Education Foundation
The Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that is separate from the school and parish. The purpose is to accept donations, bequests, and other monetary contributions and to Invest these funds to provide a source of income for OLMC School for perpetuity. More information on the Education Foundation, how to contribute and how to include the Foundation in your will contact Mike Abba.
Contact: Mike Abba | 618-942-4721

Parish Finance Council
The Parish Finance Council advises the Pastor on the administration of the temporal affairs of the parish ensuring that the operation of the parish meets the needs of the mission of the parish and the parish buildings. The Finance Council assists in setting the budgets and in planning for the future temporal needs of the parish. Members are appointed by the Pastor. Members that have a good overall knowledge of the parish as well as a knowledge of financial management are good candidates.

School Advisory Board of Education
The School Advisory Board for OLMC school is an elected position voted on by the parishioners of our Parish. Adult members of the Parish are eligible to run for a position on the board; parents of students, grandparents of students, interested people without students attending the school, local businesspeople, any interested member of our Parish. The board acts in an advisory capacity on policy and procedure for the Pastor of the Parish and Principal in the operation of the school. Board meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Any interested party should contact the school or Parish Office.
Contact: OLMC School | 618-942-4484 or the Parish Office | 618-942-3114

Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Council under the leadership of our Pastor and in union with our Bishop and the Holy Father accepts responsibility with the Pastor and Parish staff for the life and mission of the Catholic Church in our community, discern the needs of our Parish, sets goals and priorities, promote ecumenical relationships with other churches in our community, and to collaborate with the civic, business, and professional communities in our city. Council members are elected to three-year terms are these positions are open to interested adult members of our Parish.
Contact: Parish Office | 618-942-3114

Parish Trustees
Each parish in the Diocese of Belleville is a separate corporation. As with all corporations, there is a Board of Directors. Those directors are: The Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Belleville, the Pastor of the parish, and two lay trustees. Parish Trustees are appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese upon recommendation of the Pastor – after a discernment process is held with the consultative bodies (Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, School Advisory Board) of the parish. Parish Trustees serve on all the Administrative Councils. Parish Trustees work closely with the Pastor on many matters – especially matters that are held in the strictest confidence.

Boy Scouts
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts meet Sundays at 5:30 pm in Cabrini Hall. 
Contact: Brandi Campbell | 618-303-6161

Daughters of Isabella
This international group and women’s social club funds various activities (i.e. bingo every Friday at the K.C. Hall). They support our church and community. 
Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.

Daughters of Mary
Catholic Women of the parish make up this club which helps sponsor church and parish activities. 
Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm.

Girl Scouts
The mission of the girl scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. There are groups as young as Daisies and as old as Cadets.

Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal and social organization of men who give unselfishly of their time and talents in the service of God and country. They perform tasks of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The organization also helps raise funds for our Parish and School.
Contact: Randy Lively | 918-942-2316 or 213 North 16th Street, Herrin


School Committee
The School Committee is the primary fundraising organization for the school. The funds raised are also used to provide classroom incentives such as Accelerated Reader Program and Target Card fundraising programs. Volunteers are needed year-round to help with fundraising events and to provide ideas for new fundraising. Involvement in these events and activities directly affect the school’s ability to operate and should be seen as a “hands-on” input to help guide the direction (s) of the school. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the lower gymnasium.
Contact: OLMC School Office | 618-942-4484

FORMED.org
Lift your spirit, teach you something new and open your heart in the comfort of your own home. Join FORMED.org and find Bible studies, movies, books, and devotionals all online and free.
Contact: Go to FORMED.org to register under Our Lady of Mt Carmel

Parish School of Religion (PSR)
The Parish provides religious instruction for those students attending public schools in K-8 grades. PSR sessions are held in Cabrini Hall each Sunday during the school year for one hour. Instruction connects to the weekly gospel lesson, core Catholic beliefs, sacramental preparation and overall call to discipleship. Currently there are five dedicated teachers and volunteers are always welcome to assist.
Contact: Bridget Marcek | 413-205-7101 or [email protected]

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The mission of this ministry is the teaching and leading those who are striving to learn about the Catholic Faith in preparation of joining our faith community. This group meets every Wednesday evening after Mass from mid-September to Easter. Volunteers are always welcome.
Contact: Cynthia Bowling or Matthew Bowling | 618-942-2701

