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Annual Report 2014
M
ayslake
inistries
Fostering the Spiritual Life
Mayslake Ministries
718 Ogden Ave., Suite 200
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-852-9000
www.MayslakeMinistries.org
M
ayslake
inistries
Leadership
Dr. Mary Amore - Executive Director
Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM - Founder
Office Staff
Mary Carroll
Trish Lynch
Guy Sell
Mary Beth Sammon, Social Media
Marketing Consultant
Amanda Slaiher, Grant Writer
Volunteers
Pat Murphy
Mary Schramm
Board of Directors
Frank Bucaro-President
Tom McFarland-Treasurer
Margaret Pinas-Secretary
Karen Janousek
Mary Kostic
Al McGovern
Dr. Mary Amore-Ex-Officio
Mayslake Ministries is a nonprofit lay led
Catholic/Christian ministry where ordinary
people are doing the extraordinary work
of God. Founded in 1991 on the values of
St. Francis of Assisi, Mayslake Ministries
transcends the invisible lines of parish, church
and diocese boundaries to reach out to all who
seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus
Christ through retreats, individual spiritual
direction, adult faith formation programs,
inspirational videos, and social media. How
may we help you on your spiritual journey?
M
Dear Friends:
As I reflect upon this past year at Mayslake
Ministries, I am reminded of the words spoken
by Pope Francis, “Christ’s love and his friendship
are not an illusion. Jesus on the Cross-shows
how real they are. You will discover this
friendship and feel its full fruitfulness and
beauty if you seek it with sincerity” Our mission
at Mayslake Ministries is to help all people who seek a deeper
relationship with Jesus Christ to achieve it, and we do this
through a wide variety of avenues including spiritual direction,
retreat experiences, adult enrichment programs, inspiring blogs
and videos, and a vibrant online spiritual presence.
As we look to the future I feel it is important for us to recognize
and to thank our founder, Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM for his
vision in creating this ministry. In 1991 when the Franciscans
closed the St. Francis Retreat House, Fr. Jonathan founded
Mayslake Ministries as a nonprofit “retreat house without
walls,” establishing an environment of peace and inspiration
where people from all walks of life could discover, rediscover
and deepen their relationship with the Lord. Since that time,
Mayslake Ministries has brought thousands of men and women
closer to Christ, and we continue to do so each and every day.
After 24 years of service to Mayslake Ministries, Fr. Jonathan
Foster will retire from full-time ministry on March 31st, beginning
a new chapter for our beloved Franciscan friar. For the near
future, Fr. Jonathan will continue to see spiritual directees on a
limited basis. Mayslake Ministries will be forever grateful for the
vision and wisdom of our founder, Fr. Jonathan. I ask that you
join with us in praying that as Fr. Jonathan transitions from fulltime ministry to the next phase of his spirit filled vocation, that
he will experience God’s peace, mercy and love. God bless you,
Fr. Jonathan.
Mayslake Ministries is here to carry on the legacy of Fr. Jonathan
Foster as our ministry grows and flourishes. As a donorsupported nonprofit, Mayslake Ministries depends upon your
financial support. Your dollars directly benefit the work of our
ministry and enables us to actively share the Good News of the
gospel with all who seek to know and love Christ.
Because of you, my friends, Mayslake Ministries remains a
beacon of light for all those who walk in darkness. Thank you for
your continued support of our ministry.
ayslake
inistries
Fostering the Spiritual Life
718 Ogden Ave, Suite 200
Downers Grove, IL 60515
www.mayslakeministries.org
Blessings,
Dr. Mary Amore
Executive Director
1
Highlights of 2014:
• Relocated to our new facility!
In February, we moved our offices to 718 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove!
