SAINT GILBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH
Grayslake, Illinois
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EXPLORE THE MINISTRIES
OF SAINT GILBERT CHURCH
There are a number of opportunities at Saint Gilbert Parish to pray with and serve our community with a joyful heart. Everyone has been blessed with special gifts and talents to share with others. Using these gifts strengthens our faith while benefiting others in our larger faith community.
Please consider joining one of our ministries. We look forward to sharing your faith journey at Saint Gilbert Parish.
If you are interested in volunteering, please review the Volunteer Requirements page for additional information.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
No groups currently meeting.
If interested, please contact Fr. John at the Parish Office: (847) 223-4731 ext. 1
ALPHA
Do you or somebody you know want answers to questions like: How do I get more out of life and why am I here? Whether you are exploring the faith, new to the faith, or wanting to work through the tough questions about faith… Alpha is for you (including non-parishioners and non-Catholics!) Make new friends and enjoy dynamic videos and good conversation in a relaxed online environment. Join Alpha online hosted by Saint Gilbert Parish. It's free and runs October 12th through January 18th (with breaks for the holidays) on Tuesday evenings from 7:00PM - 8:30PM. Find out more and register today. Alpha Online Registration
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BAYANIHAN
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Bayanihan Ministry
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Is a group of Filipino-American parishioners of Saint Gilbert that hosts the annual Simbang Gabi in our parish. Bayanihan in "Tagalog" means communal work to accomplish a task. We hold fund raising to raise funds for our Simbang Gabi event. We always represent the Philippines at the annual Saint Gilbert International Fest. We hold summer picnic to promote friendships among the Filipino-Americans in our parish and we promote active participation in our parish. Most of all we are here to make our Filipino Parishioners feel more welcome.
Simbang Gabi (Filipino "Mass at Night")
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Is a devotional consisting of nine consecutive Masses practiced in the Philippines as a spiritual preparation for Christmas and also to honor the Blessed Virgin Mother. This tradition came from the early days of Spanish rule in the Philippines. When the Christmas season began, it was customary to hold novenas in the evenings. It was later changed to early dawn to allow the farmers to attend before they go out to till the land. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster. During the Spanish era and early American period, the parishioners would mostly have nothing to offer during Mass except sacks of rice, fruits and vegetables and fresh eggs. They were graciously accepted by the priests who kept a portion for themselves and shared the produce with the rest of the parishioners.
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We invite you to join us at Saint Gilbert on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00PM in the main Church, as we celebrate the 1st night of the Nine day novena of night masses. A reception following Mass is planned for this year and we look forward to this cherished parish tradition.
Simbang Gabi 2024 in the Archdiocese of Chicago
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BEREAVEMENT
"Be patient and allow the mourning process to unfold. It is a healing process." Saint Gilbert is a faith community of baptized who believe in the Gospel of Jesus. In response to Jesus' message, the Saint Gilbert Ministry to the Bereaved reaches out to comfort fellow parishioners in their time of loss and grief. The ministers contact the family at the time of death, provide information for the wake and funeral liturgy, and also engages in follow up visitations.
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The Bereavement Ministry, in conjunction with the Liturgy Committee, also coordinates a yearly Memorial Liturgy to remember and celebrate the life of a Loved One. All parishioners are invited to join us in praying for those who have died and will have an opportunity to light a candle for deceased members of their family.
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BREAKING OPEN THE WORD
This group meets after 8:00AM Mass, usually on 2nd and 4th Thursdays, in the Chapel, from August through May. Our time is spent reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, sharing that reflection, and prayer. All are welcome!
CHILDREN'S LITURGY
At Saint Gilbert, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word with Children (CLOW) every Sunday at the 9:00AM and 11:00AM Masses during the school year, when classes are in session.
After the Introductory Rite, the Celebrant invites the children (ages 5 through 10) and their catechists to go to their own place of worship to experience the Liturgy of the Word at a level of their own understanding, as put forth in the Directory of Masses with Children.
