October Celebrations
We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the following who were baptized in October:
Nicholas Spirakis
Alexander Spirakis
Emily Marie Daly
Maura Jeanne Walsh
UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN TO END THE USE OF THE DEATH PENALTY
It is time for U.S. Catholics to come together to work to end the use of the death penalty in our land.
Why a Campaign Now?
Catholic teaching, as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other statements of the Vatican and the bishops, makes clear that the use of the death penalty cannot be justified when the state has other ways to protect society. The death penalty in our land is deeply flawed. More than 115 people on death row have been exonerated. The death penalty is unfairly applied due to many factors, including where a crime is committed, the race of the victim and offender, and the quality and costs of defense. Catholics are re-examining and changing their minds about the use of the death penalty. Less than half of all Catholics now support the use of the death penalty, down substantially from past years. The death penalty diminishes all of us. Its use ought to be abandoned not only for what it does to those who are executed, but what it does to us as a society. We cannot teach respect for life by taking life.
Facts About the Death Penalty
Approximately 3,500 inmates are on death row in 38 state, federal, and military prisons. The largest number, over 600, is in California. Since 1973, there have been more than 115 exonerations of death row inmates. Recent Supreme Court decisions have limited the use of the death penalty by declaring unconstitutional the execution of persons with mental retardation and those who committed crimes as juveniles (under the age of 18). The court has also ruled that defendants are entitled to have a jury decide whether to impose the death penalty. Twelve states do not allow the use of the death penalty. Five additional states have not executed anyone since its reinstatement in 1976. Other states are actively considering the abolition of the death penalty, including New Mexico and Connecticut. Additional information in support of these facts can be found at www.ccdep.org.
What Catholics Are Thinking About the Death Penalty
Many Catholics have reconsidered their position on the death penalty. In past polls, Catholic support mirrored that of the American public at close to 70%. In a recent survey (Zogby International Poll for USCCB, December 2004), less than half (48%) of Catholics interviewed expressed support for the use of the death penalty. A majority of Catholics credited Church teaching as the number-one factor influencing their position on the death penalty.
In his encyclical The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II called us to choose "to be unconditionally pro-life." During his last visit to the United States, he referenced the encyclical in a speech in St. Louis: "The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform."
Catholic Teaching and the Death Penalty
The Church has long acknowledged the right of the state to use the death penalty in order to protect society. However, in recent years, Pope John Paul II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Vatican's Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, and statements from bishops have more clearly insisted that the state should forgo this right if it has other means to protect society. Our fundamental respect for every human life and for God, who created each person in his image, requires that we choose not to end a human life in response to violent crimes if non-lethal options are available. Moreover, at a time when respect for the sanctity of human life is undermined in many ways, the Church's opposition to the use of the death penalty is an important witness in support of a culture of life.
"I renew the appeal . . . for a consensus to end the death
penalty."
Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, Missouri January 27, 1999
Administrative Committee, United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops
Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty
www.ccdep.org
Frances Xavier Cabrini
(1850-1917), November 13
Born in Italy, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini never dreamed
that she would be the first (naturalized) citizen of the United
States to be canonized. In fact, almost nothing in her life
turned out as planned. The order she had hoped to enter denied
her admission. The bishop closed the orphanage she worked in, but
named her the first prioress of the Missionary Sisters of the
Sacred Heart.
She wanted to go to China, but the Pope encouraged her to
go to New York to work with the Italian immigrants instead. When
she arrived, the house she intended to turn into an orphanage was
unavailable and the Archbishop of New York suggested she return
to Italy.
Undaunted, she not only stayed, she founded a total of 67
institutions dedicated to the care of the poor, the abandoned,
the uneducated, and the sick. Pope Pius XII said of her, "She
never let anything turn her aside from striving and aiming to
please God and to work for his glory for which nothing, aided by
God's grace, seemed too laborious, or difficult, or beyond human
strength.
St. Frances Cabrini, pray for us when we are tempted to let
obstacles keep us from using our gifts for others.
Building Effective Relationships with our Children
Held at Catholic Charities, Lombard
For parents of children ages 5-12
Tuesday, November 8, at 7 - 9 P.M.
This two-hour workshop helps parents build on their existing
strengths to win greater cooperation with their school-aged
children. Cost: $20 per person; $25 per couple Pre-
registration is required.
For parents of children ages 0-19
Saturday, November 12, at 1 - 4 P.M.
Topics discussed: increasing mutual respect, positive
communication; understanding how parent's behavior affects
child's response; developing discipline techniques that work; and
providing children with the tools they need to survive and thrive
in today's society. Cost: $25 per person; $30 per couple Pre-
registration is required.
Waiting for Miracles
Catholic Charities will hold its Waiting for Miracles
Autumn Gala fundraiser on November 19 at Drury Lane in Oak Brook.