• Bishop Siegel Blessing and Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
In March, Bishop Siegal from the Diocese of Joliet came to bless our new office
space
• Vocation of Business Person DVD Series made possible by a grant from the
Catholic Education
Mayslake Ministries created a new 4 part videos series entitled, “Vocation of the
Business Person,” featuring the wisdom of Frank Bucaro, John Blumberg, Bill Droehl
and Susan Pudalek. This video series was made possible by a grant from the Education
Foundation of the Diocese of Joliet in conjunction with St. Walter’s Parish in Roselle.
• Lenten scriptural reflection series
In Lent, Mayslake Ministries released a weekly video scriptural reflection series featuring the wisdom of the women of Mayslake Ministries, including Dr. Mary Amore, Dr.
Jill Bates, Christine Grano, Chris Hannighan-Wiehn and Gail Krema.
• Mornings with Meg
In an effort to spiritually nourish busy moms Mayslake Ministries launched a new video
spiritual enrichment program entitled, ‘Mornings with Meg,’ featuring the wit and wisdom
of Meg Bucaro. Sixteen videos were released on a weekly basis from September through
December on our website and social media pages.
• Facebook followers total over 3200
Through the use of social media, Mayslake Ministries is now spiritually feeding on average,
15,000 people a week through our daily “soul snacks” posted on our Facebook Page.
• First Responders
In January, Mayslake Ministries launched our First Responder’s Ministry facilitated by
Fr. Dan Brandt and Kimberly Lewis-Davis, Chaplains of the Chicago Police Department.
• Veteran’s Ministry
Our Veteran’s Ministry continues to grow and flourish. This year we expanded our
services to military in Iowa. We are also partnering with Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat
House in Barrington to better serve our brave men and women in uniform.
• Our ministry traveled to Dallas
Our Executive Director, Dr. Mary Amore, continues to take the message of Mayslake
Ministries to new audiences. This year, Dr. Amore, was a distinguished presenter at
the University of Dallas Ministry Conference.
• On Holiday with God to Rome and Tuscany
Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Amore, Mayslake Ministries “On Holiday With God”
travel ministry visited Rome and countrysides of Tuscan and Umbria in September.
• John Allen Conference
Our annual fall conference featured John Allen, Jr., Vatican correspondent to the
Boston Globe. John inspired our participants with stories of Pope Francis and
facilitated an excellent conversation on the Church of the 21st Century.
• DVD: Eucharist: Journey to Transformation, Healing and Discipleship
In May, Executive Director, Dr. Mary Amore, published a 3 part series on the Eucharist
entitled, Eucharist: Journey to Transformation, Healing and Discipleship through
Pauline Books and Media.
2
Highlights of the Year:
Media Outreach:
Our weekly blogs published on our website have
touched the hearts of over 26,319 people across the
United States in this past year.
In an effort to bring our ministry to the larger church,
Mayslake Ministries is a featured quarterly guest on
the Iowa Catholic Hour of Faith and the Archdiocese
Chicago Hour of Faith on Relevant Radio.
Mayslake Ministries extends our sympathies to the family of
Mary Jo Valenziano who died December 24, 2014 at her home
in Arlington Heights. Mary Jo was Co-founder of Mayslake
Ministries with Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM and became
executive director in 2003 when Fr. Jonathan stepped down
from the position.
Fr. Jonathan recalls on the last two days of July, 1991, a celebration
was held at the St. Francis Retreat House at Mayslake (Oak Brook,
IL) to note, sadly, the closing of this grand old dame of American
retreat houses. Mayslake Ministries was born the day after on
August 1, 1991. “We managed to lease, very cheaply, unused office
space at St. Joseph’s Parish in Downers Grove, and the defining
event was the simple installation of our first telephone number.” Fr.
Jonathan was the only paid staff member, but he was joined, parttime, a few months later by co-founder, Mary Jo Valenziano.
Mayslake Ministries moved from St. Joseph’s in Downers Grove, to Pasquinelli Drive
in Westmont, to 22nd Street in Lombard, and is currently located back in Downers
Grove on Ogden Ave. The current executive director, Dr. Mary Amore, is the third lay
person to guide the ministry.
