St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church

Can I search for information on this site?

The Search box is near the top of the left column.  Just type in any keyword.  

How do I register in the parish?

Information can be found on our Visitors and Newcomers page.

Do you have driving directions to get to the parish?

Directions to SMV can be found on our Contact Us page. 

I'm engaged!  What is the next step in arranging a wedding at St. Mary of Vernon?

Congratulations!  Marriage is a holy and spiritual journey, undoubtedly the most important commitment two people will ever make to one another before God, and it is one that we take very seriously. Its importance necessitates prayer and planning. Arrangements for weddings at St. Mary of Vernon need to be made at least four months in advance. To begin planning for a wedding at St. Mary of Vernon, please call the Parish Office at 847-362-1005 to look at dates, and to make an appointment to speak to Fr. Joe Curtis or Fr. Eduardo Martinez.  Either will be happy to help you with your plans.

How can I arrange a baptism for my baby?

Infant baptism is a sacred moment in the life of a family and in the life of our parish community. The family brings a child to the church to be baptized. The church, in turn, gratefully affirms and supports the child while he or she grows in faith.

At St. Mary of Vernon, we welcome everyone requesting baptism for children. To sign up for a baptism preparation session, or to arrange for a baptism, please call the parish office during business hours at 847-362-1005.  The receptionist can help you set a date and arrange for you to participate in a Baptism Prep session.  

I was baptized at SMV years ago.  How can I obtain a copy of my Baptismal record? 

A Baptismal Certificate can be used in place of a Birth Certificate as official ID; so we have to keep close custody of them because of identity theft and whatnot. We can release a copy of the Baptismal record:

1. by sending the Baptismal record directly to another church; or
2. directly to the person requesting the Baptismal record, provided they come to the parish office in person,  show some ID, and sign a "Sacramental Records Release Form". 

There is no charge for this service.

How does a person become a Catholic?

They enter into a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  More information can be found on our Becoming Catholic (RCIA) page.

I am a Divorced Catholic - What is the Catholic Church's Annulment Process?

Our parish, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Chicago's Family Ministry Office, has trained and empowered people to help and support those who need more information on the annulment process.  You may only have a question or two about annulment, or a need to follow the entire process of the Annulment via the Catholic Church.  Now there is a way to obtain information through a confidential, supportive ministry.  This is your way to hear what the church currently teaches about the Caring, Loving, Healing process that an annulment is meant to be.

For a no-cost, no-obligation, completely confidential information support resource right here in your own home parish, please contact:

St Mary of Vernon Parish

Annulment Support Minister - Nancy Pagnotta    (847)234-4517; or,

Fr. Joe Curtis   (847)362-1005 or Fr. Eduardo Martinez (847)362-1005

We do understand if you would be more comfortable working through this very personal process in an environment not quite so close to home.  Annulment Support Ministry is also available at our neighboring parishes.  Please contact

St. Patrick's Church in Lake Forest

Parish Phone       (847)234-1401

Annulment Support Minister - Brett Swearingen   (847)234-1401

Immaculate Conception in Highland Park

Parish Phone      (847)433-0130

Annulment Support Minister - Nancy Orsini      (847)831-3464

Annulment Support Minister - James Fruge        (847)837-3620

Where can I find information on planning a funeral?
Mrs. Helen Haegerich directs the Bereavement Programs at St. Mary of Vernon. As Director she assists families in the planning of funeral liturgies, comforts them in their loss and facilitates and directs our grief support program for adults, children and teens. She also oversees our Funeral Luncheon ministry, Caring Hearts and Hands and Prayer Ministry.

To schedule the funeral of a loved one  contact Helen at the parish office at 847-362-1005 or  hhaegerich@maryofvernon.org, or contact one of our parish priests.

For long-term planning, check out the website at www.catholiccemeterieschicago.org. 

How do I purchase Mass Cards for Someone?  

If you would like to arrange that a Mass be said for someone, please call or visit our parish office. You can select a date and we will see if it's available.  Anyone in the office who answers the phone during office hours can assist you with this

Only one intention is allowed per Mass, except at the 9:30 a.m  & 11:15 a.m. Sunday Masses, where multiple intentions are allowed.  However, one intention can include several members of one family.  

We request a donation of $10 per Mass. Then you or the parish office can send a Mass card to the family 

How do I register my children for Parish Religious Education (PREP) classes?

Please call the PREP office at 847-362-0653 or stop by the Welcome Desk in the Narthex before or after all weekend liturgies to pick up registration forms.  Please note that registration begins in January every year for the fall season and is ongoing.  Several programs are popular and fill up quickly.  More details can be found here.  At this time we are not set up for online registration.

 Where can I donate my stuff?

We are happy to accept donations of clothing, furniture, household items, and even vehicles, depending upon the particular needs of our Sharing Hands and PADS clients.  You must call the Parish Office to make arrangements in advance.  We cannot accept donations dropped off without advance notice.  Items that are left at our doors often get rained upon or infested by wildlife and must be thrown out.  Please help us to prevent this unnecessary waste by calling ahead.

What is the Church's Policy on the H1N1 Flu? 

Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, there have been local reports of the death of a few individuals contracting the H1N1 Virus (the Swine Flu).

At this time, as well as any other, it is important to practice good hygiene and to remember good common sense. All of us would do well to remember that frequent cleansing of the hands, either with soap and water or with an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution, combats the spread or contraction of the flu. This need is especially important for those who minister Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Those who feel ill should especially act responsibly. Refraining from taking Holy Communion from the Chalice, sharing the sign of peace with a simple nod of the head and the verbal exchange of Christ’s peace instead of shaking hands, and avoiding close contact with others will go a long way in helping prevent others from catching the same illness.

While there are no plans at this point in the Archdiocese of Chicago to suspend or change either the Rite of Peace or Holy Communion from the Chalice, all Catholics should exercise prudence while participating in the celebration of the Eucharist.

The Bishops of the United States have posted 10 questions and answers regarding the Swine Flu and Liturgy on their website. You can view this resource by going to the USCCB Website: www.usccb.org.