Governing Councils
The governing councils at Ascension and St. Edmund Parish serve an important role in leading our parish community. Our councils include the Finance Council, the Parish Council, the Ascension School Board, and the Spirit and Light Advisory Board.
The Finance Council
The Ascension and St Edmund Finance Council Members:
Thomas Brooker
Bonnie Edwalds
Jennifer Farnbauch
Bob Foster
Brian Gedvilas
Christina Norton
Lisa Reed
Denise Walsh
Parish Council
The Ascension and St. Edmund Parish Council Members:
Anita Dwyer (STE)
Susan Viselli (STE)
Graciela Maldonado (ASC)
Deb Pastors (ASC)
Tom Wheeler (STE)
Peter Kaye (ASC)
Charles Chamberlain (ASC)
Josh Risley (ASC)
Daniel Kane (STE)
Father Carl Morello
Father Rex Pillai
Susan Viselli (STE)
Graciela Maldonado (ASC)
Deb Pastors (ASC)
Tom Wheeler (STE)
Peter Kaye (ASC)
Charles Chamberlain (ASC)
Josh Risley (ASC)
Daniel Kane (STE)
Father Carl Morello
Father Rex Pillai
Parish Pastoral Council Report
Our Parish Pastoral Council met on Monday April 28th from 7-9 p.m.
We began as we do with prayer which helped us talk about the individual strengths and gifts of our council members that can help us in our work for the unification of our parish.
The council spent time on the importance of good communication about our role in the parish and the need to explain new cross-parish initiatives such as Spirit and Light, the Evangelization Team, and Youth Ministry. Fr. Carl reported that the multi-site facilities review committee is continuing their meetings with the hope of being able to make a recommendation to the Parish Council and Finance Committee in mid-June.
Our main goal at this time is to grow together as a team, to listen to the questions and needs of the community and to address them, with the help of staff, as best we can. We all know there are challenges before us but also wonderful opportunities as we come together to strengthen our community in ways that are attractive to new members.
We will keep you informed about what we are doing and invite you to reach out with questions, concerns or support. Please feel free to reach out to any member of the council or contact us through the e-mail provided.
Blessings to all.
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish Pastoral Council
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish Pastoral Council
Spirit and Light Advisory Board for Spirit and Light has been created for the following purposes:
- Advise and consult with the Spirit and Light Director
- Plan, organize and execute activities to raise funds for Spirit and Light
- Plan, organize and execute activities to build community among the families that participate in the programs of the Spirit and Light
- In conjunction with the Ascension and St. Edmund and St. Catherine-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish Pastor, Directors of Operation, finance councils, Spirit and Light Director and Director of Administration create the budget for Spirit and Light
- Participate in the hiring process of those employed by Spirit and Light
- Offer feedback to the Pastor regarding the job performance review of the Spirit and Light Director
- Plan, organize and execute activities to raise funds for Spirit and Light
- Plan, organize and execute activities to build community among the families that participate in the programs of the Spirit and Light
- In conjunction with the Ascension and St. Edmund and St. Catherine-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish Pastor, Directors of Operation, finance councils, Spirit and Light Director and Director of Administration create the budget for Spirit and Light
- Participate in the hiring process of those employed by Spirit and Light
- Offer feedback to the Pastor regarding the job performance review of the Spirit and Light Director
Members of the Advisory Board represent all worshipping communities in our Oak Park Catholic Parishes.
Jim Schwarber, chair
Jean Meister, secretary
Luis Beteta
Tim Blatner
Glynis Hall
Paul Kraft
Jean Meister, secretary
Luis Beteta
Tim Blatner
Glynis Hall
Paul Kraft
Katie Kudlacz
Esther Lopez
Melanie Pivarski
LaTrice Porter-Thomas
Kathleen Sproat
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas regarding Spirit and Light, please feel free to reach out to an Advisory Board member.
Esther Lopez
Melanie Pivarski
LaTrice Porter-Thomas
Kathleen Sproat
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas regarding Spirit and Light, please feel free to reach out to an Advisory Board member.
School Board
The Ascension School Board is an advisory group which assists the Pastor and Principal. It develops and recommends policies, recommends the School's budget, recommends tuition rates to the Pastor, helps to promote the School and its programs, and assists with fundraising. To learn more about the school board visit the Ascension School Board web page.
2023-2024 School Board Members
Alissa Waller (Chair)
Cheryl Bernard
London Black
Sarah Gibbs
Kevin Hibbitts
Claire Kalemba
Brenda Ortiz
Erik Treese
Mike Schmiedeler
Cheryl Bernard
London Black
Sarah Gibbs
Kevin Hibbitts
Claire Kalemba
Brenda Ortiz
Erik Treese
Mike Schmiedeler