426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667
Market Day Orders for February are due Monday, February 16, at noon. Turn in your order form in the box at the back of church or at the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, February 21, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. If you have questions or would like to place an order, please call Mary at 832-8263 or Karen at 279-4108. January Celebrations We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the following who were baptized in January: Alexander Scott Crepeau Grant Albert John Fuschen Cayliann Marie Gillie Beatrice Rosemary Meganck Jacob Mitchell Stramel Gabriella Toritto Men's Group The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 12, at 8:00 p.m., at Crossroads Restaurant in Elmhurst. St. Patrick's Day Party is planned for Saturday, March 20, from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 Midnight in Barrett Hall. This adult event will include a catered dinner, beverages, entertainment, raffles and potentially, a silent auction on select items. More details will be announced within a few weeks. Evening Under the Stars Friday, February 20, 2004 Need an evening of relaxation and fun? Plan on attending the 7th Annual Evening Under the Stars Auction and Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. This is less than a month away, so get your friends and relatives together and reserve a table. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar and an opportunity to view the wonderful auction items donated by our parishioners and area businesses. Tickets for this event can be purchased at all the masses this weekend and the donation is $30 per person. For more information, please contact Diane Bernstein at 279-7252. As in past years, we will be having a Raffle with many more great prizes. The top three prizes will be Cash. You should have received your Raffle Books by mail. Extra raffle books will be available at all the masses this weekend. For more info, contact Ginny Hayes at 834-6403 or Anne Hoey at 834-1783. Much help is needed. If you have a few free hours and would like to volunteer to help us with this event, give Sheila a call at 833-6657. - The Gathering - Small Faith Community at Mary Queen of Heaven The Thursday evening Community, The Gathering, would like to welcome new members. Would that be you? Not a Bible study group, although Scripture is a key element. Not a social group, even though socializing and caring for one another as friends is very important. Not a prayer group, but prayer is its foundation. Not a ministry committee, but service is a vital aspect of community life. A Small Faith Community is all of these. It is an opportunity to come together in a manner similar to the very first Christians almost 2,000 years ago, in each other's homes. A small church within a larger one. How can you tell if this is for you? Come and See! Call Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523 evenings. Toiletry Item Drive Confirmation project for Michael Rudolph and Vince Colella! Jan. 25-Feb. 22 at Mary Queen of Heaven There will be a box in back of church for donations. Please donate unused items: shampoo, razors, shaving cream, soap, toothpaste & brush, deodorant, etc. Donations will go to a local homeless shelter!! Any questions, call Michael Rudolph at 279-7902. 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. Bill Brandt Jack Brett Rose Caffarelli Betty Ciancio Cosmo Ciancio Art Heisen Tom Janicke Elizabeth Kubane Stephen Kubane Irving Pavlik Kelly Peters Charles Ramus Anne Marie Raye Patricia Sabel Robert Schultz Edward Stefaniak Patricia Staseck If you know someone who would like our prayers, please call Mary Alice at 279-1159. Rest In Peace Edward A. Olinski Thank you to all who made our annual Confirmation Retreat a success. Thanks to our 8th grade catechists, Tom & Kathleen Gusloff and Ron & Joyce Smith. You are doing a wonderful job preparing our candidates for Confirmation and it shows. In addition, thanks to all who gave time to help during the day to our catechists; Natalie Aliotta, Mark Harada, and Karen Vicary. Thanks to Friar John Paul Cafiero who facilitated the day. But most of all thank you to our 37 Confirmation candidates. You were awesome. Parents, you have reason to be proud of your young people. I know that we are. Are you being called to be a catechist? This is the perfect time to start thinking if you are being called to be a catechist in our Religious Education Program next school year. It's a great time to come by on a Wednesday and see what goes on after the children arrive. The only qualification is that you love children and you want to share your faith with them. Everything else is provided. If you thought about it or know someone who is interested, call the office for details. If you have questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Elmhurst Memorial Hospice As part of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, we are a not-for-profit agency that offers Hospice services to the community. We provide support to individuals and their families that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Among our services are volunteers to help provide non-medical services such as companionship, relieving caregivers for short periods of time, running errands, and telephone outreach to the bereaved. We currently need persons interested in becoming volunteers on our hospice team. We also need volunteers to work with children in a grief group. Other areas of need include office support, fund raising and professional experience. Volunteers experience the rewards of satisfaction, greater self-awareness and spiritual growth. Hospices depend on volunteers. Without their efforts, hospices could not continue their important work. Marriage Encounter A Weekend of Discovery A Lifetime of Love! The President has proclaimed today, the second Sunday in February, as World Marriage Day. It is being celebrated in all 50 states of our country, under the sponsorship of Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Children learn love, security, permanence and stability from parents who love each other. Register for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend and the positive effect it has on your whole family. The coming weekend dates are February 13-15 and March 19-21. For more details or to register, call 630-577-0778. Scholarships for Students Entering Catholic High Schools The Kazma Family Foundation, through the Diocese Catholic Education Foundation, will