Mary's Corner

Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667

It is an amazing thing to consider that for most of human history, there was an oral culture, in which people depended on the spoken word, handed down, as the primary form of communication. Even our scriptures were, for centuries, handed down through oral communication. The gospels themselves were not even written until decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

How could people have depended on each other for the transmission of information like that? Things must have been much different! We live in a global and technological culture, in which we depend upon the internet and news tickers for world news. E-mail has replaced letter-writing. Cell phones are an ordinary way of communicating quick messages to one another, even between parents and children. The goal for lots of families nowadays is dinner together at least once a week; the tradition of dinner every night has, for many families, been replaced by so many other activities.

So, in spite of all of the advances in communication technology, sometimes our communication is very poor - exactly because we are really talking with each other less. We have a failure to communicate. This is true not only in families; it can be true also of other institutions, including our own parish. The parish council and commissions have worked very hard at identifying goals we want to reach within the next three years and a booklet about our parish plan will be published in September. Among those goals you will see that having a parish environment that facilitates communication is an important goal. Toward that end, we are actively working on ways to improve parish communication. I would like to share with you some things that are going to be happening soon and I would also like to provide some information for you on development that is happening with the pre-school.

In August, our Parish Finance Council will be distributing by mail to all parishioners the annual financial report. They will be speaking at Masses the weekend of August 19-20. They will also be talking about next year's budget, the ways we are reducing our operating deficit, and the work that still needs to be done to achieve full financial stability. This will begin our focus for next year on Stewardship and Evangelization. In September, a schedule will be distributed listing special events and speakers that will focus on these themes throughout the coming year. Also in September, our three-year parish plan will be published.

With regard to the pre-school, I would like to say a few words about work that is ongoing. It is exactly one year ago this weekend that the chair of the pre-school Feasibility Study Committee extended an invitation to parishioners to become involved in studying this possibility for our parish. Over time, the committee, which included a representative of the Parish Pastoral Council, provided their initial report to the Finance Council. Members of the committee and Finance Council, together with an outside consultant experienced in pre-school development, reviewed the initial study. The Finance Council then gave approval for proceeding with plans, with the caveat that start-up funds would be raised in advance so that this endeavor would not require a major financial investment of the parish.

Once again, an invitation was extended to the parish for participation on the pre-school committee and it was enlarged to include more professionals as well as some MQH parents. Much activity has necessarily taken place in recent months because we hope to begin marketing this winter for a Fall, 2007 opening.

We do want everyone to know more about planning as it continues, so we have scheduled talks to be given at all weekend Masses the weekend of Sept. 9-10, after which members of the Pre-School Committee, Parish Pastoral Council and the Finance Council will be available to answer questions. We are already working on a FAQ sheet (Frequently Asked Questions) which will also be distributed that weekend.

For now, it is important that everyone understand some of the important reasons behind the decision to consider having a pre- school at Mary Queen of Heaven. It is primarily to extend our Catholic mission and serve as a ministry of evangelization, trying to connect more young families to the church. Establishing a pre- school in our school building would allow us to maintain the integrity of our Religious Education program which is important because it is our obligation to educate our children in the faith. Having a pre-school allows us to do all of these things at the same time that it can help the parish from a financial standpoint. The preliminary operating budget for the pre-school, based on projected enrollment, shows a good profit margin. Having a pre-school would also make us eligible for major building improvement funds from the O'Hare Sound Abatement Project.

As the Pre-School Committee, Finance Council, and Parish Pastoral Council have continued working on this project, we have also been in contact with diocesan officials. Both the Office for Catholic Schools and the Diocesan Finance Office are aware of our plans and they are helping us in their respective capacities. The canonical pastor has been kept involved in developments with regard to the pre-school and this will be part of my conversation with Bishop Sartain at a meeting I have scheduled with him upon my return from time away for my son's wedding.

