Dear Friends,
Happy Fathers Day to all of the fathers in our faith community! Thank you for the gifts you share not only with your children but with the rest of us. One of my most favorite things is seeing all of the young fathers of our parish who bring their small children with them up to communion. What a blessing you are to your children in teaching them about worship of God and the celebration of the Eucharist even at such a young age. What a witness you give to this community of faithful love. This is a day to honor you and all of the fathers in our parish, and in our lives.
It is also a day to remember that there are some in our parish family who have lost their fathers through death, or whose fathers are not part of their lives because of divorce, abandonment, or imprisonment. Thanks be to God for all of the men who have been caregivers, mentors, and friends to the fatherless.
This past week, I came across a touching story that I would like to share with you this Father's Day. It was a reflection by Serrin Foster, President of Feminists for Life. (While FFL is a non-sectarian organization, their philosophy and deep respect for human life across the spectrum is in line with Catholic teaching.) Serrin's father recently died and she wrote an article about how much he meant to her and how much he influenced the work of this organization which places such value on human life. Perhaps her story can help us all to reflect on what our fathers and other important men in our lives have meant to us.
Serrin wrote of her father: "My father was the type of guy about which some might say, 'It would have been better if he'd never been born.' He had a horrific childhood. When he was just a year old, his father died. The Great Depression was underway. His mother was very young and could not care for him...he grew up in an orphanage and later in foster care."
Her father's experience in foster care was not good: "There was unspeakable brutality in his early foster care. Starvation. Dunkings. High-heel marks embedded in his skin. Fortunately, when he was in elementary school, he was taken in by a kind couple who became his foster parents. And when my dad grew up, he took care of his foster parents until they passed away."
Serrin's father paid his own way through college, married, and began raising his own family. While abused as a child, he grew to be a loving and devoted father. Serrin continues: "Like many today, he was a parenting student-with two jobs and a full class load." While she and her sisters were in college, her father pursued his master's and doctoral degrees, and ended up teaching others in federal government, where he himself served.
When Serrin was hired as FFL's first Executive Director in 1994, her father contributed many of the office supplies and much of the equipment they needed for a fledgling new Washington office. He was one of the people Serrin went to for advice as FFL grew.
This past March, Serrin's father was hospitalized with a debilitating disease. Serrin said that this had so damaged his small intestine that he was unable to absorb nutrients. He was extremely malnourished and weak. Five days after he was admitted, he "crashed." He was put on a ventilator, became septic, and suffered from acute respiratory distress. Two weeks later the doctors performed a tracheotomy. A few days later a feeding tube was inserted into his stomach. All of this happened while Serrin watched news reports of Pope John Paul II, who was also septic and with a tracheotomy.
Like Pope John Paul II, Serrin's father was a fighter until he recognized the limits of his natural life. Two days before he died, Serrin was called into his room by the speech therapist, who was trying to help him talk through a device connected to his tracheotomy tube. Serrin shares this story: "His words were barely audible as he looked at me with his expressive blue eyes- one breath, one word at a time. 'I ...love...my ...daughters,' he said. They were his last words. Two days later he died."
Serrin recounted how her father had written very specific instructions which guided decisions she had to make about his medical care (advanced directives for health care). In this, as in many ways, her father demonstrated his respect for life from its very beginning to its natural end.
Serrin tells how her father became an inspiration to her that has greatly impacted her work with FFL. "It's one of his many legacies...helping to create a better world, one that welcomes and nurtures children like my dad, who some would label 'better to not have been born.' A world where parenting students don't have to choose between their children and their education. A world where life is championed at its weakest, most vulnerable moments. A world where mothers-and fathers-are honored and supported."
Serrin wished to honor her father in sharing this story during the week of Father's Day. She also wanted to offer his life as an example of life-giving love. God bless all of our fathers in our parish family and in our own families. Thank God for the life we have been given through them. Let us find ways to share our own stories and honor those who have been fathers to us in our lives. And may all of our Dads have a great Father's Day!