Adult Bible Study
A weekly Bible Study meets on Wednesday evening in Cabrini Hall. This group chooses from different books of the Bible or topics related to the scriptures for review and discussion.
Contact: Brian Golden

Care for Creation
Help OLMC grow as an eco-friendly parish! The group also maintains the school garden and the flower area where the old school was. Have fun and do good by joining our environmental justice efforts.
Contact: Carl and Beth Spezia

Herrin House of Hope
Herrin House of Hope is an organization sponsored by the Herrin Ministerial Alliance. The Herrin House of Hope provides a hot meal served restaurant style each day as well as canned food items and clothing for those in need. Our parish takes a rotation to work for a week in serving the meals (10A-2P). Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Joan Schullian.

St. Anne’s Cradle of Hope
St. Anne’s Cradle of Hope is a new diocesan ministry that is in Carbondale. It was formed to provide pregnancy assistance care for women. Monetary donations along with donations of diapers, baby items, formula are greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off in the Gathering Space and will be transported to the facility. 
Contact Maryanne Vandenbergh for more information.
(847) 636-7703

Helen Garnati Food and Clothing Bank
Named after a long-time member of our parish, Helen Garnati, the food and clothing bank collects and distributes food and gently used clothing to those in need. A list of currently needed food items can be found in the bulletin. Donations of food can be brought to the Gathering Space. Volunteers for this program are welcome. 
Contact Fran Rizzo.

Coins and Cans for Uganda (Our sister parish)
We have a sister parish in Uganda. Throughout this relationship we have been able to feed the children who attend the school there as well as help to build mission churches and schools. There are three ways we can accomplish this commitment. First, we collect aluminum cans in the trailer located near Cabrini Hall. Just dump them inside the trailer/cage. Second, we invite the children at weekend liturgies to donate coins to Uganda. Third, each January we hand out an envelope where you can directly donate to the Feed the Kids program. $50 will feed a student each day for a year. Students more likely will attend school if they know there is a meal for them.

Blankets for Day Star
Day Star is a diocesan entity located in Cairo, Illinois. They serve the needs of the poor in the eleven southernmost counties in the state. Each October the parish family is invited to donate a new blanket. In November these blankets are transported to Day Star to be given out to the needy in the area.

The mission of the ministry is to provide and promote the spiritual formation, to develop and implement evangelization and to involve youth in the mission and work of the Catholic Faith community. Youth from 6-7 grades and 8-12 grades OLMC Parish and Holy Spirit Parish participate in this group. Meetings alternate between OLMC Cabrini Hall and Holy Spirit Family Life Center.
Contact: Elana Goins @ 618-942-6543

Arts and Environment
The mission of this group is to visually enhance the spiritual experience of the liturgy by decorating our church during Advent, Lent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc. Volunteers are needed and welcome to help with this mission.
Contact: Ryan and Melissa Farley | 618-889-3437

Adult Choir
The choir sings every other week, twice a month, rotates weekend Masses and on special feast days or special occasions (Confirmation, First Communion, Graduation, Herrin Festa, etc.). One only needs a desire to be in a group and the dedication to attend practice regularly. No experience or expertise is required, but a willingness to learn is a must. Practice is at 6:30 pm Thursdays unless otherwise noted.
Contact: Victoria Protsman | 618-727-0079 or [email protected]

Cantors
Cantors facilitate the song of the congregation at all Masses. This includes informing the congregation of the hymnal numbers, leading the congregation in singing the response of the Responsorial Psalm, singing the verses of the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation, and encouraging the singing by the congregation throughout the Mass. Cantors need to commit to learning the music used in the liturgy and preferably be a member of the choir.
Contact: Kevin Hostetler | 618-559-3935 or [email protected]

Eucharistic Minister
This ministry assists the celebrant in the distribution of the Eucharist at Masses. Volunteers may also opt to visit hospital patients, or those at Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and home bound parishioners. There is a training session given for this ministry.
Contact: Rick Lynn | 618-246-4658

Greeters
Our church is always looking for volunteers to greet and welcome people before each Mass. To join this ministry, please contact the following to have your name added to the list.
Contact: Kevin Hostetler | 618-559-3935 or [email protected]

