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

I would like to let you know about two things that happened last week. In both cases, parishioners contacted me directly to share some of their thoughts about the Church. First, I received a letter from a man who told me that it had happened more than once that he found himself answering questions from people who wanted to know what it means to be Catholic. He told me that he thought it would be good for parishioners to have something to carry with them for times when this happens.

I was delighted to get this man's letter because I could see that he was taking seriously the ministry of evangelization. I do not know if he remembered that evangelization is part of our parish theme this year. But he certainly knows that it is something to which he is called, even if he did not articulate it that way. He just felt he was doing the right thing, talking with people about the Church. Whether or not he was aware of it, this knowledge, this urging to share, comes from his baptism.

We are all called to evangelize but it is easy to get nervous about that big word. It is associated with knocking on doors, or preaching on street corners and television. Not many of us can do those things, nor do we have to. We can be evangelizers, just as this man has been, in our daily lives. Evangelizing is different from proselytizing. We don't try to take people away from other churches or religious traditions. We simply draw them to Christ by the ways we talk about God and our faith and what it means to us. We do this when we talk about how much we experience love in our parish community. We do this when we invite others to church or even to a parish program, like our parish mission which is coming up soon.

It is interesting that this man asked for something material to hand on to others about what it means to be Catholic. This is an echo of a request made by one of the teen representatives on our Parish Pastoral Council, Jorge Solis. Recently, Jorge asked if we could make up a brochure about what it means to be Catholic and put these in the rack in the back of church. I think we should do this. Then people can take them as they wish. Talking with people about the Catholic faith is evangelization and we should provide tools that people can find helpful. Another thing that has been suggested by our PPC is that we have business cards listing our Mass times that parishioners can use to invite people to church. I think that this is something else we should do!

If you have other ideas about how to reach out to people who may be unchurched, or alienated from the Catholic Church, please let me know or bring your ideas to a PPC meeting. We also need to reach out to Catholics who are inactive. Most people do not know that, on average in our diocese, church attendance is only a little over 30% of registered parishioners! We are higher than average at Mary Queen of Heaven, but still, we have many parishioners who do not regularly come to Mass. As we continue with our theme of evangelization, let us all think of ways we can reach out to others.

The second story I want to relate to you is about an E-mail I received from another man in our parish. He had seen an article that was printed in the New York Times and he wanted to share it with me. The article reported a survey done by researchers at Villanova University (a Roman Catholic University) which revealed that 85% of Roman Catholic dioceses had experienced embezzlement of church funds. Later, another parishioner told me that the story was also in the National Catholic Reporter. I have not read the NCR but I did read the New York Times article and I responded to the parishioner who sent it to me. I thought that it might be a good thing if I shared some comments with you, too.

First of all, I was not surprised by the article. In some ways, there is a correlation between this problem and certain aspects of the pedophilia scandal. To be sure, these things are not the same! There is no crime as heartbreaking as the exploitation and abuse of a child. Where there is a relation, however, is in the fact that there have been, overall, poor systems of accountability in the Church. Some things have begun to change and the good news in the wake of the Villanova study is that the U.S. Bishops are looking at ways for there to be greater accountability for the handling of money in our parishes.

It is important to me that I model the kind of accountability I expect from other leaders in our church. So, I would like to tell you about some actions I have taken since arriving at Mary Queen. First of all, within my first 30 days here, I requested that an audit be conducted of the parish. Any deficiencies were rectified. In terms of the Sunday collection, rules were put into place that at least two ushers together handle money. Neither I nor any priest handles money from the collection. It is placed in tamper-proof bags before being secured in a safe until prompt deposit.

This is simply the way things should be done. However, knowing that you may read or hear about the newspaper articles, I thought it was important for me to share these things with you.

I enjoy writing my column and I want to write about things that are important to you. If you have any questions related to the Church, please send them to me anytime.

Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator




Communications From the Bishop


Latin America

Dear Friends in Christ,

Each year, the national Collection for the Church in Latin 
America is held in parishes across the country.  Proceeds from 
the collection are distributed to dioceses, parishes, religious 
congregations, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions 
throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to assist in the 
formation of priests, religious, lay ministers, missionaries, 
pastoral workers, catechists, and youth ministers.  Thus, fellow 
Catholics in Latin America and the Caribbean -who are rich in 
faith but lacking in material resources-are not only able to 
participate more fully in the life of the Church, but are enabled 
to share it with others as well.

When we contribute to this national Collection, we are actively 
living out our call to stewardship and participating in a work of 
solidarity with our brothers and sisters throughout the American 
hemisphere.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on 
the Church in Latin America uses the collection funds to support 
its pastoral grants program in 22 countries and to support the 
work of the Department of social Development and World Peace on 
behalf of the Church in Latin America. Further information on the 
Committee's work can be found at www.uscob.org/latinamerica.

I ask you to consider contributing to this Collection, and I am 
grateful for your generosity.  Together, let us ask the Lord to 
continue to bless us in all that we do.

Sincerely in Christ,

(Signed)

Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain
Bishop of Joliet


Catholic Charities Needs Volunteers !

	Catholic Charities in conjunction with the DuPage County 
Continuum of Care needs volunteers to go out into the community 
the night of January 25, between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am to perform 
a survey count of the unsheltered homeless.

	The survey is being performed by the Continuum in 
conjunction with the requirements set forth by the Department of 
Housing (HUD). The purpose of this survey is to gather 
statistical information on the unsheltered homeless population. 
This count takes place all across the country to help various 
levels of government allocate dollars to fund the appropriate 
agencies that assist the homeless population throughout the next 
calendar years.

	Volunteers will be partnered with others and will drive 
through the various communities without leaving the cars, making 
note of all on the streets and their approximate  whereabouts.

	Government funding to Catholic Charities to administer to 
the homeless is a direct result of these statistics so we need 
your help.

	Please call Jane Tyshenko or Larry Cada at Catholic 
Charities, 630-495-8008 before January 25 to volunteer for this 
worthwhile activity.


Preschool Open House

	After months of study by the parish Finance Council, after 
multiple surveys of parents by the Preschool Committee, and after 
receiving much positive feedback from parents of preschool-aged 
children, we are moving forward with registration for our new 
preschool, starting in January.  

	The Preschool Board is in formation, with two subcommittees 
already established.  The Safety and Environment Committee will 
be headed by Terri Kevil and the Preschool Finance Committee will 
be headed by Jim Japczyk.  

	We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mary Jo Young has 
joined our Preschool Committee.  Dr. Young, who is also a 
Franciscan Sister, is the Director of the Elmhurst College 
Department of Early Childhood Education.  She will be helping 
with the development of our Multiple Intelligence Curriculum.  We 
welcome Dr. Young and look forward to collaborating with Elmhurst 
College!

	Our first classroom is already half filled!  Join us at 
open house:

	Sat. Jan. 20 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
	Sun. Jan. 28 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

	Please share this information with your family and friends.


Parish News


Parish  Mission
February 5, 6, and 7, 2007

Mark it on your Calendars!

	As part of the Parish 50th anniversary activities, the Adult 
Education and Spirituality Committee and the Liturgy Committee 
are sponsoring a Parish Mission on Monday, February 5; Tuesday, 
February 6; and Wednesday, February 7; at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in 
the Church. The theme of the Mission is "Does my life make a 
difference?" 

	Fr. Richard Fragomeni, an Associate Professor of Liturgy 
and Preaching at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will 
be the presenter. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed 
pre-Lent experience.




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		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		Johanna Mesner	
		Mary Piszczor		Raymond Mitchell	
		Fred Moss		Geri Pstrzoch		
		Baby Faith Reid		Robert Restivo	
		Vera Rossiano		Agnes Sabel				
		Patricia Sabel		Joaquina Scroppo			
		Jess Smith		Mary Spierowski
		Rachael Thompson

Rest In Peace
Gene Smiss, father of Cyndy Catalano




Religious Education News
HELP!!
	We are in need of assistant catechists at Gr. 5, Gr. 6, and 
the grade 7 levels at the 5:30 session on Wednesdays beginning 
immediately.. Please call the REO for more information if you are 
interested. 

