"I have something to give
but I don't know what it is...
and I don't know who to give it to..."
Dear Friends,
The words above belong to Dorothy Day in the movie Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story. It is a movie I highly recommend. I used it for a class I taught in the diocesan New Wine program in January. I chose it because within this one movie, you really get to see what it means when we say that we are called by virtue of our baptism to evangelize - to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, to "bear much fruit" (in the words of today's Gospel) as disciples of our Lord.
In this movie, you meet Dorothy Day as a young adult, before she was ever baptized. Her words above come at the very beginning of the movie. At that time, she is not religious at all; in fact, religion doesn't seem to have a place in the life of anyone around her. Yet, she already recognizes a deep desire within herself, something she cannot identify, and she wants to search for its meaning. She reminds me of many people today, who go out in search of all things "spiritual," trying to find deeper meaning in their lives.
Dorothy finally discovers the call of God (all of the sacraments we celebrate in life come from the heart of God, who always invites us into deeper relationship) by paying attention to things around her. Already moved by social injustices in the world, Dorothy finally meets a woman - almost crashes into her on a bicycle ride, in fact (God sometimes has surprising ways of bringing us into each other's lives) - who begins to make connections for her. Dorothy watches the simple way this woman shares her life with the poor. Dorothy sees not only poor people being fed but a community that is formed out of people loving one another. The woman invites Dorothy to "come to church."
It was really that simple. That invitation paved the way for the rest of Dorothy's life. Slowly, she begins to change and she finally realizes that her deepest desire is for the One who has been calling her to a life of love. She is baptized into the Catholic Church and she eventually becomes the founder of Catholic Worker Houses which spread throughout the country. People today are campaigning for her canonization as a saint of our church.
One of the reasons why I like the movie Entertaining Angels so much is that in it, we have the story of a saint being made. The whole first part of the movie helps us to enter into Dorothy's life and we see how real she is. We watch her march in the streets for women's rights in the early part of the 20th century; we see how she tried to make her way as a female newspaper reporter. We are with her and her friends - multiple times - in the bar where they liked to hang out and drink. We see how she ends up with someone who takes advantage of her and pushes her to have an abortion when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. We watch how this experience devastates her and yet she makes mistakes again. She gets pregnant again as a single woman, though this time she keeps her child, who is eventually baptized together with her.
There is nothing fairy tale about Dorothy Day. She lived at a different time in history but she was an ordinary woman of her time. Ordinary people today live with all sorts of contemporary problems. They do not always make good decisions in their lives; they fall into sin. In Dorothy's time, young people went in all sorts of directions trying to find meaning for their lives. The same thing still happens today. It was a simple invitation to church that got Dorothy on the right path. It was that simple invitation to church that changed the world for people whose lives would become affected by the great Dorothy Day.
How many Dorothys do we come in contact with? How many people are there - maybe strangers we pass on the street, maybe people we know at places of work or play, maybe even people in our own families - who are lost, who have not yet come to know God? Even in her younger years, Dorothy did good works and she was sensitive to the needs of others. But she never really understood the meaning or purpose of life.
People have to be open to conversion; no one can force it upon them. But we are all called to be missionaries - to be evangelizers. We don't have to go to a foreign country. We don't have to preach on street corners. People can come to know Christ by watching the way we live our lives. And we can invite them to church. They may not accept the invitation the first time we invite them. Perhaps they will never accept it. But who knows? The person we invite may someday become the next Dorothy Day.
On the website for Catholic Worker, there is another quote from Dorothy Day that appears at the top of the page.
"The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution that has to start with each one of us?"
Why not start by inviting someone to church?
Mary M. Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
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.
The year would not be complete without our annual picnic as
a close out! On Thursday, May 18, plan to enjoy lunch and
activities with our kids at a local fun destination. For more
information and location please contact Jean at 832-0575.
Lighter Fare for Summer Wear
"Introduction to the Bible"
Have you ever wondered how the books of the Bible were
chosen? Do you know the difference between the many versions and
translations available today? These and many other questions
will be covered in the next Bible Study offering, Introduction to
the Bible.
This program is geared to help newcomers become comfortable
with studying the Bible while offering the experienced new
insights. Introduction to the Bible is a weekly video
presentation with small group discussion, a prayer service, and
minimal personal preparation.
Sign-up will be this weekend, May 13/14. Participant books
will be on sale for $5 this weekend. (Please see Mary Foley if
you are in need of a "scholarship")
We now have 4 groups; our first meeting will be on Tuesday,
May 23 with one AM and one PM group. A third group will meet on
Friday mornings starting May 26, and the Destiny teen group led
by Kathleen and Tom Gusloff, which meets on alternate Sunday
mornings, will also be participating. We will meet each week
through July 18, with a break for July 4.
