Mary's Corner
Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667
L.O.S.S. Support Group Meetings
(Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Through the collaboration of Catholic Charities (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 first Tuesday of the month, the third Wednesday or the
fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting dates are as
follows:
Aug. 17 St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center, Joliet
Aug. 23 St. Daniel the Prophet's Parish Center, Wheaton
Sept. 6 at Catholic Charities Office
270 N. Schuyler Ave. in Kankakee
Sept. 21 at St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center
130 Woodlawn in Joliet
Sept. 27 at 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.
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?
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.
Catholic Charities
Employment Opportunity
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet office in Lombard is
seeking a Development Public Relations Volunteer. This volunteer
position would build relationships between
Catholic Charities and other organizations within the greater
DuPage area; raise public awareness about Catholic Charities;
speak to civic groups or other organizations about Catholic
Charities and generate press releases about Catholic Charities
activities. The time commitment is eight hours per month.
This person should have basic computer skills, as well as
good oral and written communication skills and community
contacts. There may be monthly meetings at the Catholic
Charities office in Lombard that this volunteer should attend.
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.
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
Cosmore Ciancio Paul Cirone
Rhonda Colletti Trudi Dolato
Gerald Foley Dino Fuggitti
Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt
Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Valorie Kaffka Irene Kmieciak
Bernadette Kohn John Lane
Baby Emma Lynde Robert Manion
Bobbi Nannini Joe Prinske
Vincent Scilluffo Jeff Smith
Karen Sutkus 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.
Volunteer Tutors Needed
The Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange Park are seeking
volunteers for its adult literacy program, School on Wheels.
Tutors are needed to teach one hour per week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
or 3-8 p.m. in Woodridge, Hodgkins, Berwyn, Summit, Villa Park or
Westmont. Training provided August 29-30 and August 31 -
September 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You must attend one two-day
training session. No prior second language skills are needed.
For more information: 708-354-9200, est. 5060, 5085 or 5037.
Crafters' Holiday
Looking for a place to sell your beautiful handcrafts?
St. Alexander's Annual Crafters' Holiday
230 S. Cornell, Villa Park
Saturday, October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
$30 per space with your table; $40 with our table.
Call Pat (941-8592) or Marianne (834-2183)
for an application and further details.
Community News
Bread for the World
BREAD FOR THE WORLD is a nationwide Christian citizens
movement seeking justice for the world's hungry people by
lobbying our nation's decision makers in Congress. BREAD FOR THE
WORLD (BFW) is supported by the Roman Catholic Church and all
major Protestant denominations.
Hunger is one problem we can actually solve, but churches
and charities can't do it all. Individuals (like you and me)
from many different religious traditions participate in this
project by writing letters to our representatives in Congress.
We (you and I and many others) must get our Federal government to
do its part.
That is why our parish is participating in this project.
After the Masses on August 20 and 21, I will invite parishioners
to join us in Barrett Hall to write letters to our elected
representatives in Congress urging them to fully fund legislation
(S 1120 and HR 2717) ending hunger in our country. Hunger
persists in our country; at last count there were 36.3 million...
including 13 million children living in households which
experience hunger.
A mailed hand-written letter attracts greater attention
than does a pre-printed letter or post card or a signed petition.
Therefore we are inviting parishioners to take a few moments to
write their personal letters next weekend after all the Masses.
We will provide sample letters to use as examples.
If you are going to participate in the LETTER WRITING
PROJECT next Sunday after Mass, please be sure to bring three 37c
stamps; we will provide sample letters, paper, envelopes, pens.
If you will not be able to participate in writing letters,
we are seeking contributions for postage stamps.
Finally, we are requesting ALL parishioners to PRAY for the
success of our LETTER WRITING PROJECT.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Joseph Sapien at 833-3652 or check out BFW at .
Religious Education News
Witnessing for future Catholics
With the addition of our new session this year, we have
been challenged with finding over 20 more catechists for our RE
program. This is in addition to the usual reasons for needing
your help: catechists facing job changes, changing their
ministry, or just taking a rest from teaching on Wednesday
afternoons or evenings. Therefore we need you to seriously
consider the ministry of catechesis. At a time when children are
being confronted with conflicting values, God may be calling you
to walk the faith journey with them. We need you to talk the talk
and walk the walk of faith with the children of the parish.
Thanks so very much to all those who have come forward. As
you can see, we are now down to needing 6 more catechists. If all
goes well, it will be down to 4 by the time you read this. Our
catechist meetings begin the last week of August, so it is
understandable that we are getting just a wee bit anxious about
filling the remaining positions. Please pray that these last few
grade levels will be filled soon.
Listed below are the teaching slots that still need to be
filled. If you feel God tugging at your sleeve or maybe just one
of us at the parish, please contact us at the REO, 832-8962 or
MQHREO@juno.com.
