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
A Vocation View We pray for the souls gone before us,
priests, religious and lay - those who have taken their vocation
of Christian service seriously. May the Lord's merciful love
purify them completely, that they may look upon the face of God
and rejoice forever. A Vocation dwells within us, with the
powerful possibility to transform our own lives and make us
saints.
Catholic Charities Needs Donors!
Catholic Charities has a record number of families
registered for their "adopt a family" Christmas program this
year. Over 800 families and nearly 4000 individuals have applied
for Christmas gifts and food certificates.
Catholic Charities is looking for more donor families to
"adopt" the remaining small client families. Please call 630-
496-8008 x13 if you can help provide Christmas for these
families. Gifts will Need to be purchased, wrapped and returned
to the Lombard office by Friday, Dec. 1.
If you prefer, monetary donations to purchase food and gift
certificates for these families and their children may be mailed
to Catholic Charities, Holiday Outreach Program, 26 W. St.
Charles Road, Lombard, IL 60148
Catholic Charities relies on the continued generosity of
the community to help them serve every needy family during the
holidays. With your support, this is possible!
Donate a Raffle Prize or Purchase
an Ad to help Pregnant Women and Babies
Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain, Bishop of Joliet, will
keynote the Woman's Choice Services "Choices for Life" Benefit
Banquet on Friday, January 26, 2007.
The proceeds from this banquet are vital to sustaining the
work of WCS to help pregnant women in need and their babies.
Could you purchase an ad in our banquet ad book and/or donate a
prize for our banquet raffle? Please call our office at 630-261-
9564 for more information. Thank you for your generosity!
Be not Afraid: Fear and Faith
Doesn't everyone have fears? Join Mary Burd and Fr. Quinn
Connors, O. Carm. At the Carmelite Spiritual Center on Thursday,
November 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as they explore the
nature of our fears, how fears function both positively and
negatively in our lives, and how we can use those fears to deepen
our spiritual/prayer lives. Cost: $40/person includes lunch.
Please call the Spiritual Center at 630-969-4141 to register.
Whatever happened to old time religion?
Todays Catholics have been through tumultuous changes in
our church. Join Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. At the Carmelite
Spiritual Center in Darien on Monday, November 13, from 7-9 p.m.
for a provocative discussion of what happened and why - and
perhaps more important, where God might be leading us. Cost:
$15/person. Please call the Spiritual Center at 630-969-4141 to
register.
Healing Mass
Saturday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m.
Followed by a light luncheon in Barrett Hall
This Mass is for all persons who are of advanced age, ill,
facing surgery, or in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual
healing. The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered. 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.
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!
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
Rest in Peace
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.
SVdP 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.
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 7:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars and invite your friends and neighbors
to come along for a fun-filled evening.
Parish Bulletin Deadline
Due to the Holiday Schedule,
Items for the bulletin of November 26
must be in the parish office
By Thursday, November 16.
Parish News
This past weekend our Parish welcomed 3 individuals into
the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Jesse Nelson, Jerry
Cote and Beth Wrobel seek to learn more about the faith and enter
into the sacramental life of the church. We ask the entire parish
community to pray for them and their sponsors. Gary Regan, Ken
Sutkus, John McGovern and Teri Kevil have stepped forward to help
out as faith companions and/or sponsors.
To learn more about the RCIA or how you can help please contact
Mimi Wolak @ 941-3851 or Tom Nanak @ 530-4502.
All Kids
All Kids is an effort by the Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services to ensure that all children, ages
18 or younger, have access to health care. All Kids pays for
doctor and hospital visits, dental and vision care, prescription
drugs, medical equipment, mental health services, etc. Children
who are age 18 or younger who live with their families in
Illinois and who need health insurance are eligible.
To find out more information about this program and how it
can benefit the children of your parish, please contact Ann Ridge
at 312-793-3152 or ann.ridge@illinois.gov
Bereavement Ministry
Thank you to all who brought in photos for our Table of
Remembrance. This action helped to expand our view of family and
remind us of the lives and gifts of these individuals. May they
rest in the peace of God.
Since Advent is approaching, the table will be taken down
soon so please remove the photos next weekend (Nov. 12,13).
Mom's Morning Away
With Sr. Mariette Kalbac, OSF
Tuesday, November 7, 9:30 to 11:00 AM
Wheaton Franciscans Campus, Maura Hall,
26 W. 171 Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton
The purpose of this on-going program is to give Moms an
opportunity for a pause for renewal and spiritual nourishment.
Each month we will focus on a different topic related to
spiritual growth in the midst of a mother's demanding vocation.
Suggestions for topics are welcome as the series progresses.
Participants are invited to join in the celebration of Mass at
8:30 AM in the Sister's Chapel.
Enrich Your Prayer Life
Come to Eucharistic adoration on Monday, Nov. 6th from
9 a.m. until 7 PM to receive graces for yourself, family,
parish and the world.
Religious Education News
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 o
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 session this Wednesday.
Reminder to all RE families:
There will be no class on Wednesday, November 22nd due to
the Thanksgiving holiday. Please mark your calendars.
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann
Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
The onset of Daylight Saving Time means our little ones
will be even more difficult to see. Please continue to be very
cautious in the parking lot on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
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.
