426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667
Joy and peace to you this Easter season!
Things have gotten off to a lively start for me in this new ministry. I would like to share with you news about some things in progress. You will come to know me as an involved, hands-on pastoral leader, one whose greatest joy in pastoring is helping to discern and call forward the gifts that God has given to the community of the church. I will support the other pastoral leadership of the church, represented by our parish staff and the parish pastoral council, and will depend upon them for collaboration and for consultation in decision making. I will also work to support and build the commissions that are part of the parish council structure within our parish. Moreover, I look forward to getting to know those involved in all the ministries of our parish.
Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Council
I will be working with the parish pastoral council to continue a process of visioning and long-range planning for the church. This is such a great parish, a wonderful community of faith, which has drawn people here because of the sense of parish family at Mary Queen. We have a very good and strong parish council and commission structure in place. In the coming months, we will be developing a process which will involve others in the parish in sharing our hopes and dreams for the future of our parish, as we begin to set both some short and long-term goals.
I have also asked our Finance Council to reinstitute regular monthly meetings. While the Finance Council will continue to be represented at the Administration Commission meetings which are part of parish council nights, I need to be able to work closely with the Finance Council as we move into the future. As I shared with them last evening, canon law mandates that every parish have a finance council to help advise the pastor (in this case, the pastoral life coordinator) in making financial decisions for the parish. I take this responsibility and the consultation that is required very seriously. The Finance Council unanimously agreed that this was a good idea and we will begin our meetings together in May.
Gatherings with the Pastoral Life Coordinator
I am eager to meet with parishioners in all ways that I can, in order to get to learn the parish and its members. I am arranging for some special gatherings of groups that may share some interests in common. You will find information in today's bulletin about the first three of these events. I will also be present for as many parish activities as I can. (And I even accept dinner invitations!) If you ever wish to reach me, please feel free to call the rectory (630-279-5700) or send me an E-mail (MMRFoley@aol.com).
Rectory
As I mentioned, I am a hands-on person, one who likes to work together with people. Some meetings will now be taking place in the rectory, so there will be more activity here. Also, I would like to move toward extending the parish office hours. This will help with evening and Saturday appointments and will also make it easier for people to get keys they need for evening gatherings. I would like to extend an invitation to teenagers of the parish to consider part-time employment from 4 - 7 pm on weekdays. This change will happen gradually and I will keep you posted as the office hours begin to change. I am looking for young people who are interested in the church, who can provide good references, and who have some computer skills. I like to keep young people involved in the life of the church because I believe they are our future!
Miscellaneous
I know that we have some parishioners who are unemployed or underemployed at the present time. I have received notice about a position of Assistant Regional Director of a religious organization situated in Oakbrook. This person would be responsible for fundraising and resource development, and recruitment and training of volunteers for CROP Walks and other service programs. The salary is $41,250-$43,700. I have detailed information on this position for anyone who is interested. I would also like to ask if we have a parishioner who would be willing to volunteer to maintain current employment listings such as this, so that we can refer parishioners who are looking for work. Perhaps this could become a ministry connected to our Service Commission. If you would like to offer your time in this way, please call me at the rectory.
Well, that's all the news there is room for this week! May God continue to bless our parish and our families as we continue to journey together in this Easter season.
