Happy Easter to all!
Today, all things are made new. Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This is an event which happened once in history but it is also one which changes each day of our lives. Today, we celebrate the power of God's love to overcome all things, even death. Today, we remember that we have been promised a share in the new life of the resurrection. Today, and each day to come, all things are made new in Christ.
During these last days of the three holy days of the Triduum, we recalled how Jesus spoke to his apostles at the Last Supper, giving them his Body and Blood and asking them to continue sharing this sacrament to remember him. We accompanied Jesus through his Passion and death, and we witnessed his resurrection. We have been reminded of the great mysteries of our faith.
Today, we should be changed. Maybe not in an instant but in increasing awareness that things are not the same, that our lives have been transformed by the life and death and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus came and lived among us so that we might have life. He endured betrayal, suffering, and even death on a cross to show us how much God loves us. Jesus lived so that we might have life. What are we willing to live for? Are we willing to live so that new life can come into this world? Are we willing to break down barriers that divide people today? Can we be agents of healing in a world that is so wracked by pain? Do we live in the hope of the life that has been promised to us? Can we bring that hope to others in despair? Can we bring the light and peace of Christ into the lives of others?
Easter changes everything. The light overcomes the darkness. Love overcomes death. May we be changed, we, who were baptized into the life and death of Christ. We, who will one day be born into eternal life. Let us live our lives sharing the great love that has been given to us.
We welcome all of those who are worshipping with us today. If you are looking for a church home, please know that all are welcome here at Mary Queen of Heaven Church.
May the joy of Easter and the peace of Christ fill your hearts and your homes this day and always.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View
Fads, organics and supersonics are just fine. But in the
long run, settle only for something that rises from the dead.
Your ultimate purpose, to live and to breathe, is the eternal
Jesus. Come, tell His story.
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.
On Friday April 28, at 9:30 a.m. come and experience
Yogakids(r), a premium yoga program for children, as we meet with
an Elmhurst Yoga Shala instructor for a class session emphasizing
the yoga principles of oneness, interdependence and FUN!
Imagination is imperative in this class, where we will play lots
of games with little songs. Yoga poses are incorporated as we
follow a story, such as being a baby cobra (cobra pose) in the
rain forest (tree pose) to resting in the grass (child's
relaxation pose), all of which are designed to increase a child's
flexibility, balance, and strength. Breathing exercises are also
practiced as our kids develop awareness of their bodies and
coordination.
Cost: $5 per child. Please RSVP to Colleen at 832-4662.
The event will be held in the playroom adjacent to Monsignor
Plunkett Hall, Lower Level, Immaculate Conception Chapel and is
place of our regular Thursday morning meeting.
Joyful Again! Retreat
Retreat for Widowed Men & Women
Old St. Pat's, downtown Chicago
When: May 6 & 7, 2006
For more information, call 708-354-7211
Visitation Catholic Church
Health Screening, Wednesday, April 26
Life Line Screening offers ultrasound screenings for the
prevention of stroke & vascular disease. The screenings are
sponsored by Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and are open to the
public.
Life Line Screening, an ultrasound of the carotid arteries
in the neck, determines if you are at risk for stroke.
Screenings of the arteries of the legs are offered to check for
peripheral artery disease, which is linked to heart disease. A
third test is performed for aneurysms in the aortic vessel of the
abdomen. Life Line also offers a bone density screening to test
for early detection of osteoporosis. All tests are read by a
board certified vascular physician or radiologist.
These non-invasive, completely painless, ultrasound
screenings take about 10 minutes each. Each of the 3 vascular
tests are offered for $45.00 each. Osteoporosis for $35.00.
Complete vascular screening (3 tests) for $109 or all 4 tests for
$129.
Pre-Registration is required. Appointment times fill
quickly so please call 800-324-1851 for your appointment or for
more information.
Come, Pay Your Respects
At Flanagan's Wake
Enjoy a wake, Flanagan's Wake. On Saturday, April 29, 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 p.m. 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 16. 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 630-530-0503.
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 pray "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.
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 Virginia Feret
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.
Religious Education News
RE Registrations
Registrations for the 2006-2007 RE year have been mailed.
Please call the office if you are new to the Parish or are new to
our program and would like to receive a Registration form. As our
enrollment continues to grow, be sure to return your completed RE
registration form as soon as possible to guarantee your first
choice of session.
Catechists Needed
As this RE year begins to wind down, we have to start
thinking about our needs for next fall. At this time it looks
like we will need catechists and/or aides at many grade levels:
Please call the office if you would like to help. Although next
September seems very far away, it will be here before you know
it. Now is the time to come by and see for yourself what
wonderful things go on in our RE classes on Wednesdays. Remember
you don't have to be a theologian; you just have to be someone
who loves your Faith and would enjoy sharing it with our
children. Call the REO for more info.
Attention Parents of Confirmation Candidates:
Please mark your calendars for the following:
Tuesday, April 18 - We will have Confirmation Practice for
our Candidates (no sponsors) in Church from 6:30-8:30PM. Since
this is the only practice, it is mandatory that all be present.
Wednesday, April 19 - We will have a special Reconciliation
Service for all of our Confirmation candidates at 7:15PM in
Church. It is very important that all be in attendance. Please
note that this session is in lieu of the 5:15 grade 8 session for
those who normally attend at that time.
