How wonderful it was to watch our Music Ministry perform Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat once again! During the month of July, together with the City of Elmhurst, Comcast is broadcasting Joseph on Channel 6. Joseph will be shown on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. It is a wonderful production! It gives us the chance to see Joseph once again, with close up shots and some things even coming through more clearly than in the church. Please take the time to savor this terrific accomplishment by our Music Ministry. And please share the news with your friends and neighbors. At the end of this article, a list of the towns in the Channel 6 coverage area are listed.
In the meantime, I would like to share with you some news about staffing changes that are occurring over the summer. While his work kept him pretty much in the background, some of you know our Business Manager, Richard Kaffka. Rich came to the parish shortly after I did, in early 2004. The previous Business Manager unexpectedly resigned after I was here only 30 days, presenting me with a kind of crisis situation. At that time, I contacted the Diocese of Joliet for help in getting someone to help until I could hire another Business Manager. They recommended Rich Kaffka and he has been here ever since. He assisted me with arranging an audit of the parish in the beginning and helped us with updating our accounting system. He has worked closely with me and the Parish Finance Council over the last few years as we have worked hard to reduce the operating deficit that began before my arrival with the loss of rental income. His coming here was a tremendous help to us. I have affectionately referred to him as our "angel in shining armor." Gene Suwanski, Chair of our Parish Finance Council, has instead referred to him as our "angel in an armored Humvee"! It is true that Rich attacked a number of problems we had and helped to get many things in new order.
Now, we are much better organized and we are doing much better financially, finally expecting to break even this year. I should add that this is primarily due to the generosity of parishioners who have helped us financially. (The Parish Finance Council would want me to further add that this does not mean that things are going to be smooth sailing without continued work on our Sunday offertory and fundraising!) Still, this is an incredible accomplishment in this short time and Rich has certainly helped us along the way.
Now, Rich is ready to take on some new challenges, assisting other parishes who need help. I want to express my gratitude for the time he has served here at Mary Queen. Rich will remain available for us for back-up assistance. In the meantime, Sister Marlene is now our new "Office Manager." You may not know that Sister Marlene came to us with a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of Notre Dame. She will now be taking over Rich's work, in addition to her present responsibilities. However, we will have coverage for her while she is taking care of business functions. Deacon Tom, who recently retired from his regular job, will be working in the office one day a week to cover for Sister Marlene.
I hope you are enjoying these wonderful days of summer, especially with the moderate weather we have had in this past week. I will be leaving next week for North Carolina for the birth of my granddaughter and I will be staying for a while after her birth. You will all be in my prayers even while I am away. God bless you all.
Mary
Dr. Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View
Jesus says: "The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few;
therefore, ask the harvest-master to send workers to the harvest.
Pray for vocations.
Use GoodSearch search engine & earn money for MQH!
Enter www.goodsearch.com for web site.
Type "Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church" into the
"I support" box, & click "verify". Continue your search.
University of St. Francis
University of St. Francis to host Adult, Graduate and
Transfer Open House - Noon -7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18th
Moser Performing Arts Center (Wilcox and Douglas Streets,
Joliet). This event is perfect for adult students looking
to return to college and continue their pursuit of a higher
education degree, or those wishing to continue their
current education journey. Those attending can learn about
financial aid options and transfer scholarships, receive a
credit evaluation from a counselor, talk to USF faculty and
MUCH more. RSVP today by calling (800) 735-7500, e-mail to
admissions@stfrancis.edu or reply online at
www.stfrancis.edu/openhouse
Reporting Sexual Abuse
Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect the sexual
abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or other Church
personnel is urged to report the matter immediately. To
inform the Diocese of Joliet, call Sr. Mary Frances Seeley,
OSF (Victim Assistance Coordinator) at 1-815-263-6467 or
write the Diocese of Joliet, 524 Summit Street, Joliet
60435.
Contact DCFS at 1-800-252-2873 or call the office of
the local County States Attorney.
Faith Sharing
(Use with your family or to open meetings)
1. Read the daily gospel.
2. Pause for a minute of silence.
3. Read it again slowly.
4. What word or phrase "jumps out" at me?
5. Share the word or phrase (no explanation).
6. Share a sentence or two about why this touched
you.
7. Thank your friends or family.
8. Thank God for the opportunity to share faith
(brief prayer).
RCIA
Update and Invitation
During the summer months our sessions are abbreviated and will
occur on the following Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.:
July 8th, 15th and 29th, August 19th and 26th.
Anyone interested can join us following the 8:30 Mass, enter into a
discussion time or come for the discussion prior to attending the
10:30 Mass.
Are you interested in becoming part of the Catholic faith?
You are invited to "Come and See"
v If you would like to inquire about the
Catholic Faith
v If you are not Baptized
v If you are a Baptized Catholic but
have never received the Sacraments
of Eucharist and Confirmation
v If you might like to bring someone you
know who is interested in our
Catholic Faith
v If you would like to be a sponsor for
someone along the journey
Questions?? Please contact Mimi Wolak (941-3851) or Tom Nanak
(530- 4502)
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.
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least
brothers of mine, you did for me."