I hope that this information is helpful while we await the more comprehensive pre-school report coming on Sept. 9-10. In the meantime, as has been announced, we do have an event already planned to help raise start-up costs for the pre-school. This will be a John Michael Talbot concert, scheduled to take place at York High School on the evening of October 13. In this week's bulletin, you will find some more information about John Michael Talbot. Also, we are holding a meeting to coordinate ticket sales on Wednesday, August 9, at 7 p.m. at the parish house. Please call the office and let us know if you can come to this meeting or if you want to help with ticket sales. This is an important event because we will be able to furnish completely one of the two rooms that will open our pre-school. We hope that everyone will support the concert.

I hope that continued and improved communication we help us all more as time goes on. Enjoy these remaining days of summer and I look forward to returning to you soon.

May God continue to bless you!
Mary M. Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator



A Vocation View

	Today we are reminded by St. Paul that there is one 
body, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The challenge 
before us is to 'bear with one another charitably, in 
complete selflessness, gentleness and patience'.  That is 
an essential part of our vocation:  to lead a life worthy 
of these attributes.


Effective Choices, Effective Parenting

Building Effective Relationships 
With Our Difficult Children
For parents of children with ADD or ADHD

Tuesday, July 25, 7-9 p.m..

	This two-hour workshop strengthens parent's skills to 
interact effectively with children who are suspected to have 
symptoms of ADD or who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

Building Effective Relationships
With our Young Children
For parents of children ages 0-4

Tuesday, August 1, 7-9 p.m.

	This two-hour workshop assists parents of infants and 
toddlers in gaining a better understanding of their children's 
needs and behavior as they grow.  In addition, it presents the 
well-researched and successful "Systematic Training For Effective 
Parenting Method" that enables parents to increase positive 
interaction with their children.

All workshops held at Catholic Charities, in Lombard.

$20 per person; $25  per couple.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor:  James Gilligan, MSW, LSW


	For more information, please call-630-710-8226 or e-mail 
effectiveparenting@sbcglobal.net


Parish News


FYI: So you are aware, we are in the RE office during the summer. 
If you need to contact us for any reason, please feel free to 
call and leave a message - 832-8962.


Religious Education 

	We need your help! The Summer of  '06 is in full swing, but 
before you know it, we will be seeing those "back to school" ads 
in the newspapers. While enjoying all the wonderful events of 
Summer, please consider helping in our Religious Education 
program. Your children, your God, and your parish will be most 
grateful.
At Session One, we need 3 people to help prepare our second 
graders for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. 
This is such a meaningful year for our little ones. It is also 
very rewarding for our catechists. Just ask anyone who has helped 
at that level. We also need 1 person to help in Grade 3 at this 
session.
At Session Two, we have positions open at Grade 1, 3, and 5. In 
the last session, we need help in Grade 6. 
	The time slots are 3:15 - 4:30, 5:15 - 6:30, and 7:15 - 
8:30 p.m.,  respectively. 

	If you love children and you love your faith, we invite you 
to join our staff. We will help you with the rest. Our Religious 
Ed Program is one of the best in the area, which is reflected in 
our continually growing enrollment. But we cannot do it without 
you. Please call for more information to see how you can help. We 
look forward to your call.

	Registrations are still being taken for 06/07 RE year. If 
you have not mailed yours in yet, please do so as soon as 
possible. We appreciate your help in getting that word out to 
your friends and neighbors as well.


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.

	Natalie Baker		Pam Bondfide
	Heather Brennan		Kathleen Bryers		
	Doresa Brugler		Pat Caffarelli		
	Rose Caffarelli		KathyCalzante		
	Cosmore Ciancio		Dennis Ciancio		
	Paul Cirone		Margaret Conroy
	Cynthia Catalano Family Ida Corriedo		
	Trudi Dolato		Baby Dobrowolski	
	Virginia Feret		Modesta Goggins	
	Mary Hagerty		Anna Heffel		
	Jen Huwalt		Tom Huwalt		
	Pat Holmes		Michelle Humann	
	Maureen James		Kathy Johnston		
	Irene Kmieciak		Bernadette Kohn	
	Tim Kowalski		Baby Emma Lynde	
	Rovert Manion		Raymond Mitchell	
	Bobbi Nannini		Phyllis O'Donnell	
	Geri Pstrzoch		Baby Faith Reid	
	Bob Restivo		Joaquina Scroppo	
	Jess Smith		Ted Vecchio		
	Cathy Ward

Rest in Peace
Dr. Nicolas Martinez

	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.


