Holy Family is a vibrant community of over one hundred different ministries of service, faith education, worship, and prayer. Each ministry has a different level of involvement and type of activity to contribute to the community. There is a place for you!
Look through the Catalog below, when you’re ready, press the green button to email us and let us know where you’d like to serve. It’s that easy!
BECOME A VOLUNTEERMinistries in need of immediate help
HELPING HANDS ADULT FAITH FAMILY FAITH TEEN FAITH HUMAN CONCERNS LITURGICAL ARTS PARISH SUPPORT PASTORAL CARE HELPING HANDSHelping Hands/On-Call Ministry: Volunteers are needed at various times throughout the year for a number of opportunities within our parish. Volunteers will be alerted of one time/special projects or events through email or the bulletin.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Myra Buettner 847-907-3402 volunteer@holyfamilyparish.org
ADULT FAITH
Hospitality/Welcoming Team: Volunteers would sign in and/or welcome guests to the various speakers, Bible Study, Lenten Mission, etc. In addition, these volunteers would help set up and serve hospitality.
Time commitment: varies
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Mary Whiteside 847-907-3450 mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org
Wedding Ministry: Volunteers needed for wedding rehearsals and day of wedding. A great team is already in place, but additional volunteers could be used to shadow/assist the current volunteers.
Time commitment: varies
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Mary Whiteside 847-907-3450 mwhiteside@holyfamilyparish.org
FAMILY FAITH
Catechist/Co-Catechist: Facilitate a group of students for our programs.
Time commitment: 1 hour 45 min Sunday morning 10:20-12:00 noon; Sunday evening
5:15-7:00 pm or Wednesday afternoon 4:30-6:00 pm
Frequency: 22 Sundays/Wednesday a year; two catechists meetings annually
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-907-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Classroom Aide: Help a catechist with classroom tasks and or special projects
Time commitment: Sunday morning 10:30-12 noon, Sunday evening 5:15-7:00 pm or Wednesday afternoon 4:30-6:00 pm
Frequency: varies depending on your availability
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
One-on-one Aide for Special Needs Child/teen: Help a special needs child/teen function in a Faith classroom setting or doing one-on-one instruction with a special
needs child preparing for sacraments
Time commitment: varies on the needs of the child
Frequency: varies
Contact: Peg Hanrahan 847-907-3431 phanrahan@holyfamilyparish.org
Hall Monitor: Help us monitor hallways for children/teen safety during our FAITH
classes.
Time commitment: 1 hour 45 min Sunday morning 10:30-12 noon or Sunday evening
5:15-7:00 pm
Frequency: varies depending on your availability
Contact: Marta Robak 847-907-3447 mrobak@holyfamilyparish.org
IT Specialist – Assist Family and Teen Faith staff and catechists with digital instruction, and trouble shoot technical difficulties that may arise during presentations. Must be
knowledgeable with Chrome books, PC’s and Apple and how they interface with Holy
Family systems and equipment
Time commitment: 2 hours on Sunday morning 10:30 am -12 noon or Sunday evening
5:15-7:00 pm
Frequency: Once a month morning or evening
Contact: Peg Hanrahan 847-907-3431 phanrahan@holyfamilyparish.org
Office Help: Assistance needed prepping materials for catechists and special projects in the FAITH office.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Marta Robak 847-907-3447 mrobak@holyfamilyparish.org
Substitute Catechist: Be available to fill in for PreK through Grade 6 FAITH classes when Catechist is unable to teach their class. Lesson plans and material will be provided.
Time commitment: Sunday morning from 10:15-12:00 noon; or Sunday evening
5:30-7:00 pm or Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-6:00
Frequency: varies depending on your availability
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-907-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Assist with Festivals: The Faith Program includes 3 Festivals throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to work at one of the stations during the festival. Tasks include helping children with crafts, playing games with children, praying with children, and more. Volunteers can choose the station he/she is most interested in helping with.
Time commitment: 2 hours on Sunday morning 10:30-12 noon; Sunday evening 5:15-7:00 pm or Wednesday afternoon 4:30-6:00 pm
Frequency: 1-3 times a year
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-907-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Date Entry: Assist with data entry and record keeping for Family and Teen Faith
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Courtney Smola 847-907-3483 csmola@holyfamilyparish.org
Spirit Camp Leadership Team: Volunteers are needed to take a lead role in Spirit Camp. The leadership team meets periodically beginning in February to plan camp taking place in June. Leadership areas include Crafts, Games, Activity Center (imagination station), Drama, Snacks, Decorating, Music, Safety and Toddler Camp. All are welcome to join this team. LOTS of hands are needed!Time commitment: 45-50 hours per year
Frequency: February thru June
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-907-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Spirit Camp: Adult volunteers are needed to help with Crafts, Games, Activity Center (imagination station), Drama, Snacks, Decorating, Music, Safety and Toddler Camp. All are welcome to join. LOTS of hands are needed!
