Dear Friends,
This weekend, we celebrate First Communion (for 42 of our children) and Mother's Day. I found myself wondering how it is that these two events come together so often in many parishes. I do know there is no official theological argument or church rule about this, since Mother's Day is a secular holiday! Still, there must be connections that people make in their hearts (besides Moms being happy to see their children all dressed up!) for the practice to have continued for so long. Since we will all be thinking about mothers this weekend, I thought that I would share with you some personal reflections about my own mother in connection to the Eucharist.
I should begin by telling you that my own mother died 25 years ago, when she was of an age younger than I am now. My mother was ill for many years prior to her death. Many of her physical problems related to worsening and irreversible kidney damage. This traced back to the second of eight Cesarean sections, when she received a blood transfusion of the wrong type. Probably from the time of my junior-high years on, my Mom's health problems began to seriously impact family life. As the oldest of 8 kids, I always felt fortunate that I had more time with her while she was still in good health, although I've always been sad that my youngest siblings did not.
Having said this, however, even in the best of times, it was not always easy to have my mother for a Mom. She was different. Sometimes, I just wanted her to be like other Moms who would go to PTA meetings and bake cookies. While she did those things sometimes, she also did other things that made me very uncomfortable because I wanted my Mom to be like everybody else's and she wasn't.
I remember her taking me to meetings in church basements where people listened to political candidates as the FBI took pictures of those gathered. We went to civil rights marches that she was involved in, and during junior high, all eight kids were piled in the station wagon to drive to Washington, D.C., where we marched for peace in front of the White House during the Vietnam War. Also in junior high, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed and people were burned out of their homes in rioting that took place in the city, my parents brought a black single mother with her kids to live with us until she could get back on her feet. Her children were enrolled in the Catholic grammar school we attended. I remember the evening I heard the pastor tell my father that "those kids" would have to be taken out of the school, because some people were withholding money from the Sunday collection. I just wanted to be a kid with normal parents, especially a normal Mom (since, in my opinion, she was always the one who seemed to be the instigator of such unusual activities).
Now, many years later, I am quite sure that it was my mother who most nurtured my faith as a Catholic. While I failed to fully appreciate this as a child, I now know that she taught me, more than anyone else has ever done, the importance of living out what Jesus teaches in the Gospel with our lives. My Dad taught me, too, from the care and compassion he shared with those he served as a physician. But I learned from my mother the important lesson that sometimes following Jesus will make you different. People will not like you and you will suffer, but ultimately, beauty and life will come from this.
So, what connections can I make between reflections on my mother and the Eucharist? I remember once, about 20 years ago, finding my mother's old missal. In it, at the moment of consecration, there was a recommended prayer from the words of St. Thomas: "My Lord and my God." Ever since I read this in my mother's missal, I have made this same response at each celebration of the Eucharist, adding something of my own. My internal prayer since that time has been, "My Lord and my God; my Mother and my God."
I'm sure this might sound a bit strange to some of you, and truthfully, I have never spoken to anyone about this before, never articulated for anyone the reasons for my prayer. I believe it is because through my mother's life, I came to understand more deeply what it meant for Jesus' body to be broken in order to bring new life to others. I believe that it was through my mother's life that I learned there is both the masculine and the feminine in the divine life of God.
