ST.

VICTOR PARISH
Calumet City, Illinois

PARISH PROFILE
The value aspects of St. Victor Parish, its church & its people

Prepared for the Priest Placement Board of the Archdiocese of Chicago

October 27, 2011

Parish History
St. Victor parish began in 1925 under the auspices of Cardinal Mundelein. It came to be in response to the rapidly growing population of the area and the desire for a more culturally diverse Catholic community in Calumet City then known as West Hammond. As the area grew, so did St. Victor reaching its peak in the mid 1970s and early 80s under the pastorate of Fr. Leo Mahon. With glorious choirs, burgeoning social ministries and extensive evangelization programs, St. Victor was a shining star of the Archdiocese. Although population shifts and dwindling church attendance have affected St. Victor, with Fr. Len Dubi as pastor, the parish continues to be true to its history of diversity, evangelization and social justice actionstill a shining star in the south suburbs eager and hopeful as we approach our second century.
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Purpose
MISSION STATEMENT
We the people of God at St. Victor Parish are an ethnically enriched and culturally diverse Catholic faith community. We share a history of empowerment to strive individually and collectively to live the Gospel in thought, word and action.

VISION STATEMENT
The people of St. Victor believe in God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Created in Gods image, the Lord blessed us to be co-creators in forming His kingdom on Earth. At St. Victor Parish, we work hard putting to use our God-given gifts to be good stewards of the House of God in this community. By providing a welcoming atmosphere and by giving good testimony, we strive to inspire the people of Calumet City and the surrounding communities to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. The people of St. Victor believe in Jesus Christ, who is the living example of mercy, love and compassion. We express these virtues through our different ministries as we embrace all people and cultures, in our concerns with social justice, our sensitivity to the needs of the elderly, our focus on the future of young Catholics, our ministry to the sick and hungry and by inspiring love for the word through prayer, song, education and progressive spiritual formation. The people of St. Victor believe in the Holy Spirit, the great advocate and giver of the gifts. In collaboration with our Pastor, we care for our parish through organizing, cultivating talents and empowering our parishioners to share in the responsibility of maintaining and improving the quality of parish life, its facilities and the surrounding community.

Spiritual Life
We are children of God our Creator and Father. Through His son, Jesus Christ, we are offered eternal life. We believe that at our essence, we are spiritual beings. Our lives as individuals and as a community of believers must reflect this. Our words, our actions, our interactions, our liturgies, our sacraments, our devotionsour parish, must let it be known our life on earth is temporal, but that life with God is eternal.

WEEKEND LITURGY
Mass celebration incorporates Christ and his Word in an uplifting manner Opening mass welcome emphasizes inclusiveness Encourages participation of the entire church body Announces gathering and assistance of special volunteers in the celebration Ushers are welcoming and epitomize the spirit of St. Victor Arrive early to greet all parishioners and approach visitors in friendly, welcoming manner Encourage involvement of children, i.e., distribution of bulletins, flyers, etc. Attentive in dispensing of communion to those less able; i.e. special needs identified Select presenters of offertory gifts with Mass intentions; others thoughtfully chosen Display a discreet sense of awareness of parishioners needs via interaction Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers dedicated individuals Embody the sense of commitment and spirit of faith prevalent in the parish Display element of faithful service via energy and prayerful dedication to ministry Provide needed support service on extraordinary basis as determined by priests Spanish Mass celebration is customized at 7:00 and 12:30 liturgies Expresses Hispanic culture, influence and traditions in the liturgy Fastest growing aspect of Mass attendance in parish Fledgling choir started, slowly growing in members African celebration of Mass service monthly is prayerfully planned Energetic service is reminiscent of cultural traditions Thanksgiving service celebrated with entire parish