Saturday, April 22 - Our celebration of Confirmation will
take place at 5:00PM in Church with Bishop Laurence Sabatini
presiding.
Our final Family Mass of the year will take place on
Sunday, April 23rd at 10:30AM. It is even more special than usual
since we will welcome a small group of 2nd graders to our
Eucharistic Table for the first time. Please be sure to come and
celebrate with them.
First Eucharist Practices:
Wednesday, April 19 - Practice from 4:30-5:00 p.m. for
those celebrating First Eucharist on April 23.
Saturday, April 29 - Practice at 10:00 a.m. for those
celebrating on May 6. At noon, practice for those celebrating on
May 7.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Market Day
Orders for April are due Monday, April 17, at noon. Turn
in your order form in the box at the back of church or at the
rectory. Pickup on Saturday, April 22, 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.
Attention
All Ladies of the Parish
The Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring a tour and
discussion at Elmhurst's own Wilder Park Conservatory. Planting
time is just around the corner, so please be sure to join us and
learn about spring planting ideas.
The tour will take place at the conservatory on Tuesday,
April 18th at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. Any
questions, please feel free to contact Mary Connelly at 782-7626.
Garden Club
"Spring Clean-Up"
Calling all Garden Club members and other parishioners,
it's time to start preparing the parish grounds for Spring
Planting.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 29th at 9.30 a.m. and
bring your gloves, rakes and shovels.
Many hands are needed so if you have a few hours to spare,
please plan on helping us. Give Rose Wilkes (833-7238) or Sheila
Reiter (833-6657) if you can help.
Christian Education Commission
Help the Homeless at PADS
Need help any of the following Sundays:
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.
Diocesan News
Thank You
From Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry
A BIG thank you to Diane Gornick, one of our new
volunteers, who has agreed to do the monthly pick up from the
Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles. Diane is picking up
food for the I. C. Food Pantry.
Thank you.
Spa Day for Inner & Outer Beauty
At Loretto Convent in Wheaton
Women age 17 and older are cordially invited to a day of
inner refreshment, Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. with the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) Sisters
at Loretto Convent, 1600 Somerset Lane in Wheaton. The spirit-
filled day includes a short program guiding them into prayer and
reflection, lunch, and such spa treatments as hand massage with
warmed lotion and chair massage by licensed massage therapists.
Registration is limited to 20. The $15 fee includes lunch,
retreat materials and all spa treatments. Call Sister Claire
Vondborg for reservations at (630) 868-2904.
Youth Group Lock-In
Friday, April 28, 7p.m.-Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m.
Everyone attending must have a permission slip.
The fee is $15.
For more information, call Mrs. Gusloff at 832-4348.
2006 Joliet Diocese
Catholic Charismatic Healing Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Church
4801 Main Street, Downers Grove
Friday, April 21, 2006
7:30 p.m. Mass
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation at 6:30 p.m.
For information call, 630-964-0216
Sponsoring Prayer Groups:
Emmanuel, Queenship of Mary Church
In the Name of Jesus, St. Phillip Church
"Come follow Me"
Allow the Word of God
to Form you as a
Disciple of Jesus.
Are You a Bible Study Leader in Your Heart?
The two Bible Study programs within the past year have been
very successful and faith-enriching for all the participants and
the facilitators as well. We are planning to continue with some
lighter study during the spring-summer and would like to invite
you to join us in becoming a facilitator for the first of these
Tuesday study groups - Introduction to the Bible.
Studies will begin Sunday, May 23, and run through the week
of July 18. Very little training is needed. We will be working
as one large team. The only training meeting we will need is on
Saturday, May 13. The more leaders we have, the more groups we
can have.
The study evenings will have pre-planned prayer, video, and
breakout discussion. Each session will be 1 hour in length, and
we are vacation-friendly. Just be sure to come back to us
refreshed. Please call Lynn Suwanski since I know you are
interested (630-530-2523 evenings).
Dinner & Dialogue
with the Wheaton Franciscans
This session on Franciscan Spirituality will be presented
on Monday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Our Lady of the Angels
Convent, 26W 171 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 hears the cry of the marginalized will touch on the
topics of walking with persons who are suffering and offers a
vision of hope. Presenters will be Sr. Jean Ford, OSF, M.A., in
Education, Art expressionist and Energy Teacher and CM Mary Ellen
Durbin, M.A. in counseling and Director of People's Resource
Center.
Cost $15 for this session or $30 for all three 2006
sessions. To register, please call the Justice, Peace and
Integrity of Creation Office at 630-784-2555, or e-mail us at
justicepeace@wheatonfranciscan.org.
The Message of Divine Mercy
Visitation Parish
779 S. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL
Invites you to share in
the extraordinary graces of
Divine Mercy Sunday.
(April 23, 2006)
1:30 P.M. Sacrament of Reconciliation
3:00 P.M. Divine Mercy Chaplet
Veneration of Relic of St. Maria Faustina
Kowalska
Blessing of Religious Articles
3:45 P.M. Celebration of Mass
Cenacle Retreat House
Presents...
A concert, "Songs of Hope and Celebration," to be given by
Gerry Dignan on Sunday, April 30, at 3:00 p.m. Ticket price is
$20. Tickets may be ordered by phone at 630-393-1231, or on-line
at www.cenacle.org, or purchased at the door.