Perhaps on this weekend that we celebrate both the First Communion of our children and Mother's Day, we can all spend time reflecting on women in our lives who handed down the faith we carry. Perhaps, too, we can all spend some prayerful time reflecting on the importance of the Eucharist in our Catholic tradition and in our practice of the faith, so that our children will continue to learn from us what it means to live the Gospel with our lives.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
2005 First Communicants Congratulations to all those who received Eucharist for the first time today. Maxine Adams* Ashley Antony William Bergheger Matthew Bourke Alison Brodt* Kole Caskey* Megan Cavanaugh Sara Chlopecki Samuel Craggs Samuel Espinoza Brandon Fuchsen* Matthew Gamperl Ethan Holman Cody Koczor Alison Martino* Keeley McManus Michael Mirretti* Evan O'Brien Elizabeth Pronove Matthew Sabatini Audrey Schneider* Jonathan Senese Summer Smith Katelyn Thurnall Hannah Wahlgren Bailey Waldherr Wyatt Wilkinson Morgan Alexander Margaret Banas Jessica Bonilla Michael Brazeau Thomas Callahan Kyler Caskey* Laurel Chamberlin William Conroy Matthew Dufort Callie Fitzgerald Jorge Gamboa Briana Hernandez Zachary Johnson Nicholas Martinez Martin McDonough Mitchell Miner* Joseph Nosek Lilianna Peluso Colin Rhea Hannah Sasanelli* Melissa Sciabica Brandon Shepherd* Ariana Solis Frank Turk Alex Waldherr Breanna Wallace *Celebrated First Communion on May 1, 2005 Christian Education Commission 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. * Hard-working, cheerful, female college graduate (non-smoking) from Peoria, Illinois is seeking summer housing in Elmhurst with Christian family in exchange for small monthly room and board payment. She will be interning in an Oak Brook office from late May to mid-August. If you are interested, please contact MQH parishioner Elizabeth Dierksheide 993-1931. Thank you for considering opening your home to this outstanding young lady. * Portable Dining Table Top Enlarger. Made to be placed on top of a regular dining table, felt backing comes in 2 sections & folds for easy storage. Opened size 72" long 48" wide. Seats 8. Price $40. Please call Barb 630-530-2016. * Elmhurst Cleaners needs High School Student to work afternoon and Saturdays. Call 530-2775 or come in at 125 Hahn Street. 2005 Diocesan Annual Appeal Diocese of Joliet Living our Faith All of us share in the life of the Diocese of Joliet. We are many people, but one Church. If you have not made a gift to the Annual Appeal, please do so today. Your gift will touch many lives. Thank you Please return pledge cards to the parish for forwarding to the diocese. By doing this, all pledges will be recorded and everyone will receive proper acknowledgement. Society of St. Vincent de Paul The St. Vincent de Paul Society is looking for volunteers to help parishioners who have recently been released from the hospital, are elderly and no longer drive, have doctors' appointments, need medicine picked up, or other circumstances which require transportation. Do you have a few hours now and then to help out? If so, we certainly welcome your assistance. If you would like to volunteer, please call Sheila Reiter at 833-6657. We will use the utmost discretion when you are called to help a fellow parishioners. Thank you for considering volunteering. We can assure you that the benefits you receive from helping will be most rewarding. Is the Catholic Church Conservative or Liberal? Overcoming the Great Divide Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m. in Barrett Hall An Advanced Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching By Msgr. Stuart Swetland Sponsored by MQH Peace and Justice Ministry Exceptional People Touch Our Lives Two Movies to be shown at MQH In the weeks after Easter in the RCIA we seek to continue to deepen our understanding of the Paschal Mystery. Part of our responsibility as Eucharistic People is to serve others as Jesus did. This month we will show movies depicting the lives of two modern-day saints: Archbishop Oscar Romero and Dorothy Day. The Archbishop Oscar Romero movie will be on Wed, May 11. It is the life story of his powerful courage against social injustice in his native El Salvador. The Dorothy Day movie, called "Entertaining Angels," will be on Wed., May 25. It walks us through a day in New York City where all people are treated as angels. Each movie is rated PG-13 and tells of courage and commitment to the Gospel way of life. They will be shown at 7:30 sharp in the Social Hall. All are welcome. Each movie will be followed by discussion as time allows. Parish News What kind of people make up our catechetical staff? This week we focus on Marie McCall. Marie and her husband are the proud parents of 2 high school aged children. She has been involved in our RE program preparing our 2nd graders for First Communion for the past two years. She is a very busy woman, so how does she find the time? Read her words below: "Becoming a catechist was not a decision I made easily. I remember wondering 'how would I find the time?' Running a household and a business are two full time jobs ... so how could I possibly handle the time