I would like to tell you a Thanksgiving story...
Last week, I spent part of an afternoon with Mary and Jim Jandick. We were planning for their mother's funeral, which took place on Friday. It was during the course of our conversation that I met Dolores Jandick for the first time. Dolores is their mother, someone already known to some of you. The Jandicks, now living in suburbs further west of here, grew up on Larch. Jim and Mary went to school at Mary Queen of Heaven. Their mother remained living in the parish until just a few years ago, when she moved in with Mary.
The Jandicks say that people who knew them when they were growing up sometimes now ask what it was like to grow up in a dysfunctional home. Their mother battled mental illness every day of her life. She was schizophrenic and on and off her medicine. Her behavior and moods were erratic. Things were very hard at home because they never had enough money. Their lives were very different from other families in Elmhurst who were pretty well off and who had a "normal" family life.
So, what was it like to grow up in a "dysfunctional" home? Jim and Mary say that in spite of the mental illness that plagued her, their mother knew that taking care of her children was the most important thing in her life. They that she always showed them unconditional love. They say that she was always a person of faith and hope. They say that their mother was like the man in the movie, "A Beautiful Mind," who heard voices that weren't really there. Even so, she washed the floors at Visitation parish and cleaned the homes of wealthier people in Elmhurst so that she could get the money she needed to get braces for her children. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and she loved to receive Holy Communion, which was brought to her at home by Sister Honorata.
Jim and Mary told me how they loved their mother. They also talked about how important their parish family was to them. They recounted names of other parishioners I now know, who helped their family when they were growing up. They talked about how this parish, a parish that didn't have much money itself, helped their family by bringing food to them when they didn't have any. They are very grateful for the people of Mary Queen of Heaven.
In fact, Mary and Jim personify gratitude. They took care of their mother until she died because they couldn't imagine not caring for this woman who loved them so much. Jim told me that they grew up learning that every day is a gift, a privilege, and they do not take a day for granted. They both say that growing up not having money taught them that there are more important things in life.
It was a very moving experience for me to come to know Dolores Jandick through my meeting with two of her adult children. It was so easy to see how this woman, tortured by mental illness, nevertheless fulfilled her Christian vocation to be a person of love. This woman who was mother in a home called "dysfunctional," accomplished the greatest Christian work in life. She loved. Deeply. In spite of all the hardships this family endured, Dolores loved her children into life. Because she did, the world will be a better place. All you need to do to understand this is to sit and talk with Mary and Jim for a little while. Mary and Jim are people who will change the world because they learned from their mother what it means to have unconditional love for others.
This Thanksgiving, let us remember in our prayers the Jandicks and several other families who mourn the loss of family members who died in the last week. Let us also learn from the example of Jim and Mary to be grateful for the really important things in life. And let us thank God for Dolores Jandick and the example her life gives us all to be people of faith, hope, and love. Let us pray that we may be like her.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I pray in gratitude for this parish and its people.
Mary Foley,
Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View
'As I keep the Lord ever in my sight...my heart rejoices,
my soul is glad... You will show me the path of life, the fullness
of joy in Your presence'. Let our Vocation be, to be one with
God - forever.
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 for 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!
Cenacle Retreat House, Warrenville
"The Close and Holy Darkness: Christmas, Creativity and the
Human Condition", a quiet Advent Retreat, will be presented by
Fr. Tom Aldworth, OFM on December 1-3. Fr. Tom will lead
participants to open their hearts to God while answering the
question, "What does it mean in your life today that God became
one of us in Jesus?" Cost is $195 for a single room only.
For info or to register for any of the above programs,
please call the Cenacle at 630-393-1231.
St. Beatrice School Craft Show
St. Beatrice School at 4141 N. Atlantic (Irving Park Road
near 25th St.) in Schiller Park is hosting its 24th Annual Country
Christmas Craft Show on Friday, December 8, and Saturday,
December 9. They are currently accepting crafter applications for
what promises to be an excellent show.
For more info. and applications call the school at 847-678-
1752 or email stbeatricecraftshow@yahoo.com
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.
For 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.
Looking for 1957 Graduates
50th Class Reunion
St. Frances of Rome, Cicero, graduating class of '57 will
celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007. If you or someone you
know is a '57 graduate, please call Judy at 708-344-6013 or
Rosanne at 708-498-4002.
