A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be on retreat at a Benedictine Abbey in the village of Dinklage (pronounced dink'- laag-ah), which is not far from the city of Munster, where I stayed doing some work the second week of my trip.
The Abbey is named for Saint Scholastica, who was the twin sister of Saint Benedict. The Abbey was established in the former castle-home of Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, Cardinal von Galen, who served at the cathedral at Munster during the Second World War and preached courageously against the Nazis, was beatified last year. In the 1940's, his family gave the family castle to Benedictine Sisters who had been displaced when the Nazis took away their property. There are Benedictine Sisters there still today.
My spiritual director for the retreat was Mother Maire (pronounced Maura), the Abbess. She spoke English, as did a number of the Sisters. I met with her for one hour every day, keeping a journal and following her recommendations for scripture reading in between our visits. Benedictines (men and women) are very committed to what is known as lectio divina as a way of reading and praying with scripture. I was familiar with lectio divina but had never used it in such a concentrated way as I did on this eight-day retreat.
Lectio Divina has four stages to it. The first is called lectio (reading). In the way Mother Maura recommended, you first take a section of scripture (a paragraph or a psalm or some other reasonably short section) and read it all the way through. Then, you should read it again, paying attention until a particular word or phrase makes an impression. In the second phase, called meditatio, you meditate on the Word that has been given to you (it is helpful to say this over and over again). In the third phase, called oratio (oration), you speak freely to God in prayer, sharing your real self. In the fourth phase, called contemplatio (contemplation), you rest in the presence of God, perhaps receiving some kind of answer, comfort, or sense of direction. I saw a lovely, simple drawing that explained this process well. It depicted a little monk at the bottom of a ladder, with God at the top. The little monk was reading his Bible and at every stage of lectio divina he moved further up the ladder toward God. At the end of the process, he makes it all the way to the top, where God's arms enfold him in an embrace.
There may be a powerful result every time one undertakes lectio divina. I found, however, that regular practice helped to prepare me when I did one day have an overpowering experience of the love of God through scripture.
The entire week I spent at the Abbey was wonderful. I joined the Sisters in their prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. They pray together many times every day in their church (which is beautifully constructed in the old barn of the castle). Morning Prayer begins at 5:45. (I confess that I did not make it every day at that time!) Mass is celebrated at 8:00 a.m., Prayer for Peace is at 11:55, followed by Midday Prayer at noon. Vespers are at 6 p.m., and Night Prayer and Compline begin either at 7:30 or 8:30, depending on the day. Meals follow Mass, Midday Prayer, and Vespers, so Benedictines live their lives in "bits," as Mother Maire likes to say. It is a way of life that many of us can learn from. Not many of us could live the same kind of schedule as the Sisters but we surely could learn to balance our lives better, taking time to pray, eating decent meals on a more regular basis, and not working ourselves to exhaustion.
It was a great privilege to be able to stay with them. I had a very powerful spiritual experience and I also enjoyed the company of the Sisters, who were young and old. They live a traditional form of monastic life and wear full habits, but they are far from what you might think of as "old fashioned." Mother Maire asked me if I would mind spending some time with the Sisters one afternoon, so that I could share with them "what I do in America." It was an amazing thing to hear some of them say that they found similarities between our parish of Mary Queen and the model of leadership they have at the abbey, where the Abbess is the leader of the community and priests come when there are sacramental celebrations. It was wonderful to listen to their questions and hear some of the things that these Catholic women think about halfway around the world from us.
