From time to time this year, we will have selections in our bulletin to help us focus on this year's parish theme of Stewardship and Evangelization. During the last few weeks, we have been more focused on Stewardship. This week, let us return to Evangelization. Evangelization means sharing the good news of the Gospel. Others have been evangelizers for us in our lives, in many different ways. Taking some time to reflect on those times can help us to recognize ways that we can evangelize to others. Try spending some time this week putting together your own "Evangelization Inventory." The form below was shared with us recently by Lorene DuQuin, who came to speak with us from the Diocese of Buffalo, NY. . .
Your Personal Evangelization Inventory
Catholics believe that conversion is an on-going process that brings us into closer relationship with Jesus Christ. In what ways were you evangelized or drawn toward conversion? Think about people, places, events, circumstances and experiences that led you to give your life to Jesus Christ. Put a mark next to all of the statements that apply to you. There's also space to jot down any notes you want to make about the experience.
I experienced conversion during the following times in my life...
? As a young child ___________________________________________________________
? As a teenager ___________________________________________________________
? As a young adult ___________________________________________________________
? After I was married ___________________________________________________________
? After the birth of a child ___________________________________________________________
? During an illness (my own or someone else's) _______________________________________________
? After the death of someone I loved ________________________________________________________
? After moving to a new location ___________________________________________________________
? After some other life crisis ___________________________________________________________
? When I reached mid-life years ___________________________________________________________
? As a senior citizen ___________________________________________________________
My conversion experiences involved...
? A long process that evolved over many years ________________________________________________
? A sudden bolt like the experience of St. Paul ________________________________________________
Factors that led to my initial or ongoing conversion include...
? An invitation to attend some church event __________________________________________________
? Attendance at a regular Mass ___________________________________________________________
_ ? Attendance at a special Mass ___________________________________________________________
_ ? Attendance at a mission/retreat/or renewal program___________________________________________
? Attendance at a rally or large conference __________________________________________________
? The influence of a friend or family member _________________________________________________
? The influence of a complete stranger ______________________________________________________
? The influence of a priest, religious, or lay minister ___________________________________________
? Reading Scripture ___________________________________________________________
? Reading spiritual books ___________________________________________________________
? Something you heard on radio or television _________________________________________________
? Involvement in a small faith sharing group _________________________________________________
? Involvement in some service project or outreach program ______________________________________
Other people or events that made a spiritual impact on me ______________________________________________
Taking time to reflect upon our evangelization inventory can help us learn ways and times that we can reach out to be evangelizers to others. Spend some time with this sheet and then share your answers together with family members or fellow parishioners. Have a good week and God bless you!
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Market Day
Orders for November are due Monday, November 13, at noon.
Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at
the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, November 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.
A Vocation View
'Master grant that I may see.' The values we were blind to
in our youth, now become clear. Blindness gives way to vision
through faith in Jesus. As children of God, we are called to do
good things, and to witness God's love.
Elmhurst Catholic 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 one morning mother/child activity and
an evening activity just for moms. 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., unless otherwise noted.
With the beginning of November our thoughts become
reflective as we enter the twilight of the year. Join us on
Thursday, November 9, as one of our Priests leads us in a
discussion of Thanksgiving and a reflection upon the many ways
God has blessed us in the past year.
New Permanent Diaconate Classes to Begin Soon
Men who are 35 years of age or older are invited to
consider if God might be calling them to the ministry of
Permanent Deacon for our parish. This is what Deacon Tom is:
someone who works in the world but is ordained for particular
ministries in the church. The Diocese of Joliet is holding
informational sessions on these dates:
* St. Joseph Parish in Bradley on Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
* St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center in Romeoville on Nov. 9
at 7:30 p.m.
* St. Joseph in Downer's Grove on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
If you are married, you are invited to bring your wife. If
you are interested in exploring the Permanent Diaconate as a
vocation or would like more information, please contact Mary
Foley, the parish office at 279-5700.
"Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance
Our 50th Anniversary "Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance, will take place next Friday, November 3, at
Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Cash Bar at 6:30 and dinner at
7:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include beef and chicken, soup,
tossed salad, potatoes and vegetables, dessert and tea and
coffee. Our celebrity guest for the evening is Carla Eboh, a
reporter for NBC Channel 5 News.
Since this is our 50th anniversary year, we are hoping to
make the event a really special occasion, so please invite your
friends and relatives to join us, and don't forget about inviting
previous parishioners. Get your table together now!
The tables are arranged to accommodate 10 people and the
Ticket Donation is $40 per person.. This is the last weekend for
ticket sales after all the masses. Reservations can also be made
by contacting Joel and Diane Bernstein at 630-279-7252.