Mary Michele (Regina) Foley
MINISTRY SCHEDULE SATURDAY, APRIL 24 - SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2004 5:00 PM Fr. John 8:30 AM Fr. John 10:30 AM Fr. John 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 and diabetes tests, and vision and hearing screenings. Other services: Skin Cancer Screening, Pre-registration required. Osteoporosis Screening. Pre-registration required. To register for either of the above, call The Abbey at 993-8989. Cholesterol Screening ($20.00 fee). Pre-registration required - call Care Match, 782-7878. Exhibitors include Health and Dental Services, Senior Services & Assistance, Transportation, Photo/State I.D.'s (fee), Volunteer Opportunities, Fun and much more!! Presentations include: Brown Bag Review (Bring your prescriptions.), Character Counts!, Legal-ease (The legal papers you should have.), Reverse Mortgages, ID Theft and Driving Issues for Seniors. Please bring your old eyeglasses and hearing aids to be recycled and old prescription containers. Refreshments will be served. 2004 Diocesan Annual Appeal Diocese of Joliet Pledge Weekend, April 24/25 Seeds of Hope The Diocesan Annual Appeal begins in our parish this week. Every family will receive a letter from Bishop Joseph Imesch asking for a pledge to help continue the ministry, service and charity of our diocese. Please put your pledge in the collection basket next weekend. All pledge cards should be returned to the parish for forwarding to the diocese. By doing this, all pledges will be recorded and everyone will receive proper acknowledgement. Lexington Square Invitation You are invited to enjoy a delicious lunch with your friends and parishioners. Lexington Square of Elmhurst, 400 W. Butterfield Road, is hosting a complimentary four-course luncheon for Mary Queen of Heaven members Tuesday, April 27, at 11:30 a.m. Our resident tour guides will give you a short tour of Lexington and then you will enjoy being served lunch with your friends in our Savoy Dining Room. Sign up today and enjoy a lovely luncheon with your friends in a beautiful setting. Call Jerri Copple at 630-5374 for reservations. Wine Tasting Event! On Tuesday, April 20, the CCW is sponsoring a Wine Tasting event at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall. All are invited to join us for a fun and relaxing evening, learning more about the art and taste of different wines. Please bring your favorite hors d'oeuvre to share with us. Re Registrations: Registrations for the 2004-2005 RE year have been mailed. If you did not receive a registration or know of someone who did not, please call the office. Remember all families must register every year. It is not necessary to include a check with your form at this time, but it is important to get your registration in before June 1. Help Needed in the 2004-2005 term: The RE program here at Mary Queen is very blessed with a large group of volunteers. Their duties range from classroom catechist, aide, office helpers, hall monitors, to those who help our children safely navigate the traffic-congested parking lot on Wednesday afternoons. To all of these 50+ dedicated women and men, we are deeply grateful. As this RE year comes to a close, we have to start thinking about our needs for next fall. Next fall we want to be able to offer a separate class for preschool 3-year olds. This will necessitate the need for at least two more catechists. It appears that there will also be a need for catechists at the first and third grade levels in the afternoon and at the sixth grade level in the evening. We no doubt will need people to fill non-classroom positions as well. Please consider volunteering a few hours a week working with our children. Our children are our most important assets; it is our obligation to pass on our Faith to them with love, dignity, and safety. Only the best will do: you. If you have ever thought that sharing your faith with the young people of our parish might be where the Lord is calling you, you are probably right. If you think you would like to find out more about being involved in our Parish RE program, call the REO. Thank You to our 7th grade students and to their catechists; Debbie Conroy, Rachelle Auzzo, Judy Conness, and Laura Meyer for leading us in prayer on Good Friday. The Living Stations depiction was truly beautiful. It is evident that all involved worked very hard. Tuesday, April 20: Confirmation Practice at 6PM in Church. Wednesday, April 21: Last regular RE class, Annual Food Collection in the PM session. Saturday, April 24: Celebration of Confirmation at 5PM Wednesday, April 28: First Communion practice 3:15-4:45P.M. Saturday, May 1: Celebration of First Communion at 11:00 P.M. If you have questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. 