LITURGICAL MUSIC
Exceptional choir directors have established a strong musical reputation Development of unique sound that many parishes work to emulate Music program purchased over years a number of timpani regularly used Includes chimes, three brass kettle drums, xylophone, snare drum, etc. Handbell group regularly participates in special Eucharistic celebrations Several guitarists enrich our music with special talents A trumpeter adds a brass tone to the blended musical sound A number of young people bless the choir with energy and exuberance Members are dedicated individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities Embody the beauty that all can be involved in the production of music Personify the celebration of Mass, creating soulfulness during liturgy Essential incorporation of African spirituals and Spanish standards Influences that make up elements of the parish Displays recognition of all facets and memberships of Catholic faith Unexpected, yet captivating variety of music presentations Holiday celebrations include use of many languages South Suburban College and parish combined choirs are a highlight at Christmas Several concerts within the parish are conducted during the year

Celebration Choir
St. Victor is known throughout the Archdiocese for its inspiring and eclectic choir. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Koller, the vocal and musical presentations lift the spirit, add depth to the Liturgy of the Word and creates a deeper spiritual experience.

Parish Life
Jesus came to earth to show us how to live. Jesus lived in a close community that worked and prayed, planned and dreamed, gave thanks and celebrated together. As a parish, we also are called to do likewise. The life of the parish must be one of working, praying, planning, dreaming, giving thanks and celebrating together. We are a family.

PARISH SPIRIT
Warm feeling when you walk in the door Never a visitor but a friend not seen in awhile, a sense of home First time attendees are incorporated into liturgical service without hesitation Invited to take up offertory gifts as witnesses of invitation into community New parishioners are welcomed and incorporated into ministries Program in place to train new lectors and Eucharistic ministers Patriarchs and matriarchs of families display longevity of spirit and faith Celebrations mirror the needs of our diverse parish community Our Lady of Guadalupe mass has been celebrated on a regular basis more than 15 years Families have gathered to celebrate the Quinceanera of their daughters Funerals conducted in Spanish for families needing comfort of language Welcoming of international priests Priests have served our parish from Poland, Nigeria, Philippines, Peru, Tanzania Prayerful celebrations Holy Hour and first Saturday Rosary are examples of connecting with Christ ScrapBook group is a monthly gathering in the church hall for scrappers Need for Pastor who can maintain the dynamic that the community has created Can minister on the same level and foster the continuity of the spirit

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) is an active organization at St. Victor as Branch 195, serving since 1966 and is one of the largest branches in the Chicago district. It is diverse and inclusive, open to all ethnicities of Roman Catholic and is no longer restricted to those of Italian descent. The ICF is very charitable within community and region (numerous donations). Our Lady of Guadalupe Society (OLG) promotes devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day and the novena leading up to it. The devotion and celebration includes praying the rosary, explaining the history amd meaning of the devotion, petitions, personal offerings such as roses, and a midnight mariachi serenade to Our Lady. In addition, they organize the posadas, a tradition held commemorating the trials that the pregnant Virgin Mary and St. Joseph suffered while seeking shelter in Bethlehem. The OLG society hosts year-round fundraising events in to support these activities. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts have both in existence at St. Victor for over 50 years with active membership. Leaders are dedicated to intoducing youth to life skills, morality, honesty, integrity, mirroring the values the members of St. Victor instill into the parish community. Market Day provides money for church as monthly fundraiser. A past dinner hosted for the Bishop prepared with Market Day food, demonstrating continuity between event (Confirmation) and community. Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) helps our pastor gain an understanding of St. Victor Parish. Through research and evaluation of the parish community, the council identifies issues, ideals and values and recommends policies to the pastor that specifically address the spiritual needs and desires of the parishioners. The pastor is then able to give effective ministry. Parish Finance Council (PFC) is a skilled group advising pastor on financial review and planning activities. The council helps the parish maximize its financial resources and avert potential financial problems, advises on prioritizing larger expenditures. St. Victor Youth Group is a frecently formed organization that has had past activities and meetings that have engaged them with the life of the parish.

Human Concerns
We are children of God our Creator and Father. Through His son, Jesus Christ, we are offered eternal life. We believe that at our essence, we are spiritual beings. Our lives as individuals and as a community of believers must reflect this. Our words, our actions, our interactions, our liturgies, our sacraments, our devotion... our parish... must let it be known our life on earth is temporal, but that life with God is eternal.

