Dennis Zoladz of Hobart serves Assumption B.V .M. Church in New Chicago by making the most of his God-given talents.

Zoladz, a lifelong member of the parish, starting serving the church as an altar server from grade school through high school, then was a member of Ushers Club and later chairman of Ushers Club for a number of years. He was a Eucharistic minister and in the 1970's worked with Father John Murzyn, now deceased to design the new parish hall. Zoladz is an architect with Nelson Associates in Chicago.

Now, Zoladz is chairman of parish council, a group of 13 congregants that meet monthly and have various commissions to serve the parish including programs, classes, events and outings. "To involve the parish spiritually and in their regular daily life," he said. "We serve the parish community in all aspects of life." As chairman, Zoladz runs meetings, prepares the agenda, distributes minutes and works with the pastor on agenda items to be discussed.

He also is chairman of the parish picnic, an annual event that draws almost 200 people together for fellowship; this year's event was Aug. 14, and serving on the Gary Diocesan Deanery Council. The council is made up of two members of every parish in the Diocese of Gary and meets quarterly to compare notes, share and receive information from the diocese chair and dean of priests.

Zoladz received all the sacraments at Assumption and married his wife, Krista in the church. "I don't' think (Assumption) will ever leave my life," he said. "I was born and raised and lived right across the street from the church and there are a number of things I have done at the church through the years.

"It's a close knit yet welcoming parish," he said noting what makes Assumption special. "We try to engage everybody in their spiritual and regular life by offering activities and programs at the church and by having a great choir."

Assumption B.V.M. Church is located at 3530 Illinois Street in Hobart.

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