Tickets are $150 each and tables of ten are available. All
proceeds benefit Catholic Charities in the Joliet Diocese, and
90% is used directly for client programs and services! Items are
needed for auction. You can also "Sponsor a Miracle" by making a
cash donation.
For info, call Sue Kaiser at 815-723-3405, ext 139.
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.
Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
November 12-13 at all Masses
The MQH St. Vincent DePaul Society is again this year
expecting to have a large number of needy families to take care
of for Thanksgiving.
We will be collecting non-perishable items such as canned
vegetables and fruits, cranberries, dressing mix, potatoes,
cereals, soup, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, jelly, Jell-
o, boxed cake mixes, etc. Also, needed are paper products
(Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels), dish soap, soap bars,
deodorant and hair shampoo. If you would like to donate a
turkey, we ask that you please purchase Jewel or Dominick
certificates and put them in an envelope indicating that they are
for the purchase of a turkey. These certificates will be given,
along with food baskets, to the families we are taking care of
this year.
We ask that you please bring your donations of food up to
the front of church at the offertory of the Masses on November 12
and 13. Boxes will be provided for your donations. In addition,
food can be brought and placed in the St. Vincent De Paul box
starting now, and it will also be used for the Thanksgiving Food
Drive.
We will be preparing the baskets for distribution on
Monday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m. in church. If you have an
hour or so free and would like to help, please call Sheila Reiter
at 833-6657. The more hands to help, the faster and easier the
task!
Thanksgiving Collection
Every year our Thanksgiving Day Collection is given to the
St. Vincent DePaul Society to aid them in helping people in our
parish and the surrounding area who are in need of assistance
with food, electric, gas and water bills, rental assistance, car
repairs, medicine and medical bills.
During the last year and a half the care of the poor has
increased exponentially. As a matter of fact, the St. Vincent
DePaul Society of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish has helped
approximately 75% more needy people (families) during this time
than it has in previous years. We have also been able to help
some who have been turned away in other places. It is important
for all to know that not only does our care help our own
parishioners but also reaches beyond the borders of our parish to
the surrounding area. This is an important work of outreach and
charity that Mary Queen's SVdP Society provides.
Due to the economy and loss of jobs, the call for help has
been great this past year and a half and we expect it to keep
increasing, especially with the energy situation. Next year,
because of the needs met by SVdP, we will be adding a monthly
envelope for this charitable outreach of our parish. In the
meantime, we especially need your help with the Thanksgiving Day
Collection. We know everyone is not able to attend Thanksgiving
Day Mass, so we ask that you please consider dropping your
Thanksgiving Day Envelope in the Sunday collection basket or
sending it to the rectory. Please help us to help others!
Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Christian Service 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 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 Michelle Humann
Maureen James Tom Janicke
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.
Religious Education News
Safe Touching
Our Safe Touching sessions for the children in RE continue on
November 9 and 16. If you have not as yet returned the permission
form for child to participate in this session, please do so ASAP.
If you would like to attend the session with your child, know
that you are welcome to do so. We still ask that you turn in a
permission form, as we must turn in documentation to the Diocese
indicating how many children participated in this program
regardless of whether their parents were with them or not. Please
call the RE office for the schedule of when your child's class
will take part in the session if you are interested in attending
with your child.
FYI - For those of you who were unable to attend the viewing of
the parent video, "What Do I Say Now" last Sunday, it will be
offered again on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 3:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and
6:45 p.m. in Barrett Hall. This film is an excellent resource for
you whether you have chosen to allow your children to participate
in the Safe Touching program during RE class or if you are
talking about this topic at home with your child.
Mark your calendar:
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m. - Family Mass; 8th graders will
participate in a Confirmation commitment ritual.
Wednesday, Nov. 23 - No RE - Thanksgiving Break
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann
Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Tree of Light Memorial Mass
All are welcome to attend the annual Tree of Light Memorial
Mass in remembrance of babies who have been lost through
miscarriage, stillbirth, other pregnancy losses, and infant and
early childhood death. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop
Imesch at the St. Charles pastoral Center in Romeoville on
Sunday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.
Please call 815-838-5334 to indicate the number of those
planning to attend. A special tree-lighting ceremony will be
held, and ribbons will be placed on the tree for each baby being
honored that day. If you are unable to attend, but would like a
ribbon placed on the tree in your baby's name, please call the
above number.
Diocesan News
Da Vinci Code: Hoax or Reality?
One of the more intriguing novels of our age is the best-
selling "The Da Vinci Code." But how much is based in reality
and how much is simply a fanciful hoax? Join Fr. Kevin Shanley,
O. Carm., at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, on
November 14, from 7-9 p.m. to explore the phenomenon that is "The
Da Vinci Code." Cost: $15/person. Call 630-969-4141 to
register.