again provide scholarships, in the amount of $3,000 each, to 25 freshmen entering one of eight Catholic high schools located in our Diocese. The scholarships are automatically renewed for four years, provided the student meets the requirements set by the Kazma Family. Awards are based primarily on financial need, as determined by the Private School Aid Service's consideration of 26 factors. Additional consideration is given to academic achievement, personal circumstances, and attendance at a Catholic grade school. Parents of qualifying students may contact the high school their student wishes to attend and request an application form. Completed applications are due by Friday, February 20, 2004, at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center. No exceptions can be made to this deadline. Home Maintenance for Seniors DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC) offers affordable home repair services at a subsidized cost to seniors in Elmhurst, age 60 and over. Home repairs include electrical, plumbing, carpentry, general maintenance and safety equipment installation. Costs for home repairs in Elmhurst are $40 per service hour (billed in 15-minute increments, 30 minutes minimum per service call). There is no charge for estimates. Other no-cost home maintenance services available to seniors in Elmhurst include a home inspection to assure personal, home safety and weatherizing needs, and a contractor referral service. DSCC also offers the Chore Days Program in the Spring and Fall to help with seasonal outdoor clean up. For information, please contact Hina at 630-620-0804. Protecting God's Children An Invitation During the past year our parish bulletin has carried many letters from Bishop Imesch explaining how our diocese would be responding to the crisis of sexual abuse of children. One way is a program designed to help us create a very safe environment where we live and where we work by becoming better informed about the signs of abuse and the characteristics of a possible offender. In September and October of 2003 Mary Queen of Heaven parish presented this program called Protecting God's Children for all individuals who are employed by Mary Queen of Heaven parish and/or who work or volunteer with the children of our parish. On the evening of February 19, 2004 the program will be presented once again. This time we extend an invitation to all interested members of our parish to come for the presentation of two short films and some discussion. The program will address the warning signs of inappropriate relationships, how child-centered programs are to be monitored, who are permitted to work with children, the importance of parental involvement and how to communicate concerns about suspected abuse. Program Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Barrett Hall Program Date: February 19, 2004 Registration Please call Mary Alice at 279-1159 by February 16 so that we may prepare the proper amount of chairs, tables, handouts and refreshments. You are invited to a Catholic sponsored Candidate Forum for the U.S. Senate This Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. Tellabs Lecture Hall, Benedictine University, Lisle Candidates will be asked how their campaign addresses principles of Catholic social teaching and related issues: Life & Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community & Participation; Rights & Responsibilities; Options for the Poor & Vulnerable; Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God's Creation Candidates invited: Republicans: Steve Rauschenberger, Chirinjeev Kathuria, Andy McKenna, Jim Oberweis, Jack Ryan, Jonathan Wright, John Borling, Andy Martin and Norm Hill. Democrats: Dan Hynes, Nancy Skinner, Joyce Washington, Blair Hull, Barrack Obama, Gery Chico and Maria Pappas. Sponsored by St. Margaret Mary Parish, St. Raphael Parish, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Benedictine University, JPIC Office of the Wheaton Franciscans and others. Diocese of Joliet Catholic Construction Corps Mission to the Navajo Reservation Please join us at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, for an Information Night on the 3rd annual mission to the Navajo Reservation. The trip is planned for June 4-19, 2004 to repair/build homes for the poor of the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. This construction mission needs skilled and semi-skilled workers in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical, as well as men and women who will assist in a variety of construction tasks. Opportunities to meet the people and to learn the local culture are part of this mission. For info. call Art Sheridan, Missions Coordinator, at 815-834-4072 (asheridan@dioceseofjoliet.org) or contact (evenings) either Deacon Tom Goebel (630-782-9577) or Deacon Larry Lissak (630-629-9234). Answering the Call Matt Pratscher is the second oldest of four children. He is a member of St. Andrew Parish in Romeoville, where he has served as a lector, eucharistic minister, usher, altar server, and peer minister. He has gone on mission trips to West Virginia and Bolivia, and he has served as a leader on numerous retreats. Matt received the rank of Eagle Scout in March 1999, and he graduated from Joliet Catholic Academy in 2000. As a Catholic studies major at the University of St. Thomas, Matt had the opportunity to study in Rome for the Fall semester of 2002. He will graduate from the college seminary and continue his seminary formation at Mundelein Seminary. For information regarding vocations visit www.vocations.com or call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 815-834-4004. To provide support for vocations contact the Serra Club regarding their activities including monthly vocation mass and dinner at serra@vocations.com or call 630-858-4666. M.O.M.S. Group I. C. Parish, Elmhurst M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) is a social organization that provides an opportunity for mothers of young children to meet other mothers. It is a time to relax over coffee and snacks while learning and discussing issues of interest. There is no membership fee, nor are there any requirements to join the group. M.O.M.S. will meet on Thursday, February 12, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in Plunkett Hall, lower level of the I.C. Chapel. Come make valentines for your sweetheart! This mom/child activity will allow you to work together to create something special for those you love! Also, bring along your wedding album to share. For more information, call Katie Gallagher at 630-941-8755. Senior Home Sharing (SHS) Senior Home Sharing, Inc. (SHS), a not-for-profit agency, provides seniors with an opportunity to live independently in a safe, affordable family-style home. We currently have openings in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard and Naperville. In addition to a private bedroom, each resident benefits from the support services of a live-in manager who shops, prepares and serves 3 meals per day, handles housekeeping, and oversees activities. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides social services and case management as needed. The average, all-inclusive resident fee is $1,200/month. For information, please call Vicki at 630-629-5599. Late Nite Catechism St. Charles Borromeo Church, Bensenville Saturday, February 21, at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) Join the class as Sister takes you back to the days of the Latin Mass, meatless Fridays and that good old ruler across the knuckles! This play is a must for former Catholic School students. Come, rekindle your memories and enjoy a light and hilarious evening that will break the doldrums of winter. Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more info, call Margo Schall at 847-455-1421. For Widowed Men and Women The Office of Family Ministry of the Joliet Diocese invites you to attend a special retreat/workshop that will bring hope into your life once again. This 2-day program will be held on March 6 & 7, 2004. Joyful Again! is a program designed to help those who are widowed find joy in living again. If you've been widowed you know how hard it is to adjust to your new role in life. Whether you are young or not so young, you know the loneliness and only you know the loss. When: Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7 Where: St. Charles Borromeo Center (Near Hwys 53 & 55 in Romeoville) Donation: $105 includes meals & private lodging (Can be adjusted in needed) Register by calling 708-354-7211 (Registrations preferred by February 26.) Community Forum on Sex and Violence in the Media Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. Divine Savior Parish Center, Downers Grove The Divine Savior Peace and Social Justice Committee has been studying this issue for several months. We invite all parents, grandparents and concerned citizens to join us, as we provide concrete ideas about to how to combat the negative effects of media both in the home in our society. Together we can make a difference. For more information, please call Eileen McGleam at 963-8039. Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton Speaks at Elmhurst College Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. Faith and Social Justice: The War in Iraq is the title of this year's Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture. Bishop Gumbleton, auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, is known nationally and internationally for his pro-human rights stances. He has traveled widely, including six journeys to Iraq in the last seven years, and a trip to Afghanistan. For directions, call 630-617-3033 or www.elmhurst.edu. PADS Help Needed Are you aware that our Men's Group works the overnight shifts for PADS the 4th weekend of each month? PADS provides shelter for homeless persons at various sites from October through April. The time our Men's Group works is from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the morning. Our Men's Group has divided the time into two three-hour sessions: the 11-2 and the 2-5 shifts, using two men per shift. They need volunteers to help out especially the dates of February 21-22, March 27-28, and April 24-25. During these shifts the men monitor the groups using the PADS facility and prepare lunches for the following day. If you could give a night or two, or more, to this worthy cause, please call Steve Lindberg at 941-1355 or e-mail him at steve@fallaw.com. If you would like more information, he will be happy to answer your questions. Worship Commission Notes From Meeting of January 19, 2004 (Next meeting: February 16, 2004) Mark your calendars for Mondays, March 1, 8 and 22. Members of the parish will speak on various kinds of prayer, i.e, contemplative, the rosary, praying with icons, praying with guided imagery and conversation with God. Lenten Simple Supper will be Friday, April 2. The first meeting for servers will be January 31. A second will follow in February. Training is taking place for new eucharistic ministers. There will be a meeting for ushers after 10:30 a.m. Mass on February 22. What's Love Got to Do with It? A Jazz Multimedia Experience (Music, Poetry, Story, Drama, Video, Power Point) February 13 at 8:00 p.m. At Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst College All Congregations and Youth Groups are invited to experience a sensory overload featuring Oikos. We would appreciate donations to benefit the band. For information, contact 630-617-3025 x 3028 Sponsored by the UCC Student Fellowship, UB, Spiritual Life Council and your Elmhurst College Student Activity Fund Fellowship Sunday On Sunday February 15 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass, fellowship will be held in Barrett Hall. The Proclaimers are hosting this month and invite everyone to stop in for coffee, juice and breakfast goodies. It's a great time to enjoy conversing with fellow parishioners and friends. Hope to see you! Palms for Ash Wednesday As in past years, we plan to burn blessed palms from last year for use in our upcoming Ash Wednesday services. If you have palms that you wish to return for burning, please do so by Sunday, February 22. A box will be available in the church vestibule. Prison Ministry On Wednesday, February 11, at 6:15 p.m., the DuPage County Jail in Wheaton will be conducting an orientation. Even though the DuPage County Jail is a state of the art facility, the men and women incarcerated there need Christ and hope. These prisoners are no less God's children than you and I. Eventually some 95% of these offenders will someday walk our streets and might well be our neighbors. Persons like YOU are needed to bring Gospel values to these women and men, to listen, and to help these inmates find Jesus. You could become part of the JUST volunteer corps that provides a variety of opportunities for inmates. You may think you don't have the talent, or the time, or the inclination, but the Holy Spirit will provide. To register for the orientation, call 630-682-7838. Questions? Call Milt Honel at 279-7086.