St. Francis de Sales honors volunteers in Lake Zurich

At St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish in Lake Zurich, volunteers are integral to the growth and success of many ministries and programs. Three of these volunteers were recently recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago for their dedication.

On May 10, Darin Heisterkamp, Pam Lynch and Kathy Donnelly were three of many volunteers from parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered at Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace with Cardinal Francis George, OMI, at the Catechetical and Youth Ministries Awards Banquet.

The annual banquet celebrates and honors individuals and groups nominated for their outstanding service and achievement in the areas of catechesis and youth ministry within the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Heisterkamp, Lynch and Donnelly were each recognized for their individual commitments to the St. Francis de Sales Parish community.

Heisterkamp was recognized for his work in Preschool Religious Education. For the past eight years, Heisterkamp has coordinated the music portion of the preschool program, working with children ages 3-5 every Sunday. Song choice is based on the Liturgical season and weekly readings.

Heisterkamp also organizes a Christmas program every year that the preschool children perform for their families. Those who attend Mass at St. Francis de Sales may also see Heisterkamp with the children he instructs at their twice yearly performance of a Prelude before Mass.

Lynch was recognized for her work with the Confirmation and Adult Education programs. Within the Confirmation program, Pam served as a Catechist for six years, helped organize and implement many retreats, produced a rosary CD with one of her classes and is currently leading the teen Great Adventure Bible Study.

In addition, Pam serves as the Religious Education liaison for the St. Francis de Sales Parish Council and has planned the annual Women’s Retreat for the parish. Pam also co-planned the parish’s Holy Thursday Bus Pilgrimage.

Donnelly was recognized for her work in the Religious Education program. She has been a first-grade Catechist for the past nine years. Because of her creativity, children enjoy coming to class. Donnelly uses puppets, costumes and a variety of props to bring the Catholic faith to life for the children enrolled in the Religious Education program at St. Francis de Sales. Every year, Donnelly’s class puts on a Nativity play for their parents.