Altar & Rosary Society

The Altar & Rosary Society of the Church of St. Mary consists of all the women who belong to the parish. The purpose of the organization is to unite all the women of the parish in religious, educational and social activities. A president, vice president, secretary and treasurer are elected each April for a one (1) year term. The Altar & Rosary Society meets every fourth Thursday from September through April.

Some of the events sponsored by the Altar & Rosary Society each year are: the Pot Luck Supper in September to begin the new year, the Chinese Auction in October which is the big fund raiser for the organization; a Christmas Luncheon in early December as well as Christmas parties for the CCD students; a Men & Boy's Breakfast usually in February or March; our annual Fish Fry to start Lent, and a Women & Girls Brunch in May.

At various times of the year the Altar & Rosary Society might have other activities, such as a Church wide Garage Sale, a Baby Shower to benefit the Hope Pregnancy Center, and sometimes bus trips for the ladies.

The Altar & Rosary ladies help out as needed with St. Mary's Youth Group. One event was a Pie Sale at Easter time - the youth took orders and made 42 homemade pies.

The photo was taken at a Chinese Auction.

Youth Group

Youth Group membership is open to all church members from 7th grade through 12th grade. Meetings are held on the first and third Sunday of each month at the Vock residence. Phone (815) 046-2940 for more information. Formed in 1999, the group now has 13 to 15 active members who have been active in meetings and fundraisers. Past fundraisers have included May Kay Hand Cream sales, a Christmas Cookie Bake Sale, and Easter Home Made Pie sales. 

Various group activities have included working with the Altar & Rosary Society, an Easter Pie Sale, and providing breakfast on some Sundays after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Both Christmas Cookies and the Easter Pies were made by members of the group together in the Church kitchen and were a big hit.

Past activities have included an overnighter annually which is open to all members and their friends. In addition, the group usually tried to spend one week during summer vacations helping a worthwhile cause at various locations in nearby states.

The photo shows members of the Youth Group at a meeting after religious education class on Sunday.

Religious Education

Religious education is provided for children in kindergarten through 12th grade through the school year. Classes meet in the church basement on Sundays before and after Masses. St. Mary's is fortunate in having several volunteer teachers for religious education. Some children from the parish attend Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling, Illinois.

The photo shows the First Communion class for 2005 with Father John.