Endorsements
Mayslake Ministries offers wonderful opportunities for
spiritual growth and enrichment for anyone who wishes
to grow in their relationship to God. Their programs
offer a rare balance, a wide catholicity, and genuine
depth. I heartily endorse their ministries. They will
treat your soul with the correct
combination of comfort and challenge.
“Now that I have stopped traveling to teach myself,
I can at least recommend others who are offering
even better support and teaching! You can trust
Mayslake Ministries to bring you wisdom, honesty,
and the wholeness and holiness we are all seeking.”
Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
Center for Action and
Contemplation Albuquerque, NM
Ronald Rolheiser. O.M.I.
President of the Oblate School of Theology
San Antonio, Texas
3
Save the Date!
Mayslake Ministries’ Annual Benefit
Wine & Whiskey Tasting and Auction
May 15, 2015
Honoring 2015 Custos Awardees:
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM and Christine Grano
Thank you to Malloy’s Wine and Spirits
who graciously offered 50 varieties of wine
for tasting. Over 120 people enjoyed an
enchanting evening filled with sumptuous
appetizers, wine and live and silent auction
items. Over $25,000 was raised to support
the work of Mayslake Ministries. Please
Save the Date for this year’s Wine Tasting
Benefit, which will be held on May 15, 2015
at Butterfield Country Club.
Alice Arney
Rev. Stanley Gruchot
Joe Malfredo
Ralph Swartz
Fr. Pat Brennan
Walter Gruchot
Martin J. McGuane
Augie Sisco
Joe and Rose Cosenza
Rosemary Karlovits
Elizabeth McHugh
Emilie Stoneham
Phil Crow
Eleanor Keane
Eugene J. Mersch
Wally Stoneham
Isidra Diaz
Fr. Kieran Kemner
Martha T. Nausieda
George Swedie
Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM
John and Howard Kish
Jack Norwick
Mary Jo Valenziano
John F. Kosik
Helen Paul
Frank Losik
John Peternel
Deceased members of the Longo
Family
Margaret Pinas
Connie and Jim Wilson
Anita Zurbrugg
Anonymous
Ed and Judy Full
Connie and Jim Wilson
Ron and Pamela Amato
Richard and Lucy Gaven
Sr. Jean Hare, CSJ
Dan Rankin
Lillian Frazzini
John and Susan Frazzini
Christine Grano
Sally Clair
Br. Isidore Gross, OFM
Anonymous
Ted and Joan Gruchot
Anonymous
Ted and Joan Gruchot
Bridget and Gerard McGuane
Connie and Jim Wilson
Bill and Julia McHugh
Dorothy Setecka
Irene Mersch
Anonymous
Anonymous
Edward Kish
Ed and Judy Full
Michael and Christine Grano
John and Wanda Zumpano
David H. Kestler
Vladimir and Mary Mikhailov
Michael and Karen Flavin
Joe Longo
Mary Rooney
Lotito & Yetter Families
Connie and Jim Wilson
Joe and Elaine Lotito
Anonymous
Paul and Judy Keel
Connie and Jim Wilson
Connie and Jim Wilson
Ed and Judy Full
Guy and Adelina Cesario
Knights of Columbus - Council #3738
Walter Walden
Terry Walden
Connie and Jim Wilson
Marjorie Cain
Thomas and Judy Schaller
Jack and Ann Gaido
Agnes Yocius
Connie and Jim Wilson
4
2014 benefactors
Fr. Jonathan Foster
“Founders Circle”
($1000 and over)
Anonymous (2)
Joe Adler
Rex and Nancy Allman
Mary and Joe Amore
Michael and Katherine Birck
Tom and Maryann Ciccarelli
Dennis and Connie Colleran
-In Memory of Jack E. Caveney
Robert Cooper
William and Mary Cooper
Joe and Judy Cosenza
Hank Farrell
Anne Fogarty
Mike and Katie Hobbs
Steve and Cindy Jagielo
Dennis and Mary Kostic
Lynch Family Foundation
Dominic and Allene Mangone
Albert and Mary Jo McGovern
Guy Napier
Operation Support Our Troops
America, Inc.
