Dear Friends,
September is usually considered Stewardship Month in Catholic parishes. This is the time of year that we celebrate in special ways the gifts and talents of people that are offered in service to the church. Today is Catechetical Sunday, when we commission all of those who help with the teaching ministry of the church through the religious education of children and adults.
Today, in our parish, we are also hosting our Ministry Fair, highlighting the different ministries of Mary Queen of Heaven. This event not only provides opportunities for people to volunteer their time and talent, but it also helps us all to appreciate the breadth and scope of ministry we are engaged in as a parish - ministries involving the worship life of the church, ministries that provide religious education and spiritual formation, ministries of service and outreach to others, and ministry involving the administration of the parish.
The sharing of our time and talent are two of the ways we give to others. Sharing of our treasure is another way. One recent sign of the financial generosity of this parish is the fact that more than $5000.00 has been donated in the short span of two weeks to Catholic Charities, USA, to aid in relief efforts to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
It is during the Stewardship Month of September that most parishes begin their annual Sunday Offertory Renewal program. This kind of program asks parishioners to consider increasing their Sunday offerings. We are not undertaking such a program this fall because we started our Sunday Offertory Renewal earlier in the calendar year. However, the fall is a good time to be reminded of commitments that were made before the summer months, so letters have gone out to parishioners inviting them to catch up if they have fallen behind. I am usually at every single Sunday Mass and can still get behind on my contributions! So, I am sure that can happen to others, too.
While we are not undertaking any new stewardship projects this month, I would like to talk with you about Stewardship in general. Good stewardship does involve money matters. As responsible stewards, we should be supporting the operating costs of our parish from the Sunday collection and we are still a way off from doing this. Good financial stewardship of the material resources entrusted to us also involves using our building space to further the ministry of the church. A new Feasibility Study Committee was recently formed to consider the possibility of starting a Catholic Pre-School at Mary Queen of Heaven. We should have their report and recommendations in a few months. Good financial stewardship means other things, too. It means that we undertake better processes for budgeting and planning and this year, we are reconstituting our Administration Commission to help with these efforts. Among those who will serve on our Administration Commission this year are Donna Klopacz, the new Chair, Derrick Starosa, a member of the parish Finance Council, and Mike Launius, who will be the new chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. And perhaps above all, good financial stewardship of the parish means that we all recognize the need to support all of the very good ministries of our parish financially. We cannot have the excellent music program of our parish without your support. We cannot have the premier youth ministry of our area without your support. We cannot help the poor and homeless that we assist every week without your support. The list goes on and on.
What I would really like to ask everyone during this Stewardship Month, however, is to take a step back during these September days and try to consider stewardship from a spiritual perspective. Stewardship is not just about fundraising. Stewardship is about discerning the gifts that God has given to every one of us - gifts of time, talent, and treasure - which have really been given to us to be shared with others. Some of those we share with are our families. Some of those we share with may be our friends, people we assist through our work, or people we know who are in need. But when we share what we have as part of our life together as community of faith, by contributing our time or our talent, or by putting our monetary offerings together with those of others in service of God's people, we become church in a special way. Not only are we individual members of a parish, but together we become the church, a sacrament for the world of God's love. This sacramental understanding of the church came from the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. When we together share our lives in love and concern for one another as church, we become a sign for others of God's love.
Yesterday, I had a meeting with a pastor who told me that his parish was rebuilt after a tornado. He encourages his people to believe that they were brought together for a reason. That is true of all of us. God has worked through all of our lives to bring us here to Mary Queen of Heaven at this particular time in history. Somehow, we all need each other to be the church that God has called together in this place. To be church, we need to share our lives with one another, calling forth from one another the goodness that is within us as people of God. To be church, we must be able to try to see one another as beloved of God, no matter our personal differences or agendas. To be church, we are called to share our time, talent, and treasure so that together we may become a vessel of God's peace, love and healing for the world.
