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. 2 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.