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 want to thank all those who gave of their time last weekend to prepare for our Parish Discovery Fair and thanks to all of the many people who serve this parish in such a variety of ways. I also want to thank those adults and young people who gave witness talks at last weekend's Masses about why they share their time, talent, and treasure with the parish. As has been said many times, we have all been given gifts that have been given for some purpose. During this month, we have had a focus on opportunities for sharing those gifts with the parish. Today, I would like to talk about the most important way that lay people share in the ministry of Jesus. The primary ministry of the laity is in the world.

The Second Vatican Council brought great renewal to the church. An important part of this involved teaching that the laity share in the priestly and prophetic ministry of Christ. As the document on the laity says, the laity exercise a "genuine apostolate" by bringing the gospel and holiness to the world. We are called to "penetrate and perfect" the world with the spirit of the gospel.

Even though it has been 40 years since Vatican II, I believe it is true that some people still think of church and religion in terms of obligation and going to church is one thing among many scheduled into a week's activities. Others are still motivated by fear of what will happen to them if they don't go. I would hope that our parish can continue to help to effect some change in these ways of thinking, enabling people to come to know better the love of God through our community, moving them from a sense of obligation to a sense of desire. Ultimately, the desire for intimacy with God is within all of us. Sometimes that desire is stunted by fear or distrust, especially for people who have been terribly hurt in life. For some of these, becoming able to trust that there really is true love can seem impossible. But it is not impossible. I think that is the reason that the Second Vatican Council referred to the church as a sacrament. The church itself is an outward sign of the inward grace of God's love. "The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful as in a temple" (Lumen Gentium, 4). If people come to know we are Christians by our love for one another in community, then through God's grace, the church should draw people to the love of God - a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Cor. 13:7).

Having said all of this, and as important as parish life is, there is more involved in living authentically Catholic lives. Everything that is done here in our parish, every parish activity, should support the ministry of the laity in the world, should support those charged with bringing the gospel to bear on all things: whether this involves the care and healing of others, striving for justice in situations where others are oppressed, bringing ethics into business dealings, calling for honesty in politics, or working for peace in a time of war. The meaning of our parish activities cannot be measured by the number of people who belong to a particular committee or group. The meaning of our parish activities can only be measured by their effectiveness in providing support to our fellow disciples. This support may be spiritual, physical, emotional, or financial. Parish ministries do not exist for themselves but for others.

Again, I want to thank all of you who share your time, talent, and treasure with the parish through our parish ministries and activities. I also want to thank all of you who make a difference in the world, helping God's ongoing work of creation by bringing gospel values to bear on all things. Both of these things - the quality of parish life and the effectiveness of ministry in the world - are related to one another. Let us pray that Mary Queen of Heaven Parish will continue to grow in love and unity and always be a place where they will know we are Christians by our love. And let us pray that all of the efforts of those involved in committees and ministries within the parish will always have an outward view, knowing that the church, acting in God's name, feeds and nourishes those who are called to make a difference in the world.

In the coming week, you will receive a letter asking for your financial support of this work of the church. Please consider all of the blessings that we have been given, individually and as a parish and give as generously as you are able to, so that we may sustain the ministries that are needed by so many. Thank you.

Mary
Dr. Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator




Eucharistic Adoration
      We are just about to celebrate the feast of All Saints on 
November 1st, and that gives us an opportunity to recall that 
many of the saints spent time in adoration (prayer) before Jesus 
in the Blessed Sacrament. Being saints in the making as we are, 
here's part of a prayer you can pray the next time you are 
visiting a church, perhaps MQH's next day of Eucharistic 
Adoration: "My Lord Jesus Christ, who, for the love You bear 
towards all, remain in this Sacrament night and day, filled with 
compassion and love, waiting, calling, and welcoming all who 
come to visit you: I believe that You are present in the 
Sacrament of the Altar; I adore you from the abyss of my 
nothingness, and I thank you for all the graces you have given 
me..." (St. Alphonsus de'Liguori)
      Jesus waits for you to spend some time with Him present in 
the monstrance at our next day of Eucharistic Adoration, Monday, 
November 5, 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 particular need for someone to sign up for the 6 PM to 7 
PM hour.  Please see the large sign-up poster in the back of 
church.  Thank you.


RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG MEN
	Encounter With God's Call, held November 10-12 at 
Conception Seminary College in Conception, MO, is a discernment 
retreat for young men 16 and older who are considering the 
vocation to Priesthood.  This is an excellent opportunity to 
meet the seminarians as they share their stories of responding 
to God's call.  This retreat is free.  The Diocese of Joliet 
Vocation Office will be sponsoring a trip to Conception.  For 
more information, contact Conception Seminary College at 660-
944-2886 or vocations@conception.edu.  Or contact Fr. Burke 
Masters, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Joliet at 815-834-
4004 or frburke23@aol.com.

	Vianney Visit - The Diocese of Joliet will be sponsoring a 
similar trip to visit St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. 
Paul, MN on November 15-17.  This is for young men who are 16 
and older as well.  Currently Joliet has 11 seminarians at SJV.  
Maybe you could be number 12!  For more information contact Fr. 
Burke Masters, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Joliet at 
815-834-4004 or frburke23@aol.com.


BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
Reminder:
	The entire parish is invited to the All Souls Day Mass on 
Friday, November 2, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Everyone 
present will participate in a special candle lighting ceremony. 
This is a wonderful time to present to God our praise and 
thanksgiving for family members and other loved ones who have 
gone before us. If you have any questions, please contact Mimi 
Wolak 941-3851.
Also, feel free to add pictures of your loved ones to the Table 
of Remembrance throughout the entire month of November. (Please 
put a phone # on the back of the photos!)


CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH (CHRP)
BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN FAITH AND EVERYDAY LIFE
	You are encouraged to consider participating in Christ 
Renews His Parish weekend retreats coming up at Mary Queen of 
Heaven in November.  The Men's CHRP weekend will be held on 
November 16-18.  The women's CHRP weekend will be held on 
November 30-December 2nd.  On the weekend you will:
?	Have the opportunity to meet other men or women from Mary 
Queen of Heaven Parish
?	Hear inspiring stories
?	Be able to engage in stimulating conversation
?	And, most importantly, give yourself time to slow down, think 
and pray
Cost:  $30
	This is an overnight retreat.  Cots and all meals will be 
provided.  If you cannot afford the cost of the weekend or if 
you cannot stay overnight do not let this prevent you from this 
life changing experience.  Questions?  Contact Karen Sutkus at 
(630) 279-3240 or Alex Grozik at (630) 530-0503.
	A CHRP Retreat is a time to relax, pray, examine your 
relationship with Christ and a chance to make lifetime 
friendships with other men and women in the parish.  Please sign 
up today. Space is limited.  Jesus wants YOU to spend time with 
HIM!!!

Please make check payable to Mary Queen of Heaven and return 
with your reservation form to Mary Queen of Heaven, Attn: CHRP - 
Karen Sutkus, 426 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126, OR drop it 
in the collection basket


PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
BREAD FOR THE WORLD....YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY IS THE 
DAY!!! 
	After each Mass this weekend, YOU ARE INVITED to Barrett 
Hall to write (really, to copy) to Representative Peter Roskam 
and to Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Barack Obama.
	The purpose of this project is to convince our 
representatives in CONGRESS to vote in favor of appropriation 
bills which will provide food for the hungry of our country and 
the world.
	Catholic Social Teaching proclaims we must help the 
vulnerable (the poor and the hungry) people of our country and 
the world. Jesus reached out to the poor 2000 years ago. Now it 
is our turn to help the poor. The USA is a rich country. We must 
continue to urge our politicians to share the wealth of our 
country. 
	Please take a few minutes after Mass today to do your part 
in Barrett Hall. THANKS.


 "Thank You" to all who made our first Family Mass of this year 
so wonderful. Our next Family Mass is Sunday, November 11th at 
8:30AM. Our 8th grade Confirmation class will take part in a 
special Commitment Ritual. Please make plans to attend.


RE families please mark your calendars:
Wednesday, October 31 - No RE class
Wednesday, November 7 - Reconciliation Parent Meeting for all 
parents of 2nd graders who will be celebrating the sacrament for 
the first time this coming December.


As the daylight hours grow shorter, we continue to ask that 
everyone be very cautious when driving on the parish grounds on 
Wednesday afternoons and evenings. 


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


Religious Education News


Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and contact 
the school office for more information and registration.              
(630) 833-9500
Preschool classes have begun.  We still have some openings in 
our Tuesday/Thursday class.  
Come join us!
	         Preschool tours scheduled upon request.