CARE OF THE POOR

Community Meal Feeds on average 75 people each Sunday, including children Served with a smile and a loving heart Individuals and organizations are the core to the program Ongoing ministry for over 25 years Victor Care Thanksgiving baskets, full holiday meals plus additional staple food items collected from parishioners Christmas Sharing Tree Allows parishioners to provide gifts during the holiday season More is always given than the items requested from families School supplies (end of summer) Collection of school supplies for needy prior to start of school year Calumet City Resources Multi-parish ecumenical effort that opens a store-front two mornings a week Care for the poor not yet, no longer eligible for public assistance Served 13,000 people last year, an increase of 8% over the prior year Supported by many St. Victor parishioners Special collections support other worthy causes (i.e. Respect Life baby bottles) St. Vincent DePaul Society Offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis Symbolizes how our faith is put into action; contributions of time, talent, treasure Giving as Christ instructed us to do, selflessly and humbly to others Creates a solidarity at St. Victor between those that have and those that have less

CARE OF THE SICK

A dedicated, caring group of parishioners are Ministers of Care and attend to the sick weekly Priest invests great time to minister to those infirmed or confined to home This ministry is among the strongest values St. Victor's offers Gives contact to those who would not have an outlet to the outside world Comforting family and friends by offering prayers, concern and kindness Emphasizes human element in Church community, a desire to reach out

HUMAN CONCERNS
Social Justice Ministry is responsible for promoting active participation in internal and external events that shape the future of our community. This ministry is the core team that works with the South Suburban Action Conference to organize people of all racial, denominational and socio-economic groups to build power and achieve strong and open communities throughout the south suburbs. The Social Justice Ministry uses methodologies developed by the Gamaliel Foundation to train leaders to build stronger relationships inside of our parish, identify new leaders, raise important concerns and develop real solutions. Alcoholics Anonymous (12 Step Program) is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion or other behavioral problems, which along with the Al-Anon fellowship, is supported through the parish.

Education
Jesus was a teacher. And through the Gospel message, so too have we been commissioned to do likewise. Education is at the heart of what it is to be Christian - a follower of Christ. Both individually and collectively, through our efforts and the sharing of our time and treasure, we strive to imitate Christ by spreading His Gospel through word and action.

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CONCERNS FOR OUR YOUTH

Christ Our Savior Catholic School Consolidated resources and staff to retain presence of Catholic education Parish financially supports the school in various ways Confirmation program maintains ties with 9th grade youth School news and achievements are noted in the parish bulletin Eagle Scout members have contributed landscaping improvements on parish campus

ADULT EDUCATION
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are individuals are making commitment each Easter season Testimony to the message of Christ and our evangelizing Weekly scripture discussions for the last decade Discovery of ways in which the message can be lived and shared Small groups of dedicated parishioners facilitate sharing the message Scripture study group delves into meaning of writings in our current existence Catholic Charismatic Renewal Group meets each Sunday evening at the church

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Active and growing group of young people involved in program Combination of students with teachers to maintain a high level of discussion

Educational Goals as We Move Forward

Reinvigorate our youth program to keep our young people connected to our parish in a meaningful way. Revitalize adult formation/education by offfering additional classes and retreats. Embrace and incorporate new pastors vision and gifts for future benefit of parish community.

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Parish Staff
In line with the economic realities of the time, the paid staff of the parish is a small but dedicated and hardworking group augmented by an equally dedicated and hard working core of part-time staff and volunteers. All staff members, paid and volunteer, are at the heart of maintaining the day-to-day operations of the parish.

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QUALITY STAFF
Parish Administrative Assistant Assumed many duties formerly cared for by staff Available to support parish groups with bulletin, notices, printing, etc. Presents a friendly and welcoming face to any who phone or visit Maintenance Director Keeps buildings maintained with diligent and effective effort, oversees repairs Collaborates with parish organizations and individuals needing assistance Music Director Produces music for seasons and special events with great care, excellent sound Oversaw the restoration of our pipe organ Matches music to ability of our many dedicated choir volunteers Keeps the choir connected to the parish, not a separate "performance group" Bookkeeper Records day-to-day financial transactions of parish Allows Finance Committee to make well-informed decisions with system structure Pastoral Staff Fr. Dan Torson from Lewis University is regular weekend presider who provides energy, friendliness, and spiritual direction representative of St. Victor spirit Dan Ragonese is parish Deacon who provides enthusiastic ministerial service and with his group is responsible for church decor Volunteers assist with the day-to-day operation of the parish Permanence of staff and vulunteers demonstrates commitment, quality and dedication of individuals

FINANCIAL PROSPECTS
Reflects position of many parishes in the area, thin but resourceful Fundraising Committee initiated to provide added sources of income Summer celebration known as VictorFest has been reborn after many years Trivia Night adds entertainment, bonding of ties to parish and outside community Pancake Breakfasts (bi-annually) is flavorful way to encourage community spirit Sales of tamales/tacos/posale, etc. emphasizes our diversity and delights our palate Periodic activities/productions staged to raise funding A number of families unable to attend service send contributions by mail DMDR (Deferred Maintenance Debt Reduction) program continued, along with Emergency Utility collections via contributions in monthly envelope packets mailed to parishioners 50/50 Raffle soon to be initiated

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Facilities
As with all aging parishes, upkeep and proactive maintenance is a difficult but essential task. Volunteers have worked hard to keep the church up with the times, including a new handicapped accessibility lift, ensuring that all parishioners can worship in communion with other mass participants.

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BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

Major renovation of church, beautification and structural changes, via capital fund (2000) Expense minimized by huge volunteer effort within the entire parish Refitting of the Rose window above the choir loft Reconditioning of the pipe organ system, completed in 2002 Improvements to buildings include the following: Rectory roof has been replaced with a 20-year warranty roof Tuckpointing done on the church in the last few years Tile roof on the church was removed, deck repaired and tiles replaced Electrical systems in the church and hall brought up to code during renovation Drop ceiling in the church hall was replaced Electronic ballasts part of fluorescent lighting dramatically cut electric bills New boiler added in the past year with improved insulation of pipes Handicap Lift (elevator) installed in past few years with approximately half the expense funded through a grant program Multi-block, multi-faceted space viable for many reasons, needs periodic care

LIVING QUARTERS

Pastor's living quarters Second floor office; 182 sq. ft., floor to ceiling bookshelves, storage on three walls Bedroom; 130 sq. ft., with adjoining bath and shower Living room; 384 sq. ft., windows on three sides, with two bookshelf/cabinet units (4 ft.) and two display/storage compartments, both floor to ceiling (9 ft.). Closet corridor between bedroom and living room, 8 ft. of drawer/cabinet space Four living/bathroom/bedroom suites for visitors or residents Many from Catholic Theological Union have lived in the Rectory and served the parish Second floor has a Community Room (280 sq ft) with adjacent wet bar First floor office with adjoining bathroom is available for the pastor. New carpeting installed throughout the living space

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ST. VICTOR PARISH

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Leonard Dubi, Pastor Rev. Alejandro Marca, Associate Pastor Rev. Daniel Torson, C.P.P.S., Weekend Presider Dan Ragonese, Deacon Dr. Michael Koller, Director of Music Michael Cierski, Music Support Staff George French, S.V.D.P., Sacristan Maria Valadez, Religious Education Coordinator Cuca Perez, Religious Education Secretary Dorothy Frego, Parish Secretary/Administrative Assistant Marcella Koller, Bookkeeper Cathy Bolda, Data Entry Clerk Loretta Gass, Receptionist Crystal Johnson, Receptionist Therese Tylus, Receptionist Maria Valadez, Receptionist Robert Vinciguerra, Maintenance PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Ignacio Carillo Warren Cebulko Chinedu Diala Jose Del Real Cristina Garcia George Grenchik Anthony Jones Louise Labahn Stanley Long Jo Merlo Eric Schneider Ed Vockell PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES John Kasperek Harry Keay Gabriela Franco Doreen Vinciguerra Alice Vockell MASS SCHEDULE English - Saturday 4pm, Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am Espaol - Sunday 7:00am & 12:30pm Weekday Liturgy - Monday to Friday 7:45am Holy Day Liturgy - 8:30am & 7:00pm
553 Hirsch Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409 (708) 891-8920 www.stvictorcc.org
Prepared by the St. Victor Parish Pastoral Council All Rights Reserved 2012