Please mark your calendars:

	Saturday, January 27, 11:00 AM - 5:00 P.M.
				Confirmation retreat in Barrett Hall
	
	Sunday, January 28, 10:30 AM in church
				Family Mass

	For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann 
Woods at the REO, 832-8962.


Diocesan News


Diocese of Joliet Catholic Construction Corps 
Mission to the Navajo Reservation  

	Please join us at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in 
Romeoville at 7:30 p. m. on Thursday, Jan. 25th for an Information 
Night on the sixth annual mission to the Navajo Reservation in 
Window Rock, Arizona. The trip is planned for June 9-23, 2007 to 
repair/build homes for the poor of the Navajo Nation.  This 
construction mission needs skilled and semi-skilled workers in 
carpentry, plumbing, and electrical, as well as men and women who 
are willing to assist in a variety of construction tasks.  
Opportunities to meet the people and to learn the local culture 
are part of this mission.  

	For more information contact Art Sheridan, Missions 
Coordinator, at 815-834-4072 (asheridan@dioceseofjoliet.org).  
Visit us online at www.paxjoliet.org/missions.


Community News


Roe v. Wade

Dear Friends in Christ,

	We will soon mark a life-changing anniversary.  While 
anniversaries are usually thought of as happy events, on this 
date the Church asks the faithful to offer penance and prayers.  
I am referring to the 34th anniversary of the legalization of 
abortion in this country.  

	At times, it seems our culture has become immune to the 
devastation of abortion.  The founding, fundamental principle 
upon which our country was built, the belief that all men and 
women are entitled to life and liberty, has shifted.  The right 
to life has been supplanted by a belief that the right to privacy 
and personal autonomy is supreme.  This shift has brought on an 
increased coarsening of our outlook toward our fellow human 
beings, and we fail to recognize abortion's savage effects on 
society and on our everyday lives.  We need only to read the 
headlines to know that, in today's society, human life is sorely 
undervalued.  Abortion has quietly, steadily etched its darkness 
into the heart of our culture.

	The Church recognizes both our responsibility to pray and the 
profound effectiveness of prayer, for through prayer God changes 
hearts.  Each year we mark this sad anniversary with prayers for those 
considering abortion, for those who have gone through the trauma of 
abortion, and for those who do not understand that our attitude toward 
life at its earliest stage shapes and affects our attitudes toward each 
other as well as life at every stage.  

	Through the grace of Jesus and the prayers of the faithful, 
may we soon celebrate the day when every child is welcomed in 
life and protected by law.  

			Sincerely in Christ,
(Signed)

			Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain
			Bishop of Joliet


Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. 
	Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) 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 
has its meetings in Msgr. Plunkett Hall, lower level of the 
Immaculate Conception chapel, from 9:30 to 11:00 a. m, unless 
otherwise noted.
	Please join us on Thursday January 25 at 9:30 a.m. for our 
first meeting of the new year!  Pik a  Pot n Paint is joining us 
to make our annual painted tile with handprint.  The cost is 
$5.00 per tile.  Please let us know if you will be able to attend 
and how many tiles you will be painting by Monday January 22.  
RSVP to Val at 279-7083 or to elmhurstcatholicmoms@yahoo.com.  
Looking forward to seeing everyone!  


Diocesan News


Joliet Diocese Vocation Mass

January 23, 2007
7:00 p.m.

Visitation Parish
779 S. York Street, Elmhurst

Presider:  Bishop J. Peter Sartain

	65 Seminarians from St. John Vianney Seminary will be 
present to sing, serve and share their vocation stories with he 
people of the diocese of Joliet.  The seminarians are a group of 
young men who are on fire for their Catholic faith and their 
vocation to the priesthood.  They are returning from the March 
for Life in Washington D.C. to their seminary in St. Paul 
Minnesota.  They want to stop in the Joliet Diocese to help 
promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  This is 
a rare opportunity for the people of the Joliet Diocese to 
experience the vibrancy of a seminary community here in our own 
diocese. 

