Happy Birthday!
Today, the parish turns 50! So do I! The founding pastor of this parish, Father Thomas O'Keefe, was appointed in secret on April 2, 1956, the same day that I was born. Coincidence? Every time I have thought about this connection, I have remembered the words of the psalmist in Psalm 139:
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them! Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
It has been a delight for me to consider that while we were being made in secret, it was in the heart of God that our lives would come together in this place and that we would share such a day of celebration. All of life is such a gift!
A 50th birthday is unlike any other that has come before. It is a milestone. It is a time to take stock of where one has been and where one is going. There is a sharpened sense that the future is precious. Everything that has happened up until now has shaped and formed who you are and has prepared you for the time you face now. There are some feelings of apprehension in realizing that life as you have known it will be changing in new ways, in some ways that you will be unable to control. In the midst of those feelings, however, a growing desire emerges, a desire to continue growing still, helping to shape the future, especially for those who will follow.
As I write these words, I think of them both for myself and the parish on our joint birthday. So much has happened throughout these 50 years for us: a happy childhood, the trials and tribulations of adolescence, falling in love and creating a family, the struggling years, the heartaches, the pains, the continuing healing, and profound joy. We are the same inside even though things on the outside are changing. Then again, we are not the same at all. All of the events of our lives, all of the people God has brought into our lives, these have all transformed us into who we are today.
Very soon, I will become a grandmother for the first time. This will become a new part of my identity because of other lives and loves that are part of mine. Once again, there will be new life born into the family. Every Grandmother who knows that I am becoming a Grandmother has told me that this is such a special time in life. They have told me that it is like falling in love all over again - something they never expected - and their lives have never been the same.
Women know in their bodies the cycle of life, death, and the coming of new life. While we might experience this cycle in a particular way, it is given by God to us all. Throughout nature, all around us, there are reminders to us of birth, death, and resurrection. This holy cycle is at the heart of what we will celebrate beginning one week from today when we start Holy Week and enter Jerusalem with Jesus on Palm Sunday. Then we will accompany him through his last supper, passion, death, and resurrection. This cycle of life, death, and new life is also at the heart of our lives as we turn 50 today. We look back to what has been and we look forward to our future. Whether or not we become grandmothers or grandfathers as we age, God has new life to give to all of us, individually and as a parish family.
I give thanks to God for all of those who devoted their lives to founding this parish. I give thanks to God for all of those who became part of Mary Queen of Heaven over the years, building this parish into the community it is today. I give thanks to God for the richness of the life and gifts we share. I give thanks to God for the exciting new life that is to come, as we see so many signs of new growth in our midst. As I reflect on my own life, I give thanks for all that has been, for the goodness and beauty of creation, for the life and ministry God has given me, for my family and all the many people whose lives have been such a blessing to me and to the world. I give thanks to God for the great mystery that we are all part of and I give thanks to God for the new life that is still to come.
May we all use the gifts that God has given us to shape the future. May we be people fully alive for the glory of God, proclaiming the Gospel in the words and actions of our lives. Let us give thanks to God for our first 50 years of life and together anticipate with joy the new life that is to come!