Let us use this Stewardship Month of September to reflect on the ways that we can be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us - our gifts of time, talent, and treasure - and our mission as disciples of Christ.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Help Wanted Opportunity
There is an opening (30 hours a week) in accounts
payable in a physicians practice. For information call
Mary Ann Reed 834-4840.
"Evening Under the Stars" Auction/Dinner Dance
It's time to invite your families and friends to attend the
"Evening Under the Stars" Auction/Dinner Dance which will take
place at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison on Friday, October 7.
Tickets are being sold after all the Masses this weekend. The
Ticket Donation is $35 per person.
As in the past, whether you're a single, a couple or a
group, you will be assigned a table when your reservation is
made. Should you wish to reserve a table of ten for your group,
we will hold the reservation for one week. If payment for the
tickets is not received at the end of that week, the table will
be made available to other individuals or parties. Call your
friends and relatives and invite them to join you at this
enjoyable occasion.
Aside form the prefect opportunity to purchase auction
items at great prices as gifts for the holidays or special
occasions; the music is great for dancing and the food is
delicious. The menu for the evening includes Soup, Salad, Beef,
Chicken, Baked Potato, Green Beans Almondine, Dessert, Coffee or
Tea and 2 complimentary Bottles of Wine per table.
This is the eighth year for our "Evening Under the Stars"
Auction/Dinner Dance, and those who have attended in the past are
anticipating another wonderful evening of relaxation and fun.
Diane & Joel Bernstein are in charge of the ticket sales and are
looking forward to booking a table for you, your families and
friends. If you have any questions, they can be reached at 279-
7252.
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We are still seeking donations for both the Live and Silent
Auctions from parishioners and businesses. If you would like to
donate something or give a monetary donation, please call Donna
Glick (833-5725), Teri Kevil (279-4165) Phylis Twardowski (279-
6239) or Mary White (833-9809). They will be happy to arrange
for pick-up of your donation, or you may drop it off at the
parish office.
The proceeds from this benefit will be used to help support
our Church Mission of reaching out to those who are hungry, sick
and otherwise in need; supporting our youth; and supporting the
various ministries in our parish which allow us to live our lives
through faith, hope and loving service to all.
Fall/Winter Bible Study
Sign-up in 2 weeks.
October 10 to November 11,
January 9 to February 6
"He [John] went into all the region around the Jordan,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"
Luke 3:3-4
As John the Baptist proclaimed, Jesus is coming! Beginning
during the week of October 10, we will be studying one of the
most well-known gospels, the Gospel according to St. Luke. The
study program, sponsored by the Adult Education and Spirituality
Committee, will again utilize the Little Rock Scripture Study.
The 11-session program will run from the week of October 10
to the week of November 11, will break until after the first of
the year, and will resume from the week of January 9 to the week
of February 6. Morning, afternoon, and evening groups will be
offered.
Sign-up will be at all of the Masses on October 1-2. If you
would like to be a facilitator, or if you have any questions,
contact Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523 or the Parish office at
630-279-5700.
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 Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante
Family of Cynthia Catalano
Cosmore Ciancio Paul Cirone
Margaret Conroy 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
Vincent Scilluffo Eleanor Sikorski
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.
New Gather Books-Choir Edition
If you wish to donate a new choir book with your
inscription inside, please fill out the order form found in this
bulletin or in the back of church. The cost is $25.
The benefits of yoga are a gradual increase in energy level
and stamina, improved joint health & flexibility, and a feeling
of relaxation
A new class starts Sept. 21 thru Oct. 19
Wednesdays at 8:40 p.m.
$16 for one person; $24 per family
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen.
Please contact debbie call 941-7224.
Diocesan News
Vocation Retreat for Women
You are invited to a weekend retreat for single women to
discern if God is calling you to Religious Life. Learn about
Religious Life with time to reflect and share with others who are
also searching. Retreats are from Friday night to Sunday noon,
September 23-25, October 14-16 and October 21-23, given by the
Sisters of the Holy Cross, at St. Mary's Notre Dame, Indiana.