Now that I have returned from my retreat, it is time to enter a new season of the Church year, one in which we are all called to spiritual disciplines that can lead us into deeper examination of our lives and continued conversion. The traditional disciplines of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Let us all set apart time for prayer, here at church or at home, perhaps considering lectio divina as a way to enter prayerfully into the Word of God. Let us consider what behaviors or attitudes we can fast from to focus our attention more on God and all that is good and holy. Let this be a season in which we all think about how we can share with others the blessings we have received from God. May Lent become for all of us a time of spiritual renewal - for ourselves individually, and for our parish community of faith.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
February Celebrations
We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the
following who were baptized in February:
Joseph Preston Braden
Colin Paul McCarty
Quinn Kathleen Feehery
Elizabeth Sara Kramer
Jacob Lleyton Macatangay
Francesca Gabriele Miulli
Religious Education News
Please continue to be generous in bringing your donations
for our Easter Basket for Marillac House. The "basket" will be
in school on all the Wednesdays of Lent.
Are you being called to be a catechist?
Every year there are catechists who cannot return for one
reason or another. I am sure that this year will be no different.
So if you have always wondered what goes on in the building after
you drop your children off, this is the perfect time to stop by
and say, "hi." Remember, you don't have to be a theologian; you
just have to love children, love your faith and want to share it.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Mark your calendar:
Saturday, March 18 - Confirmation Final Interviews -
9 a.m. to Noon in school.
Saturday, March 18 - Family Mass at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29 - No Class - Spring Break.
If you have questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Active Senior Expo
Wednesday, March 8 at 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
At Diplomat West Banquets, Elmhurst
(NW corner of North Avenue & Route 83)
The Expo is dedicated to inform, educate and entertain
senior citizens. The event will feature hundreds of products and
services for seniors, free health screenings by Jewel-Osco, free
seminars, free Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and free musical
entertainment.
We are pleased to offer free admission (regular admission
is $2) to all parish seniors who would like to attend the event.
Simply present this article (or a photocopy) at the door and you
and all members of your party will be admitted at no charge.
Market Day
Orders for March are due Monday, March 13, at noon. Turn
in your order form in the box at the back of church or at the
rectory. Pickup on Saturday, March 18, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in
the Social Hall.
If you have questions or would like to place an order,
please call Maria at 279-2238 or Karen at 279-4108.
M.O.M.S
(Moms Offering Moms Support)
Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. is a social and spiritual
organization that provides an opportunity for mothers of young
children from Elmhurst Catholic parishes to meet other mothers.
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, from 9:30 to
11:00 a.m.
On Thursday March 9, we'll help introduce our kids to
Fairness as one of the Six Pillars of Character that is
incorporated into Elmhurst's 205 "Character Counts" curriculum.
An Elmhurst Park District facilitator will present a workshop
featuring "Guisto, the giraffe," the character representing
Fairness in this educational programming. Our kids will learn
how people who are fair treat others equally, listen openly to
the ideas of other people, are careful when making judgments
about others, and follow fair procedures such as taking turns.
Together we will learn what Fairness means and have fun using
stories, games, activities, arts, crafts and more. For more
information please contact Kelly at 833-7223.
Council of Catholic Women
"Woman of the Year" Nominations
Nominations for Mary Queen of Heaven "Woman of the Year"
are being held this weekend of March 4/5. All ladies, ages 18
and older, can nominate a woman they feel leads a life of faith
and love and who has given generously of her time and talent to
the various ministries and organizations in our parish. They
should also give a reason why they feel their nominee should be
chosen.
To be eligible for the "Woman of the Year," nominees must
be MQH parishioners, not on the parish staff, over 18 years of
age, and not have held the title in the last 10 years.
Next weekend, March 11/12, information on the nominees will
appear in the bulletin to assist you in electing the "Woman of
the Year."
The election for the "Woman of the Year" will be held the
weekend of March 18/19.
The Catholic church and Relations
With Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and others
Forty years ago, at the Second Vatican Council, the
Catholic bishops issued a Decree on Ecumenism that promoted
dialogue between Catholics and Christians of other churches and
ecclesiastical communities. They also issued a Declaration on the
Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions. These
documents have formed the basis for the Church's positions and
actions on these issues for the last 40 years.