Mary M. Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Sr. Joan McGuire Talk Well-Received On March 7, our parish hosted Sister Joan McGuire, O.P., Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Chicago. This event was sponsored by the MQH Peace and Justice Committee and the MQH Adult Education and Spirituality Committee. People from Mary Queen of Heaven, Immaculate Conception, and Visitation parishes participated in an informative discussion about the Catholic Church's positions on Ecumenical, Interfaith, and Interreligious Relations. Ecumenism refers to relations between Christian faiths: those faiths that are united in a Baptism with water, a similar understanding of the Trinity, Jesus as God and Man, and the Bible as Holy Scripture. While all do not have the same understanding of sacramental theology, there is ongoing dialogue between churches. The goal of dialogue is to come into full communion with one another. According to Sister Joan, the office of the Pope is the biggest obstacle to Ecumenical relations. Interfaith dialogue refers to relations between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - people who all consider themselves to be descendants of Abraham. The roots of Christianity an Islam can be traced to the People of Israel. Interreligious dialogue is between Christians and other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This relationship is aimed at understanding each other in order to live in harmony. The history of the ecumenical movement goes back only 100 years, when Christian missionaries started spreading the Gospel in Africa and Asia and realized the desirability of a common approach to non-believers rather than having to explain the differences between various Christian sects. In 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed. While the Catholic Church has never become a member, it does participate on some of the commissions. Pope John XXIII spent some time before he became pope, as a Vatican representative in Istanbul, Turkey, where he experienced firsthand the need for interfaith dialogue with Islam. He also assisted Jews escaping war-torn Europe by providing counterfeit baptismal certificates. He carried these experiences into his vision for interfaith relations during his Papacy and the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II brought approval and encouragement into interfaith and interreligious dialogue. Pope Paul VI institutionalized interfaith and interreligious relations within the Vatican structure, setting up a commission for relations with Jews and other faiths. Pope John Paul II put a personal face on interfaith relations by meeting with religious leaders in the countries that he visited. In 1965, the document Nostra Aetate, A Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions was promulgated by the Second Vatican Council. This Declaration addresses many religious matters: Judaism - "Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies as well as of fraternal dialogues." Islam - "Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom." Hinduism, Buddhism, Other Religions - "The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons [and daughters], that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men." Discrimination - "The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men [and women] or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion. On the contrary, following in the footsteps of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, this sacred synod ardently implores the Christian faithful to "maintain good fellowship among the nations", and, if possible, to live for their part in peace with all...so that they may truly be sons [and daughters] of the Father who is in heaven." Summary of Sr. Joan's talk provided by Lynn Suwanski and Dick Reed, MQH Adult Ed and Spirituality Committee The complete text of Nostra Aetate is included in the Bulletin insert. Conference for Divorced and Widowed With Matthew Kelly Saturday, April 22 This day entitled, Losing A Spouse, Building A Life: The Seven Levels of Intimacy, takes place at St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the day concludes with a vigil mass at 4:00 p.m. Call the Center for Family Ministry at 815-838-5334 for registration information. The $25 registration fee includes lunch and hand-out materials. Stop the Genocide in Darfur The Diocesan Peace and Social Justice Ministry is urging all parishioners to participate in the Million Voices for Darfur campaign. The goal is to generate one million hand written and electronic postcards from Americans demanding a stronger and more effective U.S. response to the genocide in Darfur, which has claimed 400,000 lives. In addition, 2.5 million people are displaced and 3.5 million of our sisters and brothers are at risk of starvation. Bishop John Ricard of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently said: "The crisis in Darfur must be ended. We cannot stand idly by while human life is threatened." Go online today at www.savedarfur.org and send an electronic post card. Art Auction to Raise Dollars For Bolivian Mission Trip Fine art, hors d'oeuvres, wine and live music will surround you at an Art Auction to raise money for a mission trip to Sucre, Bolivia in June by more than 40 university students representing the Diocese of Joliet. The auction is