For more information, please contact Lynn Suwanski (630-
530-2523) or Alex and Marie Grozik (630-530-0503).
Marriage Ministry
Celebrating Fifty (or more) Years of Marriage
Mary Queen Marriage Ministry is planning an anniversary
Mass and celebration for all couples married 50 or more years in
2006. Our celebration will be on Saturday, June 24, after the
5:00 p.m. Mass. We will be serving cake, coffee and champagne.
If you will be married 50 or more years, please come with
your family and join us. Contact one of the Marriage Ministry
Facilitators so we can include you in our celebration (Don or
Ellen Walker 279-4021 and Alex or Marie Grozik 530-0503).
AND . . .
Coming in September, 2006...
Ten Great Dates!
More Information to follow!
Parish News
Wings to Heaven
Our next wings meeting will be Wed, May 24, from 6 to 8
p.m. All youth going into 5th grade and anyone up to 8th grade
are invited. This is a great way to find out what WINGS TO
HEAVEN is all about! Come and find out from other members why
they love coming. Please note as of now, this is our only May
meeting due to Mothers Day and Memorial Day.
Watch the bulletin for our summer meeting times!
Destiny
Destiny will also be doing the bible study. It will take
place during our regularly scheduled meeting times on Sunday
mornings..
Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) : sign up now to join us
July 21-23 for a weekend of fun and worship. Total cost is $175
per student. Application deadline is June 1st with a $100
deposit. All high school students are invited to join us.
Please call Mrs. Gusloff if you are interested or have any
questions. 832-4348.
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..
Pam Bondfide Heather Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Doresa Brugler
Pat Caffarelli Rose Caffarelli
Kathy Calzante Dennis Ciancio
Cynthia Catalano Family Cosmore Ciancio
Paul Cirone Rhonda Colletti
Margaret Conroy Ida Corriedo
Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski
Virginia Feret Modesta Goggins
Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel
Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt
Pat Holmes Michelle Humann
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Richard Johnson Kathy Johnston
Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn
Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde
Robert Manion Raymond Mitchell
Bobbi Nannini Phyllis O'Donnell
Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid
Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith
Karen Sutkus Ted Vecchio
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.
Christian Worship Commission
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
Friday, June 16 - Saturday, June 17
The glories of the Relay are not in the past,
but in the possibilities it has for the future....
It's about being a community that takes up the fight.
The Relay is an overnight family event where everyone can
help our communities contribute in the fight against cancer. Our
Relay for Life of Elmhurst and Villa Park is a community-
sponsored event designated to honor loved ones who lost their
battle, celebrate cancer survivors and raise money to support our
survivors and future research. It offers everyone a fun
opportunity to help with the fight for a cure. While the Relay
is in progress, team members stroll around the track at York HS
enjoying entertainment, live bands, food, games and camaraderie
while honoring cancer survivors. It's unforgettable!
The teams are set as the event gets closer. There are many
behind-the-scene helpers needed to coordinate such an event.
Whether you are an individual or part of a organization who can
spare some time, or a leader of youth groups looking for service
hours, have we got jobs for you. No matter what age, there is a
job for everyone. Please consider volunteering for this inspiring
event - you will be glad you did!
Please contact Cindy Tenuata at 268-0819 or email
CTENUTA@emhc.org. subject-Relay.
Cenacle Retreat House, Warrenville
Fr. Benet Fonck, OFM,
will present a day of prayer on
Thursday, May 18, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
"To Cling With All Her Heart to Him -
The Spirituality of St. Clare of Assisi"
Based on his book of the same name, Fr. Fonck will lead
participants to take a look into Clare's intimacy with Christ.
He will examine the seemingly poetic words of Clare to St. Agnes
of Prague, words that convey the real-life experience of St.
Clare. The offering is $50 and includes lunch.
Also at Cenacle Retreat House
For Persons with Physical Disabilities
May 26-28
Peg Bowman, MA, MPS, will present our annual retreat for
persons with physical disabilities, "Inside Out-Upside Down: The
Parables of Our Lives." Peg will invite attendees to join with
others who seek to find meaning in the everyday mystery of
ordinary life.
The retreat will include inspiring presentations by Peg,
time for personal prayer and reflection, prayer services,
sacrament of Reconciliation and celebration of the Eucharist.
The cost is $100 for a single room and $90 for a double.
For more information or to register for either of the above
programs, please call 630-393-1231.
Diocese of Joliet
Job Description
Title Housekeeper/Custodian
Agency St Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center
Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor
Job Summary
Clean assigned areas, guest rooms and monitor the security
of the building on weekends.