For registration and more information email
maryssongl@aol.com and www.marysong
or call (574)284-5998
Effective Choices, Effecting Parenting
Offering a variety of workshops and seminars to assist you
in becoming the parent you want to be.
Winning Cooperation
with the Teenage Child
For parents of children ages 13 - 19
Tuesday, September 20, at 7 - 9 P.M.
At Catholic Charities in Lombard
This two-hour workshop teaches participants practical,
usable skills and insights on how to parent effectively during
the challenging teen years. For info or to pre-register, please
call 630-710-8226.
$20 per person; $25 per couple; Pre-registration required.
Peter Claver (1580 - 1654)
St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit, born and educated in Spain,
who traveled as a missionary to Colombia in 1610. There he worked
with the slaves - as many as 10,000 per year - who were
transported from West Africa. Bringing medicine and as much food
as he could beg, he met the slave ships as they arrived and
ministered to the sick who had survived the voyage. "This was how
we spoke to them," he said, "not with words but with our hands
and our actions." Helped by teachers and interpreters, St. Peter
Claver ministered to the slaves for 40 years, seeing to their
immediate physical needs and baptizing over 300,000 of them.
Vowing to be "the slave of the Negroes forever," this good
steward lived out the words of Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you did
for the least of my brothers, you did for Me." May the example of
St. Peter Claver help us to see all as our brothers and sisters
in Christ and to inspire us to spend ourselves in their service.
Child Safety
Do you know how to keep your kids safe?
Plan to watch the series Child Lures Prevention at 6:-00
p.m. on channel 5 on September 19-23. See NBC.com for more
information.
Parish News
The highest existing international centers must devote
themselves vigorously to the pursuit of better means for
obtaining common security. Peace must be born of mutual trust
between nations rather than imposed on them through fear of one
another's weapons.
Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes:
The Church in the Modern World
Peace & Justice
If you are interested in peace and justice issues, you are
invited to consider attending the next meeting of the MQH Peace
and Justice committee which is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on
Thursday, October 13, in the lower level of the parish house
(rectory).
Day of Renewal
The Way to the Father's Heart
Presented by Mother Nadine
Founder and Director, Intercessors of the Lamb
Saturday, October 8
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
At Notre Dame Church, Clarendon Hills
For more details, call 630-964-0216.
Presented by Diocese of Joliet Catholic Charismatic Renewal
MQH Catechists 2005-2006
Mary Jean Adkins Natalie Aliotta
Lorna Arman Monica Babcock
Laura Bonilla Heidi Bowbin
Vicki Bradbury Dee Brodt
Mary Caskey Dorothy Connell
Mary Connelly Judy Conness
Debbie Conroy Sherry Cook
Cheryl DeSantis Joe Dvorak
Megan Ferzacca Mary Foley
Joni Giammarino Joan Giordano
Ellen Goelz Diane Gornick
Kathleen Gusloff Tom Gusloff
Mark Harada Maribeth Harding
Danette Hedman Maria Hirsch
Laura Jankovec Cybele Japczyk
Terri Kevil Karen King
Mary Lynn Kowalski Beth Kujawa
Kate Kujawa Margaret Less
Julie Lindsay Noeleen Loresch
Ruth Maple Debbie Mason
Cathy McCaffrey Marie McCall
Julie McGovern Rebecca McGovern
Susan Miner Armaline Miretti
Marietta Molony Jim Niemann
Deacon Tom Nolan Kim Nosek
Dayna Pierzchala Genet Pinkerton
Nancy Resing Kathy Rhea
Renee Rodriguez Marie Roemer
Marcy Rohman Joyce Smith
Ron Smith Judy Socha
Chuck Tiedje Jennifer Trenta
Florence Trevino Karen Vicary
Deb Webb Dee Weiler
Caroline Wilkinson Mary Ann Woods
Thank you to all of the above and to all of our substitute
catechists, office helpers, hall monitors and traffic supervisors
who make up our support staff.
Truly their "Life is Christ."
Religious Education News
A huge welcome back to all our families and children. We
opened our year last Wednesday with the family concert of
Christian music that has become a tradition here at Mary Queen.
