Care Resources

Caritas Fund

Using the Latin word for “charity” as its name, this fund provides emergency financial support to St. John of the Cross parishioners, who, through unplanned circumstances, face difficulty meeting a critical financial obligation. Donations are accepted throughout the year for this resource that is intended, exclusively, for those who come to St. John of the Cross for help. Confidential arrangements are provided on a case-by-case basis.

Contact: Father David.

Counseling:

If you or a family member is having difficulty dealing with this complex and stressful world in which we live, Holbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities can help. Whether your trouble is personal, relational or career-related, the center offers professional assistance that is confidential and convenient. For further information, or to schedule an intake interview and an appointment, please call Catholic Charities, 312.655.7725.

Courage and Encourage:

Courage and Encourage are two spiritual support groups helping men and women, and their families, live in accordance with the Catholic Church’s teaching on same sex attraction. Courage members strive to develop lives of chastity in union with Christ, through participation in the Sacraments, prayer, fellowship and moral support. Encourage is a separate support group that helps family members and friends to deal with a loved one’s same sex attraction. Both ministries are approved by the Vatican and Chicago chapters of each meet with the approval of Cardinal George. For information on either group, e-mail chicagocourage@yahoo.com. All contacts are confidential.

Project Rachel Offers Abortion Counseling:

While abortion may have seemed like a simple solution to a difficult problem, the resulting grief and guilt from abortion may not have healed. This may lead to complex and destructive spiritual and emotional stress. Heal the wounds. There is hope for the future. Call Project Rachel, the Archdiocese of Chicago’s postabortion reconciliation and healing ministry at 312.337.1962. Confidential and compassionate care is offered 24 hours a day.

Respect Life:

Leading the parish in prayer for the unborn, the troubled and the elderly, inspiring others to speak out through legislative advocacy and pastoral care, and instilling a deeper appreciation for God, for life and for every person through education of Catholic Social Teachings are the main focus points for this small committee. Activities vary through the year. Contact: Blanche Heaney.