Hands of Christ

The Hands of Christ Committee began in 1990 by five women who participated in CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish). Flo Craig, Pat Dvorak, Jan Houston, Sandy Kastl and Judy Trent, with the help of their husbands and Father Ken Marchulones, formed the Committee using Matthew 25:35 as a guide for direction.

Through the years, the main project has been the Giving Tree in December. Children in need from the six grade schools in East Peoria are recipients of gifts from the Giving Tree. Other projects are donations to area ministries, such as St. Monica Food Pantry, Central Illinois Agency for Aging, Central Illinois Riding Therapy and others. The Committee assists other people in need received through our Pastor and Church office. An annual donation is made to Msgr. Larry Kanyike in Uganda for a child’s tuition in grade school and one in high school.

Funds to provide these services come from you, the people of St. Monica, when you buy the Dining Books and dessert at the K of C fish fries during Lent. Donations are always welcome and may be made in cash or check by placing an envelope in the collection box, marked ‘‘Hands of Christ."

The Committee needs more hands! Any member of St. Monica Church is welcome to join, full or part time; in December, help is always appreciated. Please contact any member of the Committee.

The generosity of our St. Monica Community is heartwarming! The Committee gives thanks and appreciation to all who have assisted in any way through the years!

Some members have come and gone, but many are long timers.  Others who have been active in the Hands Of Christ are Vickie & Jim Foster, Carol & Keith Wilson, Judy Harmon, Dee Tarkowski, Jan & Jack Sharkey, Pat & Herb Wahrenburg, Teresa & Jane Mahon, Rosemary & Harry Reed, and Joanne Flynn.

Current members of the Committee are Alice Dooley (Chair), Eveline & Bill Durham, Paul Flynn, Jeanne & Joe Lenac, Greg & Annette Berry, Don & Maureen Johnson, Eileen Bieneman, Helen Searle, Karen Wheeler, and Peggy Keck.