As usual it was awesome.
Our first in session class begins this Wednesday, September
21st at the 3 session times of 3:15-4:30, 5:15-6:30 and 7:15-8:30.
Class lists will be posted on the classroom doors. Remember all
little ones PreK to Gr. 2 must be escorted to their classrooms
and picked up after class by an adult.
Traffic will be hectic on Wednesday both outside in the lot
and inside in the school building. Please exercise extreme
caution in driving in and out of the parking lot and be patient
and courteous as well in the hall of the building. The safety of
our children as always is of utmost importance. Treat each child
as if they were your own.
Have you registered yet?
Please know that registrations are still being taken in the
REO. However, if you have not registered as yet, remember that
we do not process registrations on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of
September. Children registered this week will be put on a class
list next week. They are welcome to join their classes on the
28th. Note that both our Kindergartens are full to capacity.
SEPTEMBER 17-18
Life is Christ
Catechetical Sunday 2005
Catechesis is a distinct and special ministry in the Church.
This ministry of teaching in the name of the Church has a
profound dignity, which is why catechists are formally
commissioned by the Church. It is only fitting that we set aside
a time to highlight this ministry and invite the entire church
community to think about the responsibility to share our faith
with others. Parents are truly the primary catechists of their
children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of
faith. This is why the rite of blessing of catechists also
includes a blessing of parents and guardians.
Look for the names of our Religious Education catechists in today's
bulletin. Say thank you to them when you see them.
Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, September 21st - RE classes begin. No registrations
are processed.
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann Woods
at the REO, 832-8962.
Adult Education and Spirituality
Committee presents
Fr. Ed Shea, O.F.M.
Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
In Barrett Hall
Franciscan Father Ed Shea will be with us for a unique
presentation geared for families talking about what it means for
us to celebrate Eucharist.
Father Ed has spend most of his priesthood in parish work
and is presently Pastor of St. Joseph Church, an inner city
Church in Chicago's famous Back of the Yards neighborhood. A man
who loves to sing and tell stories, Father Ed thrives on
celebrating the sacraments of the Church. A true follower of
St. Francis, this Franciscan finds reasons to rejoice often in
the goodness of God present in our world.
M.O.M.S.
(Moms Offering Moms Support)
Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. is a social and spiritual
organization that provides an opportunity for mothers of young
children from Elmhurst Catholic parishes to meet activity or a
guest speaker with babysitting provided. There are no membership
fees and everyone is welcome. M.O.M.S. meets in Msgr. Plunkett
Hall, lower level of the Immaculate Conception chapel from 9:30
to 11:00 a.m.
On Thursday, September 22, M.O.M.S. will present a fun-
filled music program for the kids. Be sure to bring your little
ones for some song and dance! For more information please
contact Kelly at 630-833-7223 or Colleen at 630-832-4662.
Wings to Heaven
5-8 grades
Please join us
Sun., Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m.
In Barrett Hall.
Destiny
High School Students
are invited to join us
Sun., Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m.
In the School building.
Youth Group-September Meetings:
Thank you to all the members of the youth group who helped
in the face painting at our picnic.
A Vocation View
We can never be called "generous." All that we possess we
have received from God. It is our vocation to return to God all
the talents that have been entrusted to us.
Help Wanted Opportunity
There is an opening (30 hours a week) in accounts payable
in a physicians practice. For information call Mary Ann Reed
834-4840.
RCIA Update
This past Tuesday we began our weekly RCIA sessions. There
are 2 young men and 1 young woman who at this time are in the
inquiry stage of the RCIA. During this stage a person seeks
answers to questions they have about the church.
A special thank you is in order for those catechists who
generously give of their time and talent to facilitate our weekly
sessions: Milt Honel, Rosalie Honel, Tom Nanak, Karen Sutkus, and
Ellen Walker. Please pray for the new people as well as the faith
companions, and catechists as we continue our shared journey to
know the Lord more deeply. Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Contact: Mimi Wolak (630) 941-3851.