In remembrance of those who have lost a loved one in the past year, a special All Souls Day Mass is held at 7 p.m. in the church. A Circle organizes and creates a personalized letter and hands a flower to the families who have lost a loved one in the past year.

 In the spirit of the season and of giving, the Guild of St. Mary organizes the Christmas Sharing Tree. In the coming year, we plan to coordinate with Catholic Charities, as well as the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan in a blended approach to meet the needs of the community.

This event is open to all parish families at the Church of St Mary. The Advent Wreath workshop and decorations are sponsored by Lake Forest Flowers. The event is held in the SOSM UGC school cafeteria. All supplies needed to make the wreaths will be provided.  Registration for this event is required, and fees include materials for the wreaths. Snacks and refreshments are served and includes a special blessing over the wreaths to begin the Christmas Season!

A special event for younger children and families of St. Mary celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus. The story of the Nativity is read to the children and there are fun crafts and refreshments for all families during this heartwarming gathering.

The Christmas Brunch & Boutique is a holiday tradition that invites all women of the Guild and friends to gather to celebrate the season together. There is a boutique in which vendors are invited to sell their holiday gifts while donating a % of proceeds back to the Guild. There is a Cookie Walk in which Guild members bake homemade cookies to share with guests during the event. There is a lovely lunch served at a local club. It's a beautiful way to share some holiday cheers with friends of the Guild. Chairs design and send invitations, set up and oversee online registration, and obtain and oversee volunteers for the event, which is the first week in December.

“The Luck of the Irish” Senior Citizen luncheon is for seniors from Lake Bluff and Lake Forest and is hosted by the Guild with the help of the students from the School of St. Mary. This event, which is held in the UGC gymnasium, is an afternoon of fun with lunch, Bingo, and entertainment provided by the students, as well as a gift box of cookies to take home.

Each year, the parishioners of St. Mary's donate several hundred family Easter baskets or monetary donations benefiting the families who utilize the Most Blessed Trinity Food Pantry in Waukegan. One of the Guild Circles will provide all of the detailed information to be handed out at Mass, organize the return of baskets, and coordinate delivery of baskets.

The Spring Mass and Brunch is the Guild's end-of-year celebration, which also honors our Woman of the Year. It's a day filled with faith and fellowship. The day starts with a beautiful Mass and announcement of the Women of the Year, followed by brunch and a speaker. One of the Guild Circles organize the Mass at the Church and brunch to celebrate the Guild community and enhance spirituality.

And the favorite Sunday mass of the month is...Donut Sunday! Donut Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of each month from September through May, where the whole parish can enjoy a donut, a hot cup of coffee and/or juice, and fellowship after 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. The Guild Circles rotate managing this fun family morning event throughout the year.

A joyous and welcoming event celebrating the sacrament of Baptism with parish families. This reception is an opportunity to meet other parents and children who have also recently been blessed with a child and the gift of the Holy Spirit through Baptism. Families are invited to attend Mass and a light reception in the Upper Grade Center (UGC) cafeteria or gymnasium.

The women of the Guild provide a funeral luncheon for the family of a Church of St. Mary parishioner following their funeral Mass. Guild members bake and assemble a luncheon in the Parish Center Living Room. This is an optional service for families who would like a place to gather following the funeral.

Contact Judi Turner for more information.

The Wedding Ministry's mission is to help provide organization and hospitality to the bridal party and priests on the evening of the rehearsal, as well as on the wedding day.

Please contact Cecee Reagan to join this beautiful ministry.