Saturday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Parish Center, 306 W. 4th St., Hinsdale. Tickets are $10 per person which, in addition to the hors d'oeuvres and wine, also includes a chance on a door prize. A 'second look' will be open free of charge on Sunday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with coffee and donuts served. For tickets or more information, call Natalie Bayci, mission coordinator, at (815) 722-6606. The mission/retreat is a two-week experience for the students that includes ministering to children in orphanages and hospitals, as well as building much-needed facilities at those locations. A Vocation View Unless a seed first dries out and dies, it cannot be planted in the earth to grow. Unless we first dry out and die to our selfish ways, we can never expect to be people who will "lay down their lives for their friends."? Wanted: Church Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Area Catholic Church seeks outgoing person to recruit volunteers and maintain database. Also responsible for hiring and supervision of finance office personnel. MS office and basic accounting experience required. Fax resume and salary history to 630-530-7688. Will You Drink in High School? Come find out what happens if you do. Monday, April 10, at 7:00 p.m. At York High School Commons area Come hear Sarah Panzau's story. She is a national speaker that will talk about how the use of alcohol has changed her life, and will help you to make positive choices. Due to the seriousness and graphic nature of this presentation, all 8th grade students must by accompanied by an adult. This is a project of our Confirmation candidates: Mary Alex Japczyk and Bridget McGing Call for Volunteers S.T.E.P. Hunger Walk Event Steps Toward Eliminating Poverty Short-term committee work for an all ages event Sunday, May 21, at Mary Queen of Heaven What is S.T.E.P.? S.T.E.P., unlike other walks, includes opportunities for prayer, education, advocacy and cultural awareness. Prayer: We will open our hearts to Christ who will guide us in our efforts to assist those in need. The Walk: Our walk is symbolic of walking with our brothers and sisters who walk for miles everyday to survive. Education: We will learn about global, national and local poverty issues. Advocacy: Advocacy involves working for justice. We will learn how we (children to adults) can become proactive in battling poverty and related issues. This will enable each one of us to realize that Christ's compassion is active, not passive. Cultural awareness: Through music, food, art, videos and displays, we will learn about cultures living in poverty and promote awareness that we are created in "oneness" and in Christ. This event is a joint effort of MQH, IC and Visitation parishes. Mary Queen is this year's sponsor. If you would like to volunteer please call John Menarek at 834- 4075/email jmenarek@sbcglobal.net. Parish News Enrich your Lenten Journey Sign up for Eucharistic Adoration for Monday, April 3, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 PM We are also in need of people who can make a regular commitment to a time slot. If you are interested or have any questions please call Kay Diggins at 630-530-7124 or Renee Bladek at 630-832-1812. 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. Join us at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, as we take part in an Easter Egg hunt at the Elmhurst Extended Care Center. Help us spread a little Easter sunshine to the nursing home residents during this special season. Bring a basket for egg collection! The Center is located at 200 East Lake Street in Elmhurst. This event replaces the regular Thursday morning meeting. For more information, please contact Kelly at 833-7223. Divine Mercy Holy Hour Sunday, April 23, 3:00 to 4:00 PM St. Joseph Church 330 E. Fullerton Avenue, Addison Confessions heard between 3:10 and 3:50 PM Holy Land Collection On Good Friday, April 14th, our parish will take up the annual collection for the Holy Land. We ask you to be generous. Your financial contribution will support the works of the Catholic Community in the Middle east and to protect the Holy Places and Christian shrines. Please be generous. Men's Group News NCAA Final Game Monday, April 3rd, 6:00 PM. Barrett Hall The Men's Group would like to welcome all parish men to join us in watching the final game. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. If interested- Please sign up in the Church entry. Come, Pay Your Respects At Flanagan's Wake Enjoy a wake, Flanagan's Wake. On Saturday, April 29th, the Marriage Ministry is sponsoring a couples' outing to Pheasant Run Theatre to see the interactive comedy Flanagan's Wake. The outing includes the show and a buffet dinner at the cost of $84.00 per couple. We will be meeting at Pheasant Run Theatre at 5:30 with the show being at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner following at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and the deadline for purchasing is Easter Sunday, April 16th. Come and enjoy a good old-fashioned Irish wake, Flanagan's Wake!. For tickets or information, please call Don and Ellen Walker at 630-279-4021 or Alex and Marie Grozik at 630-5300503. Religious Education News You a Catechist? Why Not? Please pray about if you are being called to be a catechist in our Religious Education Program this coming