I would like to introduce you to my grandson. His picture appears in the middle of the page. When I was with my family in California a couple of weeks ago, after my son Sean's wedding, my oldest son Eric and his wife Jessica gave me a very special Christmas present. They took me to a clinic where I was able to get 3-D ultrasound pictures of the baby. On the day these pictures were taken, Jessica was 21 weeks pregnant.
I know the printed picture is not very clear, especially because the position of the placenta (which provides nutrients to the baby) blocks some of the view. But if you look closely, you can see his face, with his eyes, nose and mouth. It was an amazing thing to have the chance to watch the baby for half an hour, moving his arms and legs and sucking his thumb.
I remember wishing that all children could have the same experience that I did on the day I watched the ultrasound, so that they could know more fully from a young age about the miracle of life and human development.I couldn't help thinking about how our children, including my own children's generation, have grown up in a time in which abortion is not only legal but has become socially acceptable. How I wished, as I watched my yet-to-be-born grandson who is already so-well loved, that things were different for many other pregnant women and their children.
This weekend marks the 33rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I was a teenager at the time of that Supreme Court decision, not yet old enough to know anyone who had had an illegal abortion but just young enough to have a friend who had a legal abortion a few months later. For me, Roe v. Wade was not only an event which was significant in terms of U.S. history. For me, it also marked an end to a time of innocence. My friend, also a teenager, had no support from her family to continue the pregnancy. The man who impregnated her was a pedophile who violated many young girls and he threatened her life if she continued the pregnancy. Today, things would have been very different for everyone involved in that situation. But at the time, in an era when children and even some parents did not understand sexual abuse, and when being an unwed mother was a sign of embarrassment, failure, and shame, the best answer for her parents seemed to be provided by newly legalized abortion.
Since that time, I have had other friends who have had abortions, for a variety of reasons. I wish it was differently and so do they. Most of them have told me that if they had it to do over again, they would not make the same decision. Many have suffered as a result of their abortions, often emotionally, sometimes with physical repercussions that made subsequent pregnancy difficult or impossible.
Hindsight and life experience make us all wiser and more knowledgeable of other options in life not previously considered. I am well aware, however, that women who face unplanned pregnancies are often overwhelmed by many very real concerns, as were my teenage friend and her parents back in the 1970's.
Abortion is not something isolated in Catholic teaching. Catholic teaching about abortion is grounded in respect for the dignity and sacredness of all human life. That is why I do not believe that any kind of abortion protest which focuses on the woman as criminal or sinful is good or effective. If we want to stop abortions from happening, then we should focus our efforts on preventing crises pregnancies from occurring.
Parents and children should learn more about sexual abuse. Young girls and boys should learn about the goodness of their bodies and about the goodness and equality of both sexes, so that they can grow up being respectful of themselves and of others. There should be more education and formation in matters relating to sexuality and marriage. And when unplanned pregnancies do occur, there should be support for women and families in need, whether they are in need of health care, in need of adoption or foster care, in need of economic support, in need of child care, or simply in need of knowing that they are valued and loved.
Share this picture with your children. I admit to being a proud grandmother, and here I am, already showing pictures of my first grandchild! Share this picture with your children not only so that I can brag, but to show them how this was once them. Find the baby's head and face in the picture and talk with your children about how babies move around and stretch and kick, how their hearts beat, and how they open their mouths and suck their thumbs. Show them how precious pregnancy is and tell them how blessed are husbands and wives who share this new life. Teach them how real this child is because he is real, alive, and human. And all of human life is a gift from God and worthy of respect and love.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View Even a great person like Jonah turned
away, at first, from what God called him to do. It is never too
late to hear the Lord say, "Come, follow me." How old are you
now?
Elmhurst Catholic
M.O.M.S.
M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) provides an
opportunity for mothers of young children to meet and relax over
coffee and snacks while learning and discussing issues of
interest. Bi-monthly meetings include a mother/child activity or
a guest speaker with babysitting provided. There are no
membership fees and everyone is welcome. M.O.M.S. meets in Msgr.
Plunkett Hall, lower level of the Immaculate Conception chapel,
Elmhurst from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
On Thursday, January 26, we will meet at 9:15 a.m. for
pottery painting with our children, conducted by Pik a Pot n
Paint. For $5, each child will decorate a ceramic tile with his
or her handprint. (Fee is per child). Please RSVP to Kelly
(833-7223) or Colleen (832-4662) so we can plan for headcount.
Hope to see you there.
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).
Parish News
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.
Pam Bondfide Heather Brennan Katherine Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Doresa Brugler Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante Dennis Ciancio
Cosmore Ciancio
Family of Cynthia Catalano
Paul Cirone Rhonda Colletti
Margaret Conroy Trudi Dolato
Dino Fuggitti Anna Heffel
Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt
Pat Holmes Michelle Humann
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Richard Johnson Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn
Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde Robert Manion
Bobbi Nannini Geri Pstrzoch
Baby Faith Reid Jess Smith
Karen Sutkus Cathy Ward
Rest In Peace
Joe Abruzzo, Elizabeth Kubane,
Eleanor Sikorski, Walter Wypijewski
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.
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:
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 am-3 pm. in
Barrett Hall. All 8th graders are expected to attend.
(Please note the change of date. All must have an
undated permission form.)
If you have questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
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 February 12.
Also - - come meet the neighbors! The Marriage Ministry is
planning the first of our double-date nights for Saturday,
February 18, 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 more information or to join the Marriage Ministry,
please contact Don or Ellen Walker at 630-279-4021.
Diocesan News
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.
Christian Service Commission
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).
