426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667
Project Love Victorian High Tea Ladies, bring your moms, daughters and friend or neighbor to a lovely Victorian High Tea to be held at The Carlisle, in Lombard, on Saturday, March 27, from noon to 3:00 p.m. A delicious light meal will be served with fancy sandwiches and sweet confections. Talented young teens will provide music. The highlight of the occasion will be the presentation of the “Caritas” award to the Hon. “Patti” Bellock, State Representative (47th District) for her commitment to pro-life efforts. Make reservations by calling Illinois Citizens for Life at 630-852-5448. Donation: $20 for Adults, $14 for Children under 12. Since it's beginning in 1996, Project Love has assisted 235 Illinois families with modest grants to help them through a difficult or unplanned pregnancy. Applications are made through public, private and faith-based crisis pregnancy organizations, who screen the applicants. Only one grant per pregnancy is awarded, but this financial help is often enough to help a troubled young woman decide to carry her child to term. 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 are no membership fees, nor are there any requirements to join the group. On Thursday, March 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., we will meet in Plunkett Hall, lower level of the Immaculate Conception chapel, Elmhurst. Our annual Spring Tea is only a few weeks away, and we need everyone's help to get ready! This work session will have us making decorations, creating centerpieces, writing thank you notes, and more! The more hands, the lighter the work for everyone. Help make this fundraiser a success! Babysitting is available for a nominal fee. Get out by yourself and join us at 7:00 p.m. at Katie Gallagher's, 439 S. Rex Blvd. In Elmhurst. Learn how to decorate the perfect cake! Professional pastry chef, Tim Meyers, will share secrets on how to make beautiful desserts. This hands-on session will teach you tips to make your next cake memorable. You will get to bring home your finished cake. Friends are welcome to attend. There will be a small fee to cover the cost of supplies. For more information, Call Katie Gallagher at 941-8755. Parish Bulletin Deadline Due to the Easter Schedule, the publisher has given us an early date for some of the parish bulletins. Items for the April 11th bulletin must be in the parish office by Thursday, April 1. We appreciate your effort and cooperation. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Asks for your prayers in this holy season of Lent. Those making the journey into Christian Initiation have now entered a period called Purification and Enlightenment. During the season of Lent we become more prayerful and less academic. We look to purify ourselves from that which hurts others and we seek to turn from the darkness of not recognizing God in our lives to the light of having God as the center of our lives. Please pray each day for our young men who will be baptized at our Easter Vigil: Aleksey, Mark, Martin, Steven, Thomas, and Arthur. Please pray every day for those who will be welcomed into our church at the Easter Vigil: Jeannette, Tiffany, Tom, and Tom. Pray for Tammy who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday. And please pray for those who will be continuing on in their journeys into next year: Jackie, Michelle, Jackie, Robert, Marc, Melissa, and Mike. God has blessed us with a full house this year. As members of Mary Queen of Heaven Community, we all have the privilege and responsibility to pray for and to give a good example for our new family members. Benedictine University, Lisle Thursday, March 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Book chat on “Master and Commander”. Call 630-829-6052. Friday March 26 from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. Spring Career Fair 2004. Call 630-829-6040. Monday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. Symposium titled: The American Presidency. For more information, please call 630-829-6470. Lewis University, Romeoville Concert of Sacred Music Tuesday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lockport The group specializes in a cappella sacred music ranging from medieval plainsong to contemporary music, including Eastern Orthodox tradition sung in English, Greek, and Church Slavonic. Free and open to the public. For more information, please call 815-836-5291. Feed the Hungry Catholic Charities is proud to operate Shepherd's Table and serve over 26,000 meals each year to those who are hungry. Again this year we have a special opportunity to raise funds for Shepherd's Table. Alan Shawn Feinstein, a philanthropist dedicated to eliminating hunger in our country, will add his own money for each donation that we receive during March and April. The more money Catholic Charities raises, the more of his money we will receive, and he has one million dollars to give away! Last year this challenge helped raise over $28,000 which was used to feed the hungry at Shepherd's Table! In this way you can make a greater impact in the efforts to feed God's children in our community. God bless you for your generosity! Please send donations to: Catholic Charities Shepherd's Table, Matching Gift Program, 203 N. Ottawa St. Joliet, IL 60432 2nd Annual Easter Egg “HOP-N-GRAB” At MQH Parish Grounds Saturday, April 10 at 11:30-1:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded. If you wish to donate a prize, you can send it with your child to Religious Education or contact Kathy Rhea at 630-833-2592 to make other arrangements. Please mark your donation “MQH Hop-N-Grab.” There will be a box marked for these donations at the school & at the back of the Church. Some suggestions: candy, toys (new), small gifts that will fit in the eggs, money (to purchase additional