Qualifications
High school education. Ability to lift sixty (60) pounds.
Valid drivers' license. Ability to work independently,
unsupervised. Good communications and people skills.
Working conditions
This is an N-2 position. Full-time with benefits 1:30 p.m.
to 10 p.m. Thursday to Monday. Some over-time work as necessary.
If Interested Contact Michael A. Svach,
Director of Diocesan Personnel at: 815-834-4077
or E-Mail: msvach@dioceseofjoliet.org
Spring Planting Time!
Calling all Garden Club Members and parishioners!
We will plant flowers around the rectory, south side of
Church, in front of school and in the planter in front of Mary's
Gathering Space on Saturday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. If you can
spare an hour or two, bring your gloves and digger and we will be
delighted to assign you a job.
If you can help or have any questions, please call Rose
Wilkes (833-7238) or Sheila Reiter (833-6657).
Catholic Charities Emergency Service
Every year in December, the DuPage County Catholic
Charities office receives donations from the DuPage parishes to
purchase food certificates and gift certificates from the local
grocery stores. These certificates are given to needy families
who come to our office for assistance and to supplement the food
they receive from local food pantries and walk-in ministries.
Each month our Emergency Services group receives hundreds of
requests for varying assistance. Our supply of food gift
certificates is now running lower than it has in previous years.
If you are able to help our Catholic Charities Emergency
Services group with a cash donation or grocery gift certificate,
we thank you profusely. Please make any checks payable to
Catholic Charities and in the memo section of your check please
write "Lombard Office food/gift certificate purchase". The
address is below. If you have any questions, please contact
Annie Laven at (630) 495-8008. Thank you very much.
Catholic Charities, c/o Annie Laven
26 W. St. Charles Road
Lombard, IL 60148
Religious Education
A special thank you to all who made our First Communion
celebrations so wonderful this past weekend. Thanks to our Grade
2 catechists, our music ministers, liturgy planners, parents, and
most especially, our children. We are all very proud of you and
hope to see you often at the Lord's table.
RE Registrations
June 1 will be here in a few weeks. If you want to register
at the discounted fee, get those forms into the office today. FYI
- if you have a preschool or kindergarten child you would like to
see in the program next fall, get your registration in today.
Those classes fill up quickly and enrollment is limited at those
grade levels.
Catechists Needed
We have had some folks respond to our request for help and
we thank you. However, we are still in need of catechists at
various grade levels at various session times. If you are a
loving, welcoming, accepting, forgiving person, you have the most
important qualifications for being a catechist. You don't have to
be a theologian, just someone who can help our children
understand how the Gospel can be applied to their lives. Come
share your faith with the young people of Mary, Queen. of Heaven.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Joliet Diocese Catholic
Charismatic Healing Mass
Friday, May 19, Mass at 7:30 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation - 6:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
4801 Main Street, Downers Grove
Father David Lawrence, Presiding
Deacon Jose Lopez, Assisting
For information, please call 630-964-0216
Next Healing Mass will be June 16, 2006.
On the cover photo are Mary Foley, Mary Nanak, Bishop
Imesch, Sheila Reiter (CCW board member), and Mary Connelly
(Parish CCW President)
Pictured here are Mary Nanak (CCW Woman of the Year)
and Bishop Joseph Imesch.
L.O.S.S.
(Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Support groups meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on:
June 06 - Catholic Charities, Kankakee
June 21 - St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center, Joliet
June 27 - St. Daniel the Prophet's Parish Center, Wheaton
For further information, please call the L.O.S.S. Program
Center at 312-655-7283.
Free Ministry
to Traveling Catholics
For nationwide Mass times and locations,
phone 1 800-Mass Times
(1-800-627-7846)
Or Internet www.Masstimes.org
A Memorial Day Mass
will be celebrated on
Monday, May 29, at 9:00 a.m.
in the Assumption Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum
located at 1S520 Winfield Road in Wheaton.
From Education for Justice (www.educationforjustice.org)
Questions of Faith
In what concrete ways do you find yourself in solidarity
with people in other parts of the world? In what concrete ways
do you find yourself separate or alienated from people in other
parts of the world?
Actions - Links
In light of today's theme of solidarity, we might reflect
on an issue like immigration policies and laws which is presently
being discussed widely in the United States. See the resources
below for some help with your reflection.
The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform's web site can be
found at http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/
Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, a Pastoral
Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico
and the United States, can be found at
http://www.usccb.org/mrs/stranger.shtml
Market Day
Orders for May are due Monday, May 15, at noon. Turn in
your order form in the box at the back of church or at the
rectory. Pickup on Saturday, May 20, 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.