There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Dear Friends,
By now, you know that Father Tom Wolter will be moving from Mary Queen of Heaven this week. Since he is no longer serving as hospital chaplain, the bishop has asked him to move, as this was his place of residence only during this time. For those of you who were not at Mass last Sunday when the bishop's letter was read, a copy appears in the bulletin today.
While Father Tom will be moving, most of parish life will not be affected. We will still have the same weekend Masses and Father Tom will even be back on weekends! Since Father Tom was not a regular part of the parish staff, his departure does not change the running of the parish or its ordinary ministries and activities.
Still, this change does have an impact upon us. Father Tom will be adjusting to a new home after 14 years in one place. Hopefully, being able to live once again with another priest will be a help to him during this time of transition, since he has already shared with me that it has been difficult living without brother priests. Many people have been asking me about how Father Tom has been taking the news. I would say that in the first days (two weeks before the announcement was made to the parish), it was especially difficult for him. Over time, however, he has begun to adjust to the change, saying to me that perhaps something even better will be coming into his life now. I know that many people will miss Father Tom. I am glad that we were able to arrange for a reception for him after each of the Masses this weekend so that he can receive expressions of gratitude for the help that he has provided to us.
Some of the people of our parish who have been most emotionally affected by this news are those who regularly attend the 8:30 weekday Mass. This is where our Mass schedule will change somewhat, since we will no longer have a priest living here. Within the next week, I hope to be able to make a formal announcement of what the regular weekday Mass schedule will be. There will be the same days each week, so that people can always remember when we have Mass without having to look in the bulletin. For now, I can tell you that we will probably have three weekday Masses instead of five and Communion Services (led by myself or Deacon Tom) on the other two days. For those who would prefer to attend Mass each day, there are other parishes nearby that will have Mass on the days that we do not. For those who prefer coming to Mary Queen each morning, there will be Communion services on the days we do not have Mass.
There are some people in our parish who will be grieving deeply - those who will miss Father Tom, those who will miss having Mass every day at Mary Queen, and those who will miss having a priest living in the rectory. I know that it does not lessen the sadness some people feel to tell you that there are already other parishes in this diocese who do not have Mass every day, or that in the next few years there will be more. But it is important that those things be known so that no one feels this situation is unique to Mary Queen of Heaven. Within the next 10 years, there will not be a single parish unaffected by the priest shortage.
In the meantime, this change is happening here now and it will take time for some people to adjust to it. I want to say something to those who are feeling very sad about this change. I believe that the Lord is very close to us when we suffer or are in pain. Please trust that the Lord is very close to you now.
I have been praying about what else I could say to you now and I wanted to share with you the scripture at the beginning of this page. It is the scripture that I chose for the first reading at a funeral for someone I loved very much, when his death made no sense to me. I do not wish to be overly dramatic in saying this. Certainly, no one has died here! Father Tom will be back, we will still have some weekday Masses, and our parish is not only alive and well but it is growing! Still, I know there are people who will be grieving for the loss of Father Tom, the loss of some regular weekday celebrations, and the loss of a familiar model of church when there were priests in every parish. I know how it feels to grieve deeply, and I know that for me, this scripture helped when nothing else seemed to make sense.
I will leave you with some verses that follow the passage above: God has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into our hearts, without our ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done...whatever God does will endure forever. God will always take care of the Church and its people. May God strengthen the faith of us all.
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Health Committee
Thanks to those who joined us for the last meeting and
helped brainstorm for ideas for the coming year!
Please join us at our next meeting December 3rd at 9:15 a.m.
in the parish office/rectory building. Please call me with any
questions. Corinna Wojcik 782-2152.
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 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.
Parish News
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. 16 and Nov. 30
$4 per night or $6 per night (family rate)
All monies will be donated to Mary Queen.
Please contact debbie, call 941-7224.
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
Geri Pstrzoch 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 concludes on
November 16th. 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.
FYI - For those of you who were unable to attend the viewing of
the parent video, "What Do I Say Now" on Sunday, October 30, it
will be offered again this Wednesday, November 16, at 3:45 p.m.,
5:45 p.m., and 6:45 p.m.. 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.
Family Mass is next Sunday, November 20, at the 8:30 a.m.
Mass. Our 8th grade Confirmation candidates will take part in a
special ritual of commitment. All are expected to be present.
As always all of our families are encouraged to be present
with their children. Last month we packed the church for Family
Mass, let's do it again this month.
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.
Christian Service Commission
MQH Peace & Justice Committee
Reflection on the Sunday Readings
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]
November 13, 2005
The scriptures today challenge us and our world to get our
values in order, to focus on those things that are really
important, and to take risks trusting in the generous power
which God has been given to us.
The first reading from Proverbs offers the image of a wife
who is judged to have her values in order. She cares for
her family. She cares for others. She cares for the poor.
It is possible to misuse this first reading from Proverbs
and use it to envision a world where the role of women is
limited to "domestic work."
This is not the proper way to use this scripture when we
apply it to our world today. This scripture is reminding us
that the value of a human person is found not in
superficial standards of beauty or charm or fashion, but in
the quality of our life, the loving character of our
relationships, and the concern we show to others. "She
reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to
the needy."
The gospel story reminds us of the possibilities that can
unfold as God's gifts are used well. God has given us
things which we must use well. We must not be paralyzed by
fear, but we must trust that as we make our efforts great
things can happen. In the parable those who invest what
they have been given all have success. The one who is
paralyzed by fear is the one who fails.