Auction Dinner Dance Update
All the items that were bid on at the Auction/Dinner Dance
have not yet been picked-up and paid for and we will have to
delay the gross amount of the Auction Proceeds until the next
bulletin. However, at that time we will be able to give you both
the Gross Amount taken in and the Net Profit after expenses.
Thank you for your patience!
Senior Citizen Christmas Party
Saturday, December 2
The CCW cordially invites all Senior Citizens to the Annual
Christmas party in Barrett Hall on Saturday, December 2,
immediately following 5:00 p.m. Mass. Reservation forms are in
this week's bulletin. Please return these reservation forms as
soon as possible to the basket in the vestibule of church or to
the rectory. A Buffet Supper will be served and entertainment
will be provided by our Wings to Heaven Youth Group. Each year
this party is hosted by CCW with the help of our Religious
Education Moms and other ladies of the parish who generously
donate food and their time to let our seniors know how very
special they are to our parish.
If you are in need of a ride or special assistance to
attend the Mass and Party, please call Karen Vicary at 279-4108,
Mary White at 833-9809 or Sheila Reiter at 833-6657.
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. This is an important work
of outreach and charity that Mary Queen's SVdP Society provides.
We have been able to assist many needy people within our
parish and 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 our borders. 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.
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 Joaquina Scroppo
Jess Smith Mary Spierowski
Rachael Thompson
Rest In Peace
Father Ivan Dobnikar, OSB Dolores Jandick
Father Edward Grotovsky Donald Pokrak
Peter P. DiCianni Mildred Wilk
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.
Diocesan News
RCIA will be hopping by the end of this month! On Nov. 25
at the 5:00 Mass we will have the Rite of Sending to the Bishop
for our candidates, Beth Wrobel and Jerry Cote. The next day,
along with their families, sponsors and RCIA team members, they
will travel to the Cathedral in Joliet to be formally presented
to Bishop Sartain.
It is an honor and pleasure to announce that Jack Kowalski
will complete his Sacraments of Initiation by receiving
Confirmation and Eucharist on Sunday, November 26, at the 10:30
Mass. There will be a reception for him following the Mass in the
Social Hall. Please come by for fellowship and to meet and
congratulate Jack!
"A Marmion Family Christmas"
Sixteenth Annual Craft Show
Saturday, November 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and
Sunday, November 26, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Marmion Academy
1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora
$3.00 for adults (12 years or older)
Over 156 of Chicagoland's finest crafters. Food service
available all day, both days. Bake sale both days.
Complimentary babysitting. No strollers allowed in show area).
"Toys for Tots" Drop Off (new and unwrapped).
Community News
Fellowship Sunday
Today, November 19
Please join us for fellowship after the 10:30 a.m. Mass
today, Sunday, November 19 in Barrett Hall. Stop in after Mass
for some pastries and a cup of coffee or juice and the
opportunity to talk with friends and fellow parishioners and
their families.
Fellowship is being sponsored by our Eucharistic Ministers.
Advent Reconciliation Service
Mary Queen of Heaven will hold its Advent Parish
Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.
All families of the parish are encouraged to attend this
celebration. We will have a communal prayer service and there
will be multiple priests here from different parishes to hear
individual confessions. Please join your parish family to
prepare for the coming of Christ more fully into our hears this
Advent Season.
Please continue to be very cautious in the parking lot on
Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
Religious Education News
Reminder to all RE families:
There will be no class on Wednesday, November 22, due to
the Thanksgiving holiday. Please mark your calendars.
Advent Service Projects:
This year we will again be collecting new unwrapped toys
for Marillac House on Chicago's West Side...not so very far from
Elmhurst. Sister Antoinette called us last week to tell us that
they are in great need. There will be a "toy box" in the hall of
school for donations on Wednesday, November 29, December 6, and
13 during class times. Toys for all ages are welcome...no
violent toys please. Please be generous.
Our children will also have the opportunity to add global
dimension to their acts of service. They will go to the "polls"
to vote for the animal of their choice to be sent to a 3rd world
country. The RE children are asked to come to class with a
donation of 50 cents that will be donated to Heifer
International. They can then "vote" for a pig, a sheep, or a
goat to be sent to a small village, which will drastically
improve the quality of life of its residents. Our "polls" will
be open on the first two Wednesdays of December. Over the years,
our children have really enjoyed this project.
