Dear Friends,
In today's first reading, we heard the story of God calling Abram to leave his familiar home and travel to a land he had never seen. God promises that Abram will be blessed and Abram went as the Lord directed him. Abram was a man of remarkable faith.
Whenever I hear this story, I remember something that happened in my own life about 15 years ago. I was a theology student and was getting ready to do a parish internship. I had made arrangements with the pastor and was due to start in about one week. On this particular afternoon, I was home in my kitchen, washing my dishes. I started thinking over what I was about to do.
For some reason, I had been moved to do this internship in a parish in the inner city of Chicago. As I stood at the sink washing dishes, lots of things starting going through my mind. While the pastor had agreed for me to do my internship there, I knew no one at this parish. No one at all. It was an African- American parish and I did not know the culture well. What if nobody talked to me? How would I learn? Was I making a mistake? Then, I started wondering if I would even be safe driving through some of the neighborhoods. All of a sudden, with the wet dishcloth in my hand, I slapped my hand down on the counter and said - our loud to myself - "You must be crazy!"
Just then, something very mysterious happened, which I could not fully explain to you. It was as if I felt a presence just behind me at my shoulder, and someone saying to me, "If you know that God is calling you there, then go and do not be afraid." I turned, but there was no one in the room but me.
Now, I am not prone to mystical experiences, but I think that this was one. I do not know where the words came from, but I thought about Abraham - once Abram - who was called by God to go to a place he did not know. There was never any question that I felt called by God to go to that parish, though for what reason I did not know. When this event happened in my kitchen and my thoughts went to Abraham, I gained the courage I needed to make the journey.
In the end, in being faithful to where God was leading me, I was richly blessed. In that parish, I learned to pray in a way that was deeper, more free and open than I had ever known. I had wonderful teachers who taught me about African-American history and the Black Catholic Church. I had the privilege of serving the holy people of God in a community of faith that was poor in the eyes of the world but rich in the gifts of the Spirit. It was an experience that forever changed my life. And, by the way - I ended up not only serving my internship there but revisiting that parish for years. My travel was always safe, and I realized how I also had to overcome fear and prejudice that had affected me in subtle ways.
Why do I share this story with you? I think that the story of Abram in today's first reading is meant for all of us. When God called Abram to travel into the unknown, Abram responded to God with great trust and faith. We are invited to do the same.
God is always close to us, as close as standing at our shoulder. However, we are not always open to hear God calling to us. All of the fears and concerns of our lives can get in the way. Or, we become accustomed to listening in only one way, not realizing that there are all different ways in which God speaks to us - through scripture, through our life experience, through the words of another, through prayer, through words imprinted into our very being - even while standing at our kitchen sink.
We are presently celebrating the season of Lent, a time for conversion of heart through really listening to the Lord. How is it that God is calling us to change? How is it that God is calling us to be people of faith? Where is it that God is calling each of us to travel on our journey of faith? During this Lenten season, we have also begun our Parish Stewardship Campaign. How is it that God is calling us to give of our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of others?
Let us all spend these weeks as a community of faith, and as individual disciples, seeking a word from the Lord. And when you learn what it is that God is calling you to do in your life, let me share with you something I learned a long time ago. If you know that God is calling you - even if it is to something new and unfamiliar - then go, and do not be afraid. Remember the story of Abram. Trust God. You will surely be blessed.
- Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Community Conversations
Let Your Voice Be Heard
The Elmhurst Senior Citizens Commission introduces
Community Conversations. This informal setting provides a forum
for seniors living in Elmhurst to celebrate systems already in
place, as well as provide a voice for concerns and opinions that
directly effect aging well in the Elmhurst community. Topics
will focus on diverse subjects such as housing options, senior
services and healthcare.
Please join us for the first of a series of three Community
Conversations on Monday, February 21, at Immaculate Conception
Church, at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The topic will be "Aging in
Place." Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited.
Please RSVP to Carol Yesko at 630-530-3497.
The 2nd Community Conversations will be held at First
Congregational United Church of Christ, March 15 from 9:30 to
11:30 a.m., entitled "Choices." The 3rd Community Conversation
will be held at First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, April
12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., entitled "A Look at Elmhurst."
Questions concerning the Community Conversations may be
directed to Commissioners Cathy Raymond at 630-306-9745 or
Melissa Cheek at 630-336-0774.
St. Alexander Parish Mission
You are invited to join St. Alexander Parish in their
annual Parish Mission on February 20, 21 and 22 in St. Alexander
Church, 300 S. Cornell in Villa Park. The services begin at 7:00
p.m. on Sunday and at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. John
Donahue Grossman will speak on "Feeding the Hungers of Our
Lives."
Mr. Grossman has been involved in parish ministry and
Catholic education in the Chicago and Rockford areas for almost
two decades and is known for speaking to people where they are in
their life journey.
For more information call: 630-833-7730.
Host Families Sought for
Children of Northern Ireland
The Irish Children's Fund is seeking host families to
welcome children from the troubled areas of Northern Ireland into
their homes during the summer of 2005. This will be the 24th
summer that the ICF has brought an equal number of Catholic and
Protestant children to the Chicago area. During their visit, the
children will participate in activities designed to foster the
spirit of cooperation and friendship, breaking the barriers of
mistrust they have been brought up with.