Raskob Foundation For
Catholic Activities, Inc.
Linda Weaver
Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Wiet
WNA Wealth Advisors, Inc.
- Robert Westrick
Benefactors Circle
($500- $999)
Robert and Lynne Aument
Catholic Theological Union
Jack and Stephanie Flynn
Hinsdale Travel Service
-Laurette Karuhn
Bob and Shirley Kopulos
Rick Marchiori
Jim and Cathy Marshall
Tom and Peggy McFarland
Bill and Peggy Mersch
Deborah Sakelaris
Ellen and Ben Tombaugh
St. Walter Parish
Rebecca Wells
Partners ($250 - $499)
Anonymous
Ron and Pamela Amato
Todd and Carrie Anderson
Ray and Lois Behrendt
Mona Blankshain
David and Dawn Bluemke
Michael Bracki
James Conway
Bill and Rebecca Courtright
Betty Crane
Renee Cronin
David and Betty Anne Cyr
Mark and Nancy Donatelli
Raymond and Christine Dowdle
William and Janet Dunn
Paul and Phyllis Ericksen
Dennis Erwin
Joe and Sharon Ferrari
Mary Anne Flanagan
Jack and Ginnie Foley
Ed and Judy Full
Ed and Kerrie Gallaga
Richard and Lucy Gaven
Patrick Gavin and
Mary Seroczynski
Jeanne Heller
Anne M. Hohbein
Laurie Hurst
Stavros and Patricia Ionides
Robert Keough, DVM
David H. Kestler
Nancy Kraus
Yeedeh Loh
Jerry and Phyllis Campagna
Guy and Adelina Cesario
Dan and Billie Chorney
John Cochrane
Catherine Degiorgio
Michael and Joan Diggs
Jeff and Denise Fleig
Steve and Mary Frost
Jack and Ann Gaido
Tom and Mary Goebel
Colleen and Jim Hagen
Mary Haggerty
Bob and Carol Hansen
Hinsdale Bank & Trust
Paul and Judy Keel
Bethany Keown
Bill and Ruth Kopulos
John and Judy Kuchta
Joe Longo
Laura and Steve Marr
Dan Rankin
Edward and Suzette Rickert
Chuck and Janet Sherburne
Knights of Columbus
- Council #3738
Terry Walden
the mayslake ministry society
level of recognition Legacy Circle Fr. Jonathan Foster
“Founders Circle” Benefactors Circle Partners Friends Associates gift amount
Endowment or
Planned Gift
$1000 and over
$500 to $999
$250 to $499
$100 to $249
$25 to $99
Jim and Laurie Loresch
Jim and Nancy Lowers
Mike and Trish Lynch
Fred and Marcia Mackenbrock
Malloy’s Finest Wine & Spirits
Charles and Josie Martinez
Daniel McGowan
Yvonne Mlckorsky
Francine Morse
John and Margie Mueller
John and Rita
Grasser-Nepywoda
Network For Good
Jim and Celeste Neyfeldt
Nick Noe
Jennifer Nolan
Friends ($100 - $249)
Anonymous (6)
All Saints Cathedral Parish
Cheryl Antos
Peter Babich
Gretchen and Kevin Bastuga
Tony and Lore Bell
Jay Bergamini
Linda Brierre
Frank and Maryann Bucaro
Michael Busse
Eugenia and Gordon Callison
Mary Carroll
Eva Carter
Sally Clair
5
Joyce Pagano
Nick and Ann Pancotto
Vivian and Roger Pscherer
Jerry and Mary Beth Radke
Claire Ranieri
Terri and Joseph Regan
Larry and Carol Riebold
Dolores Ronaldson
Frank Sanoica
Thomas and Judy Schaller
Kenneth and Catherine
Schreiner
Mark Schumann
Guy and Dolores Sell
James and Carla Vahle
Herschel and Gale Wallace
Shirley and Quinn Waterloo
Steve and Sheila Welsch
Erin Weltler
Connie and Jim Wilson
Ronald and Christine
Wolosewicz
Associates ($25 - $99)
Anonymous (10)
John and Julia Andreoni
Diane Berner
