Community

Book Club

Intermingling camaraderie with a love for books is the aim of this social ministry. Participants vote on the books to be read for September through June. Choices can be fictional, true stories, spiritual, or studies on trends. The only requirement is a desire to share thoughts on the books, relate them to Catholic living and engage in lighthearted discussions.

 

Boy Scouts Troop 194

The troop has served the youth of St. Walter Parish for many years providing a program for young boys. “Duty to God, Country and Service to Others” are the values instilled into the Scouts by their leadership. By stressing a strong outdoor skills and wilderness program and in challenging Scouts to expand their mental and physical limits, scouting teaches self-reliance and growth in moral strength and character.

Cub Scouts Pack 194

Cub Scout Pack 194 consists of boys in first grade through fifth grade and their parents. Although most of our members are currently from the St. Walter School Community, we also have several parishioners whose children attend other schools. The Cub Scouts are focused on strengthening family relationships, with an emphasis on outdoor activities. Through “Duty of God” requirements at every level, the boys strengthen their faith lives as well. The pack holds traditional Cub Scout activities such as the Pinewood Derby, the Blue and Gold Dinner and joins with church in community service activities.

Girl Scouts

St. Walter provides a unique environment designed to meet the special needs and interests of today’s girls. Based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law, Girl Scouting offers a values-based program that encourages developing self-potential and contributing to society. In partnership with her leader and the support of family and parish, the Scout is able to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

CCW

The mission of the Council of Catholic Women is to support, empower and educate women in the areas of spirituality, service and leadership. CCW programs respond to the needs of the Church and Society in affiliation with the National CCW comprised of over 8,000 women’s organizations globally. Parish women attend Deanery, Diocesan and National Leadership programs.

Each year, St. Walter CCW sponsors a qualified student from the parish that is entering a Diocesan High School with a BBSF, Bishop Blanchette Scholarship. An annual Diocesan CCW benefit is held to raise funds for these scholarships.

At the parish level, CCW hosts the Sts Joachim and Anne Feast Day Mass and Hospitality for Grandparents and children and the parish hospitality on Thanksgiving Day.

Faith Network Desk

The Faith Network Desk was established to be of service to the St. Walter Community. Our mission is to help connect people’s faith to their everyday life.

The Desk works toward fulfilling its mission by connecting parishioners to ministries and connecting ministries to parishioners.

People may register at the desk, sign up for ministries, have Masses said for their loved ones, sign up for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Novenas, find Spiritual Resources, purchase Religious Goods at our quarterly sales, sign-up for parish events, and promote their events. The Faith Network team is well versed on parish events and activities in order to provide themselves as good resources for the community

High School Basketball

High School Basketball at St. Walter’s is an outreach ministry where high school age boys who choose not to play on their high school team may enjoy the sport. It is organized through the Chicagoland Christian Sports Conference and games are played on Saturdays beginning in early December and ending with a tournament in late February.

Coaches can be fathers, adult cousins of players or any other adult who loves the game of basketball. A simple “Protecting God’s Children” program is required for all adults in this ministry.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus have been actively present at St. Walter Parish for over 50 years.
Some of the many gifts and services that they bring to our Parish Community are:

  • Honor Guard for special church functions and for deceased members

  • Monetary Support to Seminarians, SWYM, Bible Camp, Pro-Life, Misericordia, Ray Graham Association in Roselle, Newman Centers at Public Colleges/Universities and Parish Scouting Groups,

  • Monthly Food Collections for the Food Pantry and needs of Parishioners.

  • Participation in “Coats for Kids” drive each year and distributing coats to needy schools. This year’s goal is to provide 2,000 needy children with winter coats. Special Thanks to Caputo’s and Pete’s food markets for their assistance in this project.

  • Present at 24 hour Adoration, May Crowning, Living Rosary, St. Joseph Table, Roselle Parade

  • Pancake Breakfasts and Christmas Tree Sales are among our list of fundraisers.

  • Attend Religious Retreats, Monthly Family Mass and Breakfast, social events such as baseball games, family picnics, trips/excursions

Mom's Group

The Mom’s Group is a ministry of Moms supporting each other through all stages of motherhood.

  • Are you a Mom with children of any age (even those out of college) or a new Mom-to-be?

  • Do you want to meet and mingle with other Moms, laugh, learn, share your parenting experiences and make new friends in the process?

  • If you answered “Yes”, then this Mom’s Group is for you.

We have a variety of events throughout the year that focus on increasing our Faith, having Fun, and developing Friendships.


 

S. A. M. (Seasoned Adult Ministry)

Seasoned Adult Ministry consists of all parishioners 55 and over. Its mission is threefold: to provide Spiritual enrichment; to plan Social events; and to reach out in Service to the community. Members meet old friends and new friends at the many events planned throughout the year. The Steering Committee meets monthly to plan events. S.A.M. gathers on the second Saturday of each month for 8:30 Mass and provides hospitality afterwards. We meet monthly for movie or game nights which always include dinner or refreshments. We plan trips to places of interest such as plays, historical sites and pilgrimages. 55 and over parishioners are welcome to attend all meetings and events. Please consult the bulletin or the website for monthly activities.

Theatre Group

Inspired by the great sense of community and belongingness in St. Walter Parish, the Performing Arts Ministry aims to carry on that tradition by providing quality, family-friendly (and community-involved) theatrical entertainment to our church; inviting all God’s people, including young and old, parishioners and non-parishioners, to participate in and benefit from this ministry.

Welcome Team

The Welcome Team provides opportunities for parishioners to feel more included and works to help newly registered parishioners feel welcome and get involved if they are interested. Most important as we reach out to the new parishioners, we ask if there is anything that we can do for them. Our mission is to make St. Walter Parish a comfortable, welcoming, Christ-centered Community of Joyful Disciples. We invite new and old parishioners to participate in weekend Liturgy and in parish ministries. One of our initiatives is to promote family involvement through liturgy participation and outreach projects