fall. Each year we lose catechists due to moves, jobs, or maybe moving on to another ministry in the parish. This year is no exception. We will need catechists at almost every grade level. Our sessions meet on Wednesdays at 3:15 to 4:30PM for Pre- school through Grade 4, 5:15 to 6:30PM for Pre-School to Grade 8 and 7:15 to 8:30PM for Grades 5 through 8. So if you like the little ones or maybe the junior high is where your interests lie, please call for more information. Your children deserve the very best....You! Lenten Project We are still collecting items for Easter baskets, which will be donated, to Marillac House on Chicago's West Side. Our final Wednesday is April 12th. There is a "Basket" in the hall of the school for donations of candy, small stuffed animals, grass, or other items appropriate for a child's Easter basket. Please be generous. Mark Your Calendars: Wednesday, April 5 - Class Resumes after Spring Break. Grade 8 Christian Sexuality Presentation for students & Parents in Barrett Hall at 7:15PM. The 5:15 session will meet at 7:15 in lieu of their normal time. Saturday, April 8 - First Communion Retreat in the Social Hall and School 9-11AM Friday, April 14 - The 7th Grade presents their annual Living Stations depictions at 3:00PM in Church. If you have any questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Christian Education Commission Easter Egg Hop-N-Grab Saturday, April 15 The annual Parish Easter Egg Hop-N-Grab will be held at 11:30 a.m. after the Blessing of the Baskets. Children ages 1-10 with a parent or guardian are invited to join the event. There will be treats, prizes, music & face painting; plus popcorn & cotton candy for sale. We are looking for volunteers ages 11 and up. This is a great way to help out and have some fun; 8th graders can earn service hours also. We would like prize donations for this event. These can be candy, small items to fit into eggs or larger ones for prizes such as jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, coloring books etc. If you would like to volunteer or donate items, please call Genet Pinkerton at 834-6521. There will be donations boxes at school. Community News DISCERNMENT PROCESS FOR NEW PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED APRIL 8-9 AND APRIL 15-16 Last year, our parish moved to a model of discernment, rather than election, for Parish Pastoral Council members. This model has advantages over elections because the focus is not on choosing who is the most popularly known of the candidates. Instead, an independent facilitator leads a prayerful process which helps all who are involved discern who has the gifts most needed for the Council at a particular time in the life of a parish. This year's process will begin during the weekend of April 8-9, when representatives of the PPC will speak at weekend Masses and nominations will be accepted for new members. Nominations will also be accepted the weekend of April 15-16. All nominees who would like to participate in the discernment process will be required to attend an Orientation to the PPC on Monday, April 24, at 7 p.m. The next step for nominees continuing in the process will be required attendance at Discernment Day, to be held on Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. During Discernment Day, those present will prayerfully discern our new PPC members. Some of the nominees may discover that they are better suited to another particular ministry or to service on one of the PPC Commissions. Those who are discerned as new PPC members will attend their first PPC meeting on June 26 at 7 p.m. Please keep these dates in mind if you are nominated because attendance is required at these events. The PPC is a visioning and planning body. Members of the PPC should not be the "do-ers" of the parish who are already leading ministries and activities but they should be persons whose primary commitment is to their service on the PPC. This year, we are looking for two new adult members and two youth representatives. PPC members should be: * Individuals who are fully dedicated to the whole parish's well-being and not to a specific ministry or area of church life * Persons of compassion, care, and integrity, who possess good "people skills" * People who are open to the Holy Spirit and who are able to make decisions by the consensus method, rather than by majority rule * People who model tolerance, as Jesus did * People who are bridge-builders and who have a sense of humor All registered parishioners, adults and teenagers, are invited to nominate a candidate. A nomination must include the name of the one being nominated and the reason why he or she is being recommended for the PPC. Those eligible for the PPC must be Roman Catholics who are in good standing with the Church, who have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation. No staff member other than the Pastoral Life Coordinator serves on the Council and no immediate family members may serve at the same time. SOME REFLECTIONS FROM CURRENT PPC MEMBERS: JOE GORYL Discernment is a very important part of my spiritual life at Mary Queen of Heaven Church. Through discernment, I call on the Holy Spirit to give me direction on some of the choices I make on behalf of the parish. I consider discernment a Gift from God not just a process. Sometimes it is difficult to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, trying