Marriage Ministry

10 Great Dates

	Mary Queen of Heaven's Marriage Ministry is introducing the 
Great Dates Program this Fall, and you are invited to make 10 
dates with your spouse next year.  

	Here is how it works:  you and your spouse agree to go out 
on 10 dates next year on the second Saturday of every month from 
September 9 through June 9, 2007.  For $10 you get a copy of 10 
Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage.  Each chapter focuses on 
an important aspect of marriage with some reflection questions.  

	The date begins with a brief gathering at the parish for 
fellowship and to quickly review the material in the chapter for 
that date.  Then you simply go off to your favorite restaurant, 
park, hiking trail, coffee shop, etc. and enjoy each other's 
company and conversation!  The date may only last a few hours, 
but the results will hopefully last a lifetime.

	The official sign up weekend will be in August.  However, 
if you would like more information, please call Donald and Ellen 
Walker at 630-279-4021.


Christian Service Commission


Sign-up for Bible Study

Lands of the Bible

	It is still not too late to sign up for our next Bible 
Study, Lands of the Bible.  We will meet for 8 weeks from August 
8 to the week of September 25.  Please join us to learn about the 
Holy Lands where Jesus once walked.

	For more information on sighing up, please call Lynn 
Suwanski at 630-530-2523.


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

	Are you, or do you know of someone who was, baptized in the 
Catholic faith, but for various reasons never completed the 
sacramental preparation by receiving Eucharist and Confirmation?  
Have you been attending Mass with your Catholic spouse, and have 
an interest in learning more about the Catholic faith?  Do you 
know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic or someone 
who has never been baptized? 
	If you can relate to these situations, consider completing 
your sacramental preparation by looking into the RCIA! Contact 
Mimi Wolak at 941-3851 or e-mail mimiotvision@hotmail.com to 
learn more about how you can enrich your spiritual life through 
full participation in the life of the church through the 
sacraments.


New Pregnancy Center 
in Downers Grove Needs Your Help
	Woman's Choice Services will soon be opening a new 
pregnancy resource center in Downers Grove to serve the needy 
pregnant women of Southern DuPage and Northern Will Counties.  
WCS opened a pregnancy center in Lombard last year, which was 
dedicated by the bishop and is operated in accord with Catholic 
teaching.  (You may have also seen their "Pregnant?  Need Help?" 
bumper magnets around town!)  This new Downers Grove center will 
help serve even more women in the Joliet Diocese.
	The renovation of the new space will be starting soon, and 
WCS is in need of materials and volunteer contractors for the 
project.  There will be drywall, plumbing, and electrical work, 
along with carpeting and painting.  
	Materials needed are:  Two 15" x 15" stainless steel sinks, 
two Moen faucets #8948, four solid oak doors, two base cabinets, 
two sink tops, 600 sq. ft of 5/8" drywall, 100 ft of wood base, 
small refrigerator
	If you are able to help with the work or materials for this 
new pregnancy center, please call the Woman's Choice Services 
office at 630-261-9564 or email info@choicedupage.com.


Woman's Choice Services
New Post-Abortion Bible Study!

	A Time to Heal, a 12-week Post-Abortion Bible Study based 
on the women of Scripture, is starting this Fall.  We are in need 
of lay facilitators to serve as volunteer Group Leaders, Co-Group 
Leaders, and Hostesses.  All it takes is a commitment of 12 weeks 
and a willing heart.  If you are a compassionate and supportive 
woman, sensitive to the pain of post-abortive issues, please 
contact Yvonne Florczak-Seeman of Woman's Choice Services at 630-
935-1657 to help.  