On behalf of the entire religious education staff, we wish
you all a Blessed Thanksgiving.
For more info on any of the above, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Community News
Holy & Amazing:
Celebrating Franciscan Women Saints
With Sr. Gabriele Uhlein, OSF
Sunday, November 26, (St. Elizabeth of Hungary)
2:30- 4:00 P.M.
Wheaton Franciscan Campus, Maura Hall
26W171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton
Be prepared to meet Franciscan women saints that were bold,
determined and wise. Come and share the lives of these saints.
Inspired by their example, these intriguing Sunday afternoon
conversations will be an opportunity to look with fresh eyes at
how God is still with us. Using multiple images and contemporary
research, we will consider what it means to belong, to heal, and
to contemplate. Each of thee amazing women can give us wonderful
clues that reaffirm the spiritual dimension of our own everyday
lives.
Note: This session is one in a series (Sundays: November
26, December 17, January 28, February 18, March 18 and April 15).
Each session is a complete section. Come for one or all and
discover what we can learn about ourselves from these Franciscan
women.
50th Anniversary Cookbook Sale
Are you in need of a hostess gift for Thanksgiving Day or
thinking about what to give someone for Christmas? We have the
perfect gift, our 50th Anniversary Cookbook. The Cookbooks
contain recipes from current parishioners and previous members of
our parish and make especially great gifts for family members and
friends who love to bake. Cookbooks will be available for
purchase after all the Masses this weekend and the weekend of
December 9th & 10th. The donation for each Cookbook is $15.
Should you wish to purchase additional cookbooks during the week,
please call Mary Nanak (530-4502) or Ellen Walker (279-4021).
Advent Wreaths
And Replacement Candles
The Liturgy Committee will be having Advent Wreath sets and
replacement candles available for purchase at all the Masses
during the weekends of November 25-26 and December 2-3.
The donation for the Wreath Sets (includes a wreath, 4
candles and an Advent Prayer) is $10.00. The donation for a set
of replacement candles for wreaths you already have is $3.00.
Volunteers for Holiday Outreach.
Can you help pack food or make a delivery?
Elmhurst families in need are referred to United Community
Concerns Association (UCCA) through School District 205 and our
Elmhurst churches. These families receive food and food
certificates from UCCA at the holidays.
We will sort and pack Christmas food boxes for over 160
families from Monday, December 4 through Friday, December 14 from
9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the City of Elmhurst Public Works
Facility at 985 S. Riverside Drive. Please park and enter at the
front (West) entrance and check in at the desk.
Drivers (with muscle power) are needed between 8:00 a.m. and
9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, at the City of Elmhurst
Public Works Facility to deliver food boxes to our local
families.
Call to volunteer or if you have any questions:
Patty Burnette 834-8471
Susie Sands 941-8116
If you would like to make a donation,
please make your checks payable to:
United Community Concerns Association
125 W. Church, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Sponsored by The Elmhurst Rotary Club
November 23 from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
At Diplomat West Banquet Hall
681 W. North Ave , Elmhurst
For more information and tickets, contact:
Joe Weigel at 630-782-1234 or
Ed Lucking at 630-833-8850.
Liturgy News
We are invited. At the Table of the Lord, we are invited
to bring and offer our gifts in thanksgiving. We stand before
the Lord in humility and gratefulness. Our actions should
reflect our intentions. As of the weekend December 2nd & 3rd, the
first week of Advent, the start of the new liturgical new year,
we will be standing as we are invited to offer our gifts to God.
This means a change in our prayer behavior. We will now
stand immediately after the gifts are brought forward and the
table is prepared, when the priest invites us to pray together
with him. Sanding at this time is the preferred posture as
stated by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal paragraph
#43. The Celebrant is asking us to join with him in our offering
and to stand with him before the Lord as we present our gifts to
Him.
Thank you for helping our liturgies to be prayerful
celebrations of our Faith.
Market Day
Orders for December are due Monday, December 11,
at noon. Turn in your order form in the box in the
back of church or at the rectory. Pickup on
Saturday, December 16, 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.