commitment teaching would require? That was two years ago. Since joining the ranks of the volunteer teachers, I have been blessed with the opportunity to "give back" to my church community. Just as my own children have reaped the rewards of being a part of the Destiny Youth Group led by two phenomenal role models, I had an opportunity to share my enthusiasm for my faith with young children. Each week I find myself wondering who learned more...the children or me? The kids are very engaging, interested to learn and eager to share. The lessons proved easy to teach. My partner teachers and I have been able to accommodate each other's schedules when conflicts arise. Somehow, all of my concerns got answered. I have just committed to teach for my third year. As I did so, I asked myself, 'So, how difficult was that decision to become a catechist?'" Religious Education News RE Registrations Registrations for the 2005-2006 RE year have been mailed. If you did not receive a registration or know of someone who did not, please call the office. Remember all families must register every year. It is not necessary to include a check with your form at this time. But it is important to get your registration in before June 1. Classes are filling up fast. Help Needed in the 2005-2006 Term If you have ever thought that sharing your faith with the young people of our parish might be where the Lord is calling you, you are probably right. If you think you would like to find out more about being involved in our Parish RE program, call the REO. Congratulations to all of our second graders who have celebrated their First Eucharist this past Sunday and Saturday. You will find their names listed in this bulletin. If you have questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Diocesan News 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 Paul Cirone Peggy Delbeke Trudi Dolato John Doyle Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes Maureen James Tom Janicke Albert P. Kabat Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn Baby Emma Ann Lynde Nancy Maloney Robert Manion Bobbi Nannini Vincent Scilluffo Eileen Shea Jeff Smith Joe Tinnerello Tyler Vincer Cathy Ward Rest in Peace Raymond Glorioso Loretta Mazgaj 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. Bereavement Ministry Calls for Empathetic Listeners * Could God is calling you to new possibilities in the Bereavement Ministry? * Do you have a patient heart that can hear the needs of another? * Do have a sensitive mind that can listen between the lines in helping to prepare a meaningful funeral liturgy? * Do you have a humble spirit that can be present to another without needing to "solve" another's problems? * Do you have a deep respect for the story of another with the ability to listen without needing to tell your own story? * Do you have a loving trust that God is present with you and the grieving family as you walk together? * Do you have a sense of your own needs and limitations? If you feel comfortable reading the items on this list then you may want to consider joining the Bereavement Ministry; a ministry of compassionate journeying with another. At Mary Queen of Heaven when a family experiences the death of one of its members, a Bereavement Minister will spend some time with the family getting to "know" the one who has died by listening to the sharing of the family story. The Bereavement Minister may do some follow up with families such as a call, a card, or a visit. Our diocese holds training and certification classes regularly that you would be asked to attend and the Bereavement Ministers of Mary Queen meet once each month to share stories, to pray for those who have died and to plan for the celebration of All Soul's Day Mass on November 2. If you are interested please call our Bereavement Coordinator, Mary Alice Steck at 279-1159. MQH Auction/Dinner Dance Friday, October 7, 2005 Watch for more information in future bulletins. A Vocation View Never ask a child "What are you going to be when you grow up. Rather, ask "How do you want to serve others when you grow up?" American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Friday, June 17-Saturday, June 18 The Relay is an overnight family event where everyone can help our communities contribute to the fight against cancer. Our relay For Life-of Elmhurst, Lombard and Villa Park-is a community-sponsored event designed to honor loved ones, celebrate cancer survivors and raise money to support our survivors and future research. It offers everyone a fun opportunity to help with the fight for a cure. While the Relay is in progress, team members stroll around the track @ York HS enjoying entertainment, live bands, food, games and camaraderie while honoring cancer survivors. It's unforgettable! The teams are set as the event gets closer. There are many behind-the-scene helpers needed to coordinate such an event for a record-breaking 165 teams. Whether you are an individual or part of a club/organization who can spare some time...or a leader of youth groups looking for service hours...have we got jobs for you. No matter what age, there is a job for everyone. Please consider volunteering for this inspiring event-you will be