Upon returning to Northern Ireland, the children have a
follow-up program available to them through which they can
continue to come together in ICF-sponsored activities and
maintain the friendships formed in the United States.
For additional information, call 630-833-1910.
Youth Groups Reminder
Meeting Dates: Feb. 27, and March 13
(We have only one designated meeting in March
due to Easter and Spring break.)
Wings to Heaven 5th-8th grade,
6:00-8:00 PM, Barrett Hall.
Destiny-High school
8:30-10:10 AM, School Building
The Holy Father's General Mission
Intention for February:
That the sick, and especially the poorest of them,
may receive the care and medical treatment
worthy of human beings.
MQH Help Opportunities
For Parishioners
Parishioners may submit ads to appear in the bulletin to
MQHBulletin@aol.com for approval by the Pastoral Life
Coordinator. No ads will be accepted for real estate or by those
offering child care services (although those looking for child
care providers may place an ad and screen candidates themselves).
The parish accepts no responsibility for goods or services
offered. The ads are a free service to parishioners.
* Retired Man Needed. Part-time help needed for Lombard office
maintenance, 2-3 mornings per week (no weekends). Person
would work in conjunction with current maintenance man.
Mechanical skills required. Call John at Catholic Charities
for more information 630-495-8008, ext 41.
* Lynn Suwanski, who works for an Elmhurst Memorial Hospital
physician hospital organization, occasionally hears of
openings for positions in physician offices in the Elmhurst
area. If you would like to give her your name and phone
number in case she finds out there is a need, she will contact
you. Please call her at work 630-833-8200 ext. 73714, or home
630-530-2523, and be able to provide a resume.
Parish News
"Gather Books"
You may have noticed that our "Gather" books are looking
tattered and many of them have been lost. A new edition is now
available. The cost for each hardcover book, engraved with our
parish name, is $15.
Replacing our books would be quite an expense to the
parish, so we thought perhaps our parishioners would like to
donate a book. Every book donated will have a donor bookplate
with the words, "Gift Of" and your family name, or inscribed with
the words "In Memory Of." These books are an important part of
our liturgies.
We hope to provide four "Gather" books at each end of our
pews (8 per pew). There are forms available in the church
vestibule. Please return the form with your check made out to
Mary Queen of Heaven. Thank you for your generous contributions
to our thriving parish.
Christian Service Commission
Fellowship Sunday Today
February 20, after the 10:15 a.m. Mass,
Members of our Parish Pastoral Council will be the hosts.
Please join us for this very special fellowship in Barrett Hall
where we will be welcoming new parishioners to our community and
celebrating the grand opening of our new parish library.
Christian Education Commission
Christian Worship Commission
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, alone or as a family. Thank you.
Pam Bondfide Heather Marie Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Rose Caffarelli
Kathy Calzante Jim Clynch
Jenie Colletti Trudi Dolato
John Doyle Jeannette Elderkin
Dan Focht Paul Francetic
Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt
Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Irene Kmieciak Baby Emma Ann Lynde
Nancy Maloney Robert Manion
Bobbi Nannini Stephanie Shostok
Jeff Smith Joe Tinnerello
Tyler Vincer
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.
Rest in Peace
Alejandro Villamil
Bible Study Sign-up
Begins in 4 Weeks
On March 5 & 6, after every Mass, a 15-minute video with
information about the Bible Study Program will be shown in
Barrett Hall. Informational pamphlets will also be available, and
questions will be answered, and there will be an opportunity for
advanced sign-up.
Advanced sign-up for Bible study groups will be on March 12
& 13 after every Mass. The group meeting days and times will be
available, and each participant will select a group that meets at
a time on a day of the week that is convenient.
There will be a $10 charge per participant for study
materials (collected at the first group meeting). However, cost
should not discourage anyone who wishes to participate from doing
so.
The first group meetings will be during the week of April
3, and the groups will continue until the first week in June.
For information, please contact Lynn Suwanski at 530-2523.
The MQH Adult Education and Spirituality Committee
invites you to explore
40 Years of Catholic Tradition
The Faithful Revolution: Vatican II
Session Two: Inspired Awakening
In our second session a new pope, Paul VI, is elected who
keeps "perfect continuity" with his predecessor as the "prophet
of worldwide unity." For the first time, the Roman Catholic
Church begins to examine and discuss the changing role of women
in both the Church and society. (Inviting women to the council
was considered by some an "inspired awakening.") The entire
Christian community is permeated with a great hope for unity, and
discussion focuses on three major areas: liturgy, laity, and
ecumenism.
Please join us for this hour-long video presentation
followed by discussion and fellowship hosted by the MQH Parish
Council on Tuesday, February 22, in Barrett Hall at 7:00 P.M.
For information, contact Dick Reed at 834-4840.