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Chicagoland Gam-Anon Do you suspect you are living with a compulsive gambler? Is your family, your marriage, your relationship being destroyed by the effects of a gambling addition? There is hope and help available through GA for the gambler and Gam-Anon for the families and significant others. Attend one of our weekly meetings every Saturday at 8:00 P.M. at Elmhurst Hospital, Diecke Room, 200 Berteau Ave., Elmhurst. For more information and other meeting times, go to: www.gam-anon.org or www.gamblersanonymous.org or call 708-802- 0105. 2005 Diocesan Annual Appeal Diocese of Joliet Living our Faith The Diocesan Annual Appeal is concluding in our parish. Through this week, we have raised $18,943.00 toward our goal of $25,207.00 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. "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. Marriage Ministry at MQH As you may have heard, we are expanding Marriage Ministry in our parish. This will have several components: * Pre-Cana for engaged couples * Activities for married couples, including social gatherings and educational events * Marriage Support group facilitated by licensed Clinical Social Worker * Resource for pastoral staff for advice on how to prepare young people for marriage Those interested in becoming part of marriage preparation (as a pre-cana couple who receives training to work with engaged couples), or anyone interested in other aspects of marriage ministry are invited to a meeting at the parish office on Wednesday, June 22, at 7 p.m. Sunday Evening Prayer From 6 - 7 pm on Sunday evenings through the end of June, there will be gathering for prayer in the back of church. These are not structured liturgies. Rather, this is time set aside for informal prayer and reflection in a peaceful setting. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please feel free to come any Sunday evening. A Vocation View Have you discovered yet that there is more to life than what only material things have to offer? We live in the Spirit. Only in the Lord can we find lasting peace. Speak the Good News. The Cenacle Retreat House 29 W 012 Batavia Rd., Warrenville Presents: Sr. Mary Meegan, OP, D.Min will present "The Ascent of Mount Carmel," a weekend retreat with John of the Cross, on July 15-17. Using John's sketch of Mount Carmel, his poem The Dark Night and his commentary The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Sr. Mary will lead participants through inspiring presentations, conversations with the material, time for personal reflection and opportunities for contemplative prayer. The cost is $165 for a single room/$150 for a double room (Limited availability). Susan Lincoln will present "Hildegard's Mystical Message in Song" inspired by 12th century Hildegard of Bingen on July 22-24. The common ingredients of these three days are singing, sacred movement, laughter, listening in the sacred silence and sharing. Susan will also be giving a concert, based on Hildegard's music on Saturday evening, July 23 at the Cenacle. The cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For further information or to register, please call 630- 393-1231. MQH Garden Club You've probably noticed the gardens around church, the parish center, the school and the parish office looking more and more colorful since the end of May when they were planted. At this time we'd like to acknowledge those who have been helping in the garden effort here at Mary Queen. Our thanks to Sophia Armengol, Joel Bernstein, Ron Cirone, Judy Conness, Chuck Dolesy, Ed Hayes, Derrick Starosa, Debbie Styka, Phylis Twardowski, Ellen Walker, and Mary White for all their help over the past two months. It all started back in April when these people came out and helped clean up after winter. Then there was planting day in May. Now, and continuing through the summer and early autumn, there will be someone from the group watering each week. Thanks to soaker hoses, we won't have to spend a lot of time standing around while we water. We also want to thank Michelle Schneider for her donations of iris, sedum, and lilies, and an anonymous donor of sedum plants. We are always open to new members, as long as you don't mind getting a little dirt under your fingernails. We'll be looking for you to join us at our next Ministry Fair! If you would like to know more about us, please call Sheila Reiter at 833-6657 or Rose Wilkes at 833-7238. "Evening Under the Stars" Auction Dinner Dance Planning Meeting Thursday, June 30th 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall Our Eighth "Evening Under the Stars" Auction Dinner Dance will be held on Friday, October 7th, 2005 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. This is our second planning meeting and we are still looking for help to make this event a huge success. The more hands to help, the lighter the work load. If you have some free hours and would like to volunteer to help, plan on attending our planning meeting or give Sheila Reiter a call at 833-6657. Religious Education News Registrations! Be aware that registrations will continue to be accepted during the summer. If you have not as yet registered, please do so ASAP. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors. Classes are filling up quickly. Communion Banners We still have many beautiful banners in our office. They need a home. Please call the office to make pick-up arrangements. Catechists are still needed at many levels. With the addition of a 3rd session this fall, the need for catechists has increased dramatically. We are very blessed at MQH to have so many dedicated men and women stay on from year to year sharing their faith with our children and young people. However, this year the new session meant we needed 20 more catechists and at least 5 or 6 folks to help as support staff in the office, halls, and parking lot. People have been coming forward and we are grateful, but the need is still great. At last count, we need approximately 15 more classroom staff. Before you leave for summer vacation, please call us at the REO to see how you can help. Your children are counting on you. If you have questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Summer Schedule Our new R.C.I.A. Director, Mimi Wolak, would like to invite you to "Come and