St. Teresa of Avila Parish
Ministries
Each Ministry at St. Teresa falls under one of three Commissions:
Spiritual Life
and Education, Parish Life, and
Human Concerns.
Spiritual Life & Education Commission
Adult
Religious Education and Formation
One of the main priorities of the of the parish is adult religious
formation and spirituality. In addition to liturgical celebrations, we
promote special sessions for scripture study, study of spirituality, and
exploration of current topics of interest. We organize retreats and
other activities which will foster the spiritual growth of our parish.
(Contact: Fr. Ron Galt
rgalt@lumc.edu or
rgalt@stteresaparish.org)
Baptism
Preparation
The purpose of this ministry is to prepare parents for the baptism
of their children. Members of the parish receive training for this
ministry and work together to help parents experience and participate
more fully in their children’s reception of this sacrament.
(Contact:
Erica Saccucci
secretary@stteresaparish.org 773-528-6650)
Catechesis
of the Good Shepherd
Children between the ages of 3 and 14 are encouraged to attend
catechesis sessions. We offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a
Montessori based, interactive program for children from 3-9 years old.
Children from 10-14 attend interactive sessions which also work along
the same lines as the Good Shepherd program. Our program is scripture
based, family friendly, and a positive way to help children learn and
treasure their Catholic faith. A minimum of two years of catechesis is
required for sacramental preparation for communion or confirmation.
(Contact:
Ms. Kristen Hempstead
khempstead@stteresaparish.org)
Liturgy of
the Word for Children
Children ages 3 and up gather during the Scripture readings and
homily at the Sunday 9 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. Masses to discuss readings of
the day. The Scriptures of the day are adapted for the children’s
understanding and appreciation. The children are encouraged to pray
together. Afterwards, they rejoin their parents and families for the
remainder of the Mass. Volunteers are welcomed and trained for this
ministry.
(Contact:
Ms. Kristen Hempstead
khempstead@stteresaparish.org)
Eucharistic
Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are trained and scheduled to minister at our
Masses. There is semi-annual recruitment and training of individuals
seeking to become new ministers. (Contact: Dave or Jean
Kostelansky )
Greeters/Ushers
Greeters and Ushers welcome people to our church. They help
distribute items needed at liturgical services such as song books,
palms, candles, and so forth. They are responsible for taking up
offertory collections and ensuring people feel welcomed and “at home“
at St. Teresa. (Contact:
Fr. Ron Galt
rgalt@lumc.edu or
rgalt@stteresaparish.org)
Grupo de
Oracion-Spanish Prayer Group
The ministries of this group include prayer services on Saturday
evenings in people’s homes, delivering clothing and canned food to the
poor, and the visitation of prisoners. Activities also include a prayer
service every Tuesday at 7:30 P.M. in the church, an annual religious
live music concert and an annual picnic. There are two yearly retreats -
Life in the Holy Spirit and the Power of the Holy Spirit. Leaders meet
bi-weekly to plan and evaluate their work.
(Contact: Carmen Ubides, Parish Office 773-528-6650)
Lectors
Lectors are trained and scheduled to proclaim the Word of God at
our Eucharistic and other Liturgical celebrations. Training and
workshops are offered twice a year. (Contact: Dave or
Jean Kostelansky)
Liturgy Team
The Liturgy Team meets monthly to prepare for the major Liturgical
Seasons, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time, the Parish
Feast Day , and Thanksgiving. The team works to ensure that our
Eucharistic liturgies are prayerful, welcoming, challenging, and
affirming experiences for parishioners. (Contact: Rev.
Ron Galt
rgalt@stteresaparish.org
Music
Ministries
Cantors lead parishioners in Saturday and Sunday liturgy services.
The Festival Choir sings at Advent, Christmas, and Easter liturgies.
Musicians are most welcome to join in this wonderful and joyful
ministry. A Children’s Choir also sings at various liturgical functions
during the year. A desire to sing and have fun is the only requirement.
(Contact: Jason Krumwiede, Music Director
musicalnut1@yahoo.com)
Parish
Mission
Each year the community of St. Teresa of Avila joins together for
the Parish Mission to reflect on scripture and faith over a
period of three days. Each year the Mission has a theme. It invites us
to be still and listen to what God is asking of us individually and as a
community.
(Contact: Rev. Ron Galt
rgalt@stteresaparish.org)
Prepare -
Marriage Preparation Program
The Prepare Inventory helps couples to reflect on their
values and to see them in relation to the person to whom he/she is about
to make a commitment. The process provides an opportunity to know the
strengths and weaknesses in a couple’s relationship.
(Contact:
Erica Saccucci
secretary@stteresaparish.org 773-528-6650)
R.C.I.A. -
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments
of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist participate in this process of
initiation. The support of our faith community is essential: sponsors,
prayers, sharing in the rites of the RCIA, encouraging our catechumens
in their journey.
(Contact: (Contact: Fr. Ron
Galt
rgalt@lumc.edu or
rgalt@stteresaparish.org))
Spanish
Liturgy
A meeting is held the first Sunday of every month in the Parish
Center after the 10:30 A.M. Mass. All ministries (lectors, ministers of
the Eucharist, ushers, greeters, servers) have co-directors who comment
on accomplishments and help develop future plans. The meeting is open to
all who wish to minister and all opinions are heard. All aspects of the
liturgy are evaluated. The goals are that of liturgical development,
recruitment, and participation in the various church ministries.