Do you have a love of scripture, a gift of story-telling, and a desire to share the Word of God with our youngest? Catechists and helpers are needed to serve in this important ministry! We are also looking for a leader/coleaders. This ministry is open to adults, and teens who can earn service hours. All volunteers must complete the Virtus/Protecting God’s Children requirements established for volunteers in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Please see Fr. John, Fr. Pawel or one of the deacons to inquire about sharing your gifts in this rewarding ministry.
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Liturgy of the Word with Children Brochure
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CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH
A retreat for adults given by parishioners to enhance the spirituality of the parish.
"And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them," (Luke 24:15)
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What? An opportunity for spiritual and parish renewal through prayer, scripture, witness, and fellowship.
Who? You! All adult members of Saint Gilbert's are invited.
Where? Right here at Saint Gilbert
When? CRHP retreats are held annually. The weekend begins on Saturday morning and concludes on Sunday Afternoon.
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Please contact Lisa Hironimus for Women's CRHP at (224) 383-5460 or sgwomenscrhp@gmail.com for more information.
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LITURGICAL MINISTRY
The Liturgical Ministries assist the community celebrate and live the seasons of the Church’s liturgical year. This includes reflection on the Sunday scriptures and how our daily lives draw meaning and strength from them. A representative from each of the liturgical ministries comprises the Liturgy Committee who then relate to their ministers special actions and rituals reflected in the various seasons. The Liturgy Committee is composed of the Parish priests, and representatives from Music, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of the Word, Environment, Greeter, Mass Coordinator and Usher ministries. Liturgical ministries also include altar linens, altar servers, gift bearers, ministers of care, and universal prayer scribes.
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Visit out Liturgical Ministries Page for more information!
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MUSIC MINISTRY
The members of the Music Ministry sing and play to accompany the weekly Sunday Liturgies at 5:00 PM Saturday and 7:30AM, 9AM, and 11AM, as well as join together for special parish events and celebrations.
All voice parts and instruments are welcome. Instrumentalists should be proficient on his/her instrument.
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Visit our Music Ministry Page to learn more!
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OCIA FOR ADULTS
The OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, process is a journey through inquiry, teaching, and reflection for anyone desiring to become Catholic through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. "Companions" are parishioners who journey with and support them through prayer fellowship and sharing. Are you an adult who is thinking about becoming Catholic or completing Catholic sacraments? We’re here to help! Please contact the Parish Office at (847) 223-4731 for more information.
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PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Our Parish Council consists of representatives from various ministries, Pastor, Associate Pastor, and the Director of the Religious Education Program. They meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month. The Pastoral Council is a representative body which advises the Pastor in carrying out the parish mission according to Gospel values and realizing that it is a part of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Universal Church.
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021120 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
112619 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
091019 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
043019 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
021919 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
112718 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
102318 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
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PARISH TRANSFORMATION
Vision for the Future: Parish Transformation, an initiative of the Archdiocese of Chicago, offers Saint Gilbert the opportunity to take the next step forward in becoming more vibrant, mission-focused parish. All members of the parish were invited to complete a survey. Using the feedback of more than 200 parishioners, a trained facilitator helped approximately 30 volunteers evaluate the data and identify our strengths and areas of opportunity. These dedicated volunteers incorporated much reflection and prayer as they developed a Mission Narrative, Action Plan and measurable goals that detail Saint Gilbert's vision for the future.
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Our Opportunities:
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Catechesis
1. Women's Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:00AM.
2. Breaking Open the Word every other Thursday after 8:00AM Mass.
3. Access for all parishioners to the website FORMED (learn more)... the best Catholic content all in one place!
(Go to formed.org and enter our parish access code: N89PP8 (case sensitive)
Call to Holiness
1. Adoration Wednesdays 4:00PM - 9:00PM Chapel
2. Reconciliation Wednesdays 4:00PM - 4:45PM Chapel
3. Archangel Prayer Group Mondays 7:30PM - 8:30PM Church Narthex (except Monday Holidays)
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PENITENT SOLDIERS OF MARY
Since starting the Penitent Soldiers of Mary in February of 2022, we have witnessed an “explosion of grace” with miraculous conversions, healings, and freedom from spiritual affliction. Members of our family trees and beyond are being beautifully transformed. Loved ones are being drawn back to the Sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
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Visit our Penitent Soldiers of Mary Page to learn more about our mission!