See" what R.C.I.A. is about. You are invited to "Come and See" * If you would like to inquire about the Catholic Faith * If you are not Baptized * If you are a Baptized Catholic but have never received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation * If you might like to bring someone you know who is interested in our Catholic Faith * If you would like to be a sponsor for someone along the journey We will meet at 9:00 on the following Sunday mornings in Room 6 of the school building: June 19 and 26, July 17 and 24, August 14 and 21. We will spend an hour "breaking open the word" as we explore the readings of the day. After our discussion we will all go to the 10:15 Mass together. Call Mimi at 941-3851 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 Paul Cirone Peggy Delbeke Trudi Dolato Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes Maureen James Tom Janicke Albert P. Kabat Valorie Kaffka Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn John Lane Robert Manion Bobbi Nannini Vincent Scilluffo Eileen Shea Jeff Smith Cathy Ward 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. Joyful Again! (A Widowed Ministry) Are you widowed? Do you know someone who is widowed? If you have been recently widowed 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 Mary Queen of Heaven parish, Elmhurst, IL. 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: July 16-17, 2005 Where: Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Elmhurst Donation: $75 - includes meals (Adjusted if needed) For further information, call: 708-354-7211. Diocesan News Joliet Diocese 50th Anniversary Mass The Diocese of Joliet will hold its twenty-seventh annual Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. If you were married in 1955 and are celebrating your 50th anniversary this year, please contact the rectory so that we may submit your name to the Diocese for a formal invitation L.O.S.S. Support Group (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Tuesday, June 28, 7 to 9 p.m. St. Daniel the Prophet Parish Center 101 West Loop Drive, Wheaton A trained facilitator and a mental health professional assist these groups. Diocesan News Did You Know? Catholic Charities provides loving foster homes to nearly 400 children each year. Could your home be one of them? Bob and Shirley Strand had always felt that God wanted them to have more children and one day He showed them how that was possible. Catholic Charities had placed an ad in the newspaper promoting their foster care program and they knew what they needed to do. Twenty-six years, three biological children, and many other foster children later, Bob and Shirley Strand are still raising children and accepting foster care placements. "The minute these children come into my house, they are family," said Shirley. Though the Strands have had many temporary and emergency placements pass through their home, they've taken care of fifteen children for an extended amount of time. The most rewarding part for them is "seeing each child blossom and change-and suddenly, they're not scared anymore." Catholic Charities places an average of 400 children in foster homes each year, but there are many more who desperately need a safe and loving sanctuary. Catholic Charities needs more foster parents like Bob and Shirley Strand. Please call 877-844- 4673 to see how you can get involved. Making a difference. . . One life at a time. For more information on the programs and services that Catholic Charities offers, visit our website at www.cc-doj.org The Women's Center What is the Women's Center? What is its purpose? The Women's Center is a pro-life ministry devoted to helping women in problem pregnancies. We have three counseling offices in the Chicago area. We are funded by private donations. Each year our counselors help approximately 5,000 women and their families. Approximately 28,000 children are living because of our mission. We receive beautiful thank you letters from moms who cannot imagine what their life would be like if they didn't have their babies. At the present time we have need for boys clothes-sizes 5 to 18, girls clothes-sizes 7 to 10, and like-new summer outfits for boys an girls-sizes 0 to 12 months. We are also seeking donations of baby wipes, disposable diapers in all sizes, gently used sleepers, onesies, infant undershirts, receiving and larger crib blankets and maternity clothes. Please call for our address where these can be dropped off (773-794-1313. We need baby swings, baby cribs, bumper pads, crib sheets, infant car seats, porta cribs, bouncers and strollers. If you attend a garage sale and buy any of these to donate to our moms, it will be most appreciated. Sometimes at the end of the sale, the people running it will donate the items. We can provide tax receipts. It will be a great help if you can deliver these to us. To have our volunteer pick up call 773-794-1313. Do you know that Mary Queen of Heaven has a Labyrinth? The Pathway of Peace Labyrinth has recently been maintained by a few parishioners;. Weed-wacking and special stones have been painted and repaired. One quiet summer morning or evening, on one of your walks, make the Labyrinth a stop. You will find, on your 20-minute journey, a place to quiet the mind. You may pray here, or you may find a new insight here. All are welcome at anytime to walk the Pathway of Peace Labyrinth. See pictures of the building and dedication of the labyrinth at: http://maryqueen.org/gallery/peace.html. Vocation Retreat for Women Sister Marlene Geimer's Religious Community, The Sisters of the Living Word, is hosting a weekend retreat for young adult women on July 29-31, 2005 at the Living Word Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The weekend is intended for any single woman, age 18-40, who wants to experience the spirituality and passion for mission that characterizes the Sisters of the Living Word. The weekend will provide guidance in spiritual growth, prayer, and faith sharing, as well as an invitation to greater service of others in needs. There is no fee for this retreat, but advance registration is required by July 21. For more information about this retreat or to register, contact Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, Director of New Membership, by phone (662-252-9801) or by e-mail (glumbs@aol.com).