150 Years of Service: Faith in Action
As we celebrate 150 years of faith and community at the Church of St. Mary, we honor our parish’s enduring commitment to service. Throughout this jubilee year, parishioners, students, and families are invited to live out our mission through hands-on service projects that bring comfort, hope, and joy to others. From crafting blankets for children in need to creating cards for memory care residents, each project offers a chance to put our faith into action — one caring gesture at a time. Join us as we continue our legacy of compassion and celebrate 150 years of serving God and neighbor.
Project Linus: Blanket-Making for Kids in Need
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Woodlands Academy - Gloria Dei Center
700 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest, IL
Join us for a heartwarming community service event supporting Project Linus, a nationwide initiative that provides handmade blankets to children and young adults (ages 0–18) in need of comfort and care.
Students from The School of St. Mary UGC (grades 4–8), Religious Education participants, and all parishioners are invited to come together for a morning of creativity, compassion, and community-building.
As a “blanketeer,” you’ll help craft cozy blankets that serve as gifts of love, security, warmth, and hope for children facing illness, trauma, or other challenges.
Come make a difference – one blanket at a time!
Project Service Stations!
February 1, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. (UGC & PGC)
February 3, 2026 – 4:45 p.m. & 7:45 p.m. (UGC)
Students can choose how they want to help — or try them all!
Station 1: Make “plarn” (plastic yarn)
Turn plastic bags into yarn that will be used to crochet sleeping mats for the homeless, in partnership with Gratitude Generation.
Station 2: Sort bulk underwear
Help organize and pack items for distribution to local schools through Grace Network.
Station 3: Color sheets for Spring Break Boxes
Add cheerful designs and messages to boxes that will go to children served by Fill A Heart.
Come make a difference — one small act of service at a time!
Project Happy Cards - Card Making for Kids and Memory Care Residents
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 10:30 a.m. UGC and PGC
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 7:45 p.m. UGC
Our youngest parishioners will design and decorate cards to bring joy to children in hospitals and residents of memory care facilities. Join us in spreading love and kindness through thoughtful handmade creations.
Cards will be distributed to The Sheridan at Green Oaks on Saturday, March 7, 2026 and Sunday March 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Cards will also be mailed to different children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide.