Dear Friends,
Tomorrow, I begin teaching a class for our diocesan New Wine program. I will have about 20 students from our section of the diocese. Two of the participants are from our own parish. Tom Nanak and Karen Sutkus will be completing the program this year. New Wine is a three year program of education and formation for people who are interested in volunteer ministry in the church. In this class, there are also some lay people already employed in parishes who are continuing their education through New Wine.
The title of this program is very telling. You may recall Jesus' words about the fact that you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins, otherwise they will burst. New wineskins for new wine allow both the new and the old to be preserved. The New Wine program is like a new wineskin for those who are serving in new ways as lay people in the church.
Ever since Vatican II, the church has taught more and more about the ministry of the baptized. By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to preach the gospel and to evangelize. Sometimes when people hear the word evangelize, they think of street preachers or folks who go door to door inviting people to learn more about what they believe. Those are forms of evangelization but there are many more ways that we can preach the gospel with our lives in the ways that we speak the truth, seek justice for the poor and the oppressed, and show others God's love.
The primary ministry of the laity is in the world, people evangelizing through their family life, through their service in the workplace, and as citizens of a country and of the world. This is and will remain the primary ministry of the laity. At the same time, more lay people are actively participating in parish life, volunteering for different ministries of the church. Some of this volunteer lay ministry, rarely seen before Vatican II, has become commonplace. We have lay people serving as ministers of communion, lectors, and catechists. Some of the roles now filled by lay people are more behind the scenes: Parish Pastoral Council members, Finance Council members, and all of the lay people involved in the many ministries represented by Worship Commissions, Christian Education Commissions, Christian Service Commissions, and Administration Commissions.
Some lay people have the gift of leadership which can be brought to many of these ministries, and the New Wine program helps them to learn more about the history of the church, foundations of theology, prayer and worship, sacraments, scripture, morality, etc. Many of those who go through the New Wine program will remain volunteers in parish ministry. Some already do serve or will serve in paid ministry for the church. A few may go on for graduate theological degrees to serve in specialized ministries in the church.
It is a joy for me to be with people who are discerning their gifts for ministry. Part of my own calling in pastoring is to call forth the gifts that God has given for the benefit of the entire community. This happens with individuals in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, and in more formal ways like teaching in the New Wine program. It is a privilege to accompany people who are taking so seriously their spiritual journey.
Every one of us has been given gifts by God which are intended for the benefit of the church and society. Each one of us can benefit from continued education and formation in the faith. Adult education has become increasingly important as the church has grown in its understanding of the ministry of all of the baptized. People cannot be effective in evangelizing within their families, workplaces, and society without knowledge of scripture and the tradition of the church. Persons who are interested in serving in lay ministry for the church cannot do so authentically and effectively without adequate education, formation and preparation. Those who may be called to ordained ministry or specialized roles in lay ecclesial ministry need to be as educated, prepared, and qualified as are professionals in other fields.
New Wine is one program that formally prepares lay people for roles of leadership in parish ministries and there are others, as well. More and more, there is also a need for general adult education in the church, in order to prepare the faithful more fully for their ministry of evangelization in the world. We are beginning to concentrate on this more at Mary Queen of Heaven through our Adult Education and Spirituality Committee. Some people may be called to ordained ministry for the church. I have already encouraged two men of our parish to consider the diaconate. The next program for preparing men to be permanent deacons begins this year.
If you are interested in the New Wine program, in discerning a possible call to ordained or lay ecclesial ministry, or if you are interested in serving on our parish Adult Education and Spirituality Committee, please feel free to contact me. And let us all continue to discover the gifts that God has given us and prayerfully discern how these gifts may be of service to others.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Benedictine Certificate Program
prepares health professionals to deal with disasters
The devastation wreaked on the gulf Coast by Hurricane
Katrina, earthquakes in Pakistan and the Congo and the threat of
a bird flu pandemic all point to the vulnerability of man in the
fact of nature. These events also emphasize the need to upgrade
the nation's public health infrastructure and incorporate
disaster management into public health planning. To help achieve
this aim, Benedictine University's Master of Public Health
program offers the Certificate in Disaster Management, one of
only a few such programs in the country.
The program is geared toward health care professionals,
emergency workers, and government and law enforcement officials.
It employs conceptual and real-life approaches to train students
to assess risk, plan, communicate with other professionals and
laymen, and improve disaster response and recovery.
The Disaster Management Certificate program requires 16
credit hours and is taught by faculty who are experts in
planning, communication, and recovery. For more information on
the Certificate in Disaster Management program or the Disaster
Management Concentration in the Master of Public Health program,
call Hogan at 630-341-3939 or visit
www.ben.edu/programs/graduate/
Thank You, Thank You
From Elmhurst Extended Care
Dear Mary Queen of Heaven Parishioners: Thank you very
much for the lovely gifts that were donated to the residents at
Christmas. Each of the residents loved their gifts. The gifts
were absolutely beautiful. Thank you for your generosity. May
God bless each and every one of you. You all are a blessing in
this me-centered world and truly a light for Jesus.
Cindy Gawrla, Activity Director
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
For post-abortive men and women
Sponsored by the Joliet Diocesan Life Office
Retreats are scheduled for March 3-5, 2006, and Sept 22-24,
2006 at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center in Romeoville.
Confidentiality and privacy will be strictly observed. To learn
more about a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat or to register, contact
Kay Corcoran at 815-838-7171.
MQH PAPER Recycling Program
I now have my neighbors saving paper for me. How are you
doing? Don't forget that the magazines and catalogues are a
great source of weight in our paper recycling program. Since we
receive payment by weight the more we have the more we will earn
for the Ministries of MQH.
On the back of today's yellow flyer in the bulletin I am
sharing with you the process that takes place to recycle paper
and bring it back to us as useable newsprint. Please take time
to look over the flyer and talk with a neighbor to get them
interested in recycling. Maybe you can pick up an elderly
neighbor's paper so they can feel they are participating in this
program! -Sister Marlene
New Ministry of Commentator
Beginning this weekend, our Liturgy Committee will be
instituting a three-month trial with the ministry of Commentator.
This is a traditional ministry of the Church, still allowed,
which provides for the introduction/explanation of certain parts
of the Mass. Here at Mary Queen, we will be trying out the role
of Commentator to introduce the Sunday readings. Many people
always liked the way that Father John introduced the readings,
saying that the introduction helped them to more fully enter into
Word of God. On the Sundays that Father John is still here, he
will continue to do this. Now, with the role of Commentator, we
will be able to have an introduction to the readings at all of
the other weekend Masses, too.
The role of Commentator will be filled by our Lectors.
Usually, the role of Commentator is a separate ministry, with the
Commentator speaking from a different microphone. Given our
sanctuary space limitations, this will be a combined ministry for
our Lectors, who will read the introduction before beginning the
readings. The introduction will be prepared in advance by the
Pastoral Life Coordinator.
The first three months of the year will be a trial period
for this new ministry of Commentator. After that time, there
will be an evaluation to see if this will remain a regular part
of our liturgical practice.
Welcoming Catholics Home
Do you know someone who has left the church? Most of us
don't have to think hard to find non-practicing Catholics in our
circle of family and friends. Many of us are concerned about
them, but we do not know how to help them find their way home to
the Catholic Church.
First we need to pray for them. Next, we need to extend a
personal invitation to come home to the Catholic Church. Many
non-practicing Catholics are waiting for an invitation to return.
Many mistakenly think they are excommunicated and are not welcome
to return for a variety of reasons. You can make a tremendous
difference in someone's life by reaching out to them and telling
them we miss them and would like them to come back home to our
Church family.
We are excited to offer a series entitled "Welcoming
Catholics Home" to help non-practicing Catholics return. It will
meet for six consecutive weeks beginning on Tuesday, January 24,
at 7:30-9 p.m. at Mary Queen of Heaven Church.
Other information on this series will be available in the
back of church and in the bulletin in the next few weeks. Please
pass this information on to anyone who might be interested. For
more information or to register for the series call Donna Klopacz
at 832-3618.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Plans for the MQH 50th Anniversary year-long celebration are
well underway but much help is needed to work on various events.
The following are some of the areas where we need information and
help.
1. Memorabilia from the past (pictures, booklets, newspaper
articles, etc).
2. Names & addresses of previous parishioners or school alumni so
we can invite them to our celebration. For more information
or questions: contact Sheila Reiter 833-6657 or Ellen Walker
279-4021.
3. A 50th Anniversary Cookbook with best recipes from MQH
parishioners is planned. Recipes should be carefully printed
or typed and checked for accuracy. Recipe forms are
available in the vestibule of church and can be sent to the
rectory to the attention of Mary Nanak or Ellen Walker. We
thank you for your participation in this project and if you
have any questions please call Mary Nanak (530-4502) or Ellen
Walker (279-4021).
Help Someone Come Home!!
Welcoming Catholics Home Ministry is looking for interested
and compassionate parishioners to join our team. This is an
outreach ministry for Catholics who are interested in coming back
home to the church.
Our first six-week series was last April and May, and we
are planning our next series which begins on Tuesday, January 24,
at 7:30 p.m. and will run for six consecutive weeks.
Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental individual, who is
willing to join the team and walk with those seeking to return to
their Catholic faith? Are you seeking to strengthen your own
faith? Do you acknowledge that struggles in your faith journey
help you grow closer to God? Are you a Catholic that 'came
home'?
If you would like to be part of this exciting ministry, or
if you know of someone who is seeking to return to the Catholic
faith, call Donna Klopacz at 630-832-3618.
Continue to exercise extreme caution in the parking lot on
Wednesday afternoons and evenings. Winter weather makes dropping
off and picking up children a real challenge. Remember our
children are precious. Let's all strive to insure their safety.
Religious Education News
Mark your calendars:
Sat., Jan. 21 -Market Day in Social Hall, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Sun., Jan. 22 -Family Mass at 8:30 a.m. in Church.
Our first communicants will take part in a special
commitment ritual.
Sat., Jan. 28 -8th grade Confirmation Retreat, 9 a.m-3 p.m. in
Barrett Hall.
(Please note the change of date. All must have an
undated permission form.)
Thank You to all who made our Advent service projects such a
success. The generosity of our families in response to our toy
drive for Marillac House and to Heifer International was
outstanding. FYI: we were able to send many boxes and bags of
new toys to Sr. Antoinette at Marillac for the children in the
near West Side community. The money collected for Heifer was
sent in the name of our RE children to buy rabbits (voted for by
the children) for a community in the 3rd world.
If you have questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Prayer Requests
To pray for our sick is an important privilege of our
parish family. We hope that you will pray for these
persons every day, alone or as a family. Thank you.
Joe Abruzzo Pam Bondfide
Heather Brennan Katherine Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante
Family of Cynthia Catalano Cosmore Ciancio
Paul Cirone Rhonda Colletti
Margaret Conroy Trudi Dolato
Dino Fuggitti Anna Heffel
Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt
Pat Holmes Michelle Humann
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn
Tim Kowalski John Lane
Baby Emma Lynde Robert Manion
Bobbi Nannini Geri Pstrzoch
Vincent Scilluffo Eleanor Sikorski
Jeff Smith Karen Sutkus
Cathy Ward
If you or a family member would like to be included in our
prayers, please call the rectory at 279-5700. Also, please let
us know when a name should be removed.
Diocese of Joliet
Catholic Construction Corps
Mission to the Navajo Reservation
Please join us at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in
Romeoville at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2006 for an
Information Night on the fifth annual mission to the Navajo
Reservation.
The trip is planned for June 3-17, 2006 to repair homes for
the poor of the Navajo Reservation and assist St. Michael's
Indian School in Arizona. This construction mission needs
skilled and semi-skilled workers in carpentry, plumbing, and
electrical, as well as men and women who are willing to learn a
variety of construction tasks. Opportunities to meet the people
and to learn the local culture are part of this mission.
For more information contact Art Sheridan, Missions
Coordinator, at 815-834-4072 (asheridan@dioceseofjoliet.org) or
contact (evenings) either deacon Tom Goebel (630-782-9577) or
deacon Larry Lissak (630-629-9234).
L.O.S.S. Support Group
(Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Joliet Diocese Catholic Charities sponsors support groups
for anyone who has lost a relative or friend to suicide. A
trained facilitator and a mental health professional assist these
groups. The groups meet from 7 to 9 p. m.
Jan. 18 - St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center
130 Woodlawn in Joliet
Jan. 26 - St. Daniel the Prophet Parish Center
101 West Loop Drive in Wheaton
Effective Choices, Effective Parenting
These workshops help parents build on their existing
strengths in order to better understand their children's needs
and behavior as they grow, and to be able to provide their
children with the tools they need to survive and thrive in
today's society. All workshops are held at Catholic Charities in
Lombard.
Building Effective Relationships
with Our Young Children
For parents of children ages 0-4
Tuesday, January 17, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 7, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Building Effective Relationships
with Our Children
For parents of children ages 0- 19
Saturday, January 21, at 1-4 p.m. (3-hours)
Tuesday, February 21, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Building Effective Relationships
with Our School-Aged Children
For parents of children ages 5 - 12
Tuesday, January 24, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Building Effective Relationships
with Our Teens
For parents of children ages 13 - 19
Tuesday, January 31, at 7 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28, at 7 - 9 p.m.
For info or to pre-register, please call 630-710-8226.
2-Hour Workshop: $20 per person; $25 per couple
3-Hour Workshop: $25 per person; $30 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Yoga Classes
8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Mary Queen
A new class starts for three (3) weeks
January 11, January 18, and January 25
3 classes, $12 per person or
3 classes, $18 per family
E-mail debbie call 941-7224
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen of Heaven
Fellowship Sunday Today
Sunday, January 15,, in Barrett Hall
after the 10:30 a.m. Mass
Hosted by the RCIA and Bereavement Ministries
Chastity Education Presentation
For Parents of Teens and Pre-Teens
Visitation Parish in Elmhurst invites parents of teens and
pre-teens to attend a one-hour presentation designed to help you
facilitate discussions of maturity, dating and chastity with your
children.
The evening will be led by Coleen Kelly Mast, Catholic
radio talk show host and author of two chastity education text
books. Dr Mast has worked in Rome with the Pontifical Council
for the Family and has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes and Mother
Angelica Live.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how Catholic parents
can give their children the strength to reject social pressures
and to understand sexuality as a gift from God.
January 24 7:30 pm
Podesta Hall Visitation Church Elmhurst
Direct questions to Joan Herrmann 941-7854 or Jackie
Osterhout 833-0668
Catholic Engaged Encounter
A weekend marriage preparation program
The engaged couples who attend give the program high marks.
The next two programs are February 10-12 and March 10-12 at the
St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville.
For more information, please call the Engaged Encounter
hotline at 630-375-7072.
Market Day
Orders are due by January 16 at noon.
Pickup on Jan. 21, at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
in the Social Hall.
Marriage Ministry
We're still newlyweds!
Our expanded Marriage Ministry is still in the newlywed
stage of it's formation, but we are beginning to branch out!
Come celebrate your marriage with the community. On the weekend
of February 11 and 12, there will be a special blessing of all
married and engaged couples at all Masses in honor of National
Marriage Day, which is January 12.
Also - - come meet the neighbors! The Marriage Ministry is
planning the first of our double-date nights for Saturday,
February 15, at 7:30 p.m. All married couples are invited to
come. We will be meeting in Barrett Hall where couples will be
selected by chance to go to dinner together. It is an
opportunity to meet new couples in our parish community and
perhaps get to know some better. The only cost is your dinners
and that will be determined by you. So come and meet your
neighbors!
Plans for the future: Dinner-theater night, Talks by
marriage counselors, Moonlight picnic, 50+ anniversary Mass, 10
great date nights
For information or to join the Marriage Ministry, please
contact Don or Ellen Walker at 630-279-4021.