Teacher Aide Position Available
	Do you enjoy working with children, fostering their growth 
spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally?  We are 
currently accepting resumes for the teacher aide position for 
our Preschool here at MQH.  Please direct resumes to Mrs. Liz 
Lowrey at MQH Preschool 426 N. West Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 


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				Joyce Belasiek
	Katherine Brennan	 		Pam Bondfide
	Pat Caffarelli				Rose Caffarelli
	Kathy Calzante				Cosmore Ciancio
	Dennis Ciancio				Lou Ciancio
	George Cibula				Paul Cirone
	Ida Corriedo				Cynthia Catalano Family
	Rosemary Davis				Deacon Bob Delbeke
	Trudi Dolato				Baby Dobrowolski
	Virginia Feret				Kathy Filipiak
	Cecilia Garstki				Mary Goggins			
	Mary Hagerty				Anna Heffel			
	Jen Huwalt				Tom Huwalt			
	Michelle Humann				Maureen James			
	Richard Jones				Kathy Johnston			
	Irene Kmieciak				Bernadette Kohn		
	Anne Kostas				John Larkin			
	Baby Emma Lynde				Marie Mangano			
	Robert Manion				Mary Martin			
	Dennis McCabe				Mary Piszczor			
	Raymond Mitchell			Fred Moss			
	Mary Sabel Oye				Geri Pstrzoch			
	Baby Faith Reid				Robert Restivo			
	Vera Rossiano				Agnes Sabel			
	Patricia Sabel				Joaquina Scroppo		
	Joan Skimina				Linda Barone Simons	
	Jess Smith				Mary Spierowski	
	Rachael Thompson			John Unger
	Richard Vanni

REST IN PEACE
Larry G. Ryder

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.


Market Day

	Orders for November are due Monday, November 5, at noon.  
Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at 
the rectory.  Pickup on Saturday, November 10, from 9:30 - 10:30 
a.m. in the Social Hall.  
	If you have questions or would like to place an order, 
please call Karen at 279-4108 or Beth at 833-5469 or email her 
at ekujawa121@sbcglobal.net  .


A Vocation View

If you exalt yourself, what do you leave for God to give you?  
Rather, listen to God's voice.  Doing his will is all you need 
to do.


TREE OF LIGHT
INFANT MEMORIAL MASS

Sunday - November 4, 2007
Bishop J. Peter Sartain will preside at this Mass for all 
families and individuals remembering babies who have been lost 
through miscarriage, stillbirth, other pregnancy losses, and 
infant or early childhood death.  A special outdoor tree-
lighting ceremony will take place to commemorate these babies.  
The Mass will begin at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 4, 2007 at 
St. Charles Pastoral Center.  Family members may wish to arrive 
at 2:30 to sign in and to gather in the chapel.  Friends and all 
family members are invited.  A reception with light refreshments 
will be served immediately following.   Elizabeth Ministry 
ministers will assist in hosting the event, which is sponsored 
by The Center for Family Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet.  
Please call 815-838-5334 to indicate the number of those 
planning to attend.   If you are not able to attend and would 
like your baby remembered, please call us.
Pat Spain, Secretary
Diocese of Joliet
The Center for Family Ministry
402 S Independence Blvd
Romeoville, IL  60446-2264
Phone: 815-838-5334  Fax: 815-834-4045
Email: familyministry@dioceseofjoliet.org
www.dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry


Diocesan News


RETREAT-RACHEL'S VINEYARD
Our Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is rescheduled for November 2 - 4, 
2007. Rachel's Vineyard weekend retreats offer a beautiful 
opportunity for healing to any woman or man who has struggled 
with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. 
Confidentiality: Rachel's Vineyard strictly respects 
confidentiality and privacy. If you or someone you know is 
hurting, please call today. To learn more about a Rachel's 
Vineyard retreat or to register contact Kay at (815) 838-7171.


VISITATION CCW'S 31ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Saturday, November 3, 2007 9 am- 3 pm
Valentino Center
 See CCW.VISITATIONPARISH.ORG for more information.


IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES FALL OPEN 
HOUSES
Immaculate Conception High School
217 Cottage Hill Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Sunday, November 4, 2007
2:00-4:00pm
For more information call Kathy Kowieski at 630-530-3484 or go 
to www.ichsknights.org


ALL SAINTS DAY MASSES
	This Thursday we will celebrate the Feast of  All Saints  
This Feast Day is a holy day of obligation.  Please join us in 
worship at one of our Masses:  Thursday, All Saints Day
November 1, 2007
8:30a.m.
7:30p.m.

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