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Ministries Index

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Worship

Adoration
If you are longing for a deeper relationship with our Lord, you should consider participating in our Adoration Chapel. People, who commit to an hour a week, do over time; experience a true transformation of faith. It puts you in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord, providing tremendous powers of intercession for the needs of our families, friends, parish community, and nation. Our parish is truly blessed by these prayer warriors. Contact: Brenda Porter 847-458-8862
Altar Servers
Youth, grades 5 and older, who assist the priest and deacon at Mass. Attendance at training session is required.
Contact: Father Joel 815-459-3033
Audio/Visual Committee
Set up and operate the audio and visual equipment for Special services; eg. Christmas, Easter, etc.
Contact: Judy Zelz 815-459-3033
Children’s Liturgy
Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered at the 9:30a.m. Mass every Sunday of the year except Easter and Christmas.  The program is geared towards children 3-8 years old.  Children's Liturgy leaders accompany the children into the parish center for 20 minutes of worship.  The readings and Gospel are shared in children's terms and the leaders reflect with the children on God's Word through discussion and activities.

Children's Liturgy leaders spend 2-3 hours preparing for their scheduled session.  Session plans for most weeks are available for copy making the prep time even less. Leaders decide which weeks they will lead and generally lead 2 or 3 times per quarter.  The leaders meet once every quarter to share ideas. Contact: Julie Theros 815-455-3765
Eucharist Minister
Assist in distributing the Eucharist during Mass. Must be at least 16 years of age and Confirmed. Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled by Mass preference. Attend a one- two hour training session. There is an annual review meeting. Contact: Lynn Wickham 815-459-8537
Lectors
Proclaim the Sacred Scripture at liturgical services, following in-depth study of the readings. Lectors are scheduled by Mass preference. An annual orientation meeting is required for all lectors.
Contact: Kevin Schroeder 815-356-0246
Mass Coordinator
Prepare all materials for Communion and assure that Eucharistic ministers are assigned. Contact: Judy Zelz 815-459-3033
Ministry of Care/Communion to Nursing Homes
Bring the Eucharist and compassion to parishioners who are ill or homebound. Commitment can be on a regular or as-needed basis. Contact: Deacon Chuck Gagnon 815-459-3033
Music: Musician, Adult Choir
Provides music for all Masses. Singers choose the Mass they will sing at. Open to anyone who enjoys praying with a variety of contemporary and traditional music and is committed to enhancing the sung prayer of the Assembly. Weekly rehearsals on Wednesday 7-9p.m. When weekly rehearsals are not possible, singers sing at the Masses they have rehearsed. Contact: Gayle Dirksen 815-455-2691
Music: Celebration Choir
Performs on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy Week and Confirmation. Includes people who are unable to commit to regular participation through the year. Weekly rehearsals in preparation for these celebrations. Contact: Gayle Dirksen 815-455-2691
Seton’s Echo Children’s Choir
Sings twice monthly during the school year at Saturday Masses. Open to children ages 2-8. Rehearsals are Thursday 6:30-7:30p.m. Contact: Donna Hernandez 815-455-1136
Ushers
Ushers provide a sense of community and order by greeting worshipers as they arrive, assisting them with seating and special needs. Ushers also manage the offertory collection and direct the congregation during distribution of Communion. Contact: Dan Corcoran 815-455-9412 or David Morrison 815-477-7317
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Religious Education

All volunteers (except Office Support) must complete a background check and attend “Protecting God’s Children” within three months of the school year beginning.