Wednesday, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Gr. 4- 3 catechists
Wednesday, 5:15-6:30 p.m.
Gr. 6 - one catechist: Gr. 8 - two catechists
Wednesday, 7:15-8:30 p.m. Gr. 6 - one catechist
In addition we are in need of people to help direct traffic
in the parking lot at all three sessions. The safety of our
children is always our first concern. If you don't think teaching
is your thing, please consider helping in this very needed
position.
Have you registered yet? Just a reminder, registrations are
still being accepted at all grade levels with the exception of
Kindergarten at session one. This class is filled. Remember that
we do not place children on class lists the week of our first in-
class session, which this year is September 21st. So if you want
your children to start on time, register now. FYI - some of our
classes are reaching capacity at certain session times, for
example, Gr. 5 at session two.
Mark your calendars for our opening event on September 14th at
6:30PM in church. Our family concert is back! Pass the word to
your friends and neighbors. For more info on any of the above,
please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Diocesan News
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
For post-abortive men and women
Sponsored by the Joliet Diocesan Life Office
Retreats are scheduled for Sept. 23-25, 2005, March 3-5,
2006, and Sept 22-24, 2006 and will be held at the St. Charles
Borromeo Pastoral Center in Romeoville. Confidentiality and
privacy will be strictly observed.
To learn more about a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat or to
register, contact Kay Corcoran at 815-838-7171. For more
information and a list of retreats in other locations, visit the
website at www.rachelsvineyard.org or call the toll-free national
hotline at 1-877-HOPE-4ME.
Joliet Diocese Catholic
Charismatic Healing Mass
Friday, August 19, Mass at 7:30 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation - 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Downers Grove
Fr. Paul Hottinger, Presider
For information, please call 630-964-0216
Baby Sitter Needed
M.O.M.S.
(Moms Offering Moms Support)
Help is needed in babysitting room for infants, toddlers
and preschool aged children during MOMS (Moms Offering Moms
Support) group meetings at Immaculate Conception Parish. This a
two-hour commitment on a Thursday morning, once in November and
once in December. You will be paid for your time. If
interested, please contact Kelly at 630-833-7223.
St. Scholastica
Young Adult Game Night
(20's and 30's, Married or Single)
Saturday, August 27th, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Come and play your favorite games
(Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Life, etc.
Please feel free to bring your favorite games.)
Snacks and Refreshment Provided.
For more information contact: Jerry Christensen 630 322-
9311 or StSDeaconJerry@aol.com
Hunger Walk Thank You
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all those who
walked in the S.T.E.P Hunger Walk, to those who contributed to
the Walk Fund, and to the many who sponsored Father Brad's dog,
Wrigley.
Thanks to the following businesses who supported our Hunger
Walk: Red Dragon, Basar Thai, Bambu Thai Cusines, P. F. Changs,
Spice Merchants,Pastries Plus, Emperor's Kitchen, Dunkin Donuts.
Please patronize these establishments and remember to thank them
for supporting the Walk. And thanks to our dedicated and hard-
working chairperson Nora Hipskind and her committee: Ed & Linda
Hohman, Cheryl Hurley, Mary Fran Jones, Carol Yesko, Milt &
Rosalie Honel, Collette Borland and Alicia Kregge.
Fr. Brad's dog raised $2,230.00, The walkers raised
$1,656.00. Total raised to date $3,886.00. 75% of the donations
will go to Catholic Relief Services & 25% to the Elmhurst Walk-in
Ministry..
"Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance
Plans are well under way for our "Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance which will be held on Friday, October 7, at
Alta Villa Banquets in Addison.
Letters have been sent to businesses seeking donations for
our Live and Silent Auctions. We still need people to help
follow up on these letters, with telephone calls and visits. Do
you have some time to spare and help us with this task? With the
help of willing parishioners, the task of obtaining items from
businesses will help make our event successful. We need you!
Volunteers are also needed to help with decorations,
parishioner donations, ticket sales, raffle tickets, etc. If you
can help in any of the above areas, call Sheila Reiter at 630-
833-6657, or attend our meeting on Thursday, August 18, at 7:30
p.m. in Barrett Hall.
This is the eighth year for our "Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance and many are looking forward to a wonderful
evening socializing with parishioners and friends, and the
opportunity to purchase auction items at great prices that can be
given as gifts for the holidays or special occasions.
The proceeds from this benefit will be used to support our
Church Mission of reaching out to those who are hungry, sick and
otherwise in need; supporting our youth; and supporting our
various parish ministries.
L.O.S.S.
(Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Upcoming 10 - Session Group
The L.O.S.S. Outreach Program provides services to those
who are grieving a death by suicide of a family member or close
friend. Eight weekly sessions and 2 monthly follow-up meetings
for the newly bereaved and/or new members will be offered:
Catholic Charities
Diocese of Joliet
26 West St. Charles Road, Lombard,
Thursdays: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29;
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; and Nov. 10 and Dec. 15.
