Ministries, Groups, and Apostolates

 Christ is at the heart of everything that we do. The holy eucharist is the source and summit of the life of our parish. We take to heart the value of coming together at the altar of the Lord. Among our ministries are:

Choir and Cantors

Bell choir

Lectors

Altar Servers

Ushers

Greeters

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Art & Environment

Sacristans

Linens

Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament

Rosary Making Group

Nocturnal Adoration Society

We are called to know, love, and follow Christ. The following programs and events help us to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith and the richness of our Catholic Tradition:

Living Word Bible Study (Tuesdays) 

Growing in Faith Together (Thursdays)

Preparation for Christian Initiation for Adults 

Faith Formation Program

Baptismal Preparation Seminars

Wedding Preparation

Marriage Enrichment Programs

Formed

 Mission Family of Blessed Boleslawa (Lay Associates of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family)

Christ has commanded us to practice charity and be instruments of His mercy. Reaching out with love to the poor and those in need, some of our outreach efforts include: 

Azzarelli Outreach Clinic, Kankakee Catholic Food Pantry, Our Shepherd Clothing Closet, Family Bridges, Immigration Ministry, Youth Outreach to Pembroke Township, Red Cross Blood Drives, Parish Nursing Program, Ministry to the Homebound, the Pro-life Committee, the Christmas Giving Tree

The youth of St. John Paul II Parish participate in both Young on Fire Youth Group as well as the regional youth ministry program for high school students: Hearts of Hope Youth Group, led by longtime youth leaders, Ken and Michelle Barrie.  The youth groups and some of the more prominent youth events in our parish are:

Young on Fire Youth Group

Weekly Youth Rosary on Saturdays at Noon

Good Friday Breakfast Baskets

Hearts of Hope Youth Group

One Bread, One Cup Liturgical Conference

Pembroke Mission

Harvest Sunday 

Advent Taize service

The parish is a community of believers and a family of families. We continue to grow as a family in faith, and we celebrate the bond of faith that God has given us. The following groups and events contribute to the building up of our community:

JP II Parish Feast Day Celebration

Dinner with Twelve New Friends

Annual Family Bike Ride

Council of Catholic Women

Knights of Columbus

The Kindness Krew

Daughters of St. Anne

Our parish recognizes that the Church is enriched by cultural customs and devotions throughout the world. We are blessed to have Hispanic Ministry at St. John Paul II Parish. Hispanic ministry in Kankakee began at St. Teresa Parish and then later at the Parish of St. Rose of Lima. These communities were unified when the parishes merged to form the Parish of St. John Paul II. Some programs, groups, movements, and events that are sponsored by our parish and its Hispanic Council are:

Mexican Independence Day Kermes

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations

Epiphany Celebration (Visita de los Tres Reyes Magos)

Las Posadas

Encuentros Juveniles

Adoracion Nocturna