Dear Friends,
This week, I planned to continue writing about our Parish Pastoral Council. I will delay that column for one week, due to an unexpected trip out of town for a few days. I am writing to you from Kentucky, where I made an overnight rest stop after a visit to Virginia to meet my son Jason's future in-laws. (It was a great "Meet the Parents" trip, much better than the movie by the same name!)
Shirley and Fred (Briana's parents) are delightful people who have lived all of their lives near the city of Danville. Their home is out in the country and it was fondly reminiscent of the farm area around Effingham, Illinois, the place where my grandfather grew up and returned to when he retired. I still enjoy visits to my cousins who live in rural southern Illinois. Fred and Shirley are both school teachers (a second career for Fred, who retired from the textile industry). They love their family, their home, and their work with children (Shirley teaches in special ed and Fred teaches underprivileged children in the city). They were also able to speak somewhat critically of the city near them, saying that Danville has been behind the times in terms of racial integration.
I was surprised, then, when I went for Mass on Sunday to the single Catholic Church in the area and found this congregation to be full of people of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. I hope that the people of this parish community, like Shirley and Fred (who are not Catholic), are people who are aware of the divisions around them but try to live their lives in ways that make a difference.
The diversity of this congregation was impressive. So was the homily of the priest, who was visiting from a nearby cluster of parishes. In the south, as in a growing number of areas around the country, there are fewer and fewer priests. He joked about "renting" priests today, kidding the people by saying, "You can rent us, but we are expensive!" He used this humorous moment to make a transition to talking about parish communities. He said that while you can "rent" a priest (really meaning that parishes can find priests to come and celebrate the sacraments), you cannot "rent" parish communities.
I was reminded of Mary Queen of Heaven when I was there because if I turned my head just right, the altar servers looked like our own Jamie Cahill and Rei Ellen Harada! I was also reminded of Mary Queen because of what the priest had to say about "renting" priests. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as pastoral leader of this faith community. Appointed by the bishop, I am responsible to provide the presence and service a pastor would, except in sacramental matters. The fact remains, however, that we must often call upon outside priests to help us with sacramental ministry. I thought about this priest's remark: "You can rent a priest but you cannot rent a parish community." I would like to share with you his comments that followed, asking you to hear these words as if they were meant for the parish of Mary Queen of Heaven.
You were called here by God's own Spirit. In the joy of worship, you form community. You must also feed the poor, reach out to those who are suffering, and give formation to our young people. In a much more critical way, you must be engaged in the formation of adults. The community depends on you bringing your gifts and your experience of the Spirit. A true community exhibits a willingness to commit to all of these people. If we share the Spirit of Jesus, the yoke is easy and the burden light. How do we grow as a community in the Spirit of Jesus?
I continue to reflect on his words since leaving Virginia. I spent last night at a Best Western, where I got a good price and a good swimming pool in which to get some exercise this morning, before making my way home. I would like you share with you one other experience that happened today as food for thought. I often find God speaking to me through the ordinary experiences of life and this morning I had a very powerful lesson.
I entered the pool area to find only one young girl in the pool. She really didn't seem to know how to swim very well and she was being watched by her mother from one of the lawn chairs on the side of the pool. I was elated because I knew I would be able to swim lengths of the pool at the opposite end without interfering with the girl's efforts. I really needed some exercise after several days of driving back and forth.
I enjoyed a great swim. As I was leaving the pool, so were the girl and her mom. I asked the woman if she could tell me the time. She did and I thanked her. She then said to me: "I want to thank you, too, for pacing my daughter. She was following you." I had been so involved in my exercise that I had no idea the girl was watching and trying to imitate me.
My thoughts went back to that Catholic parish near the city of Danville. I wondered if the people in that integrated church community knew that they were being watched. I wondered if they lived out their commitment to others when they walked out of the church doors, so that others could imitate them. I wondered how much of a difference the people of this faith community made in the world around them. Then, I wondered all of these same things about myself.
This may have been a "Meet the Parents" trip for me, but it was also a time for meeting God in the person of the priest and in the person of that mother, who saw what I could not see. Both reminded me of how much our lives can affect others. May we continue to grow in the love of God in our own lives and in the life of our parish community.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Pro Life Message
Man has within him the breath of God. He is capable of
relating to God; he can pass beyond material creation. He is
unique. He stands in the sight of God and is in a special sense
directed toward God. It is most important to see this special
creation by God in order to perceive the uniqueness and value of
man and, thereby, the basis of all human rights; this gives man
a reverence for himself and others. God's breath is within Him.
He sees that he is not a combination of biological building
blocks, but a personal conception of God.
(Pope Benedict XVI, God and the World, p. 77)
Young Adult Summer Retreats
For Men and Women in their 20s and 30s
At Ballarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington IL
1. Sex in the City of God - July 15-17
Faith, intimacy and relationships, a weekend retreat
This retreat guides you to a deeper understand of the fullness
of Catholic teaching on sexuality. Weekend includes keynote by Terry
Nelson-Johnson and talks by several young adults speaking about
faith and intimacy in their own lives. There is time on the weekend
for silent reflection, for conversation in small groups and for
enjoying the 80-acre grounds.