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Elementary Faith Formation or Religious Education Program strives to partner with parents in the challenging task of developing faith-filled children who are led to a relationship with god that is continuing, personal, and communal. Classes are offered late afternoons on Monday for grades 1-6 and on Sunday mornings for grades Pre-K through 6. In lieu of individual grade level classes, families may opt to join the Family Program which meets on Sunday morning a month. We also offer a Summer Program in June.
For more information, please contact Sr. Donna at sr.donna@stgilbertschool.org or (847) 223-3071.
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Please visit our Religious Education Program Page for current class schedules, important dates, and forms.
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RESPECT LIFE
Promotes increased awareness of the God-given dignity of human life from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death. It inspires and motivates Catholics to become actively involved in promoting life values through education, spiritual formation, service and legislative advocacy.
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Please visit our Respect Life Page for more information.
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ROSARY GROUP
The Rosary Group meets every day, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30AM to 9:00AM after morning Mass. We pray for the church, our country, and any special needs that are requested. If you are unable to be physically present, please join us in prayer each day by uniting your prayer with the group praying the rosary.
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SPRED
This is an Archdiocesan program that welcomes persons with special needs into full participation into our Faith Community. The goal is to increase an awareness of God in their lives, prepare them for Sacraments, and help them to understand that they are an integral part of our parish community as well as the entire church. We are always looking for and welcoming volunteer catechists that will serve as a model for a friend with disability throughout an entire session. Sessions are designed to meet a friend at his or her level, provide them with a sense of belonging and facilitate their uninhibited participation in our faith-filled community. At Saint Gilbert we welcome friends ages 6-10 and 11-16. Other local parishes serve friends of different ages. Please contact the religious education office for details on other participating parishes.
Please Contact Sr. Donna at sr.donna@stgilbertschool.org or (847) 223-3071 for more information.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
One week in June, VBS brings the Word of God to the children of the parish in a week long camp style setting. Volunteers lead music, craft, games, snack, and Bible stories each day. We minister to children 4 years old through 6th grade. Volunteers must be entering 7th grade or older. Instructional meetings are provided to volunteers.
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Vacation Bible School is returning to St. Gilbert for June 13-17, 2022!
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Questions? Please ask your Rocky Railway VBS Director, Kathleen Karrigan, at vbs@stgilbertschool.org or (847) 223-5875.
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Visit the VBS Page for more details and volunteer opportunities!
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WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY
The Saint Gilbert Welcome Committee welcomes and registers new parishioners into our parish family. Parish Registration is available after every Mass on the 4th weekend of the month in the narthex. Also, every 4th weekend of the month, the Sunday Hospitality Committee sponsors parishioner gatherings as a time for social interaction and welcoming.
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YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Leaders of YAM-NW and YAM-Lake County invite you to look into their upcoming activities. See their websites to find Adoration, Service and Social Events, Presentations and more. Send an email to either or both YAM groups to receive news about young adult activities in Vicariate I.
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YAM-NW: Young Adult Ministry Northwest Suburbs
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/yamnwc
Email: yamnw.suburbs@gmail.com
YAM-Lake County: Young Adult Ministry Lake County
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/981171095370036/
Webpage: https://yamlakecounty.wixsite.com/yamlakecounty
Email: yamlakecounty@gmail.com
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YOUTH MINISTRY
Our mission in Youth Ministry is to foster the personal and spiritual growth of the young people by empowering them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today through responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. We do this by gathering together through social activities, service opportunities, and discussion and application of our faith, prayer, and worship.
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Please visit our Youth Ministry Page for exciting news and events!
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