Community News
Spirit of Life Chorus
Invites you to our celebration in song...
The Best Christmas Ever
Sunday, November 6 at 4:00 p.m.
St. Irene's Catholic Church
28W441 Warrenville Rd., Warrenville
A benefit concert for
Casa de Los Angeles Daycare Center
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary of K. of C. Council 6710
No admission charge - Freewill Offering
For information: 630-293-4172
Handling the Holidays
Sunday, November 13, at 12:30 p.m.
St. Alexander Parish Center, Villa Park
Experiencing the holidays without a loved one can be
extremely difficult. Join others who are grieving to look at
ways to help deal with this loss during the coming holiday
season. The program is sponsored by Joyful Again and given by a
team of widows and widowers from that organization. Light
refreshments will be served after the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
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 other mothers.
Bi-monthly meetings include a mother/child 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, Elmhurst
from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
On Thursday November 17, please bring the little ones to
enjoy creative activities and a kids' presentation centered on
"giving thanks." A special visitor (Fr. Chris from Visitation
Parish) will lead our kids in this activity. For more
information please contact Kelly at (630) 833-7223 or Colleen at
(630) 832-4662.
Attention Catholic Lawyers!
The St. Thomas More Society of DuPage County is sponsoring
the second annual Red Mass with brunch immediately following, for
lawyers and their spouses, on Sunday, November 20, at 12:30 p.m.
at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church in Wheaton.
The featured speaker at the brunch will be Congressmen
Henry Hyde. For further information on the Red Mass or the
brunch, please call Eddie Wollenberg at 668-2415.
Widowed?
Joyful Again! is a faith-based program that helps
people still dealing with the death of their spouse.
It explores what they have been experiencing after their loss
and offers tools to assist them in moving on with their life. If
you or someone you know is widowed, plan on attending this
program .
When: November 12 & 13, 2005
Where: St. Charles Center, Romeoville
How: Call 1-708-354-7211
Yoga Class by Debbie Styka
The benefits of yoga are a gradual increase in energy level
and stamina, improved joint health & flexibility, and a feeling
of relaxation
Yoga class 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: Nov. 9, Nov. 16 and Nov. 30
$4 per night or $6 per night (family rate)
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen.
Please contact debbie at 941-7224.
DuPage Community Clinic
Seeks Medical Volunteers
The DuPage Community Clinic is a free medical/dental clinic
for low-income, DuPage County residents who have no medical
insurance or governmental assistance. Our offices are located at
1506 E. Roosevelt Ave. in Wheaton and 401 E. North Ave. in Villa
Park.
Our medical clinic is seeking nurses, LPNs, CNAs, and EMTs
at either office. Primary care physicians, dermatologists,
endocrinologists, gynecologists, nephrologists, optometrists,
orthopedics, and surgeons are needed at the clinic or as a
referral specialty site at your private office.
Dietitians, social workers, medical translators,
receptionists, as well as dentist and dental hygienists are
needed at our Wheaton office.
Anyone interested in volunteering, or seeking additional
information may call Yessica Cabrera at (630) 682-0639, ext. 19.
If you are a physician who prefer to see patients at your
private office, please contact Access DuPage at (630) 510-8720,
ext. 207.
Market Day
Orders are due by November 7 at noon.
Pickup on Nov. 12, at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
in the Social Hall.
Babysitters Needed
* A MQH family with 2 preschool-aged children is looking for
a part time babysitter/nanny for 20-25 daytime hours/week.
Sitter must have own transportation and references. If you are
interested, please call Margaret at 630-605-3861.
* Looking for outgoing, responsible, 13+ year old to
occasionally watch our two children on Friday or Saturday
evenings (minimum once a month, max 3 times per month). Please
call Jerry or Chris at 630-279-8876.
Peace and Justice Committee
Inside the front cover of today's bulletin is information
about the Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty. Here are
some suggestions from the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference for
ways you can participate in the campaign:
What You Can Do
As part of the "Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death
Penalty" you can:
Pray for victims of crime and their families, those who have
been wrongly convicted, and those awaiting execution.
Learn about Catholic social teaching, criminal justice policies,
and the policies in your state. Go to www.ccedp.org for more
information about the death penalty.
Educate people in your parish or community about Catholic social
teaching and the criminal justice system. Visit www.ccedp.org
for resources for classrooms and small faith communities,
Vatican and bishops' statements on the death penalty, and
statements from individual bishops and state Catholic
conferences.
Advocate by contacting your elected officials. Share with them
Catholic teaching on the death penalty and urge them to take
steps at the state and national level to curtail or end its use.
We cannot overcome crime by simply executing criminals, nor
can we restore the lives of the innocent by ending the lives of
those convicted of their murders. The death penalty offers the
tragic illusion than we can defend life by taking life.