426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667
Answering the Call Sr. Johanna Choi, OSB, was born in North Korea in 1943 and is the fourth of seven children. During the Korean conflict, her family fled to South Korea. Later, she came to the U.S. to study and received her Bachelor's Degree in Science in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. After her mother's death, she returned to South Korea and entered the Carmelites. Four years ago she returned to the U.S. looking for a community that included not only community prayer, but also ministry to others. The Benedictine life-style was her choice. As a certified nursing assistant, she is now ministering to the sick Sisters in the Sacred Heart Monastery Infirmary. In the fall of 2002 she began her three-year transfer process by making monastic vows, as a Benedictine Sister, at Sacred Heart Monastery, Lisle. For information regarding vocations visit www.vocations.com or call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 815-834-4004. Annual Pro-Life Prayer Breakfast Dr. Jack Willke, noted pro-life author and leader, will be the guest speaker at the Illinois Citizens for Life Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, February 28, at 9:00 a.m. at the Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace. This is a great opportunity for citizens and legislators to come together to pray for the needs of our country. With a nation at war, the desire for God's blessings seems greater than ever. Your $30 donation is not tax deductible. However, it will certainly be used to help elect pro-life legislators. Call 630-595-0798 for reservations. Fellowship Sunday This 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! 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. Evening Under the Stars Friday, February 20, 2004 This is the last weekend to purchase tickets for the Evening Under the Stars Auction and dinner Dance to be held on February 20 at Alta villa Banquets in Addison. 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 great prizes. The top three prizes will be cash. You should have received your Raffle Books by mail. Extra raffle books are available at all masses this weekend and will also be available at the auction. If you have not already done so, please turn in your raffle books at the table in the church vestibule, in the collection basket, or to the rectory. For more info, contact Ginny Hayes at 834-6403 or Anne Hoey at 834-1783. Much help is needed in setting up for this event. If you would like to volunteer to help set up on 11 A.M.. Please give Sheila Reiter a call at 833-6657 and let her know if you intend to being there to help. Men's Group The Men's Group meets the 2nd Thursday of every month 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. 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. 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 Mime-Version: 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. 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. 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. 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, of the Archdiocese 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. 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 Pam Bonafide Jack Brett Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante Betty Ciancio Cosmo Ciancio Art Heisen Tom Janicke 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 Irvin Pavlik 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 if needed) Register by calling 708-354-7211 (Registrations preferred by February 26.) 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. 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 how to combat the negative effects of media both in the home in and our society. Together we can make a difference. For more information, please call Eileen McGleam at 963-8039. 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. 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. Prayer for Life We pray for those who are near death this day, and for all who accompany them on their last journey, that these final precious moments may deepen our gratitude to God for the inestimable value of the gift of life. DuPage Community Clinic Volunteers Needed The DuPage Community Clinic is a free medical/dental clinic serving low-income, DuPage County residents who have no 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, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, optometrists, gynecologists, and pharmacists, to volunteer in either of our offices. Spanish-speaking dietitians and social workers are desperately needed in our Wheaton location. Office/clerical volunteers are also needed for our Wheaton office. Our dental clinic is also seeking dentists and dental hygienists for our Wheaton office. Anyone interested in volunteering, or seeking more information, may contact Yessica Cabrera at 630-682-0639, ext. 19, or by e-mail at dupageclinic@aol.com. Sermon on the Mount is coming to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Lombard Sunday, February 29, at 2:00 p.m. by TV Star Frank Runyeon Followed by: Hollywood vs. Faith Advance Sales: Adults $5.00, Children (Grades 2 and older) $2:00 At the door - Adults $6.00, Children $3.00 For more information, contact the Adult Faith Formation Committee at 630-627-1551 Fenwick Mothers' Club Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner Start the Wearin' O' the Green early this year, by attending the Fenwick Mothers' Club annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. The event will be held on Saturday, February 21st in Fenwick's old gym and will feature dinner and entertainment. Cocktails begin at 6:30 and dinner will be served at 7:30. Harrington's will be providing their famous corned beef dinner and Irish dancers and the Sullivan Brother's Celtic Band will provide entertainment. Cap off the evening with our Irish coffee and dessert bar. The cost of the evening is $40 per person and advanced reservations are required. All Fenwick parents, Alumni, and friends of Fenwick are invited to attend. For more information and to make reservations, call 708-386-0127 Mothers Club ext. 262. Ascending the Mountain: Ash Wednesday for Women Ascending the mountain has long been a deep spiritual image of our journey to God. Join Susan Lautenbach at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien on Wednesday, February 25th from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. as she explores its meaning for us this Ash Wednesday. Celebration of Eucharist with distribution of ashes are part of this day. Cost $35.00/person includes lunch. Pre-registration is requested by February 18th. Call the Carmelite Spiritual Center at 630-969-4141 to register. Stewardship The words of the Psalmist echo the theme of all of today's readings. Happy are they who hope in the Lord. As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may we bear fruit in due season - assisting the poor, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever we have the chance. Benedictine University, Lisle Celebrating February, Black History Month, with speakers and discussions, dinner, and concert. For events and information, contact Theresa Korn at 630-829-6657. Book Chat Part II, The DaVinci Code, hosted by the Benedictine University Library, Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in School Hall Room 101. For info. Call Joan Hopkins at 630-829-6052. Info Sessions - adult accelerated degree programs offered in accounting, business & economics, computer science, health administration, management, nursing, and others. For dates & info, call 630-829-6091. Soccer clinic for kids at 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 28. The clinic is open to guys and girls ages 6-13, and the cost is $35. For info, call 630-829-6155. Marriage Encounter Did You Forget Valentine's Day?? You can really make it up to your sweetie by registering for a Marriage Encounter Weekend! It's a beautiful weekend experience designed for couples of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their marriage. The upcoming weekend dates are March 19-21 and April 16-17. For more details or to register, call 630-577-0778. 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. Stations of the Cross As in the past, Stations of the Cross will be held on the Friday evenings of Lent at 7:00 p.m., beginning February 27. We invite you and your families to join us. Perhaps you could make a special effort for the entire family to attend. Many are unaware of the importance that the stations of the cross play in our Catholic faith and thus can have an influence on our daily lives. We hope you will be able to join us. Pregnant, Need Help? Catholic Charities is there for you. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and need someone to talk to, Catholic Charities can help. Our Maternity Services staff can help you explore your options and make a decision that's right for you and your baby. Our services include counseling for birth mothers, birth fathers, and their families. If you are thinking about adoption, Catholic Charities may also be able to help with medical issues, financial support, housing and more. All contact is confidential. To talk to someone who can help, call Catholic Charities at (630) 495-8008. In an emergency staff can be paged at (815) 532-2034 St. Alexander School Kindergarten Information Night Come learn about St. Alexander School Kindergarten Wednesday, February 18 7:00 PM RSVP 834-3787 email: staschool@hotmail.com Child care will be available. 136 S. Cornell, Villa Park, IL 60181 Volunteers Needed for Disaster Recovery Mission Service opportunities with the Catholic Construction Corps: National Disaster Recovery Mission to Jackson, TN, May 2-8, to aid in recovery from tornadoes. The C.C.C. assists families in poverty without insurance or other means to rebuild and repair. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed. The Catholic Construction Corps is an outreach of the diocesan Peace and Social Justice Ministry. For Info, contact Vern Witte at 630-882-8919. L.O.S.S. Support Group (Loving Outreach to Survivors of suicide) Through the collaboration of Catholic Charities (the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet), support groups are in place for anyone who has lost a relative or friend to suicide. A trained facilitator and a mental health professional assist these groups. The groups meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on either the first Tuesday of the month, the third Wednesday or the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Feb. 18 at St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center, 130 Woodlawn in Joliet. For more info., call the L.O.S.S. Program Center at 312-655-7283. Deaf Community Mass (Signed) With Father Jim Hall, Father Mark Fracaro Joliet Diocese Ministry to the Deaf Sunday, February 29, at 4 p.m. At St. Isidore Catholic Church, Bloomingdale Questions?: Email: Jack Croatty at knetdad@msn.com