We live in a world that has abundant resources. Experts
tell us that today we produce enough food for everyone to
eat well. A just distribution is the challenge. God invites
us to a responsible sharing of the abundance and a renewal
of structures that will give everyone a just opportunity to
share in the riches of the world. Abundance and
fruitfulness are possible. Good things are possible. Hunger
and injustice can come to an end. We need to use well what
we have been given by God.
Choked by wealth and anxiety, we can close ourselves to the
reality of the poor and marginalized of our world. Choked
by the structures and institutions of our world, we can
feel paralyzed. The scripture today reminds us that
something more is possible.
Office of the Bishop
October 31, 2005
This letter is to inform you that Father Thomas Wolter's
position as Catholic Chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital has
been terminated. Since Father will no longer be serving as
Chaplain, I have asked him to find another place of residence
within the next two weeks. Father Wolter's place of residence
was determined by its proximity to Elmhurst Hospital, where he
initially served as Chaplain, and Good Samaritan Hospital, his
latest assignment.
There are a number of rectories with available space.
The rectory at Mary Queen should be available for the one who
serves in the parish. The parish should not have to pay for a
residence for a Pastoral Life Coordinator if there is
available housing on parish grounds. Father Wolter's leaving
the parish will probably result in the parish having to
curtail its schedule of weekday Masses. There are other
parishes in the vicinity which people could attend for Mass
when none is offered at Mary Queen. There could also be
opportunities for a Liturgy of the Word and Communion Service
on some days.
I realize that this will be an adjustment for the parish
community. Unfortunately, the shortage of priests results in
everyone having to make accommodations.
In whatever way you think best, I would ask that you
share this information with your parish community.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Joseph L. Imesch
Bishop of Joliet
Additional remarks from Parish Council Representative:
There are a few things that are important for you to
know. First of all, while the bishop's letter mentions a time
frame of two weeks, Father Tom has already known from the
bishop for a couple of weeks that he would be leaving the
parish. He has planned to move to St. Joseph's in Addison,
where he will once again live with another priest. He plans
to move on November 15. The parish will provide him with all
of the assistance he needs in moving.
Secondly, we want you to know that Father Tom will be
back! He will still be here on some Sundays, and our weekend
Masses will continue as usual. Father Benet has already been
providing most of the sacramental ministry for the parish, and
this will continue. We will also continue to have help from
other priests, including Father Barrett, who is here once a
month.
The only change in our Mass schedule will be for
weekdays. We will still have Mass during the week, but not
every day. When this schedule changes, parishioners will be
notified in the bulletin. Father Tom will continue to
celebrate weekday Mass until he leaves on Nov 15.
Finally, while Father Tom will be returning to celebrate
weekend Mass at Mary Queen, even after November 15, we want to
take this occasion to thank him for the ministry he provided
while he has been a resident here.
[This weekend, November 12/13], after all of the Masses,
there will be a reception for Father Tom in Barrett Hall.
Advent Wreath and Candles
Once again the Liturgy Committee will be having
Advent Wreath sets and replacement candles available after
all the Masses during this weekend through the first Sunday
in Advent. The donation for the Wreath Sets (includes a wreath,
4 candles and an Advent Prayer) is $9.75. The donation for a set
of Replacement Candles is $2.00.
Bereavement Ministry
Table of Remembrance
Thank you to all who brought in photos for our Table of
Remembrance. This action helped to expand our view of family and
remind us of the lives and gifts of these individuals. May they
rest in the peace of God.
Since Advent is approaching, the table will be taken down
soon, so we ask you to please remove the photos this weekend
(Nov. 12,13).
Questions of Faith
When have you been paralyzed by fear and failed to get
things done or to address serious needs?
When have you taken risks and accomplished something
surprising?
Fr. John Bucki, S.J.,
The Center of Concern,
www.coc.org,
used with permission.
Readings
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
Peace and Justice Ministry
Presents:
Created in the Image of God:
The Dignity of the Human Person
Tuesday Evening, November 15, 2005
Barrett Hall
7:00 p.m.
"The Dignity of the Human Person..." is the first of seven
themes of Catholic Social Teaching and it is foundational to all
the rest. Everything the Church teaches about building a just
society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of
modern society flows from this teaching about the sacredness of
human life. Everyone from the parish is invited to this event,
especially parents and those responsible for education and moral
formation in families, in religious programs, and in society.
Father Thomas Nairn, O.F.M. is a Franciscan priest and
Professor of Catholic Ethics at Catholic Theological Union, the
largest Catholic theological school in the United States. Father
Nairn will be with us to talk about Catholic understanding of the
dignity of human life across age and circumstance.
Most of Thomas Nairn's research has been in the area of
health care ethics. His current work has been in areas such as
end of life issues, genetics, the interrelation between religious
and cultural values in health care decision making, and
organizational ethics. He consults for a variety of Catholic
health care systems and helped develop the health care mission
leadership certificate program at Catholic Theological Union in
Chicago.
Help the Hungry This Thanksgiving
Join the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot and help raise money
to help feed the hungry on Thanksgiving morning. Runners
and walkers can pre-register in person on Saturday,
November 19, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schiller Real
Estate, 540 S. York Rd. in Elmhurst; or on-line at
www.dangibbonsturkeytrot.com; The pre-registration donation
in $20.00.
Race day registration is from 6:30 - 8:45 a.m. at
Schiller Real Estate on Thursday, November 24. Race day
registration donation is $25.00.