Chicago Archdiocese lauds faithful Des Plaines family

Joseph and Jean Leisten never expected any reward for the work they do for their church - at least not in this life.

The Des Plaines couple and their four grown children - Kathy, 32, of Schaumburg, Christine, 31, and Michelle, 28, both of Des Plaines, and Joey, 24, of Chicago - are the first family to receive the Archdiocese of Chicago's Christifideles Award usually given to individuals or couples for participation in parish life.

The Leistens were among more than 150 award recipients to be honored at a recent ceremony at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral.

Each member of the family received a certificate signed by Francis Cardinal George and the family got a gold coin with the cardinal's coat of arms.

The family has been a member of St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines for 33 years, each member serving in various capacities. They were nominated by parish staff and the Rev. Jack Plotkowski.

"The thing that I'm excited about is the fact that the whole family is recognized by the staff as participating in parish life," said Joseph, 66. "I think we're humbly taking it. We're happy about it - we're excited."

Former Catholic school teachers, Joseph and Jean are liturgical and Eucharistic ministers. Joseph has served on the school board and the parish council and now serves on the church's finance committee and teaches adult religious education.

"My passion for the church started when I actually studied for the church," Joseph said. "We see that as our mission - to continue in the work of the parish. We enjoy helping other people. We get personal and religious satisfaction."

Their three daughters are Catholic school teachers - Kathy at St. Maria Goretti in Schiller Park, Christine at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, and Michelle at St. Zachary - and run St. Zachary's children's program. Joey runs the church youth group and is also a Eucharistic minister. The whole family is involved in St. Zachary's Augustfest summer fundraiser.

"I think mom and dad have always taught us strong values and faith," Christine said. "We have them as role models. Just seeing how they enjoyed being involved, sharing with and teaching others, helped all of us be involved."