Babysitter
Take care of volunteers’ children during class time at South High School. Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096
Catechist (Pre thru 6th Grade)
Spends one to two hours weekly on lesson planning for leading classes held on Wednesday evening. Classes are 1 ½ hour long. Class size is approximately 20 students with a classroom aide. Share and support the vision and goals of the parish religious education program by attending catechist meetings, participating in yearly evaluations, and reading recommended catechetical materials Classes meet on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. or 6:30-8:00 p.m. during the school year. Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096.
Catechist Aide
Assist Catechist in lesson planning and help with classroom management. Will fill in for lead Catechist if needed.
Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096
1:1 Aide
Work with individual student with special needs in classroom. Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096
Hall Monitor
Help Coordinator of Religious Education distribute materials to classrooms, walk students to and from washrooms, and monitor hallways during Religious Education class time.
Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096
Office Assistance
Assist with preparation of classroom materials on a weekly basis. Volunteers are also needed at various times during the year for special projects. This position is for both Religious Education and Youth Ministry, as needed. Contact: Patti Scronce 815-459-3096
Substitute
Be available on short notice to fill in for Catechist or Aide, and take over duties during class time. May be called every week. Contact: June Parisi 815-459-3096
Traffic Patrol
Assure the safety of the children as they arrive and depart in the South High School parking lot by enforcing traffic policies. Contact: June Parisi 815/459-3096
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Youth Ministry for Adults

Contact: Wes Slawson 815-459-3033

Confirmation Co-Teacher (2yrs)
Prepare high school students for the sacrament of Confirmation. Approximate class size is 15. Attend catechist meetings, and required diocesan classes.
Jr. High Co-Teacher (2yrs)
Implement session plans for 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday nights. Approximate class size is 20. Attend catechist meetings, and required diocesan classes.
Lenten Fish Fry Worker (Thursdays and/or Fridays)
We need everything from kitchen help to dessert makers, clean up, laundry and more
Life Teen Meal Crew (2nd and 4th Sundays; 4:00p.m.)
Prepare, serve, and clean up after meals during Life Teen Nights.
Mission Team Prayer Warrior
Keep all of our missionaries in your prayers, especially during their summer ministry.
Office Assistance
Assist with basics like making copies, filing, mailing assembly, phone blitzes, and data entry.
New Prayer Partner – begins in 9/07 (2 year commitment)
Prayerfully support and communicate with a Confirmation student throughout the two years. Attend a prayer partner lunch once a year.
Special Event Team for Youth Events
Assist with set up, clean up, and chaperoning of special events.
Grant Writer for Missions Program
Research possible grants and writing grant applications.
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Youth Ministry for Teens

Contact: Wes Slawson 815-459-3033

Confirmation Prep Co-Facilitator
Prepare high school students for the sacrament of Confirmation. Approximate class size is 15. Attend catechist meetings, and required diocesan classes.
Jr. High Religious Education Co-facilitator
Assist in implementing session plans for 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday nights. Approximate class size is 20. Attend catechist meetings, and required diocesan classes.
Life Teen Lector
Proclaim readings as scheduled for Life Teen Masses. Training needed
Life Teen Eucharistic Minister (must be Confirmed)
Distribute communion at Life Teen Mass. Training needed.
Life Teen Hospitality
Meet and greet people attending the Life Teen Mass.
Life Teen Altar Servers (5th Grade or older)
Serve on the altar for Life Teen Mass. Training needed.
Life Teen Musician / Singer (Weekly on Sundays)
Meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons to rehearse. Participate at Masses on alternating Sundays.
Special Event Team for Youth Events
Assist with set up, clean up, and chaperoning of special events.
Office Assistance
Assist with basics like making copies, filing, mailing assembly, phone blitzes, and data entry.
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Adult Faith Formation

Adult Formation Team
Plan events to guide adults through personal and spiritual growth opportunities. These opportunities include Lenten Groups, Fall Family Forum, scripture study and guest speakers on adult subjects. Contact: Office 815-459-3033
LOTW
Light of the World Parish Evangelization Process (LOTW) is a powerful plan for evangelization and renewal within our parish. LOTW reaches out to every member of our parish no matter where they are in their faith journey, inviting them to a deeper relationship with our Lord and a greater knowledge of their faith, and supporting them in their renewed commitment.