Paul and Betty Bien
Joe and Sherry
Phil Burdi and Joan Gorski
Edward and Gloria Burjek
Marjorie Cain
Dick and Roberta Carlson
Ron and Linda Cuchna
Ed De Lorenzo
Jim Ekberg
Michael and Karen Flavin
Patricia Flynn
Ken Follensbee
John and Susan Frazzini
Sr. Madelyn Gould, SSSF
Michael and Christine Grano
Roger Grant
Ted and Joan Gruchot
Sr. Jean Hare, CSJ
Donald and Susan Helgeson
Kevin and Giovanna Hopkins
James Kavaky
Hugh Kelly
Edward Kish
Frank and Adele Klaczek
Gene Klimek
Michael Lamb
Joe and Norel Leto
Ruth Liszewski
Joe and Elaine Lotito
Marge Mark
2014 benefactors
David and Susan Maul
Bridget and Gerard McGuane
Bill and Julia McHugh
Kathryn Meegan
Irene Mersch
Vladimir and Mary Mikhailov
Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel Mooney
Jim Morrisroe
John and Karen Murray
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Murrin
Ed and Carolyn Nemergut
James and Melissa Nuttall
Tom and Barbara Opalka
O’Connor
Jeffrey and Nancy Ondera
Walter Pargulski
Drew and Kathy Piraino
Mary Ellen Quinn
Neil Rogers
Klaus and Patricia Rummer
Julie Schneider
Mary Schramm
Dorothy Setecka
Michael Stiso
Nicholas and Ann Marie Stiso
Stan and Teresa Szott
John and Nancy Techman
Deb and Paul Truskey
William and Jane Turner
Tom and Irene Valacak
John and Wanda Zumpano
Anita Zurbrugg
In Kind Donations
Anonymous
Abbington Distinctive Banquets
Joey Amore
Mary and Joe Amore
AMS Consulting
Anyway’s Chicago Restaurant
& Pub
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Berto’s Deli
Brick House Tavern & Tap
Frank and Maryann Bucaro
Bob and Jodi Campbell
Mary Carroll
Bruce and Beth Cartner
Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
Chicago White Sox
Chula Vista Resort
Classic Cinemas
CorpTrav Management Group
-Bonnie Lorefice
Davanti Enoteca
DoubleTree Suites By Hilton
Downers Grove Park District
Drury Lane
DuPage Inn
Esplanade Fitness Center
Funway
Michael and Christine Grano
Greek Islands Restaurant
Brett Hafstad
Mike and Katie Hobbs
Impact Networking
Jo Jackson
Tom and Sue Kasler
Dennis and Mary Kostic
Brian Krieger
Las Palmas
Jim and Laurie Loresch
Mike and Trish Lynch
Marriott Corporation
Tom and Peggy McFarland
Albert and Mary Jo McGovern
Terrence McGovern, Jr.
Bob and Maureen Merrill
My Chef Catering
Parkers’ Restaurant and Bar
Photography By Scott Pfeiffer
RA Sushi
Rock Bottom
Rodas Coaching LLC
-Deborah Sakelaris
Kim Rose
Mike and Barb Stapleton
The Capital Grille
The Comedy Sportz Theatre
The Olive Tap
Ellen and Ben Tombaugh
Martha Tracey
Viking Chemical Company
-John Whitcher
Allan Weinheimer
Wildfire Restaurant
Connie and Jim Wilson
World Library Publications
WTTW (Channel 11)
YMCA Downers Grove
Veterans’ Ministry
Anonymous (3)
Ron and Pamela Amato
Todd and Carrie Anderson
Cheryl Antos
Robert and Lynne Aument
Gretchen and Kevin Bastuga
Tony and Lore Bell
Mona Blankshain
David and Dawn Bluemke
Michael Bracki
Frank and Maryann Bucaro
Eugenia and Gordon Callison
Tom and Maryann Ciccarelli
John Cochrane
Dennis and Connie Colleran
-In Memory of Jack E.
