Once again l am happy to share the news that I am going to be a grandmother - again! This is little Emma, daughter of my second son Jason and his wife Briana. Jason and Briana live in North Carolina and are expecting their first child on July 15. This will be the first girl for us all!
This ultrasound picture was taken when Briana was 20 weeks pregnant. As with my first grandchild Jameson, I am glad to have the chance to share these pictures - not only because I am a proud and happy Grandma - but also because they are a reminder to us all of God's gift of life, which is precious from the moment of conception. I also think that it is good for children to see pictures like this, to get an idea of how babies develop within their mother's wombs.
Where does sharing about a new baby fit into Lent? Unless we have new babies in our families or we are regularly involved with them in some way, babies are probably not on our mind too much these days. We are now far away from Christmas, when we celebrated God being born into the world as a baby, like Emma will be born to our family in July. In Lent, we do not really think of the baby Jesus as much as we think of Jesus the teacher, Jesus the preacher-story-teller, Jesus the healer of the blind man and healer of the woman at the well. In fact, we are quickly approaching Holy Week, when we will remember the passion and death of Jesus as a young man who gave his life for us out of love. Spiritually speaking, we have moved far away from singing about the infant Jesus so tender and mild.
Yet, being reminded of babies during Lent is a good thing. There could be no Lent, no anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus, no hope of eternal life, unless Jesus had begun his life on earth as a baby. I am reminded, as I write these words, of the time when I went to California for the birth of my first grandchild. A few days after Jameson was born, I remember peeking at his baby book that was laid open on the kitchen table. My daughter-in-law Jessica had written to her newborn son about where his "journey first began." Jessica is a loving and insightful young mother who knows that no matter where this child's life leads, this very beginning of life is so important. She wanted Jameson to know when he grows up that he was wanted and loved from the time of his conception. She wanted Jameson to know later in his life that whatever mystery is part of his life's journey, this is where it all began, as a tiny infant child.
Remembering the beginning of Jesus' life can help us enter more deeply into the mystery of his journey, as we prepare to enter Holy Week next weekend on Palm Sunday. Remembering the beginning of life can also help us to remember that one of the purposes of the season of Lent is to remember our baptism, the beginning of our lives as Christians. Our Christian journey had its beginning when our parents accepted for us the invitation from God for new birth in the life of Jesus - life which is borne out of love and which gives itself to others out of love. As Christians, we are all baptized into the birth and death of Christ and we all share in his journey. In this last week of Lent, let us remember that our baptism calls us to make a difference in the world. More than our parish Lenten theme, this is our very calling, by virtue of our baptism.
And let us never fail to rejoice at the birth of a child, each one a reminder to us of God's love and the miracle of life. Little Emma is already a part of the life of our family. We eagerly await her birth!
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Rachael's Vineyard Retreat For post-abortive men and women March 23-25, 2007 Rachel's Vineyard Retreat for 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 Rachel's Vineyard Retreat or to register, contact Kay Corcoran at 815-838-7171. For more information and a list of retreats in other locations: www.rachelsvineyard.org or call the toll free national hotline at (1-877-HOPE-4ME). National Catholic Singles Conference Join over 500 men and women for the 3rd National Catholic Singles Conference, April 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. The weekend includes talks by dynamic national speakers (including Matthew Kelly, Fr. Thomas Loya), social events with singles from all over the country, times of prayer and more. Early registration through March 15. Space is limited - it sold out the last 2 years! For more information or to register, visit www.NationalCatholicSingles.com or call 815-828-5094. Immaculate Conception Parish Is hosting Matthew Kelly for Three unforgettable evenings: "Becoming the-Best-Version-of-Yourself" March 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. Each night, Kelly will present a different talk. Each presentation will last for approximately one hour. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Located at the corner of Arthur and York, in Elmhurst Peacemaking: In the World and with Each Other Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Tuesday, April 3 7:00 p.m. in the Church Special Guest: Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit, Michigan 7:00 p.m. Bishop Thomas Gumbleton will be speaking on: "Peacemaking: in the World and with Each Other." 8:00 p.m. This will be followed by our Lenten Reconciliation Service with Bishop Gumbleton preaching. Please join us for this special event on Tuesday of Holy Week, when we will have with us Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, recently retired Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, Michigan. Bishop Gumbleton is an internationally known peacemaker. He serves with the U.N.'s World Conference on Religion and Peace and is founder of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace organization. At 7:00 p.m., Bishop Gumbleton will lead us in reflection upon peacemaking in our world and with each other. His talk will be followed at 8:00 p.m. by our Lenten Reconciliation Service. All are welcome. 