The retreats are held twice a year at our Parish: once in the Spring and once in the Fall. The schedule begins on Friday evening, and continues through Monday evening. After each day, the participants return home, and return the following day. The retreat is presented by fellow parishioners, with the support and assistance of our priests. During the retreat, participants will have time for prayer, adoration and small group discussions. Prayerfully consider coming to the next retreat. You may contact Brenda Porter 847-458-8862.
Men’s Bible Study
Join a group of adults who study Scripture together and share faith and support. Contact: John Chalmers 847-458-2554
Marriage Preparation
Married couples who assist the priests in preparing engaged couples for the Sacrament of Marriage by administering the FOCCUS portion of the marital preparation program. The FOCCUS discussion is conducted in the home of the reviewing couple. Requires two-three hours of preparation in addition to the time spent with the couple. Contact: Terry & Dave Duwe 815-455-2246
RCIA
Assist in conducting the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program by serving as a Catechist, Sponsor, and/or dismissal leader on Sunday mornings. Meetings are held weekly.
Contact: Lori Patton 815-477-2636
Why Catholic?
Adult faith journey through the Catechism. Looking for facilitators to guide a small group through a template program for 6 sessions in the spring and fall. This is not an instructor role, but a participatory role that guides the group through the workbook. Contact: John Maier: 815-356-7701
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Organizations

Keystone Event
The Keystone event is our major annual fund raiser of the year, with the proceeds being dedicated to paying off our new parish center. Devoting your time and energy with this ministry allows you many opportunities to enrich your faith and fellowship, while helping other members of the parish with such a worthwhile cause.
Contact: Rick Summerville 815-455-1247
Knights of Columbus
The EAS Knights of Columbus, which is part of the largest fraternal order of Catholic men in the world, band together:

  • To be of service to Church and community by coming to the aid of those most in need in society.
  • To strengthen families and family life.
  • To strengthen themselves and each other in the Faith.
  • To be a strong pillar of support for our priests and bishops.
  • To aid one another in times of hardship, sickness or death.
  • To foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship, loyalty to country and the love of God.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. Contact: Tom Schiffer 815-459-2983
Rosary Makers
A weekly group that comes together to construct beautiful rosaries for Our Lady. Both chain and corded rosaries are constructed, and sent to missions overseas, and for the benefit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well. Please join us in making something special for Our Blessed Mother. Contact: Debbie Guentz 815-814-3227
SANLO
Promotes an understanding of the Filipino culture with the celebration of Simbang Gabi with an evening Mass in December. Also, there is the celebration of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first and only Filipino Saint. Meetings are held once a month. Contact: Norma Purn 847-458-6762
Women’s Group
The women’s group is a social service organization that sponsors events and activities, which promote community building within our Parish. Annually activities include; The Christmas in the Country Bazaar, The Keystone Evening, Mother/Daughter banquet, Spring Bake Sale and Craft nights. Contact: Claudia Agnes 815-477-9258
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Outreach