(Contact: Deacon Hector Rivera, Parish Office 773-528-6650)
Stewardship/Call to Discipleship
This ministry helps to focus all parish efforts in the perspective
of our sharing of our time, our talent, and our treasure. It helps us to
remember that all we do is in gratitude to God.
(Contact: Hank Matecki
hmatecki@stteresaparish.org )
Building/Facilities Committee
This committee oversees the physical plant and works with the
parish staff to ensure the best use of the facilities and to ensure the
physical plant is well-maintained. The committee provides long range
planning assistance and advice to the parish staff.
(Contact: Hank Matecki
hmatecki@stteresaparish.org)
Dinner Dance
A St. Teresa tradition, this fun social event usually occurs in the
Springtime. The event is about great food, delightful music, superb
dancing, and just plain having a great time with your fellow
parishioners and friends. (Contact: Hank Matecki
hmatecki@stteresaparish.org
or
Kathy Spreitzer
krspreitzer@aol.com)
Feast Day of
St. Teresa of Avila
The October Feast Day celebration of our parish’s
patron, St. Teresa of Avila, gives us an opportunity for a beautiful
bilingual Eucharistic celebration followed by a gathering to enjoy old
and new friendships. (Contact:
Kathy Spreitzer
krspreitzer@aol.com)
Finance
Committee
This committee reviews the financial position of the parish and
advises the pastor and business manager on financial matters, including
the preparation of the annual parish budget. The committee meets
monthly. Meetings are open to all members of the parish.
(Contact: Michael Zost, Finance Comm. Chair
mzost@earthlink.net )
Las Damas-Hispanic Women’s Group
This active women’s group helps organize numerous Parish
events in conjunction with the Hispanic Men’s Group (Los Caballeros)
including pancake breakfast, after Mass coffees, Taco Sales, a Christmas
Meal and the Father’s Day Luncheon. They also plan and present Retreats
and Day of Renewal.
(Contact: Carmen Ubides, Parish Office 773-528-6650)
Los
Caballeros del Santo Nombre -- Hispanic Men’s Group
This active men’s group, in conjunction with the women’s
group (Las Damas), helps to organize numerous Parish events including
pancake breakfasts, after Mass coffees, Taco Sales, Christmas Meals, and
the Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day Luncheons.
(Contact: Bolivar Gonzalez, Parish Office 773-528-6650)
Spanish
Language Classes
Those interested in learning to speak Spanish meet weekly in
the evening during the school year.
Summer in the
City
This Parish tradition, sponsored by St. Teresa’s
parishioners and friends, is the major annual fund-raiser for the
Parish. The proceeds of this fun evening - live and silent auctions,
great food and beverages, marvelous entertainment, music, and a super
raffle - support the Parish’s outreach programs as well as help defray
the cost of capital improvements. Volunteers help solicit sponsors,
contributors, prepare mailings, and work at the event itself.
(Contact: Hank Matecki,
Business Manager, hmatecki@stteresaparish.org)
Parish
Pastoral Council
The Parish Council, comprised of a broad representation of
the parish’s membership, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of
the operations of the Parish and for providing counsel to the pastor and
parish staff.
(Contact: Eric Fredericks, Chairperson,
eric@ericfredericks.net)
Welcoming
Committee
We hope to make new parishioners, as well as all
parishioners and visitors, feel at home at St. Teresa of Avila and
assist them in connecting with groups with whom they would like to
become involved. This is done in connection with the Parish registration
process.
(Contact: Dana Vance drabbits3@sbcglobal.net)
Young Adult
Committee
The Young Adult Committee sponsors a diverse offering of
activities with the goal of coming to know one another and deepening our
understanding of our faith community (learn while having fun!)
(Contact: Rev. Ron Galt
rgalt@lumc.org or
rgalt@stteresaparish.org)
Blood Drive
Volunteers help plan and execute this service to the
community. Parishioners and friends have the opportunity to donate
blood once or twice a year.
(Contact:
Hank Matecki
hmatecki@stteresaparish.org or Kathy Spreitzer
krspreitzer@aol.com)
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry provides food and toiletries to people in
need. Distribution takes place in
the Parish Center’s Gathering Space from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the second, fourth, and
fifth Fridays of each month. Parishioners are encouraged to donate food
and supplies. Cash donations are also welcome. (Contact: Tom Kinsella
t.kinsella@sbcglobal.net
)
Jesse
Tree / Advent Tree
This ministry connects parishioners with the homeless,
the aged, and needy families and children at Christmas time via the
tagged gift tree in the church. This ministry looks to maintain a
“more than just at Christmas” presence to those in need. (Contact:
Kathy Spreitzer
krspreitzer@aol.com)
Loaves and Fishes Dinners for the
Homeless and Poor
On the first and third Friday of each month volunteers
help prepare and serve our Loaves and Fish dinners to
homeless persons and senior citizens. The dinners are provided in
the Parish Center. The program is coordinated with the Food Pantry
and the Jesse Tree. (Contact:
Kathy Spreitzer
krspreitzer@aol.com )
School Supply
Drive
Parishioners provide donations of school supplies for
the students of one or more Catholic schools in a poor area of
Chicago. The drive is conducted from mid-August to early September.
(Contact: Hank Matecki
hmatecki@stteresaparish.org)