All are welcome & encouraged to attend!
Please come and support vocations!


Market Day

	Orders for January are due Monday, January 22, at noon.  
Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at 
the rectory.  Pickup will be on Saturday, January 27, 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.


Thank You, Thank You!!

	Thank you to the children of our Religious Education 
program!  In December, they gave back to God by sharing many 
gifts of time and talent and by offering $175.76 in the Sunday 
collection!


Parish News


Congratulations Maureen

	Our own Maureen Launius has won the distinguished 
Performance Award from Allstate.  This is Allstate's highest 
honor awarded to a select few employees in each of their offices 
nationwide.


Record of Parish Contributions

	If you would like to receive a record of your 2006 
financial contributions, please call the parish office at 279-
5700.


Rachael's Vineyard Retreat 
For post abortive men and women, March 23-25, 2007
	Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is sponsored by the Joliet 
Diocesan Life Office and will be held at St. Charles Borromeo 
Pastoral Center.  This retreat aims to allow participants to 
focus on God's unconditional love and forgiveness in a completely 
non-judgmental setting.  Confidentiality and privacy will be 
strictly observed. To learn more about a Rachael's Vineyard 
retreat or to register, contact Kay Corcoran at 815-838-7171.  


A Vocation View

	The word of God becomes the flesh of God when YOU live it 
in your life.  Believe what you read; live what your believe.  Be 
another Christ.


Auction/Dinner Dance 
Update Correction


	The correct Gross Intake from the Auction/Dinner Dance is: 
$21,212.00.  The Net Profit is: $14,014.80.  We are sorry the 
incorrect amounts appeared in last week's bulletin.  		The 
Auction/Dinner Dance Committee


Family Dinner and Game Night 

	The 50th Anniversary Committee in conjunction with the 
Religious Education Program and the Mary Queen of Heaven Men's 
Group are sponsoring a "Family Dinner and Game Night" on Saturday 
February 17th immediately following the 5:00 p.m. Family Mass.  
Mark your calendar now and invite your family and relatives to 
attend.  It's an evening planned for all, moms, dads, 
grandparents, relatives, children of all ages, parishioners of 
all ages. 

	Dinner will be served in Barrett Hall and the Family Game 
Rooms will be in the school building.  There are plans being made 
for several game rooms with fun for all ages.  There will be a 
game room for younger children, several rooms for older children, 
teens and their families.  Plenty of games for other parishioners 
and seniors too.  A cake walk, a room with raffle baskets, 
cookbooks to purchase, spirit clothing, 50th Anniversary MQH key 
chains, etc.  Some of the activities we have planned are Uno, 
Yahtzee, Various Card Games, Bunco, and Kid's Bingo and Adult's 
Bingo.  A room for "Twister" and room for the younger children 
with the Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Bozo's Buckets, a Bean 
Bag Toss, etc. 

	Watch next week's bulletin for more details about dinner 
and ticket sales.  For further information, please contact Sheila 
Reiter (833-6657), Karen Vicary (279-4108) or  Phylis Twardowski 
(279-6239).


From Kay Passarelli:

	On December 13, I had the privilege of attending the 
celebration honoring Bishop Imesh on the occasion of his fiftieth 
anniversary as a priest.  As I sat in St. Raymond's Cathedral, I 
was reminded how fortunate I was to be a part of the rich and 
beautiful liturgy of our Catholic faith.  Representatives from 
all of the parishes, Bishops and Cardinal George were united as 
one at Eucharist.  I thank God for His gift of faith and for our 
Catholic Church.


Fellowship Sunday Today!

	Immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, Fellowship will 
be held in Barrett Hall.  This Sunday's Fellowship is being 
hosted by CCW.  Everyone attending Mass is cordially invited to 
join fellow parishioners for coffee, tea, juice, goodies.  Don't 
forget, we are looking forward to seeing you. 



Eucharistic Adoration


	Eucharistic Adoration will be held on Monday, February 12th 
instead of Monday, February 5th because of our mission.

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