-moms.
Rita Pratl, (708) 422-4576
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.
Mago Chacon, (708) 243-3945
Sylvia Greska, (708) 448-1160
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 created 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.
Christina Noone, (708) 499-6561
PADS
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.
Chris Looby (708) 361-1141
Prayer Group
For more than 15 years, a group of parishioners has come together to share their faith and offer God the intercessions and petitions of our parish family. The group prays for our priests, parishioners, and local community, as well as the concerns of our nation and our world. A healing Mass is held on the first Friday of the month; on the last Friday of the month a prayer meeting is held from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space and the Church.
Rob Macchia (708) 983-9140
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.
Mary Waitches, 708-422-4121
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.
Marianne Grisolano, (708) 636-6185
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.
Call the Rectory 708-425-3800
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.
Cathy Marth (708) 259-6618
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.
Barbara Halm, (708) 425-3800
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee strives to educate and communicate with the parish at large regarding living Stewardship as a way of life. We are looking for help in a few areas and are adding two subcommittees:
Education
Volunteers will develop the parish newsletter, act as ministry liaison, assist with mailings and/or continue to educate parishioners.
Joni Blackwell, (708) 424-2706
Hospitality
Volunteers will plan and host various parish events throughout the year.
Don Norris, (708) 857-8869
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 later offer food and, if able to, financial assistance. Food boxes are given 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 Fall Festival. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to join.
Kathy King, (708) 289-4180
Ushers
Ushers serve at Mass by assisting people to their seat, collecting the offertory, and directing the flow of people during Communion.
Ron and Barb Zickterman, (708) 499-5038
Welcoming Sunday
Four times each year we have a special celebration for our new families at Sunday Mass.
Rick Landry, (708) 601-7771
Youth Ministry
This is a wonderful opportunity for adults and teens who enjoy working together! Volunteers are needed to assist with creative brainstorming at monthly planning meetings, as well as overseeing and chaperoning a variety of events. These may include retreats, co-ed sports, liturgy/prayer experiences, service opportunities and games/activities nights. Join us as we continue to develop our outreach to teens.
Cathy Marth, (708) 259-6618
OUR LADY OF THE RIDGE SCHOOL:
General Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help with various tasks and school-related events, some of which are parish wide, throughout the year.
Sr. Stephanie Kondik, O.S.F., (708) 424-4409
Some school-related events include:
Avon
Book Fair
Box Tops for Education
Campbell’s Soup Labels
Candy Sale
Cartridge Recycling
Commemorative Brick Program
Craft Fair
Game-a-thon
Junior Stewards Club
*Lunch Parent
Market Day
Medical Records Review
*Pancake Breakfast
Parent Club Committee
*Santa’s Workshop
*Vision & Hearing Screening
*School-related events for parents/guardians of parish school children who have had VIRTUS training and a criminal background check.
Market Day Helper
Market Day is a monthly fundraiser in which families purchase frozen food items and the parish receives a portion of the proceeds. Volunteers help pre-package orders for pickup or coordinate evening pickups. Volunteers also help with reminder calls, volunteer requests, snacks, etc. Delivery service is available for a nominal charge.
John Unger, (708) 860-2658
Parent Club Committee
The Parent Club promotes fellowship and friendship among school families through events such as Family Movie Night, Family Pizza & Bingo Night and other group outings. The Committee also sponsors the Craft Fair, Wreath Sale and Santa’s Workshop. Several volunteers are needed throughout the year to plan and coordinate these fun family-oriented events.
Gina Mrozek (773) 229-8608
School Board
The School Board acts a consultative body, aiding the pastor and principal to establish school policies. They also coordinate fundraising events such as the Candy Drive and Game-a-thon.
Christine Okelman, (708) 424-8305
Junior Stewards Club
The club’s mission is to be a vehicle for our children to embark on a stewardship way of life by opening their hearts to respond to the needs of the community through organized acts of kindness. Activities include giving back to the parish community and supportive businesses, participating in charitable causes, and fundraising events to support the club’s efforts. Meetings are biweekly after school in addition to scheduled activities.
Dina Stauber, (708) 710-6956
Beth Parillo, (708) 710-2550
Gina McClorey, (708) 373-0441
School Marketing & Recruitment
This ministry involves the promoting of our parish school to the faith communities of Chicago Ridge and Worth. Responsibilities include the placement of newsworthy articles, events and/or pictures in local newspapers or on local cable access, develop and pursue recruitment opportunities through either phone discussions or face-to-face conversations, and act as a resource person for school inquiries. This ministry is advisory in nature to both the school principal and pastor.
Sara Aldworth, (708) 597-8524
VOICE Program Volunteer
This programs allows parishioners and school families to purchase certificates which they can use at a large number of local stores, including grocery stores, gas stations, movie theaters, and department stores. There is no additional cost to purchase the certificates, but the parish gets a small percentage each time they are used and the family earns credit toward tuition (parish school, high school or college). It has become a major funding source for our parish. Volunteers are needed to help sell certificates.
Teri Ferchau, (708) 448-9889