2. Come to the Quiet Silent Retreat - July 18-24
Come for a day, a weekend, a week, whatever your schedule
allows July 18-24. You are invited to silence the noises of
everyday life. Spend much of the day in silent contemplation;
meet one-on-one with a trained spiritual director. Enjoy the
beautiful surroundings and a unique chance to hear God in your
life, work and relationships.
For complete info on these retreats, or to register, visit
www.jesuits.net/charis or call Brian at Charis Ministries 773-
508-3237.
The Women's Center
Pregnancy Counselor Position Available
A full-time position is available at the Evergreen Park
location of the Women's Centers (a pregnancy resource center). A
degree or experience in counseling or a social service field is
preferred. See how you can combine your professional skills and
your respect for life. Call Judy at 773-794-3292 or fax your
resume to her at 773-794-1622.
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.
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 John Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Pat Caffarelli
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
Baby Emma Lynde 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 struggling with
the loss, or if you have been widowed for a while and need
something to get you through this difficult time, 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, in Elmhurst. 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.
Community News
What is Charis?
You've heard of the work of the Jesuits at Loyola U, St. Ignatius
Prep, Georgetown and the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. Three years ago,
the Jesuits launched Charis Ministries, an outreach to men and
women in their 20s and 30s. Charis offers days of prayer,
retreats, tours, pilgrimages and service trips uniquely tailored
to the challenges and opportunities facing today's generation of
Young Adults. Charis desires to feed Young Adults spiritually so
as to feed the work and participation of these men and women in
parish communities.
Charis Ministries, Ignatian Spirituality for Young Adults
1400 W. Devon Ave., Box 415, Chicago, IL 60660
773-508-3237 www.jesuits.net/charis;
Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics
For nationwide Mass times and locations,
phone 1 800-Mass Times
(1-800-627-7846)
Or Internet www.Masstimes.org
Religious Education News
The summer of 2005 is now in full swing. However, before we
know it those "back to school" ads will be splashed all over the
newspapers. Before that happens, please consider being a
catechist for 2005/2006 RE year. We are in need of catechists at
many levels at all three sessions. With our increasing
enrollment, it is more important than ever to please consider
giving a few hours of your time each Wednesday.
If you enjoy working with younger children or middle school
children or know someone who might be, let us know. Remember you
don't have to be a theologian, just someone who loves children,
loves your faith and wants to share it. We will help you with the
rest. The pay is not terrific, in fact it's non existent, but the
perks are incredible. Your children need you.
If you have not done the following, please:
1. Register for the 2005/2006 RE year.
2. Tell your friends and neighbors to do the same.
3. Volunteer to be a catechist.
4. If you are a catechist already, recruit one of your friends or
neighbors to join you.
5. Volunteer to be a Market Day coordinator.
Market Day Coordinator is needed.
Our Market Day Program is our sole fundraiser for the RE
program. In this day of rising costs, every little bit helps so
we don't want to discontinue it. Please consider volunteering a
few hours each month to help us retain Market Day. Market Day is
held one Saturday morning each month with the exception of July
and August. Call Karen Vicary at the REO, 832-8962 for details.
We are all counting on you.
If you have questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Youth Group News
Wings to Heaven .. 5th-8th grade...
* Watch the bulletin for our upcoming hotdog and game night....
Those of you on email will receive info that way as well. Please
be sure to tell your friends about it.
* Any teens wanting service hours, especially 8th graders... please
call me as there are a couple of cleaning projects that need
to be done.
Kathleen Gusloff .. 832-4348 .. the5ofgus@aol.com
Diocesan News
Catholic Charities
One volunteer doing little things with much love can make a
great difference in many people's lives
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet office in Lombard, is
seeking a Development Volunteer Coordinator. This volunteer
position would coordinate and manage volunteers, and assist the
Senior Development Officer with fundraising activities for
Catholic Charities. The time commitment is eight hours per
month. This person should have basic computer skills, including
knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
The Development Volunteer Coordinator should also have a
car or some other reliable means of transportation to attend
monthly meetings at the Catholic Charities office in Lombard, 26
West St. Charles Road.
For more information, please contact Rosemary Echevarria,
Senior Development Officer, at 630-498-8008 x33, email
rechevarria@cc-doj.org, or fax 630-495-9854.
Backyard Theology
Thursdays, July 14 and 21 at 7-9 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst
In the Marian Room
July 14: "The Inner World & Its Workings: Exploration Into
Inner Space," presented by Avis Clendenen- a presentation,
conversation, and guided meditation about the things of the
spirit and the mysterious and challenging paths to inner growth,
integrating Ignatian spirituality with in-depth psychology.