Time commitment: varies depending on the task and your availability
Frequency: June 15-19 Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Contact: Laura Ferlita 847-907-3436 lferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Hospitality for Sacramental Celebrations: Volunteers would help set up and serve hospitality for First Communion and Confirmation.
Time commitment: 3-4 hours
Frequency: 3 times annually
Contact: Marta Robak 847-907-3447 mrobak@holyfamilyparish.org
TEEN FAITH
Catechists: Facilitate (or help with) a group of students for our programs.
Time commitment: Two year commitment, Sunday evenings 5:15-7:00 pm
Frequency: 20-22 sessions annually
Contact: Grant Guthrie 847-907-3439 gguthrie@holyfamilyparish.org
Passion Play: Volunteers are needed to help with our Passion Play. Needs include costumes, props, backstage, photographer, marketing, meals/snacks for the cast.
Time commitment: Cast or Crew member 3 hours on most Sundays 12:30-3:00 pm Jan-April; the time commitment for other tasks varies
Frequency: varies on the task and availability of the person
Contact: Peg Hanrahan 847-907-3431 phanrahan@holyfamilyparish.org
Teen Band and Choir: Sing or play an instrument for the Sunday 4:00 pm Teen Faith Mass
Time commitment: Sunday 3:30-5:00 pm (rehearsal is 3:30-4:00)
Frequency: as often as you are able
Contact: Courtney Smola 847-907-3483 csmola@holyfamilyparish.org
Pasta Palooza: Assist our teens at the annual pasta dinner fundraiser. Needs include selling tickets the evening of the event, checking in guests, and assistance with raffle baskets.
Time commitment: one to three hours in February
Frequency: once in February
Contact: Amy Hodson 847-907-3446 ahodson@holyfamilyparish.org
Spirit Camp: Teen volunteers are needed to help with Crafts, Games, Activity Center (imagination station), Drama, Snacks, Decorating, Music, Safety and Toddler Camp. All are welcome to join. LOTS of hands are needed!
Time commitment: June 15-19 8:30 am-12:30 pm + one two-hour training session
Frequency: annual project
Contact: Amy Hodson 847-907-3446 ahodson@holyfamilyparish.org
Office Help: Assistance needed with data entry and special projects in the Teen Faith
office.
Time commitment: one to two hours
Frequency: as needed
Contact: Amy Hodson 847-907-3446 ahodson@holyfamilyparish.org
Jr High Youth Ministry Outreach – Adult volunteers to help plan and chaperone social
and service opportunities for youth in grades 6-8.
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours a month
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Grant Guthrie 847-907-3439 gguthrie@holyfamilyparish.org
Drop in Ministry: Volunteers are needed to help at the twice a month “Drop in Night” at the Teen Center. This is held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Time commitment: two hours
Frequency: once or twice a month
Contact: Amy Hodson 847-907-3446 ahodson@holyfamilyparish.org
HUMAN CONCERNS
On Parish Grounds:
Assist A Family: Matches parish donor families, work groups, and Small Christian Communities with local families in need three times per year at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. A full meal is provided as well as gifts appropriate for the holiday. Items are collected on a Thursday approximately 2-3 weeks before the actual holiday.
Time commitment: varies per donor family
Frequency: 1 to 3 times per year, donor family choice
Contact: Kathy Koenig 847-977-1061 ambikak@comcast.net
Greeters: Greeters provide a warm welcome to all who enter the worship space. They assist with questions about our worship space and our entire campus.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass begins.
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Sue Geegan 847-907-3443 sgeegan@holyfamilyparish.org
Hospitality (weekends): Serves refreshments immediately following Mass on the weekends in our gathering space. This ministry also promotes community building as we gather to welcome guests, meet new friends and visit with familiar faces.
Time commitment: 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after Mass
Frequency: Once every 6 weeks
Contact: Carrie Crall 847-639-0972 carrie.crall@yahoo.com
PADS: PADS provides hospitality, food and overnight shelter to people facing homelessness. The season runs from October 1 to April 30 on Sunday evenings. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve meals, oversee the site’s activities, donate and prepare meals, and clean up working various shifts beginning at 5:30pm through 7am Monday morning. Training is required and provided.
Time commitment: varies
Frequency: October through April, flexible
Contact: Sue Geegan 847-907-3443 sgeegan@holyfamilyparish.org
Summer Supper for the Homeless: Holy Family offers a monthly supper on the last Monday of the month during the summer to the homeless. Volunteers are needed to set up, prepare food, greet and serve the guests, and clean up.