Caveney
Catherine Degiorgio
William and Janet Dunn
Anne Fogarty
Jack and Ginnie Foley
Steve and Mary Frost
Jack and Ann Gaido
Ed and Kerrie Gallaga
Mary Haggerty
Mike and Katie Hobbs
Stavros and Patricia Ionides
Paul and Judy Keel
Bethany Keown
Nancy Kraus
Yeedeh Loh
Jim and Laurie Loresch
Jim and Nancy Lowers
Fred and Marcia Mackenbrock
Laura and Steve Marr
Jim and Cathy Marshall
Charles and Josie Martinez
Albert and Mary Jo McGovern
Daniel McGowan
Yvonne Mlckorsky
Jim Morrisroe
Operation Support Our Troops
America, Inc.
Nick and Ann Pancotto
Claire Ranieri
Edward and Suzette Rickert
Julie Schneider
Kenneth and Catherine
Schreiner
Rebecca Wells
Erin Weltler
WNA Wealth Advisors, Inc.
- Robert Westrick
Ronald and Christine
Wolosewicz
“Would you consider joining the
‘Legacy Circle’ by adding
Mayslake Ministries to your will?”
Your legacy will forever touch the hearts of all affiliated
with Mayslake Ministries. Your gift will ensure that your
children and your grandchildren will be able to benefit
from our wonderful spiritual enrichment and formation
programs for years to come. If you would like to discuss
the ways in which you can leave a legacy gift to Mayslake
Ministries, please contact Dr. Mary Amore, Executive
Director at 630-852-9000.
Every effort was made to report donors and supporters accurately. We apologize if we
inadvertently ommitted anyone. Thank you for your generous support of our mission.
6
Upcoming events:
February
23-25 Medical Professional’s Retreat - In Deep Quiet
28
Reflecting on Epistles of Lent
On Holiday With God
Trip to Rome and the
Amalfi Coast
October 29 - November 7, 2015
Call 630-325-1335 for details
March
7
A Retreat day for Married Couples
8
Introduction to Centering Prayer
10
Open New Doors - Leave Your Worries Behind
14
Sports and Spirituality Lenten Reflection
14
St. Joseph - Patron for Life’s Emergencies
20-21 Overnight Retreat - Love Actually
27-29 Men’s Retreat - In Deep Quiet
April
7
Opening New Doors Divorced and Widowed
11
What is Spiritual Direction
18
Healthy Eating With Holy Intent
22
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica & National Shrine
May.
5
On the Road to Emmaus
8
Women’s Tea-Mary, Can You Hear Me?
15
Annual Benefit “Pour Out Your Hearts”
29-31 Veterans’ Retreat - Racine WI
June.
26-28 Veterans’ Retreat - Cedar Falls Iowa
September
18-20 Veterans’ Retreat in Mundelein, IL
Save the Date
Mayslake Ministries Fall Spirituality Conference
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Associate Editor at the Boston Globe, specializing in
coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church
John Allen, Jr.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
8am - Noon
St. John Neumann Parish
St. Charles, Il
for more info on all our programs visit
www.mayslakeministries.org
New Weekly Radio Show
The show entitled, The Joyful Mystic,
featuring Dr. Mary Amore, airs on
Radio Maria Sundays at 4 p.m. CST
Links to archived podcasts are posted on
our Media page or you can tune-in for a live
stream on Sundays at 4 p.m. CST:
http://radiomaria.us/listen-to-the-radio/
John Allen, Jr. pictured with Mayslake Ministries
Board President, Frank Bucaro at the
2014 Fall Spirituality Conference
Retreats ♦ Spiritual Direction ♦ Faith Formation