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| Mary Queen of Heaven: A Welcoming Catholic Community in Elmhurst - Contact us at: parishoffice@maryqueen.org |
Elmhurst, Illinois
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
March 30, 2008
Divine Mercy Sunday
Mary’s Page
I am the oldest of eight children. It is hard for me to even imagine having eight children! I have four sons of my own and they are absolutely wonderful. I am so blessed in my life to have them! My sons are all very loving people and they are each other’s best friends and I have three daughters-in-law (and one son’s girlfriend) who are so much a part of my family that you could almost say that I have eight children. But not really. Not in the same way that my parents did. As much as all eight of mine are children to me, I really only raised four of them. Not like my Dad and Mom who somehow managed to raise all eight of us from birth. It is wonderful being from a large family but it is really incomprehensible to me how parents of such large families can manage it all!
Not too long ago, I visited my Dad and his wife Nancy (my Dad and Nancy have been married for 27 years; they married each other after my Mom died at the age of 47.) It was only for a couple of days but it is always great to see them. My Dad and I had the chance to spend some one-on-one time together when he went to get his flu shot and I tagged along.
During this outing I had with my Dad, he told me about a movie he had recently seen that he really liked. The movie was called, “Martian Child.” I never heard of it before he mentioned it. My Dad told me about the story in the movie and how much he enjoyed it. I finally watched the movie tonight and I, too, liked it very much. I’m sure that my Dad liked it because he could see something of himself in it. I could see something of him in the movie, too.
(I never really like it when someone says so much about a movie that it ruins it for me. So, don’t worry! I assure you that no matter what I say here, if you’re interested in seeing the movie, this won’t spoil anything!)
In the story told in “Martian Child,” the father, actor John Cusack, adopts a little boy who was abandoned at a young age. In his need for self-protection, the boy is completely engaged in a fantasy life, believing that he has come from Mars.
The movie is wonderful. Since my Dad recommended it to me, I could not help thinking about how he and my Mom must have thought so many times that they had a house full of kids from Mars: children who didn’t always listen or behave the way they should, who sometimes ignored them or didn’t even like them, kids who sometimes did crazy things.
There must have been plenty of times when my Mom and Dad could have thought we were from another planet. I don’t know how they did everything they did raising us. I can still think back and remember some pretty hair-raising antics at the Foley Funny Farm (the name my good-humored mother affectionately had printed on the welcome mat outside our front door).
I can also remember what it was like when my Mom was sick for so long and what it was like after she died. I don’t know how my Dad managed to hold everything together when things were pretty messed up in our family life for a while.
If you get a chance to see “Martian Child,” it might seem a little crazy to you. But sometimes family life can be a little crazy. Watching this movie and seeing the love the father has for his child reminds me of the very best in my Dad. I also think it is a good story to watch during Easter time because I can reflect upon it and think about not only the love of the father of one child in the story, or even the love of my own father for all eight of us, but I can also begin to stretch my imagination enough to think about the love our God has for all of us as adopted sons and daughters. Each and every one of us, no matter who we are, or how we fit in, or what our problems are, or even how much we mess up in our lives, is infinitely loved by God.
My Dad raised eight children, losing his wife along the way to a terrible illness, and he never gave up. He always trusted in God and he persevered, even when things were very difficult. He not only survived raising all eight of us but he also went on to experience tremendous new life in his long marriage to Nancy. My Dad is full of joy and he is a guy who likes movies like “Martian Child”! I think my Dad is the way he is because he knows what it means to be a Catholic. He knows what it means to see beyond the faults and failings of his children and others and believe that there is true goodness in spite of what can be seen in the moment. He knows the experience of suffering and death in his life but he also knows this is never the end. My Dad has lived with Easter hope and the promise that new life will come.
See “Martian Child,” if you have the chance during this Easter season. But even if you don’t, spend some time thinking about a parent or a friend or a child who has really loved you in your life. And then multiply that experience by as many times as you can and try to imagine the perfect love God has for us. The all-encompassing, forever reaching, always forgiving, the arms-wide-open-to-embrace-you love that never ends. The Lover who says that even eight children are not enough! For I AM for all of my children, countless as they are, throughout the centuries. This Love has power over death and this is the Love that promises us new life. It is this Love we celebrate at Easter. Imagine the love that God has for you and for every one of us – and smile, sing Alleluia, maybe watch a good movie over Easter time, but most of all, touch the lives of others with that same love.