Community News
Volunteer Tutors Needed
The Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange Park are in need of
volunteers for its adult literacy program, School on Wheels.
Tutors are needed to teach one hour per week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
or 3-8 p.m. in Berwyn, Hodgkins, Summit, Villa Park, Westmont, or
Woodridge.
Training will be provided on Saturday, February 4 and
February 11, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. You must attend both
training sessions. No prior second language skills are required.
For more information, call (708) 354-9200: ext. 5060, 5085, or
5037.
Free Home Buyer's Fair
Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
At the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton
The DuPage Homeownership Center, a HUD-certified non-profit
housing counseling agency, with the Chicago Tribune, is
sponsoring the 14th annual fair. This free community outreach
event is part of our continuing mission to increase and preserve
homeownership opportunities in DuPage County, especially for
first-time buyers and low/moderate-income households.
The Fair will include educational workshops as well as
exhibits with lots of useful consumer information just for first-
time buyers.
Fenwick High School's
Blackfriars Guild
Presents
"Banua 2006"
A Musical - Comedy Revue
8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28
$6.50 Students $8.50 Adults
Fenwick Auditorium
505 W. Washington Blvd., Oak Park
Effective Choices, Effective Parenting:
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 - p.m.
This two-hour workshop helps parents build on their
existing strengths in order to win greater cooperation with their
elementary-aged children. In addition, it assist them in
providing their children with the tools they need to survive and
thrive in today's society.. For info or to pre-register, please
call 630-710-8226.
$20 per person; $25 per couple.
Chastity Education Presentation
For Parents of Teens and Pre-Teens
January 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Podesta Hall Visitation Church Elmhurst
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.
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.Direct questions
to Joan Herrmann 941-7854 or Jackie Osterhout 833-0668.
Art & Environment
The Christmas Season requires help donated by volunteers
who unselfishly give of their time to make our Church as
beautiful for the coming of Jesus.
I would like to personally express my appreciation to the
regular members of the Art & Environment Committee who are always
there to lend a helping hand, and also to the men and women of
our parish who gave us extra support with the outside lighting
and decorations this year.
Thank you again everyone for helping to put up and take
down all the decorations and for making Mary Queen of Heaven
Parish Liturgical Environment warm, welcoming and beautiful.
Sheila Reiter
CCW MEETING
The monthly CCW Board Meeting will be held at the home of
Phylis Twardowski, 461 N. West Avenue, on Tuesday, January 24 at
7:30 p.m. All women of the parish are invited to attend. For
additional information or if you have any questions call Mary
Connelly at 782-7626.
St. Vincent dePaul
Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 7:30 p.m.
In Mary's Gathering Space
Holy Father's General
Intention for January
That the effort to bring about the full communion of
Christians may foster reconciliation and peace among all the
people of the earth.
Immaculate Conception's
Respect Life Ministry
Candelight Vigil
Sunday, January 22nd at 4:30 p.m.
Prayer Service (chapel)
Come bear witness to one of the pillars
of your Catholic faith: The Sanctity of Life.
We will pray for the babies, the mothers
and all those who are involved in abortion.
"For everything created by God is
good and nothing is to be rejected..."
1 Timothy 4:4
Dinner and Dialogue
with the Wheaton Franciscans
This session on Franciscan Spirituality will be presented
on Monday, February 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the
Angels Convent, 26 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton.
The "Dinner..." will begin with a simple meal, followed by a
prayer, engaging presentations, and then a table discussion.
This session, The Prophet becomes a neighbor to all will touch on
the topics of recognizing all creation as brother and sister and
perceiving the social, economic and political realities of the
times. Presenters will be Sr. Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, Ph.D.,
founder of the FranCiScan Center for Incarnation Studies, and Sr.
Sheila Kinsay, OSF, D.Min., Coordinator the Justice, Peace and
Integrity of Creation Office of the Wheaton Franciscans. Cost
$15 for this session. To register, please call the Justice,
Peace and Integrity of Creation Office at (630) 784-2555, or
email us at justicepeace@wheatonfranciscan.org.
MQH Parish Pastoral Council
Next Meeting: Monday, January 23, 2006
7:00 P.M. in the School Building
PPC meetings are open to parishioners. Minutes of Parish
Pastoral Council meeting will be summarized in the bulletin and
displayed in the back of the church.
Health Committee
Our Health Committee is looking for some new members to
join in planning for the coming year. Our next scheduled project
is a speaker on adolescence and mental health.
Interested in being on the committee? Please call Dr.
Corinna Wojcik at 279-5700.
Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you to the CCW for their very generous donation of new
altar linens for the church. Mary Foley
A big thank you is in order to the RCIA and BEREAVEMENT Teams!
While both groups are small in number, they came out in force for the
January Fellowship. From set-up, to serving, to clean up all of your
efforts are greatly appreciated! Thank you again for pitching in and
helping out!.
Mimi Wolak
MQH Paper Recycling Program
Some fun facts about paper recycling continued - one ton of
recycled paper uses 64% less energy, 50% less water, 74% less air
pollution and creates 5 times more jobs than one ton of paper
products from virgin wood pulp and Abitibi Recycling collects
enough newspapers each year to completely cover 12,336 football
fields in paper one inch deep. (That's a lot of paper!)
Please keep up your efforts to recycle your paper here at
MQH. Sometimes it is easier to throw your papers on the curb for
the city to recycle but putting your paper in the yellow/green
container can help our ministries. A BIG REMINDER: Please bring
your paper to the recycle container by the garages. I am unable
to transport them from the back to church to the container.
Thank you for all you do. - S. Marlene