50th Anniversary Closing Mass & Raffle Our year-long 50th anniversary Celebration will culminate on Sunday, April 22, 2007, with a special liturgy being celebrated by Bishop Roger Kaffer at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. As we draw this Anniversary Year to a close, we invite you not only to join us at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on April 22 but also to participate in our final event, a 50th Anniversary Raffle. The Raffle Proceeds will be used to lower our parish deficit. Only 250 tickets will be sold and the winner need not be present. The odds of winning a Raffle Prize are great! The Ticket Donation is $100. Each ticket contains 10 slots so that the cost of the ticket can be divided with as many as 10 people if you choose. 1st Prize $10,000 2nd Prize $2,000 3rd Prize $1,000 The Drawing will take place on April 22nd in Barrett Hall immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Refreshments will be served. Please consider helping us make this final event a success and an enjoyable occasion for all. Invite your family, friends and co-workers to participate in the Raffle. Tickets will be available this weekend in the vestibule of church or can be obtained by contacting the Parish Office or one of the 50th Anniversary Committee members: Sheila Reiter (833- 6657), Ellen Walker (279-4021), Dick Reed (834-4840), Phylis Twardowski (279-6239), or Mary White (833-9809). Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool registration continues! Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and contact the parish office for more information and registration. Preschool tours scheduled on request. Parish News Mary Queen of Heaven High School Treble Concert Sunday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m. Mary Queen of Heaven Church Mary Queen of Heaven's High School Treble Choir will be performing a free concert on Sunday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m. in church. The concert will last approximately 45 minutes. Mary Queen of Heaven's High School Treble Choir is an ecumenical choir open to young women of our community who are high school aged and have a true love of sacred music. This is an auditioned group. The group is directed by Molly Lindberg assisted by Tara Cappelletti. This outstanding group of young women have given generously of their musical gifts to praise His name. Please come and support them, and enjoy some exquisite music. Concert Program: O Sanctissima, Arranged by Ludwig van Beethoven, (1770-1827), edited by Alan J. Hommerding Rest Now in Me, Paul A. Tate Lord, I Stretch My Hands to You, Jay Althouse Eucaristica, Pablo Casals (1876 B 1973) Lacrymosa, from The Requiem, W.A. Mozart (1756-1791), Arranged by Russell Robinson Canon of Praise, from Kanon, Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), Arranged by Hal H. Hopson Sign Me Up, Kevin Yancy and Jerome Metcalfe The Baby in Bethlehem, Raymond S. Beights Open My Eyes, Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739), Arranged by Dale Grotenhuis Days of Elijah, Robin Mark You Are Holy, Mark Imboden and Tammi Rhoton Sunday, April 15, is a big day for the Music Ministry at MQH. We will be introducing the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the 10:30 a.m. mass. The entire cast will sing the Post-Communion meditation that morning. So, come to Mass, stay for fellowship in Barrett Hall, and come on back into the church for the Mary Queen of Heaven High School Treble Concert. Parish News Parish Bulletin Deadline Due to the Holy Week Schedule, items for the Easter bulletin of April 8 must be in the parish office by Noon on Thursday, March 29. Parents of Confirmation Candidates: Please note that Confirmation will be celebrated at the Parish on Saturday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m. Religious Education News Wednesday, March 28, will be the last day of our annual collection of Easter Basket items for Marillac House. There is a "basket" in the hall of school for donations of small stuffed animals, candy, toys, etc, anything that would be appropriate for an Easter Basket. Please be generous. Your donations will make the children of the near West Side very happy on Easter morning. Are you being called to be a catechist? Every year there are catechists who cannot return for one reason or another. I am sure that this year is no exception. We only have a short time left of this RE year, so if you have always wondered what goes on in the building after you drop your children off, this is the perfect time to stop by and say hi. Remember you don't have to be a theologian; you just have to love children, love your faith and want to share it. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Mark your calendar: Wednesday, Mar. 28 - No Class - Spring Break Good Friday, April 6 - Living Stations - 3:00PM Saturday, April 14 - First Communion Retreat 9-11AM in School If you have any questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Christian Education Commission St. Vincent DePaul Lenten Food Collection This Weekend, March 24 and 25 We are collecting non-perishable food items, paper products hand soap and laundry detergent. If you wish to donate a ham, we ask that you please purchase Jewel or Dominick certificates and put them in an envelope indicating that they are for the purchase of a ham. The envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or turned in at the parish office. The food and gift certificates will be distributed to needy families in our community for Easter on Friday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. If you have an hour or two to spare, we could use your help sorting the food for the Easter baskets on Monday evening, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Please call Sheila Reiter at 833-6657 to offer your help. Stations of the Cross Friday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross are being held in Church during the Fridays of Lent. Perhaps you and your family could make a special effort to attend this devotion. Eucharistic Adoration Why do we offer monthly Eucharistic Adoration at Mary Queen of Heaven? THE HOLY FATHER ASKED FOR IT!!! ...Pope John Paul II said: "The encouragement and the deepening of Eucharistic worship are proofs of that authentic renewal which the [Vatican] Council set itself as an aim, and of which they are the central point. The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic worship. Jesus waits for us in this Sacrament of Love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation... May our adoration never cease." This is what Eucharistic Adoration is.... For those who haven't had the opportunity, Lent is a perfect time. If there's anything you need to thank or praise God for, to express sorrow for, or to ask for, know that He waits for you to come and spend some time with Him present in the monstrance at our next Day of Eucharistic Adoration, Monday, April 2, 2007 from 9 AM to 7 PM. The day of adoration and prayer closes with Benediction at 7:00 PM. All are invited to join us any time during the day, as well as for Benediction. We are in need of people to sign up for an hour of adoration. Please see the large sign-up poster in the back of church. The Worship Commission Mentors Needed for Transitional Housing Program in DuPage County Catholic Charities is sponsoring a three-session training course for persons interested in becoming volunteer mentors for families who were previously homeless and are now participating in Catholic Charities' Transitional Housing Programs in DuPage County. Mentors work directly with families, supporting them and helping them meet daily challenges. Volunteer mentors should be compassionate, non-judgmental, respectful and sensitive to the confidentiality required in order to preserve the dignity of the family. Training sessions are free and will be held on three consecutive Wednesday evenings: April 11, 18, 25, 2007 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the Catholic Charities office located at: 26 W. St. Charles Road, Lombard. To register for the training, or for more information on Catholic Charities Transitional Housing ministries, please call 630.495.8008. Please register before April 9. Easter Egg Hop-N-Grab Saturday April 7 HELP! Donations are needed for this very fun and festive event. Donations of time and materials are necessary to make this event a success. Children and families are welcome to join in on the fun. The Hop-N-Grab will take place on the parish grounds on Holy Saturday after the blessing of the baskets at about 11:00 a.m. It is a great way to spend time with your children, grandchildren and neighbors. Please consider helping out with this fun-filled day. Donations needed by Wed. April 4. Please bring them to church or RE class. Contact Kathy Rhea @ 776-1608 or Wendy Krafky @ 559-4044. To volunteer your time, please call Sandy Ondrla @ 941-1044 or Genet Pinkerton @ 220-6521. Have you ever thought about supporting vocations? You can support the cause for vocations in other ways, such as attending a monthly vocation Mass and dinner at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn. Please contact Ron Beaumont at 630-858-4646 or rrboards@aol.com. University of St. Francis Ready for the next level? Tuesday, March 27, at 3-7 p.m. Attend our Spring Open House if you are considering: * transferring from a community college * completing your Bachelor's Degree * pursuing a Graduate Degree * completing advanced Certification. RSVP Today! 800-735-7500 or www.stfrancis,edu/openhouse Caring for Families of Persons with Mental Illness Saturday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. At Alexian Brothers Medical Center: Conference Center In Elk Grove Village Free Registration! Call Maxine Goldstein By April 15th at 847-952-7464. Sponsored by Alexian Center for Mental Health and Chicago Archdiocesan Mental Illness Ministry Attention Male Parishioners All male parishioners of Mary Queen of Heaven, 18 years or older, are members of our Men's Group. Please come and join us at our monthly meeting and/or get on our e-mail list. Call or e-mail Mike Launius (phone: 630-941-8773; email: mlaunius57@yahoo.com). Looking forward to hearing from you all! Learn How to Weave Palms and learn the Art of Russian Orthodox Egg Painting If you wish to learn about weaving palms and the art of Russian Orthodox egg painting, come to Barrett Hall after the 10:30 Mass on Palm Sunday. Rosalie & Milt Honel will demonstrate weaving palms into crosses and Marie & Alex Grozik will demonstrate the Art of Russian Orthodox egg painting. Both of these crafts are traditions in many parts of the world. Rosalie learned the craft many years ago and Alex's family has been involved with egg dying for many years. See next week's bulletin for more information.