Ministries of Infant Jesus of Prague
Adult Bible Study This ministry meets each Wednesday morning at 9:30 to discuss the Scripture passages for the upcoming Sunday. The Woman's Club sponsors this ministry. All are welcome.
Altar Servers Children from 6th through 8th grades in our school and religious education program serve at the altar for all of our liturgical celebrations. They assist the celebrant and carry out important functions in our celebrations. For more information about this ministry, call Fr. Andy.
Baptismal Preparation This ministry is composed of couples from the parish who conduct meetings with parents who are preparing to have their child baptized. The meeting covers the many aspects of baptism, such as its purpose, history and symbolism of the ceremony, as well as the role of parents and godparents in their child's religious development.
Blood Drive The parish blood program is sponsored by the Woman's Club and is an outreach of care and compassion to those in need of the gift of blood. Several blood drives are held each year.
Charismatic Prayer Group This ministry has been meeting each Monday evening at 7:30 for over 30 years! The evening includes Mass and a prayer meeting in which individuals share God's blessing in their lives and fellowship. The first Monday of each month includes a healing service. All are welcome.
Hospitality This ministry is aimed at welcoming new members to the IJP parish community by providing them with information regarding the parish and the various ministries and activities they can become involved in.
IJP Prayer Chain Early in the sixties, the members of the IJP Women's Club, with Jean Brooks as the chair, started a prayer chain to help parishioners and their friends through any crisis which prayer would help. Anyone who wishes special prayers for any need may call the Prayer Chain.
The Giving Tree This ministry began many years ago at the 9:30 A.M. cafeteria Mass as a Christmas sharing project and has spread to the entire parish. Over 1600 gifts for needy children and adults are collected each year from the IJP community. Parish volunteers bring the gifts to various parishes and organizations in the Chicago area. This project brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver. Tags are hung on garlands by the doors of the church at Thanksgiving time that indicate a needed gift, and you can take as many tags as you wish. If you want to help in this worthwhile project, call the rectory. Volunteers are always needed, especially drivers.
Kolbe House Kolbe House is the jail ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, responding to the gospel mandate "When I was in prison, you visited me." Many members of the IJP parish community have volunteered to help in this ministry. In addition to volunteers visiting the incarcerated, volunteers are needed to write cards and letters to inmates, to support their families and support victims of violent crime.
Lectors The Lector ministry proclaims the Word of God as found in the Sacred Scriptures, to the community of believers during the sacrifice of Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Manna This ministry is our parish's program of planned giving to those in need. It is our outreach to those organizations that approach us for support. Any parishioner is welcome to submit an application on behalf of a worthy organization.
Marriage Preparation Program Time for Two is an exciting new ministry that helps engaged couples prepare for marriage. The program is full of shared feelings, candid discussions and laughter with engaged couples. For more information please call the rectory.
Morality in the Media This is an interfaith national organization that works to stop traffic in pornography constitutionally. The IJP Woman's Club has supported this ministry since 1989, and participates in their national events - White Ribbons Against Pornography Week and TV Turn Off Day. Additionally letters are written to corporate sponsors, network executives and governmental leaders to promote family values in programming. The Woman's Club has chosen the pen over the sword in waging war against pornography.
Music Ministry The music ministry is all about the cantors, the organists, the instrumentalists, the Mixed Choir, the Glory Singers, the Celebration Singers, the Resurrection Choir, the Kids Choir, and the IJP Hand Bell Choir which enhance and energize our liturgies 52 Sundays a year as well as special holiday celebrations and funerals. Our choirs rehearse weekly in order to offer music from traditional to contemporary. A new season of rehearsals begins in September, and new members are always welcome.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors The purpose of this ministry is to identify the needs that exist in our parish as relate to accessibility, and to provide for participation in all areas of parish life. This ministry is concerned that our parish be welcoming to all. In the gospels, Jesus was known for his compassion for the sick and those having disabilities. Following Jesus' example this ministry reminds all that no one is to be excluded and that all are welcome to participate according to the gifts each one possesses. All are welcome to join this ministry. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the Parish Life Center.
P.A.D.S Public Action to Deliver Shelter offers shelter to the homeless. Pads volunteers not only provide shelter, but feed the homeless an doffer them friendship and assistance. Countless IJP parishioners are involved in this worthwhile program.
Parish Library This ministry gives us an opportunity to enlighten our minds and give wings to our spirit. Feel free to check out a book from the parish library in the back of church. Book reviews of new books are regularly printed in the Campanile.
Parish Pastoral Council The Parish Council meets monthly, and is an advisory board that assists the pastor in the day to day operation of the parish. The Parish Council helps coordinate the parish ministries through its commissions: Spiritual Life, Parish Life, Education and Human Concerns. Parish Council members serve for three years, and any parishioner is welcome to run for office. For more information, please call the rectory.
Prism Support group for single parents whose family structure has changed due to death or divorce. The purpose is for parents to understand their own grief, and become more attuned to their child's grief.