This year we have engaged a new DJ for the Dinner
Dance/Auction. Guests of the dance may request songs in advance.
If there is a particular song you would like to hear, you can
access the request web page at
http://www.kausphoto.djintelligence.com/request/queenofmary Once
the web page is accessed you can type in a request or search for
songs by both artist and song title. The DJ will do his best to
play all the songs that are requested. If you have any
questions, please contact Eileen Glick at 630-833-5725 or by
email: eileenglick@gmail.com
Volunteers are still needed: to help with set up and
decorations, ticket sales, raffle tickets, helping as ushers,
etc. If you would be willing to help, you may call Sheila Reiter
at 630-833-6657 and let her know you are willing to help in a
certain area.
The proceeds from this benefit will be used to help support
our Church Mission of reaching out to those who are hungry, sick
and otherwise in need; supporting our youth who are the future of
the Church and our world; and supporting the various ministries
in our parish which allow us to live our lives through faith,
hope, and loving service to all.
Bereavement Ministry
All Souls Day Mass
The entire parish is invited to the All Souls Day Mass on
Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Everyone present
will participate in special candle lighting ceremonies. This is a
wonderful time to present to God our praise and thanksgiving for
family members and other loved ones who have gone before us.
If you have any questions, please contact Mimi Wolak at
941-3851.
The time change this weekend means it will be dark much
earlier. It also means the necessity for extreme caution in the
parking lot on Wednesday is even more important. Our little ones
and even our not so little ones are our precious gifts from God.
Religious Education News
Thank you to all our families who participated in last
Sunday's Family Mass. It was wonderful. Mark your calendar for
our next Family Mass, Sunday, Nov. 5, at 8:30 a.m. Hope to see
you all there. Our 8th graders will be making their commitment to
prepare for Confirmation.
Reminder to all our 8th grade parents and guardians:
There will be a meeting for our Confirmation candidates, their
parents and guardians, and if possible their sponsors on
Wednesday, November 8, at 7:15 in Church. It is very important
that all are in attendance. Please note that there will be no
5:15 8th grade class session on November 8th.
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann
Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Infant Jesus of Prague
(Czech Republic) Healing Mass
Christ the King Church
1501 S. Main Street, Lombard
Friday, November 10, 2006
7:00 p.m. - Chaplet of Infant Jesus of Prague
7:30 p.m. Healing Mass
Veneration of the Infant Jesus of Prague
(replica of the Image and Relic)
Celebrant: Fr. Jerome Moras
(Carmelite priest from Infant Jesus of Prague Shrine, Czech
Republic)
Christ the King Church - Pastor: Fr. Peter Jarosz
Mayslake Ministries
Women's CIRCLE OF STONES will be held on Thursday evenings,
Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and Feb. 8.
This gathering of women pray, contemplate and share,
meeting at 760 Pasquinelli Drive, Ste. 304 in Westmont from 7:30
to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $15 and facilitator is Mary Jo Valenziano
of Mayslake Ministries.
Call 630-323-1620 to sign up but walk-ins welcome. Light
refreshments are served.
Dinner & Dialogue with the
Wheaton Franciscans
This session on Franciscan Spirituality will be presented
on Monday, November 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Our Lady
of the Angels Convent, 26 W. 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 Walks in the Light, nourished by a
distinctive relationship with God. Presenters will be Sr.
Rosemarie Burian, OSF, Healing Touch Practitioner and Workshop
Facilitator and Sr. Diane Pryzborowski, OSF, Pastoral Counselor
and Spiritual Companion. The cost is $15 for this final session
in 2006.
To register, please call the Justice, Peace and Integrity
of Creation Office at 630-784-2555, or email us at
justicepeace@wheatonfranciscan.org.
Immaculate Conception High School Open House Night
Sunday, November. 5
ICHS invites you to our OPEN HOUSE for 7th and 8th grade
students and/or parents. We hope you take the time to come and
see the many opportunities we have to offer.
To begin the evening, a general presentation will take
place at 7:00 p.m. After the presentation, IC students and
parents will be available as tour guides. In addition, the
administration, faculty and coaches will be available to answer
your questions.
To learn more about this special event, call Kathy Kowieski
in our Admissions Office at 630-530-3484.
St. Vincent DePaul
Thanksgiving Collection
Every year our Thanksgiving Day Collection is given to the
St. Vincent dePaul Society to aid them in helping people in our
parish and the surrounding area who are in need of assistance
with food, electric, gas and water bills, rental assistance, car
repairs, medicine and medical bills.
During the last year care of the poor has increased
exponentially and the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Mary Queen of
Heaven Parish continues to assist more needy people. We have
also been able to help some who have been turned away at other
places.