prizes), sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, etc. Donations are due by April 3. Encountering God in the Second-half of Life Strengthening spirituality as we grow older … Saturday, March 27 At Mary Queen of Heaven Parish At 9:00 a.m. until Noon (Continental Breakfast begins at 9:00.) Sister Mariette Kalbac will lead us in a morning of renewal for older adults and those who minister to the spiritual and physical needs of older adults. Sister is a Certified Chaplain and Graduate of the Johnson Institute for Spiritual Gerontology. The day is sponsored by Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Elmhurst, and St. Alexander Parish, Villa Park. There will be no charge for this day, however we will need a count in order to provide the continental breakfast. To register, please call Mary Alice Steck at 279-1159 by Friday, March 26. Parish Lenten Series 2004 The final session is Monday, March 22 7:30-9 p.m. in Barrett Hall Guided Walks with God-Guided Imagery by Mary Ann Reed Conversations with Christ by Milt Honel We hope to bring you practical ways to enrich your prayer life and your relationship with God. Refreshments will be served during break. Simple Supper and Stations of the Cross On Friday, April 2nd, the Worship Commission will have a Simple Supper at 6:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall. We have invited the Lebanese Community of Our Lady of Lebanon to join us for supper, and plan to join them at their Stations of the Cross after the supper. Our supper will consist of soup, salads, breads, and coffee, tea or pop. Bring your family and enough soup, salad or bread to share and enjoy the company of friends and the opportunity to meet parishioners from Our Lady of Lebanon Church. Please fill out the form in today's bulletin so that we will have an idea of how many people plan to attend. If you have any questions, please call Sheila Reiter at 833-6657 or Debbie Styka at 941-7224. You a catechist? Why not? 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. The monetary payment is not terrific; in fact, it's non-existent. But the perks are incredible. Each year we lose a few catechists due to moves, jobs, or maybe moving on to another parish ministry. Our program meets on Wednesdays at 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. for pre-school to Gr. 4, and 7 to 8:15 p.m. for Gr. 5-8. Call us for more info. We would love to have you on our staff. Lenten Project This Wednesday, March 24, is the last day for our collection of items for Easter baskets, to be donated to Marillac House on Chicago's West Side. There is a “Basket” in the hall of the school for donations of candy, small stuffed animals, grass, or other items appropriate for a child's Easter basket. Please be generous. CCW Board Meeting Tuesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. The Council of Catholic Women will hold their monthly board meeting at the home of Phylis Twardowski, 461 N. West Ave. In addition to the CCW board, all board meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend. If you plan to come, please give Phylis a call at 279-6239 so that she will be able to plan. Wings to Heaven News Lock-in This will be a fun, spiritual evening. The evening will be supervised by adults and high school youth. Lock-in is scheduled from 7 p.m. on Friday, April 30, until 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1. All students must have a signed permission slip to participate. If you have any questions, please call Kathleen Gusloff at 832-4348. There will be a $10 fee to participate. 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. 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 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. Marriage Encounter Spring is in the Air! Of all the things that need attention, move your marriage to the top of that list. Go on a Marriage Encounter Weekend and discover what millions of couples all over the world have called the “Magical 44 Hours.” It's a time to take a fresh look at your marriage and a very special weekend together, away from all the clutter of your lives. Upcoming weekend dates are April 16-18, May 14-16, and July 16-18. For information or to register, call John & Kerri Lilienthal at 630-577-0778. Annual Senior Health & Safety Fair Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At York High School Commons (new Elmhurst location) The fair, which is sponsored by the Elmhurst Senior Citizens Commission and the city of Elmhurst, will include free blood pressure, vision, hearing and glucose (diabetes) screenings. Individuals who wish to participate in the $20 comprehensive cholesterol screening (HDL, LDL and triglycerides) will need to fast for 12 hours prior to the test and call CareMatch at 782-7878 to pre-register. Osteoporosis screenings will be offered for a $5 charge. Call the Abbey at 993-8989 to register. The fair will also include refreshments, informative exhibits, timely presentations and information on volunteer opportunities. Bring your used eyeglasses and hearing aids for donation to the needy. For more details, watch for a flyer in your utility bill or check local newspapers. Mentor Training For Transitional Housing 4 Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., starting April 14 At Catholic Charities in Lombard The Daybreak or Shift Transitional Housing programs provide housing and supportive services to homeless families while they work to return to permanent housing and a quality of life that sustains their families' needs. Trained volunteer mentors work directly with the families, supporting them in their daily journey. Mentors are compassionate, non-judgmental, respectful and sensitive to the confidentiality required in order to preserve the dignity of the family. Catholic Charities is sponsoring a 4-session Mentor Training series for all who are interested in this ministry. If you would like more information about mentoring or the Transitional Housing ministries, call Robin Hallett at Catholic Charities at (630) 495-8008 ext. 14 or 15. 