The Adult Education and Spirituality Committee and the
Peace and Justice Committee proudly present Sr. Joan McGuire,
O.P., director of the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious
Affairs in the Archdiocese of Chicago, who will provide an
overview of the implementation of these two historic documents
within the Catholic Church during the last 40 years. The
presentation will be in Barrett Hall on Tuesday, March 7, at 7:00
p.m. Please contact the Church office, 279-5700, or Dick Reed,
834-4840, if you have any questions. All are welcome.
We need your help!!!
Service Project for soldiers in Iraq
Some of the 8th graders at R.E. are collecting items and
donating them to the Yellow Ribbon Support Group because soldiers
aren't supplied with daily items. Thanks for your support! Some
things you can bring in are:
* Plastic disposable razors,
* Travel size shaving cream, deodorant, mouth wash, and hand
sanitizer
* Individually packaged peanuts, raisins, beef jerkey, rice
krispie treats, breakfast bars and pop tarts
There will be a box at the back of church on the weekends
of March 4/5 and March 11/12 for your donations. There will also
be a box at RE on March 8.
Time for some Youth Group News
The Lock-In is Scheduled
Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, at 9:30 a.m.
Everyone attending must have a permission slip. The fee is
$15. Permission slips are available in the religious education
office or from Mrs. Gusloff. Our Destiny members have been
working very hard to make sure this year's lock-in is as great or
better than last year. Don't miss your opportunity to
participate.
If you ever have any questions about our youth groups,
please feel free to call Kathleen Gusloff 832-4348 or email her
at The5ofgus@aolcom.
Yoga Class at Mary Queen of Heaven
8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
A new class starts for three (3) weeks
March 8, 15, and 22
For all 3 classes, $12 per person or
3 classes, $18 per family
(parents, children, siblings, couples, etc.)
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen of Heaven
Call debbie at 941-7224
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.
Pam Bondfide Heather Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Doresa Brugler
Pat Caffarelli Rose Caffarelli
Kathy Calzante Dennis Ciancio
Family of Cynthia Catalano Cosmore Ciancio
Paul Cirone Rhonda Colletti
Margaret Conroy Trudi Dolato
Baby Samantha Dobrowolski Dino Fuggitti
Hagerty, Mary 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 Phyllis O'Donnell
Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid
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.
MQH Eucharistic Adoration
Monday, March 6
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
All are invited to attend.
Make a Difference
With Catholic Charities!
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet office in Lombard is
seeking to fill several key positions for its Development
Volunteer Committee. These volunteer positions include Public
Relations, a Fundraiser, an Event Planner and an Administrative
Assistant. The time commitment for each position is at least
eight hours per month.
Volunteers for each of these key positions should have
leadership and teamwork skills as well as good oral and written
communication skills. In addition to specific tasks associated
with each role, volunteers will be expected to attend monthly
meetings at the Catholic Charities office, 26 W. St. Charles Rd,
Lombard.
For more information contact: Beth Traub (630) 378-5364 e-
mail QEITraub@aol.com, or Sue Iacovelli (630) 833-7345.
Elmhurst College Presents
What Would Jesus Do?
Monday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Elmhurst College invites you to a special lecture by Dr.
Darrell L. Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies at
Dallas Theological Seminary. His timely lecture is titled "What
Would Jesus Do? A Look at What Got Jesus into Trouble in
Jerusalem."
The lecture will be in the founders Lounge of the Frick
Center. A campus map can be found at
http://public.elmhurst.edu/about/map.
Easter is Resurrection:
The Lord's and Our Own
Saturday, March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join Fr. Kevin Shanley, O. Carm., at the Carmelite
Spiritual Center in Darien for a day of prayer and reflection in
preparation for the greatest of our Christian feasts, Easter.
Cost: $40/person, includes lunch.
Please pre-register by March 10. Call the spiritual Center
at 630-969-4141 to register.
Christian Worship Commission
St. Vincent dePaul Society
The MQH St. Vincent DePaul Society aside from continuing
with its mission of helping people who are needy has also
embarked on a new project. The St. Vincent DePaul Society is
working with children in our Religious Education Confirmation
Class and, on a monthly basis, visits the Elmhurst Extended Care
Nursing Home, to play games, make crafts and converse with the
residents.