Quest is an organization for IJP teens who are attending high school. The purpose is to foster a sense of parish through small group sharing within grade levels. We invite all parish teens, from public and private high schools, to join Quest. Watch for the "Quest Corner" in the Campanile beginning in September. There will also be a mail-in registration. Quest will begin with a Kick-Off Mass in September. Meetings are in couples homes on one Sunday a month from 7:30-9:00 p.m. The home meetings begin in October and end in May. There are many outside activities and service projects as part of the Quest program. A retreat to Notre Dame is planned for November, a Juvenile Court Christmas Party for abused and neglected children in December, and a CYO ski trip in January. Quest also participates in PADS. Gerry Delaney has been the Youth Minister of the program since 1987. If you have any questions please call the rectory at 799-5400.
Rainbows for God's Children Life changes for children when their family has experienced a divorce, separation, death, abandonment or any other painful loss. Children are frightened of their intense feelings and often have no place to turn for help. Usually they believe there is something wrong within themselves because they are rarely asked about their feelings. So, they bury them. Rainbows is a peer support group led by trained adult facilitators in an atmosphere of concern, care and confidentiality. Through the support group, children are able to examine what has happened in their life to better enable them to make the needed adjustments. Call Pat Brooks.
R.C.I.A. These letters stand for: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This ministry provides the theological, scriptural and spiritual assistance needed for those who wish to become members of the Catholic Church. The culmination of this ministry is the reception of new Catholics into the Church at the Easter Vigil where they receive the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
RCIA is a wonderful opportunity for people to gather and discuss their faith and inquiries into the Catholic Church. The RCIA program is comprised of men and women of all different racial, ideological, and theological backgrounds. We have members from the ages of 14 to 84 who desire to learn more about the Catholic Church. Anyone who is not Catholic, but would like to be; anyone who is Catholic but never learned about their faith or received all of the Sacraments; anyone who is looking for a new Church home is invited to be a part of our RCIA program. It is a program that shares information about the Catholic Church and her teachings, but also, allows people of a variety of religious backgrounds to share their experiences and to seek answers to the probing questions of their lives. The RCIA program is also the normal process for those who wish to become Catholic. It is a very non-threatening and inviting group that seeks to welcome all people in their doors. For more information about the RCIA program which meets on Thursday evenings from approximately mid-September to mid-April, please call Deacon George Brooks at at 708-799-1389. More information about RCIA from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops can be found here.
ReBuilders This ministry is an outreach of fellowship and support for separated, divorced, widowed and remarried individuals. The purpose of ReBuilders is to provide self-help and support for those experiencing the loss of a significant relationship in their lives. The focus is on the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical growth of our members. People of all faiths are welcome to join this ministry. Meetings are on the second Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center
Respond Now This ministry is a Chicago Heights based emergency help agency serving the people in South Cook County. The help extended can be in the form of food, shelter, utility bill assistance, or prescription vouchers. Respond Now was begun and is sustained by many members of the IJP parish community.
The Rosary Group Praying the Rosary after the 8:30 A.M. Mass has been a long tradition at IJP. Prayers are offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, for vocations to the religious life, for the unborn, for the conversion of sinners, for the sick and the suffering of the parish, and for the deceased. Please join us in this prayer that honors Mary.
The Sacristans This ministry ensures that our church is a fitting place to celebrate the sacraments. Our sacristans take care of our sanctuary and church. Among other things, they clean the church, tend the flowers and plants, launder liturgical linens, replace and clean candles and vigil lights, place any special inserts into the Campanile, and help with special liturgical season decorations.
Scouting IJP hosts various Scouting programs for boys and girls. These programs provide opportunities for young people to grow and mature through the various activities offered by the scouting programs.
Pastoral Care This ministry serves the sick of our parish - spiritually, sacramentally and emotionally - by visiting and bringing communion to the homebound, residents of nursing homes and the hospitalized. Also, cards are sent to the senior citizens of our parish on Christmas and birthdays.
Additionally, this ministry assists in helping families prepare for the funeral liturgy at the time of the death of a loved one, and supports those who are grieving. Annually a special all souls day mass is celebrated in memory of all the deceased. If you, a family member or friends need the assistance of our Pastoral Care Ministry, Call Sr. Norlee at 708-798-0804.
University of Prague The University of Prague is an adult education program in the parish. It is held annually in February and the series runs for four sessions, and there are numerous topic areas to choose from. This ministry plans, organizes and provides whatever is needed for the program. As February approaches, the Campanile will contain more information about the various speakers and topics.
Ushers Our ushers are a tireless ministry. They make sure that all is in good order for our various liturgical celebrations and that all are welcomed to our parish church. Ushers are needed for the Sunday noon and 5:00 P.M. Masses. If you are interested, call the rectory.
V.I.P.s This ministry provides social and recreational opportunities for the senior members of the parish community by holding monthly luncheons followed by cards and conversation. All senior members of the parish are invited to join this important ministry.
Worship (Liturgy) Committee The IJP Worship Ministry meets regularly to plan our Sunday and special celebrations. The worship committee plans all facets of our Eucharistic Liturgies, penance services, as well as other celebrations, such as our parish mission. The environment and art committee ensures our church is suitably decorated for these celebrations.