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 Bill Brandt John Brani Kathy Calzante Betty Ciancio Cosmo Ciancio Tom Janicke Brian Morley Anne Marie Raye Robert Schultz Roy Schultz If you know someone who would like our prayers, please call Mary Alice at 279-1159. Lenten Food Collection March 27th & 28th We, the parish family of Mary Queen of Heaven, have resolved to share with needy families within our parish boundaries by giving them Easter Food Baskets and Food Certificates. It is our hope that the certificates will supplement items which cannot be purchased with food stamps. If you are interested in helping with a monetary contribution or donation of a ham for the Easter Basket, please place an envelope in the collection basket and mark the envelope “Lenten Parish Sharing.” The weekend of March 27th and 28th, we will hold our food collection for these families and ask that your donations be placed in the baskets provided in Church. We are collecting non-perishable items of canned vegetables, fruit, soup, pastas, rice, spaghetti sauce, prepared foods, coffee, tea, juice, boxed cake mixes, peanut butter, jelly, paper products (Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels), hand soap, and laundry detergent. We are also in need of Easter Goodies for children.. If you have an hour or two , we could use your help sorting food for the Easter Baskets on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. in Church. If you can help out, please give Sheila a call at 833-6657 and let her know. Today is Fellowship Sunday Today, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass, a special Fellowship will be held in Barrett Hall to WELCOME new members of our parish family who have registered during the past year. Bring your family and enjoy conversing with fellow parishioners and friends while having a cup of coffee, tea or juice, and tasting some goodies too!. Our host for this Fellowship is the Religious Education Ministry. All are cordially invited to join us in Welcoming the Following New Parishioners. Passion Story Concert March 28 at 3:00 p.m. The combined choirs of St. Alexander Parish in Villa Park will present the Passion Story as arranged by Marty Haugen. This arrangement is from Marty Haugen's “Song of Mark,” and will last about one hour. This concert is presented on the Sunday before Holy Week as an opportunity to prepare ourselves for Christ's passion. Please come and join us. George & Marlene Alcorn Rachelle Apuzzo Antoinette Barloga Owen & Christy Barmada Frederick & Christa Baumgartner Thomas & Marisol Belcher Brian & Carol Bergheger Mary Anne Boehm Michael & Linda Bonarirgo Collette Borland Brandon & Sonia Boskovic Kevin & Lynn Bourke Romeo & Fe Cajanan Edward & Danielle Caraher Cary & Joanna Caveney James & Heather Ciullo Scott & Lee Crepeau John & Mary DalPino Gerald & Cindy Dambrogio Carol Dantona John & Maria DelValle Russ & Toni DiOrio Kevin Doherty & Miss Mary Loughrey Michael & Marnie Euteneuer Lee & Cecilia Freitag Marilyn Gamperl Michael & Joanne Garcia John & Laura Giacomino Jose & Joan Gil Kenneth & Catherine Gillie Victor & Liliam Gonzalez Scott Gripman & Miss Joelle Lescano Arthur Heisen Marie Hernandez Ralph & Dierdre Ihms Paul & Jennifer Kill Terese Klinger Theodore & Wendy Krafcky Jeffrey & Kelly Kuenstler Don & Christina Leturno Joseph & Laura Maniola Saul & Carmela Marrero John & Jill McDonough Michael & Angela McGovern Anna Moore James & Angela Noll Edward Owca Nicholas & Bianca Parisi Andrew & Beota Parpyka John & Laura Pishkur William Pizzi Dale & Bonny Procajlo Michael & Ruth Pusich Robert & Anne Rezutko Marcellina Scala Randolph & Paula Schaub Michael & Debbie Schwass William & Andre Sherlock William & Louise Sinibaldi Marjorie Swintek Thomas & Pam Thorpe Rosemary Vecchio Aurora Villamil Tyler & Tamara Vincer Mark Zbylut Krzysztof & Ewa Zmaczynski We have 2 (just like new) First Communion dresses in the office. They are sizes 10 and 12. If there is anyone who still needs one, or knows someone who does, please call us. Special Note We will be mailing Registrations for next fall in the next few weeks. If you are new to the program, or know someone who is, please call and let us know so that they will be included in our mailing. Also, there are still several families with outstanding tuition balances for this year. We ask that you take care of this ASAP. If there is a financial hardship, please contact the office. Mark your Calendars Wed., March 31: No class; Spring Break Sat., April 3: First Communion Retreat at 9-11 a.m. in the Social Hall and at the School Fri., April 9: Good Friday Living Stations Presentation by Gr. 7 at 3 p.m. in Church. Please note the time change. If you have questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Parish Council Nominations Are you interested in being part of our parish visioning team? Why not consider becoming a member of the Parish Council? Elections will take place in May to fill three positions of the members who are finishing their three-year terms. Nominees should be at least 18 years old, members of the parish and eager to be involved. This weekend and next, nomination slips will be in the pews. We ask anyone interested in serving on the Parish Council to put his or her name on the slip and place it in the box at the back of church. Also, if you know anyone whom you believe would make a good candidate, you may nominate him or her as well. Nominees will be contacted and invited to attend the meeting on April 29 for more information. Sacrament of Reconciliation Reminder In preparation for Easter, our Adult Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 7:00 p.m.