Outreach Ministry Coordinator: Annie Emmerich 847-854-6682

Food Pantry
The Crystal Lake Interfaith Food Pantry provides food for families in need in the Crystal Lake area. Volunteers may work in any of three areas: (1) Staffing the Food Pantry on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. (2) Collecting and delivering food from our parish’s monthly food drive. (3) Greeter at a Food Drive Weekend Mass. Contact: Andrea McCarthy 815-477-7126
Giving Tree
Sort and deliver gifts donated by parishioners to less fortunate families in the Crystal Lake area. The Giving Tree is set up at Easter and Christmas. Contact: Connie Mulhern 815-477-1827 or Antoinette Hodgsen 815-477-7353
Health Ministry
Physicians, nurses, therapists, health educators or anyone with a
health-related certification or training who are interested in volunteering time, experience and expertise to benefit the health of fellow parishioners. Volunteers offer blood-pressure screenings the 1st Sunday of each month; publish health related articles concerning " Taking Care of the Temple" in the SEAS bulletin; and assist with organizing parish educational offerings that include the principals of healthy well being in  body, mind & spirit for SEAS members. Personal volunteer time is very flexible and may be as little as 1hr/mo. Contact Linda Chalmers 847-458-2554, Mary Wozny 815-477-3289 or Norma Purn 847-458-6762
Meal Service
Provide meals to parishioners who may be suffering an emergency, hospitalization, illness, etc. Volunteers are called in advance to deliver a meal, generally three or four times per year.
Contact: Linda Yackle 815-477-7129
PADS
PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) uses local churches to provide meals and shelter for the homeless in the area. Volunteers may cook food, work in the shelters, or launder sheets, towels, etc. Volunteers may work on a regular or as-needed basis. Volunteers are also needed to drive guests to work using the PADS mini-bus. Contact: Linda Baumert 847-669-2850
Pax Christi
Pax Christi promotes a small-group method of peacemaking based on prayer, study and action.
Our McHenry Chapter (which meets at SEAS the 4th Tuesday of the month) is a section of Pax Christi USA and Pax Christi International.  Our name is Latin for the Peace of Christ that Jesus offered when He said, "Peace is my gift to you." Contact: Bill and Marjorie Pfeifer 847-515-2014
Prayer Chain
Support parishioners who have a special need for prayer to help them or a loved one through a particularly difficult time. Prayer Chain meets these needs by each person praying in their own homes. Prayers requests are kept for at least two weeks, longer if requested. Join us! Contact: Bernie Bailey 847-669-3061
Respect Life
Organize projects such as guest speakers, literature, and showers for crisis pregnancy centers. The focus is on respect for life in all aspects from "womb to tomb". Time commitment is up to the individual volunteer. Contact: Janelle Chandek 847-854-6881
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Other

Decorating: Holiday, Sewing, Floral, etc.
Design, sew and maintain vestments, banners, alters cloths, etc. Perform miscellaneous jobs such as hanging banners, building platforms, order and maintain flowers for the various seasons. Contact: Mary Ann Bywalec 847-854-4308
Grounds Help/Entrance Garden
Minor repairs and maintenance of the church’s physical structure and grounds. This also includes monthly interior cleaning. Rectory maintenance may also be needed.
Contact: Brian Harper 815-356-5269
Kitchen Captains
We are looking to form a committee dedicated to preserving our kitchen and the guidelines set up for use of the kitchen.  This would mean using the checklist supplied for follow-up of any /all events so that the facility is left in an orderly and clean fashion.  The follow-up has to be done immediately after events. 
Contact: Patti Scronce 815-459-3033.
Meditation Garden
Participate in the beautification of the peaceful Meditation Garden. Duties involve weekly planting flowers and occasional pruning of shrubs. You will also water potted flowers…the watering system takes care of the beds. Please come and join us in this beautiful spiritual place. Contact: Marie Morrison 815-477-7317
Toddler Room
Adults serve in Toddler Room once every 6-8 weeks during 9:30a.m. Mass. Two teen helpers will be assigned to assist in taking care of up to 15 toddlers. Adult volunteers will need to complete a background check and attend “Protecting God’s Children” within three months of beginning to work in the Toddler Room.

Teens serve in the Toddler Room once every 4-6 weeks during the 9:30a.m. Mass. Teens help the adult volunteer take care of up to 15 toddlers. Teen volunteer must be at least 10 years old.

Volunteers need to report to the Toddler Room by 9:15a.m. on weeks they are scheduled, and are responsible for finding a sub from the list provided if they are unable to work their scheduled turn. Contact: June Parisi at 815-459-3096
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Parish Office

Money Counter
Contact Patti Scronce 815-459-3033
Office Assistance
Assist in collating, folding, and stuffing envelopes, preparing parish bulk mailings, and answering phones as needed. Contact: Patti Scronce 815-459-3033
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