Ascension Catholic Church

Ascension Church
808 S. East Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60304

Phone: (708) 848-2703
Fax: (708) 848-2773

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Staff

Fr. Larry McNally - Pastor

Fr. McNally was ordained by Cardinal Cody on May 11th 1977. He served in parishes on the southwest side of Chicago, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Nativity BVM and Queen of the Universe, for approximately seventeen years. He then moved to the northwest side of Chicago to a parish named Our Lady of Victory for seven years and then spent one year in Oak Park at St. Edmund’s. Fr. McNally came to Ascension as our ninth pastor in January of 2003 and began his second term on July 1st, 2007. Fr. McNally says, "I love being a priest. I love being here at Ascension. I pray for our family of Ascension everyday."

Victoria Tufano - Pastoral Associate/Director of Liturgy

Vicky Tufano is Pastoral Associate and Director of Liturgy. She directs the Christian initiation process for adults who are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and for those baptized in other Christian denominations who are preparing for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. She also oversees the adult formation and spirituality programs in the parish, and the many liturgical ministries. Vicky holds an M.A. in liturgical studies and a Master of Divinity, both from the University of Notre Dame, and a BA in English from Western Illinois University. She has served as a diocesan director of liturgy and as an editor of liturgical materials. She writes about liturgy and Christian initiation and teaches about these topics around the archdiocese and the country.

David Anderson - Director of Music

David Anderson serves as the Director of Music. As Music Director, he serves as the principal organist and directs the four choirs of the parish. He also coordinates the cantors and is responsible for the monthly ecumenical prayer in the Spirit of Taizé. David also prepares music for the religious education and school liturgies and assists families and couples with funeral and wedding music. David's most important work at the parish is to foster and promote vibrant assembly singing at Sunday Eucharist. He is also very concerned with ways to promote and encourage a deeper prayer and spiritual life with the members of our parish. David studied organ, church music and conducting at the University of Illinois,Champaign and Concordia Univeristy Chicago, where he received the Master of Church Music degree. Post-graduate studies in liturgy and choral conducting were taken at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago and Westminster Choir College in Princeton.

Kathleen Fech - Director of Religious Education

Kathleen Fech is the Director of Religious Education. She oversees both text-based and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children of Ascension Parish. Additionally, she oversees sacramental prep (First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation) for all Ascension children. She also works with the school students with various religious activities including special prayer services and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Her greatest focus is helping the children of Ascension and their families live a rich, sacramental life and ensuring the youth are well-formed in their Catholic beliefs. Kathleen has a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Saint Mary’s College. She has also done extensive study in Clinical Pastoral Education as well as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Katie Vanaria - Director of Institutional Advancement

Jenna Patitucci - Director of Youth Ministry

Mary Jo Burns - Principal

Mary Jo Burns is principal of Ascension Parish School serving children aged 3 through Grade 8. The school's current enrollment is 470 students, with teaching and support staff of 40 persons. In 2007 Ascension School was recognized by the Department of Education for academic excellence and named as a Blue Ribbon School. The principal works closely with all parish staff members and an advisory school board elected by the parish at large.

Mary Jo has a masters' degree and certification in educational administration from Northeastern Illinois University, and a masters degree in religious education from Loyola University. She has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Francis. For 16 years, she taught religion and English at the high school level. For ten years, she worked as a consultant to schools and the Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools in the religion and high school divisions.

Lendell and Tina Richardson - Deacon Couple

Roger and Betty Vandervest - Deacon Couple

Joe and Kathie Walsh - Deacon Couple

Administrative Staff

Rosemarie Nowicki

Mary Pat Landa

Kathy Marifjeren - Religious Education Assistant