Bereavement Ministry
Our Lady of the Wayside ministry of Bereavement offers a grief support program for adults in the fall. This six-week program is open to adult men and women parishioners who have suffered the loss of a spouse, parent or sibling through death.
- For Grief Counseling/Support Groups: CLICK HERE.
- For Grief Resource Library links: CLICK HERE.
Blood Drives
Our Lady of the Wayside sponsors the Emily Holum Memorial Blood Drive organized in cooperation with LIFE SOURCE.
For More Information, Contact Back To TopChristian Family Movement (CFM)
What is CFM? Could it be for you? The Christian Family Movement (CFM) is an all parish organization committed to promoting the Christian way of life:
- in the family
- in the community
- in the workplace
Through the dynamics of small group discussions held in members’ homes, CFM members come together to learn, grow and support each other in becoming and living as the people of God in everyday life. Meetings are typically on the first or second Friday’s of September through April, at 8 p.m. They begin with a brief reflection on a passage from Scripture, which leads into the topic of the evening.
In addition, there are several social and service events through the year hosted by one or more of the CFM groups: Lasagna Dinner, Feed My Starving Children, Thanksgiving Agape, Chili Cookoff, Spring Party…
Join us or contact us and sit in on a meeting or event!
Click here for more details about this ministry.
Easter Egg Hunt/ Basket Blessing
An Easter Egg hunt for younger children is held on Holy Saturday behind the Gathering Place followed by blessing of Easter baskets and food in Church. Children, ages 10 and under are welcome to participate in the hunt while parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles – everyone – is invited to join in the fun. Afterward, take your goodies to church for the Easter basket blessing.
At the Blessing, learn the meaning of the Easter Egg, the Horseradish, Bread, Ham, Parsley, etc. that we often all incorporate into our Easter celebrations. Prepare a basket, bring it to be blessed and begin a tradition in your family if you do not already do so.
For More Information, ContactElizabeth Ministry
The Elizabeth Ministry is an international movement designed to support women and their families during the joys, challenges and sorrows of the childbearing years and beyond. The areas include, but are not limited to: pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, regretted abortions, infant or child death, crisis or special needs, adoption, fertility and infertility.
To contact a minister, please complete a card from the banner in the back of church or contact the Elizabeth Ministry Coordinator at elizabethministry@att.net.
For More Information, ContactFaith and Friends
Elementary Students (K-5th grade) meet to hear a bible story, play sports, do science experiments & crafts and learn about a Saint.
We typically meet monthly on Sundays from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Father Mackin Center. For more information, email ffill@olwparish.org.
For More Information, ContactFamily and School Association
The OLW Family and School Association (known as the FSA) consists of all school parents, guardians, teachers, administrators and our pastor, acting collectively on behalf of Our Lady of the Wayside School and our children. Active participation and cooperation has been a vital part of the effectiveness of our Family and School Association and has been the foundation of a caring school community.
Our Lady of the Wayside Family and School Association has several purposes. Its primary purpose is to promote communication among parents, guardians, teachers and administrators, with focus on the educational and spiritual development of our children. Additionally, it is to promote good will and cooperation among parents, faculty, administration, school board and parish; and to direct and coordinate parental support for special activities, programs, social events and fundraising.
Lenten Soup/ Stations
Each Friday of Lent a soup supper is held in the Gathering Space at 6:30 p.m. followed by Stations of the Cross in the church at 7:30 p.m. Join us for delicious non-meat soups and fellowship! If you make a great soup you would like to share, contact the coordinator!
For More Information, ContactLittle Saints Song, Stretch and Storytime
Who: Young children (up to age 6) along with their parent/caregiver.
What: Join us for a time of faith and friendship. Together we will read a Bible story and learn about saints, sing songs, play games, and stretch and learn more about God and His love for us. Then enjoy a time to connect and chat while the kids play with the provided toys.
When: Twice monthly during the school year on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. For a current schedule, please email olwlittlesaints@gmail.com.
Where: Rectory/Church basement (enter in doors from the Walnut Street parking lot)
For More Information, ContactMental Health
Our Lady of the Wayside, St. James and St. Edna’s, and have joined together for this very important Mental Health Ministry. We strive to provide support, education and awareness to our parish communities on issues related to mental health. Our goal is to break down the social stigma surrounding these issues, provide information, local resources, and emotional and spiritual support.
The National Institute of Health says 1 in 5 people in any given year deal with a mental illness. For 1 in 17, it is a serious and persistent illness and 1 in 4 of these individuals also have a substance abuse issue. Tragically, the stigma surrounding them causes isolation and often keeps individuals and families from seeking help. Our hope is this web page provides you with resources of support, education and hope.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
- If you feel unsafe or are experiencing a mental health emergency: CLICK HERE
- For Support Resources: CLICK HERE
- For Educational Resources, CLICK HERE
Click here for a list of mental health services. 
Parish Picnic
Our largest parish activity is our parish picnic. Normally held on a fall afternoon after the 11:30am Mass, the picnic is a festival for the entire family with food, kid’s games, and live music.
The picnic is a huge undertaking and needs many hands. If you would like to get involved, please email picnic@olwparish.org.
For More Information, ContactParish School
OLW School provides a vital Catholic Christian environment where students are motivated to attain their fullest academic, physical, and spiritual potential: where Christian values, mutual trust, and respect permeate all programs and activities: and where each individual is encouraged to live and to share the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our curriculum provides proficiency in basic skills, an appreciation for the pursuit of excellence, and preparation to meet the challenges of the world.
Religious Education
Thank you for your interest in Our Lady of the Wayside’s Religious Education Program (REP). REP assists parents with developing their children’s faith and with fostering their personal relationship with Jesus. We serve families with children in 1st through 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School.
For more information and to register your child, click HERE.
For More Information, Contact Back To TopRespect Life Committee
Respect Life provides information on current concerns and legislative alerts to parishioners, as well as prayers and other needed support to those affected by life issues. Contact the Committee Chair for more information at respectlife@olwparish.org.
For More Information, ContactSchool Athletic Booster Club
The OLW School Athletic Booster Club provides funding and support for OLW school athletic and recreational programs.
For More Information, ContactSPRED Ministry
PURPOSE OF SPRED MINISTRY
OLW is forming a small faith community for people aged 22 and older who have a developmental disability. If you or someone you know are caring for a person with developmental disabilities, OLW invites him/her into this wonderful program.
WHAT IS SPRED SUPPORT MINISTRY?
The program, SPRED, is an Archdiocesan Agency created to bring forth an awareness in our special friends as persons of dignity who are loved by God. A welcoming space, the bonds of friendship, the proclamation of the WORD and inclusion in the sacramental life of the parish are essential for growth in faith. Our program will facilitate a one-on- one activity, a group spiritual reflection and an agape to foster friendship and religious development. We will meet once a month on a Saturday morning at the Parish Center. Visit www.spred-chicago.org for an overview of the SPecial REligious Development program.
WHO TO CONTACT
Tom Aichele Chair spredchair@olwparish.org
Maureen Loughery Leader Catechist spredlead@olwparish.org
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is offered for early elementary school age children each June. Keep an eye out for registration forms.
For More Information, Contact