The Human Concerns Commission seeks to enable parishioners, as individuals and as members of a community, to fulfill the social, ecumenical, and service mission of the parish.  This Commission focuses the parish’s response to the needs of the economically poor, the disabled,  the marginal and fragile., to ensure that all people are invited to be full participants in the church and society.

 

Docents - Docents learn the whys and wherefores of the liturgical and devotional aspects of our church, and then guide small groups of people around the space. Volunteers are parishioners who are interested in learning about our church and narthex, and who are comfortable sharing this information with others.

 

Employment Ministry - The Wellspring Employment Resource Community (WERC) aspires to provide a safe and effective forum for sharing work search tools and techniques which can enable our un/underemployed sisters and brothers in their efforts to find meaningful and rewarding work, and to provide a network of support for those who are un/underemployed and their families.

 

Funeral Luncheons - The Funeral Luncheon Ministry relieves the burden and cost associated with finding a place for family members and friends of bereaved parishioners to eat after the funeral mass. SMV will host a luncheon, with food provided by parishioners, when a parishioner suffers the death of a family member.

 

Furniture Ministry - Furniture Ministry matches up used serviceable furniture, donated by parishioners, with needy families in our community. With the help of volunteers, furniture is picked up and delivered every Saturday morning from 9 until Noon. Both adults and teens with strong backs are invited to assist in this most gratifying ministry.

 

Grief Support Groups - “Good” Grief is a support group program for adults, teens, and children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. It is designed to provide an understanding of the grief process while at the same time offering support through the sharing of stories with others struggling through the darkness of grief.

 

Habitat for Humanity - In conjunction with several area churches, St. Mary of Vernon helps to build a Habitat for Humanity house in North Chicago. The parish contributes through volunteers’ time and labor, along with financial and food donations

 

Hospitality - Hospitality Ministers offer simple refreshments after all the weekend masses once each month. If you want to be involved in ministry but your weekday time is booked, here’s a fun and easy opportunity for lending a hand. Families with supervised children, ages 8 and over, are welcome to serve together.

 

Physical and Sexual Abuse Victim Support - A dedicated group of volunteers support women and men who have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. They offer support one on one, over the phone or through literature on these topics. All calls are strictly confidential. The goal is to guide women and men toward professional help to begin the road to healing.

 

Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS)- Every Thursday from October to April, SMV is a host site for the homeless of Lake County through PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter). This Ministry relies on many volunteers and donations in order to function efficiently. During the summer months, volunteers make lunches for the homeless at our Parish Center kitchen.

 

Sharing Hands - Sharing Hands is SMV’s social outreach ministry. Developed and staffed by parishioners, Sharing Hands attempts to respond to requests for food, clothing, shelter, furniture or other physical needs of any community members. Sharing Hands maintains an office and food pantry in the lower level of the Administration Center. Since its initial fund drive in 1993, the program has depended entirely on parishioners’ donations. Monetary support comes through an annual envelope collection and a Lenten coin collection. Sharing Hands also coordinates Gift Sunday, Lake County Catholic Charities’ annual collection of Christmas gifts, and participates in local area food drives.

 

Transportation Ministry - Transportation can be arranged for parishioners who need a ride to doctor appointments, medical treatment, physical therapy, etc., in the Vernon Hills area.

 

Click on the ministry names on this tab for more information