Time commitment: 3-4 hours
Frequency: 4th Monday of the month May through September
Contact: Dawn Wagner 847-809-4489 dawn.m.wagner@comcast.net
Welcome Ministry: Welcome parishioners and visitors after Mass acting as a concierge. Must have a smile and friendly attitude. May entail enrolling new parishioners. Training provided.
Time commitment: 15-20 minutes after Mass
Frequency: 1-4 times a month
Contact: Sue Geegan 847-907-3443 sgeegan@holyfamilyparish.org
Off Parish Grounds:
Catholic Charities: Provides service to people in need in the Chicago land area. Volunteers are needed in the food pantry, clothing closet, deliver meals to seniors, assist in classrooms, and serve meals at the various centers.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Mike Waters 847-376-2100 mwaters@catholiccharities.net
Habitat for Humanity: Nonprofit organization that helps people in our community build or improve a place they can call home. Volunteers are needed to help on the work site. Needs include light construction, painting, yard work, clean up, lunch donation. No tool or special skills necessary. Must be at least 16 years old.
Time commitment: Saturdays from 8:00 to 2:30
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Larry Buettner 847-438-1468 larrybuettner@comcast.net
Journeys the Road Home: The Road Home is a non-profit agency that provides shelter, social services and housing to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in 37 towns in north/northwest suburban Cook County. Volunteer help is needed in the food pantry, clothing closet and kitchen.
Time commitment: two hours
Frequency: flexible
For more information: 847-963-9163 x117 journeystheroadhome.org
St. Joseph Home for the Elderly: Staffed by the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Joseph Home for the Elderly provides assistance to the elderly, economically disadvantaged in Palatine. Volunteers are needed in the Beauty Shop, dining rooms and in the kitchen. Help is also needed to assist our Residents to get from their room to the dining room at meal times, or stroll with one of them in our garden while listening to their life experiences, your presence touches the elderly who live here.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Cindy DeLuca 847-358-5700 volpalatine@littlesistersofthepoor.org
St. Mary’s Services: St. Mary’s provides maternity counseling and parenting education. Volunteers are needed for fundraising, social media, and front desk/clerical.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: Flexible
Contact: St Mary’s 847-870-8181 stmaryservices.com
Viator House for Hospitality: Viator House supports young men seeking asylum. Volunteers are needed to tutor the young men, provide rides to school, jobs and other locations, and help in ways that allow these young men to grow emotionally, spiritually, psychologically and physically.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Viator House of Hope viatorhouseofhospitality.com
WINGS: WINGS provides a pathway to independence for adults and children who are escaping from domestic violence and abuse. Volunteers are needed in the Resale Shop, safe house, and logistics center.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Bruna Srb 847-519-7820 x216 bsrb@wingsprogram.com
LITURGICAL ARTS
WORSHIP
Ushers: Ushers assist with seating and any special needs of parishioners during Mass, collect the offering, and ensure the comfort and safety of the congregation.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Mass Coordinator: Mass Coordinators are responsible for the execution of the liturgical plan at weekend and feast day liturgies.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Proclaimer: This ministry proclaims the Word of God for the assembly, making it understandable, inspirational and alive. A training session is required and provided.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends.Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Eucharist Minister: Ministers serve the Eucharist to the community during weekend liturgies and feast day liturgies as well as at special and sacramental events. A training session is required and provided.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass endsFrequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Music Ministry: Holy Family music ministry gathers in unity to worship and celebrate our faith through music. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all experience and ability are welcome.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends. Weekly rehearsals.Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Baptism Ministry: Ministry members welcome families at baptisms, set up supplies, assist the presider, and clean up after the baptism. Training is provided.
Time commitment: 1 ½ hours for each baptism date
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Arts and Environment: Members help set up a worship space that inspires the community as we progress through the liturgical seasons and holidays. Opportunities are also available to help with indoor plant care, storeroom inventory, year-round tree and plant care and seasonal floral arrangements.
Time commitment: flexibleFrequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Creative Sewing Ministry: Ministers create baptism bibs and stoles for our newly baptized children. There is also the opportunity to knit and crochet prayer shawls as well as chemotherapy hats.
Time commitment: three hours per month
Frequency: fourth Tuesday of each month
Contact: Liturgical Arts 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
Linen Sacristans: Help is needed to prepare, clean and maintain vestments, vessels purificators and other altar linens.