glad you did! Please contact Marybeth Lawshe @ 630/941-7424 or email Lawshe5aol.com subject-Relay. MQH Peace & Social Justice Ministry You may have never even considered joining the MQH Peace and Social Justice committee. However, now is your chance to consider that possibility. You are invited to attend (not necessarily become a member) the P & SJ meeting this coming Thursday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Parish Office. Come and see what we are about. This new ministry at MQH is "off and running," as the expression goes. We presently have 15 members on the roster. We have had good attendance. We just finished a successful project last Sunday (STEP walk) which was a cooperative effort of the three Catholic parishes of Elmhurst. If any aspect of Peace and Social Justice (poverty, hunger, environment, human rights, civil rights, et.) interests you, then come to the meeting on May 12. If you have any questions, feel free to phone Bill Barnds (782-5966) or Milt Honel (279-7086). Great Job, 7th Graders This year the 7th graders became involved in helping a group of volunteers who travel to Bolivia each year through the Joliet Diocese Peace and Justice department. First, the 7th graders became acquainted with the Bolivian children by mounting their photos that were brought back last year and displaying them on a display board. They also matted and mounted photos taken of the monumental stations of the cross located in Bolivia. The seventh graders were told the story of how our diocese built the first school for these children. They were told how through the generosity of one very compassionate priest, who requested donations be made to this school instead of gifts for his jubilee, the final funds were obtained to complete the school. They were told that the school was built and that now they only need supplies. It was at this point that the students decided they could help. They began bringing in change they had saved. They chose to have a bake sale before and after classes to make more money. This was an optional project. The kids baked and arrived early in droves to sell their goodies. The children sent $300 to Bolivia, where the check was placed directly into the priest's hands. The children received school supplies as well as playground toys! If you see a seventh grader, please tell them just how awesome they truly are! We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the following who were baptized in April: Brandon Michael Judd Robert Nicholas Gomez Rogers Taking Steps Toward Eliminating Poverty Approximately 80 people from the three Elmhurst parishes participated in the S.T.E.P. event on Sunday, May 1. This was truly a multi-generational event with babies in strollers, senior citizens, and everyone in between walking in witness to the Catholic Church's teaching on social justice. Mary Queen of Heaven Parish was well represented on this "pilgrimage" through central Elmhurst, which began with a prayer service at I.C. led by Father Brad and included visits to a food pantry, a clothing closet, walk-in ministry, and the Elmhurst Public Library for a presentation on the role of literacy in overcoming poverty. Immaculate Conception Parish graciously hosted the event, which concluded with an Asian meal provided by local restaurants, and a presentation on citizen advocacy as a tool for change. Watch for information about next year's event from the MQH Peace and Justice Committee. Fellowship Sunday Please join us for fellowship after the 10:15 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 22, in Barrett Hall. Stop in after Mass for some pastries and a cup of coffee or juice and the opportunity to talk with friends and fellow parishioners. This fellowship is sponsored by RCIA. "Ladies Night Out" Dinner Tuesday, June 21 Casey's Restaurant in Lombard Please mark your calendars for this dinner at which our CCW Woman of the Year, Diane Bernstein, will be honored. More information about this event will appear in upcoming bulletins. Men's Group Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. At the Odeum in Villa Park Please contact Tom Gusloff at 832-4248 for further information Christian Service Commission St. Vincent de Paul Spring Clothing Drive Mary Queen of Heaven Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society is sponsoring a Spring Clothing Drive on Saturday and Sunday, June 4/5. Last spring our parish held a clothing drive and it was a huge success! Pick out those things you have been holding onto. Someone else can use them right now. People are in need of clean gently used items; clothing, shoes, purses, linens, bedding, housewares, books, small working appliances, knick-knacks, toys, etc. There is a special need for clothing for children. Donation bags will be available after all masses the weekend of May 21/22. "Thank You for Helping Us to Help People" Parishioner Congratulations! To Jackie Fisher, who will be confirmed on May 15 at St. Raymond Cathedral To Tom Nolan on the birth of his grandson on April 21. Liam Cassidy Nolan weighed in at 9 lbs. 30 oz. and 21 3/4 inches. All Parish Commissions Meet on Monday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. in Barrett hall.