Religious Education News
Mark Your Calendars
Bishop Schlarman will be here to talk to our 8th grade
Confirmation candidates, their parents and sponsors on Wednesday,
February 23, at 7:00 PM in Barrett Hall. We are delighted that
Bishop Schlarman will be here since he will be the presider at
our Confirmation celebration on April 23. It is our hope that
all of our parents and all of our local sponsors will be here
with their candidates Please let us know if for some reason you
cannot attend.
It's Not Too Early To Start
Thinking of Being a Catechist
This is the perfect time to start thinking if you are being
called to be a catechist in our Religious Education Program next
school year. It's also a great time to come by on a Wednesday
and see what goes on after the children arrive. The only
qualification is that you love children and you want to share
your faith with them. Everything else is provided. With our
enrollment nearing the 500 mark, the need for catechists is even
greater. If you thought about it or know someone who is
interested, call the office for details.
Reminder to all Parents
Continue to ask your children to be extra careful when
crossing the parking lot, walking on the sidewalks, etc. We ask
that you be extra careful as well when driving in and out of the
parking lot. Winter is still with us and that means the outside
surfaces can be slippery. Please help us keep our children safe.
St. Patrick's Day Party
The Men's Group is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Party in
Barrett Hall from 7:00 p.m. until Midnight on Saturday, March 19.
The admission price of $25 per adult (over 21) will include a
catered buffet dinner, beverages, musical entertainment and a few
surprises. Admission will be on a first-come, first-serve basis
(120 people maximum), so get your tickets now! For admission
ticket information, contact Ray Schneider at 834-5604 or Mark
Connelly at 782-7626
Council of Catholic Women
"Woman of the Year" Nominations
Nominations for Mary Queen of Heaven C.C.W. "Woman of the
Year" will be held the weekend of March 5-6. Nomination slips
will be distributed in the pews. Ladies of the parish will be
asked to nominate a woman they feel leads a life of faith and
love and has given generously of her time and talent to the
various ministries and organizations in our parish. They will be
asked to give a reason why they feel she should be chosen. The
election for the "Woman of the Year" will then be held the
weekend of March 12-13. The lady chosen will be invited to
attend the 27th Annual Woman of the Year Mass and Luncheon on
Saturday, April 23, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, and will be
honored in June in our parish. Please pray and think about this
and be prepared to make your nomination on March 5-6.
Stations of the Cross
Friday, Feb. 25, at 7:00 PM in Church
Lenten Project:
For the past several years we have collected Easter basket
"fixings" for the children of Marillac House. This year on all
the Wednesdays of Lent there will be a "Basket" in the hall of
school. The need is for Easter candy, small plush animals, toys,
anything that one can put into a basket. Your generosity will
make the children who live on Chicago's West Side just a little
happier on Easter morning. Thank you in advance.
If you have any questions or need more information, please
call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Christian Service Commission
St. Vincent de Paul
Our monthly St. Vincent de Paul meeting will be held on
Thursday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. in Mary's Gathering Space.
All who are interested in working with this ministry are invited
to attend. For more information, please call Sheila Reiter at
833-6657.
January Celebrations
We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the
following who was baptized in January:
Kevin Richard Butzen
Diocesan News
L.O.S.S. Support Group
(Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Through the collaboration of Catholic Charities (from the
Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet), support groups
are in place for anyone who has lost a relative or friend to
suicide. A trained facilitator and a mental health professional
assist these groups. The groups meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on
either the third Wednesday or the fourth Tuesday of the month.
The next meeting dates are as follows:
Feb. 22 St. Daniel the Prophet Parish Center
101 West Loop Drive in Wheaton
For further information, please call the L.O.S.S. Program Center
at 312-655-7283.
M.O.M.S.
M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) is a social
organization that provides an opportunity for mothers of young
children to meet other mothers. It is a time to relax over
coffee and snacks while learning and discussing issues of
interest.
There are no membership fees, nor are there any
requirements to join the group. On Thursday, February 24, from
9:00 to 11:00 a.m., M.O.M.S. will have its meeting in Msgr.
Plunkett Hall, lower level of the Immaculate Conception chapel.
Join us to discuss your parenting concerns with licensed
clinical psychologist Jo Macariola, Psy.D. Dr. Macariola is an IC
parishioner who practices in Elmhurst and specializes in
children, adolescents, and parenting. Come prepared in advance
with your topics of interest, as our speaker will talk generally
for a few minutes, and then spend time fielding and addressing
your specific questions. Babysitting is provided for a nominal
fee.
For more information call Jean Lawrence at 630-832-0575 or
Melanie Schneider at 630-782-0868. Also, please visit the
M.O.M.S. calendar at http://calendar.yahoo.com/icmom for updates.
A Vocation View
The Lord called Abram to go forth to a new land and begin a
new nation. There's no telling what we can become by responding
to the Lord's invitation to us.
Yoga Class
A new class starts Wednesday, February 23
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 4 nights
4 classes, $16 per person or
4 classes, $24 per family (teenagers and adults)
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen of Heaven.
Call Debbie at 941-7224.
Required: Please bring a non-slip yoga mat.
Thanks to all who participated in last Saturday's
Family Mass. Our next family mass will be
Sunday, March 13, at 8:30 a.m.