Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word offers children ages 6-12 the opportunity to hear and reflect upon the first reading and gospel of the Mass in age appropriate language.  It is presented during the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass from the end of September through mid-May.

Contact: Michele Neighbors.....Ph. 708 403 0137

Lectors
Lectors proclaim the scriptures and offer petitions at the Sunday Masses and on Holy Days.  At the beginning of the Liturgical Year, each Lector receives a workbook containing the readings for the year so that they can practice them before Mass.  Lectors are also encouraged to meet with other Lectors at regularly scheduled Saturday morning reflections and practices so that they can proclaim the Scripture with confidence, prayerfulness, and understanding.  On occasion, when a particular reading is presented in a creative manner, some Lectors will spend additional time rehearsing.  Lectors are assigned two or three months in advance of the dates on which they serve and can expect to be called upon to proclaim the Scriptures at approximately one Mass each month.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Eucharistic Ministers            
Eucharistic ministers give parishioners and visitors the Body and Blood of Christ at the Sunday Masses and on Holy Days during the year.  Eucharistic Ministers attend two evening training sessions that include theological reflection on the Eucharist and practical training in this ministry.  After training, all Eucharistic ministers are commissioned by the Archdiocese of Chicago for a three-year period.  Our parish then schedules ministers two or three months in advance of their assignments.  Each Eucharistic minister serves at one Mass every two to three weeks.  The invitation to become a Eucharistic Minister is given by the Pastor of the parish.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Greeters            
Greeters are the men, women, and families who welcome parishioners and visitors to each Mass, offer them a smile and a song sheet, and help them find a seat.  Greeters also gather the Sunday collections, distribute the bulletins after Mass, and straighten-up the church for the next Mass.  Greeters are scheduled in groups of about eight for their preferred Mass time and serve on a one-month-on, one-month-off basis.  Ages: Eighth Grade through adult, but younger children may help their parents who are greeters.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Altar Servers
Altar Servers at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish are drawn from sixth, seventh, and eighth grade boys and girls who volunteer to attend four one-hour training sessions and serve approximately once each month.  In addition to serving at weekend Masses, the Altar Servers serve at weddings.  Altar Server training is announced periodically in the bulletin.  Watch for dates and times.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Adult Altar Servers for Funerals
The Altar Servers at funerals are drawn from a volunteer group of men and women.  Since a training session is provided, no previous experience at being an altar server is needed.  The time com-mitment of each Adult Altar Server varies according to the time each individual has available.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Sacristans & Sacristan Assistants
Sacristans prepare the altar vessels and set out the bread and wine for our Masses.  Sacristans are scheduled for either Sunday Masses or weekday Masses and must be able to arrive ten minutes prior to the beginning of the Mass and stay approximately ten minutes afterwards.  Sacristans are assigned to a particular Mass a few months in advance and can expect to serve on a little more than half of the weekends throughout the year, depending on the number of people who have volunteered as Sacristans.  Sacristan Assistants give their time and service to launder the altar cloth, servers’ albs, and other cloth items for our Sunday and weekday Masses.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Art & Environment
Parishioners who serve on the Art and Environment Team work to design and coordinate beautiful and prayerful environments for our Masses.  With the financial support of the parish, they procure the flowers, plants, and other items that decorate the church according to the liturgical season.  The team meets as needed throughout the year.  Art and Environment requires some physical labor.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101

Small Faith Communities
These groups of 8 to 12 parishioners pray together, share their faith, learn about scripture, and discuss how their faith relates to their everyday lives.  Meetings are held at a time and place agreed to by each group, usually every two weeks or so.  Over time, members of the groups learn to see how God is active in their lives and grow together in love for each other and the world.  No previous experience in a small group setting is necessary.

Contact: Claudia Nolan Ph. 708 403 0101