Dr. Mary, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Parish News
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
Jerry Cote!
One of our candidates, Jerry Cote, completed his Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil when he received Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Jerry has already become an active member of Mary Queen and many of you probably already know him! Jerry’s faith journey was sparked by a question his son asked him....and Jerry responded! Ask Jerry about his story. You will be inspired!
FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY
Sunday, April 13th
This month’s Fellowship Sunday will be held on April 13th.. All are encouraged to attend our 10:30 a.m. Liturgy and join us in Barrett Hall for fellowship with our parishioners. We are looking forward to a large turnout and would appreciate any donations of appetizers and homemade goodies. Please give Sheila Reiter (833-6657) or Mary White (833-9809) a call if you would like to donate food or help with serving for this special occasion.
ANOINTING MASS
Saturday, April 12th, 11:00 a.m.
All persons who are ill, handicapped, elderly or in need of this special blessing are invited and encouraged to attend. Rides and assistance will be provided to anyone who has a need. Please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements for someone to either drive you or assist you when you arrive for Mass. A light luncheon will be served in Barrett Hall immediately after Mass for all who attend.
Please call the parish house (279-5700) and let Sr. Marlene know if you will be attending so that we can have an idea of how many people to expect at Church and for the luncheon. For more information, please contact Sheila Reiter at 833-6657.
BILINGUAL Missalette
Beginning this weekend our missalettes will be available in a bilingual version. Our Peace and Justice Committee has been encouraging us to be better aware of immigration here in the United States. Please join us in support of our rich diversity.
A Vocation View
It is only through people like you that others will be able to say: “We have seen the Lord.” With the
resurrection to empower you and with Jesus to lure you, you too can
inspire others who have not seen to believe.
Little Rock Scripture Study
The next Scripture Study offering by the Adult Ed and Spirituality Committee will be the Book of Wisdom. We will be studying the importance, background, and composition of this Old Testament Book. Was this book actually written by Solomon? Can the Wisdom of the Old Testament be relevant in our lives today? Come and help us find the answers to these and many more interesting questions that await us in this new study.
Sign-up Weekends will be April 5/6 and April 12/13, 2008. The study will begin the week of April 28, 2008 and continue through the week of June 2, 2008.
If you are interested in becoming a facilitator please contact one of the committee members or the Parish office. You will be given training and materials to help you in your groups. Our final leader meeting for all facilitators, new or returning, will be Sunday, April 27, 2008. More information will be forthcoming.
Study materials will be available for purchase on the sign-up weekends for $12.00 and scholarships are available by contacting Dr. Mary Foley.
Lynn Suwanski, 630-530-2523, Alex & Marie Grozik 630-530-0503, Parish Office 630-279-5700.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
WAY TO A TRULY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!!! …Adoration helps people to be more personally involved with Christ because it makes the Eucharist more central in the lives of people. By spending time with Jesus in the Eucharist, one is able to establish a truly personal relationship with Him.
(Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament)
During this Easter season when the night of the institution of the Holy Eucharist is still fresh in our memories, for those who haven’t had the opportunity, 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 7, 2008 from 9 AM to 7 PM. Spend time in quiet memorized prayer, meditative prayer, reading the scriptures, etc.. 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, especially the 6 PM hour. Please see the large sign-up poster in the back of church.
Christian Education Commission
Religious Education News
Thank you to Debbie Conroy and her entire 7th grade staff and of course to all of the 7th graders for leading us in prayer this past Good Friday. The Living Stations were wonderful.
Are you being called to be a catechist?
Every year there are catechists who cannot return for one reason or another. This year will be no different. 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. Our more than 75 volunteer catechists, assistants, office helpers, etc. etc. are the backbone of our RE program. Please consider joining them. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Mark your calendar:
Wednesday, April 2nd No Class – Spring Break
Wednesday, April 9th RE Classes Resume
Christian Sexuality Video for all Grade 8 students and their parents in Barrett Hall..