It is important for all to know that not only does our care
help our own parishioners but also reaches beyond the borders of
our parish to the surrounding area. This is an important work of
outreach and charity that Mary Queen's SVdP Society provides.
The call for help has been great this past year and we
expect it to keep increasing, especially with the energy
situation. To those of you who continue to support SVdP Society
of MQH parish by using the monthly envelope, we owe you a debt of
gratitude Your generosity continues to help us help others! We
know everyone is not able to attend Thanksgiving Day Mass, so we
ask that you please consider dropping your Thanksgiving Day
envelope in the Sunday collection basket or sending it to the
rectory.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
November 11 and 12 at all Masses
The MQH St. Vincent DePaul Society is again this year
expecting to have a large number of needy families to take care
of for Thanksgiving.
We will be collecting non-perishable items such as canned
vegetables and fruits, cranberries, dressing mix, potatoes,
cereals, soup, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, jelly, Jell-
o, boxed cake mixes, etc. Also, needed are paper products
(Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels), dish soap, soap bars,
deodorant and hair shampoo. If you would like to donate a turkey,
we ask that you please purchase Jewel or Dominick certificates
and put them I an envelope indicating that they are for the
purchase of a turkey. These certificates will be given, along
with food baskets, to the families we are taking care of this
year.
We ask that you please bring your donations of food up to
the front of church at the offertory of the Masses on November 11
and 12. Boxes will be provided for our donations. In addition,
food can be brought and placed in the St. Vincent DePaul box
starting now, and it will also be used for the thanksgiving Food
Drive.
We will be preparing the baskets for distribution on
Monday, November 13, at 10:00 a.m. in church. If you have an
hour or so free and would like to help, please call Sheila Reiter
at 822-6657. The more hands to help, the faster and easier the
task!
MQH Council of Catholic Women
On Tuesday, November 14, the MQH Council of Catholic Women
will sponsor a special "Holiday Food Preparation" program
presented by Cathy Leville of the College of DuPage. The event
will be held in Barrett Hall starting at 7:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars and invite your friends and neighbors
to come along for a fun-filled evening. More details in next
week's bulletin.
Thank You Thank You
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul sends our sincere
appreciation to the community of Mary Queen of Heaven Church for
the generous donations received from the clothing drive. Thank
you for helping us to help people.
Dear MQH Staff
Thank you for your thoughtfulness to announce my name for
prayers for recovery for my health at all of last week's masses.
As a result of these announcements several people telephoned to
extend their well wishes. Your efforts and the telephone calls
were a great joy to me and a feeling of how much I appreciate
your efforts.
I've completed my in home physical therapy, and now with
surgeons direction will have three weeks out-of-home therapy.
All this and be able to drive again.
Good to be back at MQH
God Bless,
John Unger
Eucharistic Adoration
About a year and a half ago, in May 2005, the Worship
Commission launched monthly Eucharistic Adoration with Exposition
of the Blessed Sacrament here at Mary Queen of Heaven. This was
in response to the Year of the Eucharist begun by Pope John Paul
II, which extended from October 2005 and concluded in October
2006.
Now that we have a history of several months, we would like
to use this space in the bulletin to provide some background and
information related to this form of public worship of Jesus in
the Eucharist. We hope and pray that the information you read
here may inspire you to "come and worship" with us on the first
Monday of the month (except when the first Monday is a national
holiday). Our next day of adoration is Monday, November 6.
There will be a sign-up sheet available with available times for
adoration in the back of the church.
How does a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration make a difference?
Jesus said that faith can move mountains (see Mk 11:23).
Pope John Paul II said, "Closeness to Christ in silence and
contemplation does not distance us from our contemporaries but,
on the contrary makes us attentive and open to human joy and
distress and broadens our heart on a global scale. Through
adoration, the Christian mysteriously contributes to the radical
transformation of the world and to the sowing of the Gospel.
Anyone who prays to the Savior draws the whole world with him and
raises it to God" (Letter to Bishop of Liege, 1996).
When the Divine Mercy Messenger, St. Maria Faustina of the
Blessed Sacrament, was praying before Jesus in the Holy Eucharist
He showed her a vision. Each time a person entered the chapel
and visited Jesus exposed in a monstrance, she saw His Divine
Rays of Love and Mercy burst forth and encircle the whole world
and everyone in it with graces and blessings! Jesus told St.
Faustina "I want Adoration to take place ... for the intention of
imploring Mercy for the world."
(Divine Mercy Diary, 1070)
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.