Mt 25:40
Even the smallest action in our lives-like giving to the
Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal-can be an opportunity to
praise and serve God. As God is generous to us, He asks us
to be generous to those in need. Please give in proportion
to your own blessings.
Religious Education
We need your help!
The summer of '07 is in fully swing, but before you know it, we
will be seeing those "back to school" ads in the newspapers.
While enjoying all the wonderful events of Summer, please
consider helping in our Religious Education program. Your
children, your God, and your parish will be most grateful.
At this time we need people at every session time at many grade
levels.
The time slots are 3:15 - 4:30, 5:15 - 6:30, and 7:00- 8:15PM
respectively.
If you love children and you love your faith, we invite you to
join our staff. We will help you with the rest. Our Religious Ed
Program is one of the best in the area, which is reflected in our
continually growing enrollment. But we cannot do it without you.
Please call for more information to see how you can help. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Registrations are still being taken for 07/08 RE year. If you
have not mailed yours in yet, please do so as soon as possible.
We would appreciate your help in getting that word out to your
friends and neighbors as well..
FYI: Just so you are aware, we are in the RE office during the
summer. If you need to contact us for any reason, please feel
free to call and leave a message - 832-8962.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962
Christian Education Commission
Attention! Attention! Attention
Due to priests' vacations, we will have 3 Wednesday
Communion Services instead of Mass on July 11, 18, and 25.
Thank you for your understanding.
Are you missing something?
Sometime ago a leather jacket was left behind in
church. Please contact the Parish Office if you think it
might belong to you. We also have a cell phone that was
found on our grounds.
Theology on Tap 2007
July 11, 18, 25, and August 1
7:00P.M.
Mark your calendars!
Mary Queen of Heaven in Elmhurst will be the Northeast
DuPage Collegiate Site for Theology on Tap this summer.
College-age to mid-20s young adults are invited to hear
exciting speakers four Wednesday nights in July.
July 11 - "From the Pew to the Street" - presented by
Bill Johnson, an ordained deacon and Director of
Campus Ministry at Marmion Academy in Aurora.
July 18 - "Why Should I Tell My Sins to a Priest" -
presented by Bishop Roger Kaffer, Auxiliary
Bishop of Joliet.
July 25 - "You Have a Call" - presented by Sal Solo,
Director of ACTS Evangelism and Worship and
former British rock star.
August 1 - "God's Gym: Health & Spirituality for Young
Catholics" - presented by Sarah Jarzembowski,
Apostolic Board of Advisors for Charis
Ministries, the Jesuit outreach to young adults
in Chicago, and a consultant for Jenny Craig
weight loss center.
Come and hear interesting speakers and mingle with other
young adults. For further information, contact Joe Goryl at
joseph_goryl@yahoo.com .
Are you widowed?
Do you know someone who is widowed?
If you have been recently widowed (within the last several
years), and are still struggling with the loss, of if you have
been widowed for some time and need something to get you "over
the hump" because you seem stuck in one spot, this program is
designed to help you move on with your life while treasuring your
past and its precious memories.
This weekend program will be held at Immaculate Conception
Parish, Elmhurst. All are invited. The Joyful Again! retreat is
for both men and women (all ages) who have been widowed and are
still trying to find hope and joy in their lives.
What: Weekend retreat for widowed men and women.
When: August 18-19, 2007
Where: Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst, Illinois
Donation: $75 - includes meals (Adjusted if needed)
For further information, call: (708-354-7211).
Community News
Mother McAuley Annual Golf Outing
Friday, August 3 at Stony Creek Golf Course in Oak Lawn.
Contact the Alumnae Office at 773-881-6565 or
alumnae@mothermcauley.org to register.
Attention prayerful single men!
The Gethsemani Trappist Monastery (for men) in
Trappist, Kentucky and St. Meinrad Benedictine Monastery in
St. Meinrad, Indiana will be hosting group and individual
"Live-in Experience" vocational retreats soon. Work and
pray with the monks and enjoy the vocational talks. The
Gethsemani retreat is Aug 3rd-10th and Aug 10th-17th. The
St. Mainrad retreat is July 27th-Aug. 1st. There is no
cost but space is limited. For dates and information call
toll free 1-800-221-1807.
ParishPay
Making it Easier to Give
Please consider this option when choosing how to best support our
Parish Family at Mary Queen of Heaven.
Contact www.parishpay.com, or calling 866-PARISH-1 for further
information
"God loves a cheerful giver"
Community News
Dinner & Dialogue with the Wheaton Franciscans
This session on Franciscan Spirituality will be
presented on Monday, august 6, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m., at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, 26 W 171 Roosevelt
Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
The "Dinner..." will begin with a simple meal, followed
by a prayer, engaging presentations, and then a table
discussion. This session will touch on the topic of Face
of Christ Incarnate.
Our presenters will be Sr. Jean Ford, OSF, M.A., in
Education, Art Expressionist and Energy Teacher and invited
guests. Cost $15 for this session or $20 for all two
sessions. To register, please call the Justice, Peace and
Integrity of Creation Office at:
(630) 784-2555, or email us at
justicepeace@wheatonfranciscan.org.