to block out outside influences. However, part of discernment is making those distinctions and then being at peace with the decisions I have made. Before my involvement on the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) I would use discernment on a personal level in my everyday life, asking the Holy Spirit to help me make the correct decisions. Since I have become a member of the PPC, I have discovered a whole new level of discernment. I have learned that the Spirit also acts within the gathered believers of the parish community. Discernment is how the Spirit shows us what God wants us do and be. Through this upcoming discernment process, we will all need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to make decisions that we will find peace in. KATHLEEN GUSLOFF According to the New American Bible: Discern means to help us understand between two or more things. I believe this process enables those nominated to better understand the role of the PPC and level of commitment needed to serve. This method gives nominees time, through prayerful discernment, a chance to look at how they might feel called to contribute to our church. Nominees will have the opportunity to learn about the council and each other in an effort to choose who they believe will best serve our parish community. I pray that this model of discernment will benefit our parish family and all those participating find it to be a positive and rewarding experience. MORE REFLECTIONS FROM CURRENT PPC MEMBERS: MILT HONEL I view the process which was implemented in 2005 involving prayer, discernment, orientation, and selection a decided improvement over the popular election format. The Discernment Process adopted by our parish last year results in better prepared parishioners being added to the Parish Pastoral Council. Parishioners who are nominated and go through the Discernment Process but decide, for whatever reason, not to join the PPC will result in parishioners having a better understanding of the operation of the PPC in our parish. MARY ANN REED Having been "elected to" parish councils in the past at other parishes, I was excited about the opportunity to participate in a discernment process last spring when considering membership on the MQH Parish Pastoral Council. The process, conducted on a Saturday afternoon, was almost like a "mini" retreat for me. I was invited to spend some time looking inward and really considering those personal qualities that might either be an asset or a challenge to me as a member of the parish pastoral council. I was given the chance to share my awareness with others and to be affirmed in my self- assessment. I also had the pleasure of getting to know some other people a bit more intimately and to support and affirm them. All of the sharing was done in a truly caring manner, and I feel I learned something about myself as well as about others. It was useful to me to have the time-the peace and quiet-to consider what service on the PPC would mean in terms of commitment and to make a realistic appraisal of my willingness and ability to give the job what it requires. I think the discernment process is invaluable, even if the individual "discerns" that they are not called to serve in this way. Anyone who is "looking for their niche" in parish ministry will have much to gain from going through this process. The Holy Spirit is full of surprises! BRENDA SCANLON I am a longtime parishioner and have been a member of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Pastoral Council for the past year. When I was asked to consider being a PPC member, I thought that this might be a possibility. I was fortunate to have the Discernment Process help me in making the decision to be a PPC member. The Orientation Session gave me the opportunity to learn what the PPC is all about and what is expected of its members. The Day of Discernment allowed for prayerful thought and discussion before making this commitment to the parish. As a member of the Mary Queen of Heaven PPC, I am able to give back some of what has been given to me. I am able to be of service to Mary Queen of Heaven Parish and its parishioners. What a blessing for me! I encourage anyone who wishes to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council to take advantage of this time of discernment. It is well worth the time spent. HEATHER STYKA I agree with the listed qualities for PPC members. Most of all (speaking from experience!) I would emphasize that members should be able to attend meetings. They must be able to commit themselves. Sometimes this means that we must seek individuals who may not have large roles in other areas of the parish. Since our parish uses discernment rather than elections, I think we will be able to look past the familiar faces and rather look for people who will be able to respond to the call of leadership. LYNN SUWANSKI Discernment has been an integral part of my faith life since the birth of my Small Faith Community 12 years ago. Each year we evaluate what is important to our group and to each of us as individuals, concluding, hopefully, with a commitment to remain with the group for another year. Through this experience, I see the value in the process of discernment for the formation and growth of the Parish Pastoral Council. Potential members work through the process to realize whether or not the Spirit is calling them to the Parish Pastoral Council. Last year, the first year we did this in our church, was a faith-filled day with some surprises. It was definitely worth the time and prayer it took to recognize the people who discerned a call to join the PPC. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT This is to inform all parishioners that the parish PEACE & JUSTICE committee will meet on THURS., 4-6-06 at 7:00 PM in the CONFERENCE ROOM (next to the PARISH LIBRARY.... just off of MARY'S PLACE.0 This is a change of date. The committee ordinarily meets on the third Thursday. However, this year the third Thursday is Holy Thursday. If you are interested in peace and justice issues, we are the group to join. All are welcome. Come and see what we do and what YOU could do!! Christian Service Commission Lenten Food Collection Our St. Vincent dePaul food collection will be held the weekend of April 8 and 9. The food will be distributed to needy families in our community for Easter. We are collecting non-perishable items of canned vegetables, fruit, soup, pastas, rice, spaghetti sauce, prepared foods, coffee, tea, juice, boxed cake mixes, peanut butter, jelly, paper products (Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels), hand soap, and laundry detergent. Boxes will be available in the church vestibule to accept your donations. If you have an hour or two to spare, we could use your help sorting the food for the Easter Baskets on Sunday evening, April 9, at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Please call Sheila Reiter at 833- 6657 to offer your help. Parish News Good News: The Ministry of Prayer And Praise Has Begun! What is the Ministry of Prayer and Praise? It is a spiritual ministry in which the ministry members offer to God intercessory prayers of petitions and supplications for strength, direction and healing of others. Who can belong? This is a ministry especially for the homebound. It is also for the young, senior citizens, and anyone willing to pray for the world, friends, families or strangers, and especially the members of our parish who are in need. What do I have to do? You are asked to pray in private, in church, at home, or anywhere you may be for people who ask for help through prayers. There will be no required length for the prayers but daily commitment to say a prayer for one month for the received intentions will be the norm. What good will it do? It will provide a spiritual powerhouse that will bring God's blessings on us and the people we pray for. Do we have meetings? No. This is a spiritual ministry. How will I know what to pray for? Each month, you will be sent a newsletter with intentions to pray for during the month. The newsletter will also have bits of news about the Ministry, thanksgiving for prayers heard and articles from Deacon John Maloney and other contributors. How do I join? Call the Parish Office at 630-279-5700 and state that you would like to be a Minister. The ministers will be commissioned and presented a book of prayers and a certificate of membership Prayer is the raising of the heart and soul to God. "It is a blessed fountain which, as it flows, revives our good desires and causes them to bring forth fruit." (St Francis of sales). Many of us may not believe that we know how to pray or we do not believe that we ray "well." But finding ourselves in dire circumstances and in this respect, responding to the needs of others usually shows us otherwise. Prayer does not necessarily have to be formal, as long as what we say to God stems from our good desire to help others, which is akin to love and which glorifies God. We hope that you will be inspired to join this lofty ministry. Help the Homeless at PADS Need help any of the following Sundays: April 9, April 23, May 28 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. (that's right, a.m.) Even if you can only make it one time, your help is appreciated. Two different locations: Elmhurst Presbyterian, and Salvation Army-Oak Brook, near Summit and Butterfield Call Debbie at 941-7224 and she can give you more information. You will meet at least 1 or 2 people from Mary Queen when you work at either site. The work is mainly cleaning up after breakfast and putting away the bedding. Christian Worship Commission 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 Modesta Goggins Mary Hagerty 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 Raymond Mitchell Bobbi Nannini Phyllis O'Donnell Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid Jess 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. The Cenacle Retreat House 29 W 012 Batavia Road, Warrenville Presents: The Cenacle Retreat House will present a concert by popular singer/musician Gerry Dignan on Sunday, April 30 at 3:00 PM. The musical program, called "Harvest of Life: Songs of Hope and Celebration" will include selections ranging from gospel to favorite hymns such as "Amazing Grace." music at times jubilant, at times meditative. Guests will be invited not only to listen but to sing along as well. Tickets are priced at $10 and may be purchased at the door, or ordered online. For further information , please call 630-393-1231 "Thank You" A very special Thank You to Father Benet Fonck, O.F.M., who generously donated the beautiful new vestments created for our special 50th Anniversary celebration.