There is no 5:15PM Gr. 8 class. Both sessions attend at the same time; 7:00PM.
Sat., April 12th Second Grade First Communion Retreat
Morning 9-11AM in the Social Hall and classrooms of the school building.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN PRESCHOOL
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Please call the Preschool for information. Become a part of our growing school. Schedule a visit, meet the teacher, come “Light the Way” with us.
The Preschool is accepting Registration for the 2008-2009 school year. We have opened up a second classroom for the Monday, Wednesday, Friday class and look forward to being able to serve your child and your family for the 2008-2009 school year. We are offering Open Houses for those interested in visiting our classroom.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Monday, April 14, 2008 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and contact the school office for more information and registration. (630) 833-9500
Preschool tours scheduled upon request.
The Divine Feminine: Wisdom/Sophia
As part of a year-long celebration of Women in the Church/Bible, the Adult Education and Spirituality Committee is proud to present Sister Mary Southard, who will discuss the Divine Feminine: Wisdom/Sophia. The presentation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 in Barrett Hall. All interested men and women are invited. For further information, contact the Church office at 630-279-5700.
YOUTH GROUP INFO
DESTINY high school group
join us this summer for
YLC - youth leadership conference.
June 27-29
Lewis University, Romeoville
deadline to apply is March 31st
incoming Freshman for 2008 can also go
call Kathleen Gusloff if you are interested
630-832-4348
Christian Service Commission
CATHOLIC CONSTRUCTION CORPS TRIPS
Remember when Fr. Fragomeni challenged MQH parishioners to GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! Fr. Fragomeni issued that challenge during a mission at our parish a year ago in February 2007.
On Monday, 3-31-08 at 7:30 pm in Barrett Hall you will have an opportunity to learn how you can GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Bruce Carlson and his wife, Karen, will share their experiences by participating in the diocesan Catholic Construction Corps projects. Bruce is coordinator of these CCC projects in various countries and places in the USA.
This meeting is an opportunity for both women and men and older teen-agers to:
(1.) LEARN about the work of the CCC.
(2.) CONSIDER the CCC as an opportunity to put into practice Jesus’ teachings about our obligation to help those that need help.
(3.) TRANSLATE our skills (however meager) into helping those in need.
Before you or your wife claim that you have NO construction skills, you need to know that THAT excuse will not fly.
The CCC has arranged for many groups to help rebuild communities, especially after natural disasters. This meeting is sponsored by the MQH Peace and Justice Committee.
Christian Worship Commission
To pray for our sick is an important privilege of our parish family. Please call 630-279-5700 to have a name added to our list. A new listing will appear in bold face. When calling the parish office, please leave contact information and your relationship to the person. Names will remain on the prayer list for four weeks. Contact the parish office to renew the individual’s name on our prayer list. We hope that you will pray for these persons every day.
Margaret Barone Jim Brankin
Katherine Brennan John Brennan
Pam Bondfide Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante
Cosmore Ciancio Dennis Ciancio
George Cibula Paul Cirone
Ida Corriedo Cynthia Catalano Family
Deacon Bob Delbeke Trudi Dolato
Baby Dobrowolski Virginia Feret
Cecilia Garstki Helena Giryn
Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel
Bob Hummell Jen Huwalt
Tom Huwalt Alan Jacob
Alice Jacob Maureen James
Richard Jones Kathy Johnston
Sr. Emmanuel Kattner, OSF Irene Kmieciak
Anne Kostas John Larkin
Baby Emma Lynde Marie Mangano
Robert Manion Mary Martin
Dennis McCabe Mary Piszczor
Jennie Milazzo Raymond Mitchell
Fred Moss Baby Faith Reid
Robert Restivo Vera Rossiano
Patricia Sabel Vi Sabel
Joaquina Scroppo Joan Skimina
Jess Smith Steve Snyder
Patricia Sullivan Rachael Thompson
Richard Vanni
Rest in Peace
Frank Feola
Mary Margaret McCall
John McGovern, Sr.