	Attendance at all four training dates is mandatory for all 
lay facilitators who participate in A TIME TO HEAL small groups.  
All sessions are from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.  Scheduled dates for 
training are:  Fridays, July 21 & 28 and August 4 & 11.  Bible 
study groups will start the first week of October and will 
continue every quarter.  

	Come and be a part of this NEW ministry.  Through 
friendship and support, we will help our sisters find healing and 
freedom!



20th Annual Novena In honor of 
St. John Vianney

July 27 - August 4
St. John Vianney Parish, in Northlake

	Weekdays:  6:30 p.m. - Confession
				7:00 p.m. - Mass and Preaching
	Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - Mass and Preaching
	Sunday: 7, 10 and 11:30 a.m. - Mass and Novena

	Father Pablo Straub, renowned preacher from EWTN, will be 
joining us from July 31 to August 3.  Saint John Vianney is the 
Patron Saint of Parish Priests.  Come pray for your priests!


One-Day Volunteer Need

	Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to help at the 
Back to School Fair.  The Fair will be held on Wednesday, August 
9, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.  

	This is an all-day event but we would welcome volunteers 
for all or part of the day.  No special skills are needed and 
Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially appreciated.    Any 
questions?  Contact Mary Tarnow at 630-495-8008, ext 13.


MQH  Parish Pastoral Council
Meeting Summaries
March, April, May, 2006
Below are the salient points from our PPC meetings this 
past spring. The complete minutes for these meetings have 
been posted in the display case in the vestibule of the 
church. Anyone desiring a copy may obtain one by contacting 
the parish office (279-5700).
O	The Dean (Bishop's representative for our diocese) 
made his yearly visit to Mary Queen to check 
sacramental and financial records. There were only a 
few areas where we did not meet standards, 
principally: 1) Sacramental records should be stored 
in a fireproof cabinet; and 2) the Tabernacle should 
be anchored to the altar. Both of these issues are 
being addressed.
O	The Pre-School Committee has met with the Finance 
Council and a consultant. The Finance Council 
approved moving ahead with the development of the 
pre-school, provided start-up costs could be raised. 
O	The Finance Council requested that a delegation from 
the Parish Pastoral Council meet with them to 
discuss the overall financial plan for the parish.
O	The Administration Commission requested all ministry 
chairpersons to submit budgets for the next fiscal 
year.
O	The major focus for the coming year at Mary Queen 
will be stewardship and evangelization, and speakers 
will be presented to speak to these topics.
O	A long-range plan for the parish will be presented 
to the commissions in the fall, laying out the 
parish goals that have been worked on for the last 
two years.  The plan will be presented listing 
priorities over a three-year time line.
O	Nominations for membership on the Parish Pastoral 
Council were submitted. Nominees attended the April 
Parish Pastoral Council meeting for orientation, and 
those interested in proceeding then attended a Day 
of Discernment along with some of the Council 
members. The MQH Parish Pastoral Council will 
welcome two new adult members this fall: Kay 
Passarelli and Carol Bergheger. Nominees for Youth 
members will be participating in their own 
discernment process in the coming weeks and their 
names will be announced when they have completed 
this process.
O	A report of the PPC meeting held on June 26 will be 
posted when the minutes have been approved at the 
August meeting. The PPC will be holding its August 
meeting during a retreat from August 25-27.  


50th Anniversary Committee Update

Auction Dinner Dance Committee Meeting 
Wednesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall

The Homecoming Weekend (Dinner/Picnic)
Dinner on Saturday, September 16
Picnic on Sunday, September 17

Auction Dinner Dance
Friday, November 3, at Alta Vista

	Anyone wishing to help or contribute ideas for any of these 
events, please join us or call Sheila Reiter, 833-6657, for more 
information.

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