Time commitment: flexibleFrequency: flexible
Contact: Liturgical Arts 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
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CHILDRENS WORSHIP
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: During the 9:00 and 11:00 Sunday Mass, children in Kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join the leader in the Chapel to experience the readings, gospel, music, and prayer in a way that will appeal to their age range and understanding. Training is provided.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org Kid Church: Sunday worship experience for families with young children ages 0-4. Families gather in the chapel for music, prayer, and communion. Snacks and craft time follows. Volunteers are needed for leading the service, setting up and leading the craft, and providing/setting up snack.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 10:15 am.
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org Table and Light Ministers: The role of the Table and Light minister is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is available to both boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. Training is provided.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prior to Mass until Mass ends
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Gene Garcia 847-907-3434 liturgicalarts@holyfamilyparish.org
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PRAYER AND DEVOTION
Eucharistic Adoration: This ministry offers the opportunity for people to spend an hour of quiet time and prayer in the presence of Our Eucharistic Lord in the Sacred Heart Chapel.Time commitment: one hour between 6:00am and midnight
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Linda Yamamoto 224-595-4210 erlindamir@gmail.com
Contact: Susie Sadural 224-522-2482 susiesadural00@yahoo.com Centering Prayer and Meditation: We invite people to quiet prayer to enter into God’s presence. The gospel is read and discussed as to how it impacts our lives.
Time commitment: 3:00 to 4:00 on Wednesday
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Diane Kelly 847-409-9444 diane@dkhomes.com Charismatic Prayer: Parishioners are welcome to an evening of praise, worship, singing, Bible readings and petitioning in prayer.
Time commitment: Monday night following the 7:00pm Mass, until 9:00
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Mary Jane Kirkwood 847-927-5228 Marian Ministry: This ministry encourages devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. The Rosary is prayed at 6:30 on Mondays, as well as the third weekend of every month after every Mass.
Time commitment: one hour
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Marie Fallon marieinbarrington@yahoo.com Ministry of Praise: This ministry prays for the needs of fellow parishioners, the community and the world. Volunteers are needed to offer prayer. Homebound or those in care facilities who want to remain active in the Holy Family community are welcome.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Stephanie Heavey 224-232-7710
PARISH SUPPORT
Landscaping: Assist with landscaping needs on the church property (planting/tending the flowerbeds, weeding, edging, etc.).
Time commitment: varies
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Henry Smogolski 847-304-0334
Nursery: Volunteers needed to care for children ages 1-4 years old in the nursery on the first and third Sundays of the month, during the 9:00am Mass (from 8:30 to 10:30). Training is required and provided.
Time commitment: two hour shift
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Debbie Lively-Weyers 847-907-3445 dlivelyweyers@holyfamilyparish.org
Special Events: Volunteers are needed to help at our annual special events-Family Fest (held in September), Hops on the Vine (held in October), and the Gala (held in February). Needs are set up, selling tickets, working the booths, securing donations for auction items, clean up, etc.
Time commitment: varies
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Bernie Schaeffer 847-907-3420 bschaeffer@holyfamilyparish.org
PASTORAL CAREBEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
Bereavement Team: This ministry is the first contact to prepare for a funeral or a visitation service. Ministers assist grieving families through funeral liturgy preparation, worship, semi-annual memorial Masses and visitation and internment services. Training is provided at Deanery level and at Holy Family.
Time commitment: flexible
Frequency: on-call, Monday through Saturday
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org Funeral Ministry Team: Members of this team set up for the Funeral Mass or Service in the church or chapel. They welcome the grieving family and their guests during visitation and the funeral service. They also assist the priest during the mass/service. Training is provided at Holy Family.
Time commitment: flexible – 3h
Frequency: on call, Monday through Saturday
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
Funeral Luncheon: Volunteers are needed to donate food (typically a salad or dessert) for the luncheon. Help is also needed to set up, serve and clean up the luncheon.
Time commitment: one to four hours the day of the funeral
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org
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MINISTERS OF CARE
Nursing Homes: Volunteers bring the Eucharist to those at Rosewood, Alden and Charter/Brookdale nursing homes in the area. We also assist at weekend Mass at Rosewood in Inverness. Commitment is typically twice per month. Training is required. Training is provided by the Vicariate Deanery and Holy Family.Time commitment: one hour monthly
Frequency: flexible, 2 hours per visit
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org Hospitals: Ministers of Care visit St. Alexius patients bringing Eucharist. Training is required. Training is provided by the Vicariate Deanery and Holy Family.
Time commitment: one hour
Frequency: flexible, once a month
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org Homebound: Ministers of Care bring Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass at the parish due to illness or disability on a weekly basis. Visits can be scheduled for weekends or during the week. Training is required. Training is provided by the Vicariate Deanery and Holy Family.
Time commitment: one hour
Frequency: flexible
Contact: Mimi Ferlita 847-907-3425 mferlita@holyfamilyparish.org