July 21: "70 X 7: Forgiving the People You Love to Hate,"
presented by July Logue - We all know a lot about forgiveness,
but no one tells us exactly how to forgive. This presentation
will look at the psychology and spirituality of forgiveness and
offer strategies to get rid of resentments that bind us. The
goal is to come away with insight, determination and confidence
to get on with life.
Metropolitan Family Services
DuPage
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage operates a respite
guest home program that serves the Chicagoland region. The
Suzanne Knuepfer Guest House is a bed-and-breakfast style home
located in Elmhurst that provides adults 60 and over a short-
term, supervised and supported setting. Guests can stay for 1-30
days and are provided with 24-hour supervision, home-cooked
meals, special activities and companionship.
Arrangements can also be made for guests needing additional
assistancet with grooming, bathing and toileting. Studies show
that periodic breaks from caregiving responsibilities maintain
strong family relationships.
Metropolitan Family Services makes every effort to allow
the Guest House to be accessible to every family. Discounted
rates are available based on financial circumstances. For more
information call 630-653-2397.
Catholic Charities Workshops:
Effective Choices,
Effective Parenting:
Winning Cooperation with the Difficult Child, Tuesday,
July 12th, 7:00 - 9:00 p. m. This two-hour workshop strengthens
parent's skills to interact effectively with children who are
suspected to have symptoms of ADD or who have been diagnosed with
ADD or ADHD.
Winning Cooperation with the Teenage Child, Tuesday, July
19th, 7:00 - 9:00 p. m. (For parents of children ages 13-19).
This two-hour workshop teaches participants practical, usable
skills and insights on how to parent effectively during the
challenging teen years.
Making Sense of This Thing Called Parenthood. Tuesday,
July 26th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (For parents of children ages 0-4).
This two-hour workshop assists parents of infants and toddlers in
gaining a better understanding of their children's needs and
behavior as they grow. In addition, it presents the well-
researched and successful "Systematic Training for Effective
Parenting Method" that enables parents to increase positive
interaction with their children.
Cost for workshops: $20 per person; $25 per couple, pre-
registration is required. All workshops are held at Catholic
Charities, 26 W., St. Charles Rd., Lombard. For more
information or to register, call 630-710-8226.
Partners in Prayerful Praise Ministry
Are you homebound or do you need to limit your parish
activity?
Would you still like to be more involved in the life of
the parish?
We are also in need of a small committee to put the monthly
newsletter together. One person in the committee must have
computer skills adequate to get a camera-ready copy together.
All copying, envelopes, and stamps will be provided by the parish
office. The committee needs only to organize the newsletter each
month and stuff the mailing envelopes. Come fall, we will invite
our young religious education children to submit drawings to be
included in mailings as a way of cheering those ministers who are
at home and praying for us. This newsletter committee only needs
a couple of people to get started and takes very little time each
month. If you are interested in serving on this committee,
please contact Mary Foley at the Parish Office.
As was announced at Mass a few weeks ago, a new ministry
will be starting soon at Mary Queen, one that will actively
involve the homebound and those with limited mobility in some
real ministry of the church. We will be commissioning people to
this new ministry which will involve praying regularly for the
people of the parish and for special intentions each month. Each
member of this ministry will receive a letter of commissioning, a
rosary and a prayerbook, and a monthly newsletter listing the
special intentions for that month.
Our retired Deacon John Maloney, who now lives at St.
Patrick's Residence in Naperville, will be serving as a
"Spiritual Moderator" for this ministry, through his writing of a
monthly column for the newsletter. If you would like to be
commissioned to this ministry, please contact Sister Marlene at
the Parish Office. All that is needed is an open heart and a
genuine commitment to regular prayer. This ministry will be of
great benefit, not only to those who are commissioned, but for
the whole parish through their prayers.
Reporting Sexual Abuse
Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect the sexual abuse
of a minor by a member of the clergy or other Church personnel is
urged to report the matter immediately. To inform the Diocese of
Joliet, call Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, OSF (Victim Assistance
Coordinator) at 1-815-263-6467 or write the Diocese of Joliet,
524 Summit Street, Joliet 60435.
Contact DCFS at 1-800-252-2873 or call the office of the
local County States Attorney.
Our journey through life is seldom a straight path. Our
personal choices or decisions that others make for us can impact
our lives including our spiritual lives.
* Are you, or do you know of someone who was baptized in the
Catholic faith, but for various reasons never completed their
sacramental preparation by receiving Eucharist and
Confirmation?
* Perhaps your family moved frequently or you never connected to
a parish family in your younger years and were not part of a
Religious Education program.
* Have you been attending Mass with your Catholic spouse, and
have an interest in learning more about the Catholic faith?
* Do you know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic?
If you can relate to these situations, consider completing
your sacramental preparation by looking into the RCIA!
Contact Mimi Wolak at 941-3851 to learn more about how you
can enrich your spiritual life through full participation in the
life of the church through the sacraments.
Vocation View
The seed of a vocation seeks fertile surroundings.
Sometimes it gets stepped on, sometimes it gets choked, sometimes
it lacks depth. But other times it is nourished by loving and
caring friends.