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St. Stephen Protomatyr Church Honors Six During Testimonial Celebration


St. Stephen Father David Arcila and Glenda Raupp at last year’s Testimonial Celebration.

Six honorees were selected by St. Stephen Protomatyr Catholic Church in Des Plaines for its fourth annual Testimonial Celebration from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 14 at The Cotillion banquet hall in Palatine.

Honorees chosen may serve as Eucharistic ministers, assisting Rev. David Arcila and the deacons during Holy Communion; praying with the homebound and those in nursing homes as a minister of care; singing or playing a musical instrument during liturgies; serving as ushers; or helping families deal with their grief, as well as other ministries.

“Some people are so dedicated, it’s amazing. Some work in many ministries. We’re lucky to have so many devoted people,” said Glenda Raupp, chairperson of the event. “We have a very involved parish. There’s never a dull moment.”

Raupp said the church hosts a St. Stephens Table once a month for the homeless where all food is donated by different parishioners. They also run a backpack ministry and give gift cards to the needy.

Phyllis Rotondo, church business manager, said parishioners nominate those who give of their time, and that the pastor, deacons and staff finalize the selections. Last year, Wayne Dean received the Lifetime Achievement Award for being an usher, a Eucharistic minister and designing scenery for plays.

Tim Vana will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Ministry awards will be presented to Imelda Fajardo, Margarita Niemiec, Laura Reyna, Delores Stance and Pat Weber.

On average, 300 attend the semi-formal event that motivates parishioners to be involved in church activities and allows them to socialize as a parish. Attendees will be entertained by a DJ and will be served a chicken dinner. Parishioners 14 and older must be with a parent. The youth group will serve as ushers.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be dedicated to the maintenance projects of the church, which was built in 1952. Renovations include the parking lot repaving, plumbing updates and rehabbing the restrooms.

Reservations are necessary and there is a fee to attend. Tickets are sold after Mass or in the church office.

Fajardo

 

Reyna

Niemiec

Stance

Weber

Vana

 

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