Mardis Gras supports nun's mission

A Mardi Gras parade snaked its way Friday night through the ballroom at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine, as supporters of the Sisters of the Living Word once again banded together to celebrate their mission.

The nearly 200 guests donned beads and masks for the colorful affair, before working together to decorate a whimsical train made up of cardboard floats to form the core of the parade.

"We called it the 'Mardi Gras Express as we guided it through the room,'" said Sr. Barbara Mass, part of the order's leadership team.

The festive, interactive project served as an icebreaker of sorts, especially on a night when nearly a foot of snow had fallen on the region. Nonetheless, nearly all of the guests made it to the benefit, and they came ready to party.

Gary Colabuono of Arlington Heights returned to serve as master of ceremonies, for the evening, which included a Cajun-styled dinner and auction.

The Sisters of the Living Word describe their congregation as being "rooted in the Word," compelled to bring God's message out into their communities. They strive to be advocates for the homeless and abused, while feeding the hungry, teaching the illiterate, caring for the elderly and homebound.

Their Arlington Heights based-order includes nearly 75 sisters, who are based across the country, as well as in the Chicago area.

During the evening, their major awards -- honoring their lay community partners involved in helping those in need -- reflected their national presence.

They presented their "Partners in Mission" award to the Rev. Clyde Brooks of Chicago, president of the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations, while their "Volunteer of the Year" award went to E. J. and Robby Cormier of Marrero, La., who work with the sisters in New Orleans.

Each year, the Mardi Gras benefit raises money for the sisters' Mission Fund, which awards grants to sisters working in underfunded ministries.

Mass pointed to a pair of local efforts: Sr. Kristine Borenkamp works with the Hispanic population at Mission Juan San Diego in Arlington Heights, while Sr. Carrie Miller, works to find affordable housing in the Northwest suburbs, with the nonprofit agency, Faith Community Homes.