This month we hosted a talent show. Ten members of the
children's choir, "Voices of Angels," under the leadership of
Ruth Maple, sang songs while other members of the Confirmation
class, played the piano and sang for the residents. Afterwards,
we helped the residents make valentines.
We are very proud of the following participants who visited
and helped make the evening of February 10 so special for the
Elmhurst Extended Care Residents: Gloria Martinez, Jonathan
Dougherty, Brittany Biggs, Ann Achtien, Kate Berg, Jenna Berg,
Kristin Gleason, Molly Wilk, Vicki Maple, Christine Swiniek,
Briana Hernandez, Melissa Rohman, Katie Converse and Kathleen
McGovern. Special thanks to Carol Achtien for spearheading these
monthly visits.
St. Joseph Table
Christ the King Parish in Lombard is holding its annual St.
Joseph Table Sunday, March 19, 2006, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The
event location is 115 E. 15th St., in their school gymnasium.
The tradition behind this event is the offering of simple
food dishes in return for a free-will donation. All the proceeds
go to the needy and less fortunate.
For further information or any questions, call the rectory
at 630-629-1717, X16.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Mary Queen of Heaven 50th Anniversary Celebration begins
Sunday, April 2, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Following Mass all are
invited to fellowship in Barrett Hall and to visit the school
building which will contain memorabilia (the past and present.).
The Anniversary Committee meets each month working on plans
that will take place throughout the year and culminate with a
closing celebration in April 2007. Much help is needed to work
on the various events, and we invite you to join us and offer
your expertise. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 14, at 8:00
p.m. in Barrett Hall. Watch future bulletins for a calendar of
events. We are still looking for help in the following areas:
Memorabilia from the past (pictures, booklets, newspaper
articles, video's, etc.). Perhaps you are one of the founding
parishioners and can recall an event or a series of events from
the past and would like to share with us.
A record of all pictures, newspaper articles, & videos will
be kept, and you will receive them back after our celebration.
Please share your memorabilia or memories with us, so that we can
provide a history of our parish.
Names and addresses of previous parishioners or school
alumni are extremely important so we can invite them to our
celebration on April 2, and the other events scheduled throughout
the year. For more information or questions: contact Sheila
Reiter 833-6657 or Ellen Walker 279-4021.
Recipe Book: We are still accepting recipes for our 50th
Anniversary Cookbook. Recipe forms are available in the
vestibule of church. They can be placed in the basket in the
vestibule or sent to the rectory to the attention of Mary Nanak
(530-4502) or Ellen Walker (279-4021).
Worship Commission Notes
Some dates to put on your calendar:
March 5, Cathedral: Rite of Election for Kyle Naninni
March 7 - 7:00 p.m.: Sr. Joan McGuire on The Catholic Church and
Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
March 14, 7:30 p.m.: Parish Lenten Reconciliation service
April 2, 10:30 a.m.: MQH 50th Jubilee celebration, Bishop Joseph
Imesch, main celebrant
April 8-9: Easter food drive
April 9-15: Holy Week
April 22, 5:00 p.m.: Confirmation, Bishop Stanley Schlarmann,
main celebrant
Christian Service Commission
Save the Date!
Tuesday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.
in Barrett Hall
Lenten evening reflection on
Women and Spirituality with Mary Foley
Katrina Disaster Recovery
Catholic Construction Corps
The Diocese of Joliet Catholic Construction Corps needs
additional volunteers to fill the teams committed to Katrina
Hurricane Disaster Recovery. Please help us help the people in
the Gulf.
Future trip dates are: March 26 - April 1,
April 29 - May 7 and May 6 - May 13.
Please respond to Peace and Social Justice Office at 815-
834-4028 or Vern Witte at 630-882-8919. If you decide to
volunteer for one of these opportunities, please also inform MQH
parishioner Jan Alexander at 782-6065.