Rev. Mr. Alfred Coleman and Mrs. Avis Coleman

Deacon Coleman is a Southside native and graduate of Simeon High School.  He served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for ten years.  In addition to serving as a deacon, he is a Sir Knight with the knights of Columbus and a Third Order Franciscan.   He completed the Diaconate Formation Program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.   Prior to coming to St. James, he has ministered in Port Ministries, St. Basil Church, and Emmaus Ministries.

Avis Coleman earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Chicago State University and her master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University Chicago.   She has also studied at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Xavier University Chicago, Xavier University New Orleans, and the Claret Center.  She has served at Holy Angels Catholic School and Visitation Catholic School.  She is a Virtus Facilitator for the Archdiocese of Chicago.   The Colemans have three children and four grandchildren.