Handbell Choir
The mission of this choir is to enhance the liturgy with music. Thanks to the generosity of many, we have a set of three octaves of both English handbells and chimes. The members consist of parishioners who are musicians and some who have never had any music lessons. Practice is the key to success. New members who are interested and have a willingness to commit to practice are welcome. Practice is most Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm in the choir loft at church.
Contact: Victoria Protsman | 618-988-6924

Lectors
This ministry helps proclaim God’s word to the congregation during the liturgy. The message of salvation is proclaimed from both the Old Testament and the New Testament at each Mass. Lectors serve at all weekend Masses as well as special feast days and special occasions.
Contact: Parish Office | 618-942-3114

Musicians
Music plays an important role in the enhancement of the liturgy. Musicians and accompanists provide music on the piano, organ and other instruments added for special occasions. These individuals accompany the cantors and sometimes the choir at all Masses. These musicians help encourage the congregation to participate fully in the liturgy with song. A music background on piano, organ or other instruments is required and a willingness to learn the music and practice with the cantors or choir.
Contact: Kelly Green | [email protected]

Ushers
This ministry aids in the seating of the congregation, setting up extra chairs when needed, seeing that bulletins are available at each entrance, gather the collection and present it along with the bread and wine for consecration to the celebrant, help pick up, clean up and help secure the church after each Mass. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed.
Contact: Parish Office | 618-942-3114

Altar Servers
Children of the parish are trained in their 4th grade year to be Altar Servers. These servers assist the presiding priest at weekend Mass (as they are scheduled). They are often called upon to assist during Funeral Masses and Weddings along with other special liturgies during the year. Training takes place during the school day for students in the Catholic School and during PSR for students attending public school. Please contact the parish office for information.

Devotion to the Rosary
During the months of October and May, the rosary is led prior to the weekend liturgies. Volunteers are requested to lead the rosary.

Eucharistic Adoration
A chance to sit and pray for an hour with the Lord. Adoration is held weekly on Wednesday from 12noon to 6pm. Consult the bulletin or call the parish office.

Stations of the Cross
During the season of Lent, the community gathers to pray the Stations of the Cross to recall the final journey of Jesus to Golgotha.

Retreats
Throughout the year, materials and information are made available about retreats that are taking place in the area. A spiritual retreat is a way to step out of the day to day and take a moment to reflect. Currently there are a group of men to attend White House Jesuit Retreat Center on an annual basis.

Funeral Lunch Ministry
The mission of this ministry is to give aid and support to our parishioners who are experiencing the grief of losing a loved one. Volunteers provide and serve a meal, after the service, to the family and those in attendance. This service is provided at no cost to the family. Volunteers are needed to provide food and at times help serve the meal. Monetary donations are always accepted.

Hospitality
The group supports various activities throughout the year hosting refreshments for church events such as Confirmation, RCIA-Holy Thursday, and other church community events. They set up, arrange, and distribute in the Gathering Space, Cabrini Hall or wherever they are needed on campus.

Mission Effectiveness Group
This group was formed post-COVID with the purpose of getting some things happening to bring people together and build community. This group organizes the Outdoor Mass and Potluck, The Marriage Anniversary Dinner, The Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, and the Giving Tree during Advent.

Health and Wellness
This ministry provides appropriate information to meet the health needs, physically, mentally, spiritually, to our Parish family. Its goal is to create happy and health-wise people who are aware of their wellness needs of mind, body and spirit. It is our hope to serve the members of our Parish and to instill a concern and personal responsibility for the wellness of the whole person. Blood pressure checks are conducted before and after Masses on the last Sunday of the month. Volunteers are always welcome.

Fibers of Hope
This group gathers in the Holy Family room and knits/crochets items that are used for Herrin House of Hope, the VA hospital, area nursing homes/assisted living facilities, etc. They will even help a novice learn the craft. A great time for fellowship.
Contact: Julie Durr

San Carlo Cemetery
The support and maintenance of San Carlo Cemetery can be done by a few volunteers. Mowing and weeding responsibilities have been hired out. We are not looking for a big commitment from anyone, merely a rotating group of people a few times a year. Duties include picking flowers, leveling gravesites, mowing the adjacent field with church owned equipment, and occasional yardwork.