Kathryn Taylor (mother of Kathryn Heatherly)
Hazel Woods (mother-in-law of Mary Ann Woods)
Diocesan News
Prayer for vocations
This year's celebration of vocations around the world, WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS, is April 13, 2008.
Community News
LIVING WORD RETREAT
“What is your heart song?”
The Sisters of the Living Word are hosting a retreat day for young adult women on April 12, 2008 in Arlington Heights, IL. The retreat is intended for any single woman, age 18-40, who wants to experience the spirituality and passion for mission that characterize the Sisters of the Living Word. The day will provide guidance in spiritual growth, prayer, and faith sharing, as well as an invitation to greater service of others in need.
There is no fee for this retreat, but advance registration is required. For the upcoming retreat in Arlington Heights, registration is required by April 7, 2008.
For more information about this retreat or to register, contact:
Sister Barbara Mass, SLW
Office of New Membership
800 N. Fernandez-B
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847)577-5972
connect@slw.org
DIVINE MERCY
Visitation Parish
779 S. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL
Invites you to receive the extraordinary graces of Jesus’ Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday.
(March 30, 2008)
1:30 P.M.
Confession (5 priests);
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament;
3:00 P.M.
Blessing and veneration of the Image of The Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy explained
Divine Mercy Stations of the Cross; Divine Mercy Chaplet;
Blessing with the Relic of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska;
Benediction,
Procession and enthronement of the
Image of The Divine Mercy in the Adoration Chapel
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
will NOT be celebrated during
the afternoon service.
All are Welcome!
Your dining out and your checking account can help the parish!
Parishioners who dine at the Elmhurst Family Restaurant on Lake Street can help contribute to the parish. Just identify yourselves as being from Mary Queen of Heaven and 10% of your restaurant bill comes back to the parish.
Also, parishioners who open a new checking account with $100 at Standard Bank and Trust in Villa Park will receive $75 from the bank and another $75 will come to the parish. For details, please contact parishioner and banker Karen Biggs at (708) 499-2062, ext. 61115.
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Ministry Schedule |
Saturday, April 5, 2008 - |
Sunday, April 6, 2008 |
|
|
|
5:00 PM |
8:30 AM |
10:30 AM |
|
Lector |
R. Styka |
R. Villamil |
T. Kowalski |
|
Eucharistic Ministers |
Dr. M. Foley K. Passarelli (S) K. Diggins (C) H. Todd M. Reed |
Dr. M. Foley T. Nanak (S) D. StaRosa (C) D. Bernstein J. Unger |
Dr. M. Foley P. Twardowski (S) B. Fazzio (C) K. Gusloff P. Mason J. Eichorst |
|
Altar Servers |
M. Jankovec J. Alonso |
M. Nosek V. Maple |
J. Drake M. Japczyk |
.
mass intentions for the week
Sunday, March 30, 2008
8:30 AM People of the Parish
10:30 AM + Johanna Mesner
Monday, March 31 2008
8:30 AM People of the Parish
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
8:30 AM Communion Service
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
8:30 AM People of the Parish
Thursday, April 3, 2008
8:30 AM Communion Service
Friday, April 4, 2008
8:30 AM People of the Parish
Saturday, April 5, 2008
8:30 AM Communion Service
5:00 PM People of the Parish
Sunday, April 6, 2008
8:30 AM + Dan Gillespe
10:30 AM + Loretta Mazgay
+ indicates person is deceased
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Divine Mercy Sunday
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
- Jn 20:27-29
Readings for the Week of March 30, 2008
Sunday: Acts 2:42-47/1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31
Monday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10/Heb 10:4-10/Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37/Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26/Jn 3:16-21
Thursday: Acts 5:27-33/Jn 3:31-36
Friday: Acts 5:34-42/Jn 6:1-15
Saturday: Acts 6:1-7/Jn 6:16-21
Next Sunday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/1 Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35
CHURCH SUPPORT
Easter Collection will be posted in two weeks on April 13, 2008
Thank you for your support.
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 call 866-PARISH-1 for further information.
“God loves a cheerful giver”