Natalie Baker Pam Bondfide
Heather Brennan Kathleen Bryers
Doresa Brugler Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante
Cosmore Ciancio Dennis Ciancio
Paul Cirone Margaret Conroy
Cynthia Catalano Family Ida Corriedo
Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski
Virginia Feret Cecilia Garstki
Modesta Goggins Mary Hagerty
Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt
Tom Huwalt Michelle Humann
Maureen James Kathy Johnston
Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn
Anne Kostas Tim Kowalski
Baby Emma Lynde Marie Mangano
Robert Manion Dennis McCabe
Raymond Mitchell Fred Moss
Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid
Robert Restivo Della Schroedl
Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith
Mary Spierowski Rachael Thompson
Stacey Zeiger
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.
Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Peace and Social Justice Ministry
A Pilgrimage in Lay Missions
The Peace and Social Justice Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet
announces the formation of mission teams to travel to Sucre,
Bolivia, April 21 to May 5, 2007. These teams will serve the
poorest of the poor in this poverty stricken country high in the
Andes Mountains.
The Medical Mission needs surgeons, particularly in
orthopedics, ophthalmology and plastic surgery; Also
anesthesiologists; a and dentist. Nursing staff will include
peri-operative and OR nurses, and nurse anesthetists. A physical
therapist and/or an occupational therapist are also wanted for
work at the children's neurological hospital. Persons with
skills in these areas are urged to contact Helen Bills, RN at the
Peace and Social Justice Ministry at 815-834-4028 as soon as
possible.
The Catholic Construction Corps will work on various projects
aimed at improving living and sanitary conditions in the barrios
of Sucre. Many of the poor live in mud-brick homes with dirt
floors, no running water and no sanitation facilities. This is a
major cause of health problems. The CCC works shoulder to
shoulder and hand in hand with the people of the barrios on
projects that can change lives. The Construction Corps is
looking for skilled laborers, home handymen, and people with
willing hands and loving hearts, who are interested in this work.
Please contact Art Sheridan at 815-834-4072.
There are also openings for service with a daycare/educational
project at a local center supporting the working families. The
project involves lesson plans, teacher assistance, and needs
assessments.
The Diocese of Joliet is preparing for its third Mission to
Quito, Ecuador (April 15 to May 5) to support projects in the
barrios. The medical team will work in a new clinic that has
been set up there, with the goal of making it self-sufficient.
An informational meeting for all teams will be held on
November 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Pastoral Center, in
Romeoville. If you are interested in joining us on a mission,
please attend or contact Helen or Art.
Spanish language proficiency is desirable but is not required.
This will be the 21st medical team and the 16th construction group
the Diocese of Joliet has sent to South America. The teams will
begin orientation and formation in January, so it is necessary to
begin the application process now. These Missions are faith-
based ecumenical ministries, and are open to persons of all
denominations.
Encounter With God's Call
November 11-13, 2006
This weekend experience is being held at Conception
Seminary College for men, juniors in high school and older, who
are thinking about Priesthood. Come and meet guys just like you
who are opening their hearts to God's will in their life.
This visit is free. For more information, please contact
Conception Seminary College at 660-944-2886 or email:
vocatins@conception.edu or for an online printable registration
form visit www.conception.edu and click "Encounter With God's
Call."
St. Peregrine, the Cancer Saint
A Holy Hour in honor of St. Peregrine, the cancer saint,
will be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2:00 p.m. at the National
Shrine of St. Peregrine, Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica. The
Service will include Scripture, Sermon, Sacrament of the
Anointing of the Sick, Blessing of individuals with the relic of
St. Peregrine, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Our Lady of the Sorrows Basilica is at 3121 W. Jackson
Blvd., adjacent to the Eisenhower Expressway. There is ample,
secure parking at the rear of the Basilica. For further
information, call 773-638-5800 x19.
Anointing Mass
Saturday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m.
Followed by a light luncheon in Barrett Hall
All persons who are of advanced age, ill, facing surgery,
handicapped or in need of the Sacrament of the Sick are
encouraged to attend. Rides and assistance will be provided to
anyone who has a need. A light lunch will be served in Barrett
Hall after Mass for all who attend.
Please call the parish office and let Sr. Marlene know if
you will be attending so that we can have an idea of how many
people to expect at Church and for the luncheon. Also, if you
need transportation or help in any way so that you can attend,
please let us know and we will be happy to assist you. For more
information, please contact Sheila Reiter at 833-6657.
Preschool Interest Groups Meeting
Changed to Sunday, November 5
Due to the death of a family member of one of our
facilitators, the Preschool Interest Groups Meeting has been
postponed for one week. The meeting will take place in Barrett
Hall after the 10:30 Mass, and should run from 11:45 to about
1:15. Lunch will be served and babysitting provided, so please
contact the parish office (279-5700) to reserve your space.
All interested persons are welcome, especially parents of
young children. We will be soliciting input on areas of
marketing materials, mission and vision, educational philosophy
and cost factors.