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Deadline to register: August 29
We need at least 10 people to convene a group. Call
Christine O'Donnell at 1-800-240-7011 to register.
Let's Celebrate!
Mary Queen of Heaven's
50th Anniversary
Our Parish's 50th Anniversary is around the corner and we
are making plans for a year-long celebration. How about joining
our committee? Our first planning meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, September 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall. We need
your input and are especially looking for information on parish
history from long-time parishioners. Several people have already
volunteered to help out but we need many more hands to make this
a real Parish Celebration. We invite all parishioners interested
in helping to join us at this first meeting. A lot of
"brainstorming" will be done in an effort to have as many events
as possible to mark this special occasion. Be sure to mark
September 1 on your calendar and bring your ideas along to our
meeting.
For further information or questions, please contact Sheila
Reiter (833-6657) or Ellen Walker (279-4021).
Parish News
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
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.
New Gather Books-Choir Edition
Thanks to the generous response of parishioners, we will be
able to replace our Gather Book hymnals in church with almost
twice as many new books. Music Director Molly Lindberg has
recommended that we purchase the brand new edition of the Gather
hymnal, which costs the same but contains much new music. We
will still use the green Gather Books, placing them in Barrett
Hall for use with overflow Masses and Religious Ed children.
Since we are purchasing the new edition, the choir will
need new books. These cost $25 each and, like the congregation
books, may be donated by parishioners.
If you would like to donate a choir book with your
inscription inside, please fill out the order form found in this
bulletin or in the back of church.
Parish Feast Day
The feast day of Mary Queen of Heaven will be celebrated
on Sunday, August 28, with an outdoor Mass at 10:15 a.m.
Our Mass will be held between the church and school
building, directly behind Barrett Hall. Should the weather be
inclement, Mass will be held in the Church.
Following Mass there will be Fellowship, sponsored by the
Men's Group, in Barrett Hall. This is a great opportunity for
our parish families to meet and become better acquainted with
each other, while enjoying conversation and refreshments (coffee,
tea, juice and sweets). We look forward to seeing you and your
family on this special occasion.
Stanley Gorski
(Long-time MQH Parishioner)
Even at 99, artist's skills and faith undiminished
Retirement is not on Stanley Gorski's agenda. The artist-
in-residence at Addolorata Villa, in Wheeling, is too busy
creating religious artwork for the Villa's Sunday bulletin, among
others. He calls it "payback." "The Lord has been good to me,"
said Stan who attends daily Mass. "He's put me on the earth for
many years, and I've had a good life. Now I want to pay back for
all that I've received." He donates most of his artwork.
Stan dates his love of drawing to his childhood, when he
used to copy cartoons from the Chicago Tribune's Sunday comics
section. His job was being an artist, but he shared his life
with the girl across the street, Adeline. They were married 70
years. "She was a good wife, a good companion," he said. "She
made it possible for me to work long hours and pursue my career."
Stan and Adeline made church the center of their lives, along
with their children - Jim, Ted and Judy - and became involved in
many of its activities.
When their family moved to Elmhurst, Stan provided the
artwork for his parish bulletins at Mary Queen of Heaven. A sign
with pictures that he once drew still stands outside the church.
It lists Masses and activities. His painting of the Blessed
Mother still hangs in the parish rectory. In 2003, the parish
gave him its "Lifetime Achievement award" for his contributions.
Stan drew for Meyer-Both for 43 years before the firm
folded. At age 57, he landed a commercial artist job with the
Chicago Tribune. He occasionally had his wife and children pose
for some of his artwork. His real love was, is and always has
been his religious artwork.
Stan's most recent challenge was how to depict Memorial Day
on the Villa's Sunday bulletin. His final product was a drawing
of a male and female soldier carrying a wreath of flowers to the
cemetery.
Art still fills his life. He says, "My artwork makes me
happy. I'm still alive and so far behind!"
Courtesy of the Catholic New World
Parish News
Parish Commission/PPC Meeting
The August All Parish Commissions Meeting has been
rescheduled for Monday, August 29, at 7:00 p.m., when they will
meet together with the Parish Pastoral Council for a special
presentation.
The PPC will meet afterwards at 8:30 p.m.
Are you someone who would like to help
this new ministry get started?
Are you a stay-at-home Mom or Dad
who has computer skills?
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.
Mark Your Calendars!
The Mary Queen of Heaven Annual Parish Picnic
Sunday, September 11th, 12:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Come spend time with family and friends.
Enjoy music, games, food and good old family fun.
Watch the bulletin for further details.
For more information please call: Bob Glick 833-5725, Tim Conroy
834-1631, or Ed Hayes 279-5325.
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