Cenacle Retreat House, Warrenville
"Mirror to Your Life: Writing Your Values Legacy," will be
presented by Edna C. Groves, MS, on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 9
a.m.-3:30 p.m. She will lead participants to review the history
of their ancestors, reflect on the significance of their lives,
envision their future and offer blessings to those they love by
writing their values legacies. The cost is $50 and includes
lunch. For info or to register for any of the above programs,
please call the Cenacle at 630-393-1231.
For the men of the parish:
Bears Game Sunday 11/12/06. Doors open at 6PM (game at
7PM). Come join the Men of Mary Queen cheer on the Bears over the
Giants. Beverages/Snacks/Pizza provided.
Next meeting: Wednesday, November 8 - 8:30PM at the Odeum
10 Great Dates
Sponsored by Marriage Ministry
Great Date #2
The couples of the 10 Great Dates will be meeting for date
number two this coming Saturday, November 11th at 6:30 in Barrett
Hall. This date's topic will be "Learning to Talk." We will be
discussing communication patterns in our marriage and ways to
listen and respond better to our spouses. Last week we
reminisced about what brought us together and the strengths of
our marriages. We committed to keeping our marriages strong and
to make our marriage a priority in our lives.
We will be hosting make up dates on the Thursdays following
the Great Date Saturdays of each month. Please call Don and
Ellen Walker at 630-279-4021 if you are interested. Newcomers
are welcome
Christian Service Commission
Six Signs someone is thinking about
coming back to the Church...
1. Questions The most common sign is when someone begins
to ask questions about God, good and evil, or the meaning
of life. A lot of people in our society have lost that
sense of meaning. They begin to ask, "What is my life
about? Why do I do what I do? Is there any purpose in all
of this?" As a parent, spouse, sibling or friend, your
role is not to restore that meaning, but to help the person
find meaning for him or herself. You can do that by active
listening. Non-threatening comments such ass, "It sounds
like you're really searching..." will encourage the person to
talk in ;a more open manner. You don't have to offer
solutions or answers. Offer your opinion only when asked.
2. Memories Reminiscing about Catholic school, nuns,
priests, or parish activities is another sign someone may
be thinking about returning to the faith. Sometimes people
will recall childhood devotions to Our Lady or the saints.
Memories of music, incense, or some special liturgy will
surface. Don't be afraid to share your own memories. You
might want to suggest revisiting a childhood parish
together or seek out a priest or religious who had a
profound impact on the person. If remembering takes a
negative turn, you don't have to be defensive. The person
may be justified in his or her anger. Sometimes, talking
about a bad experience can help put it in perspective. If
possible encourage the person to separate anger toward a
person from anger at the Church and the Sacraments. It
wasn't the Church that caused the pain. It was a person
connected to the Church. If a person is open to praying
with you, ask the Holy Spirit for healing or memories.
3. Reading Many fallen away Catholics read their way
back to the Church. It's a good idea to keep Catholic
books, magazines, newspapers and even your parish bulletin
in places where family members and friends can pick them
up. If there's something particular that you think might
be of interest, recommend it to family members and friends.
One woman sent books on Dorothy Day and Edith Stein to her
sister who was struggling with how she perceived that the
Church treats women.
4. Current Events Catholic news events can trigger
interest in some people. Make sure you're up to date on
Papal visits, Marian apparitions, Vatican announcements and
local news about Catholic people and events. Even the
recent scandal was a great opportunity to explain to people
why you are still a Catholic! When discussing any aspect
of Catholic news it's a good idea to emphasize the
universality of the Church. Unlike other Christian
denominations that tend to attract people with similar
interests and backgrounds, the Catholic Church numbers one
billion people with different cultural, intellectual, and
socioeconomic backgrounds. As James Joyce said, the
Catholic Church means, "Here comes everybody!"
5. Major Life Events Illness, death, divorce, the birth
of a baby, a job loss or transfer, kits growing into their
teenage years, moving to a new home are all life events
that can trigger a desire to return to the Church.
Sometimes people are afraid the Church will reject them if
they have been gone for a long time. Some think they are
excommunicated. You might find yourself in a position of
helping someone get accurate information about where they
stand with God and the Church
6. God's Presence The real presence of Jesus Christ in
the Eucharist is often a factor in bringing people back.
Invite people to come with you for family funerals,
weddings, baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Ash
Wednesday, May crownings, and Mass on Christmas and Easter.
It's hard for people to go to church by themselves. Be an
inviter. If they don't want to go to Mass, invite them to
parish social, cultural or educational events. Keep the
lines of communication open. Radiate God's love to
everyone you meet. Let the Holy Spirit work through you.
Before long, you'll begin to see that people will be
attracted to the Church because they want the faith, the
love and the peace you possess.
MQH Help Opportunities
Part-time receptionist wanted in medical office in Elmhurst.
Approximately 10 hours per week. Office experience helpful,
computer knowledge and multitasking imperative. Call 708-450-5086 or
email juliemoore46@comcast.net
Parishioners may submit ads to appear in the bulletin to
MQHBulletin@aol.com for approval by the Pastoral Life Coordinator.
The parish accepts no responsibility for goods or services offered.
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