HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION

Contacts—708-447-1020

BEDS—Allison Vollmann
Elizabeth Ministry—Peg Carey
Legion of Mary—Tony Ziegler
Parish Counseling—Barb Szulc
Respect Life—Katie Kruse
Shawl Ministry of Comfort—Terry Coffey, Mary McMahon
St. Agatha—Bob Boharic
St. Vincent de Paul—Sr. Margaret Sannasardo, BVM

BEDS—Building Ecumenical Discipleship Through Sheltering
BEDS Commission assures that the shelters are well staffed with trained volunteers.
Staff Shelters on specific shifts with cooking (1) one night per month, assist with Laundry and help with Office Duties.
Call BEDS 708-354-0858 for more specific information.

Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry responds to the needs of women with all aspects of problem pregnancies, miscarriages or infant death.
Mostly on a one-to-one basis, we are reaching out to provide presence, intimacy and support that women need at critical times during their child-bearing years.

Legion of Mary
.The Legion of Mary is a small group of lay people known as a "Praesidium", which is attached to a larger organization, the "Senatus" that meets monthly in Chicago. Regular weekly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday in the Oak Room Lounge. The primary work of the Legion is visitation of nursing homes in the surrounding communities.President: Tony Zielger

Parish Counseling
The Parish Counselor is a student of human growth and development who will offer you the utmost confidentiality and respect.
• Provide sensitivity to your concerns and issues, offering the highest professional competence in the area of psychology.
• provide assistance for you on your road to greater emotional health.
• appreciate your spirituality as a valuable asset in your own human growth process
Areas of Concern:
Depression, eating disorders, conflict management, poor self image, stress reduction and management, grief counseling, anxiety, relationship difficulties, compulsive behavior, obsessional thoughts, psycho-spiritual issues,marriage and family issues.
Fees:
Clients are served on a sliding scale. Whenever possible insurance reimbursement will be encouraged and supported.
Contact:
Jonathan Katz - Claret Center — 773-643-6529 ext. 39

Respect Life
A two-fold purpose: to raise consciousness and to raise money.
• promote the care and dignity of human life at all stages
• raise funds through two annual children’s used Clothing/Toy sales, Mother’s Day Flower sale, and Christmas Wreath Sale
• contribute financial support to crisis pregnancy centers, WomanCare of Berwyn
• offer a helping hand to anyone facing crisis pregnancies
• educate regarding respect life issues by sponsoring speakers
• organize postcard and petition drives dealing with current legislation

Shawl Ministry of Comfort
The Shawl Ministry is a prayerful gathering of knitters and stitchers who come together twice a month to create shawls, scarves, etc. to be given to those who are in need of comfort.
Contact:
Terry Coffey—708-442-3455
Mary McMahon—708-447-4374

Ministry to St. Agatha Parish
Most Saturdays throughout the school year, St. Mary parishioners (8th graders, teens and senior citizens) take part in the S.A.F.E. program (St. Agatha Family Empowerment) at our sister parish, St. Agatha, in Chicago. The purpose of this ministry is to not only share our time and talents by tutoring and mentoring children and teens (ages 6-18) in this inner-city parish, but also to develop friendships and help students with their school work.

St. Vincent de Paul
This group works toward alleviating suffering in every form, whether it be physical, spiritual, moral or emotional; working to eliminate causes of injustice and bearing witness to the love of Christ as they perform this work.
The purpose is to assist the poor and needy with spiritual and material gifts from the parish and interview and counsel those needing help.