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 Kathleen Bryers John Brani Kathy Calzante Betty Ciancio Cosmo Ciancio Maureen James Tom Janicke Lisa Langler Brian Morley Anne Marie Raye Therese Shaheen Roy Schultz If you know someone who would like our prayers, please call Mary Alice at 279-1159. Elmhurst College Frick Center, Founders Lounge Thursday, April 22, 4:00 p.m. Peter Duffy, Author of The Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Saved 1,200 Jews and Built a Village in the Forest. In an astonishing but little-known effort, the Bielski Brothers fought back in the face of genocide, waging a guerilla war of wits and cunning against the Nazis. Further information is available by calling 617-3033. Elmhurst Kitchen Expedition Sunday, April 25, at 12 - 5 P.M. Presented by Elmhurst Junior Women's Club Proceeds to benefit Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry and Elmhurst Habitat for Humanity A House Walk with a culinary twist. Visit six spectacular kitchens in Elmhurst: 150 Lawndale 443 S. York 171 S. Kenilworth 407 Cottage Hill 131 Adelaide #511 166 Kenmore Sponsored by: Dan Wangler Builders, 533 S. York. Before, during or after the walk, visit the showroom for a tour and refreshments. Open 11-6. Tickets: $15.00 in advance or $20 on the day of event. Advance tickets on sale at Carousel Flowers, Phillip's Flowers, Pfund & Clint, Vallette Pharmacy, and Dan Wangler Builders. On day of event, tickets may be purchased at any tour home or at Dan Wangler Builders. For information, please call 434-3368. Alleluia! The Lord has Risen. The Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family celebrated the blessing of this Easter with wonderful liturgies thanks to Fr. John, Fr. Tom, Deacon Tom, Mary Foley, our wonderful choir, all those on the Worship Commission, those involved in Art & Environment, the Proclaimers, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, sacristans and anyone who helped to make this day special. We are truly God's people and with His grace will live our lives in His image spreading goodness and peace wherever we can. Thank you again to all who made Easter so wonderful in our parish! Auction/Dinner Dance Update The net profit from this year's event is $17,310.41. Another great success thanks to all those wonderful donations, the many hours put in by the Auction Committee, and all of our parishioners who supported the 7th Annual Auction Dinner/Dance held at Alta Villa Banquet Hall. It was a fun-filled, enjoyable evening for all who attended and the net proceeds will be split between our Needy Families Fund and the need for refurbishing items in our Church and School Buildings. Thank you all! MQH Men's Group 3rd Annual Golf Outing Friday, June 18 At Glendale Lakes Golf Club in Glendale Heights 11:30 a.m. Registration,; 12:30 p.m. start $95/person includes lunch, golf, door prize & dinner For more information, please contact Jim Japczyk at 833-6853 or Mark Connelly at 782-7626. CCW Woman of the Year Congratulations to Sheila Reiter who has been chosen as Mary Queen of Heaven's Woman of the Year. Sheila and her husband Dave have been members of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish since 1967 - the Parish is her home away from home. Sheila has four grown children, and one of them is currently serving in Iraq. She has been actively involved in CCW at MQH since 1972, serving as commission chairman, officer, and president. Currently Sheila is serving as First Vice President (Program Chairman) of our Mary Queen of Heaven CCW. She is a past president of the Council of Catholic Women Eastern DuPage Deanery Board and is currently serving as its Church Commission Chairman. Other areas of involvement over the years include: working in the Religious Education Program as a primary grade teacher; serving on the Parish Council for many years; beginning and coordinator of the MQH Christmas Bazaar for 12 years; working on parish picnics, originating the Octoberfest; serving as chairperson of the Evening Under the Stars Auction/Dinner Dance for the past seven years; instrumental in starting the Garden Club: planting of shrubs and flowers on the south side of Church; building the burm now located at the NE end of our school building; introducing the Market Day Program to MQH when her children were attending our Parish School; helping to begin a chapter of the St. Vincent dePaul Society at MQH; and making many trips to Hopkins Park with youth groups to help needy families. Currently Sheila is Chairing the MQH St. Vincent dePaul Society and is involved in Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Food Drives, and Christmas Giving Tree. She is a Eucharistic Minister, serves on the Worship Commission as Art & Environment chairman, and is an active member of the Building and Grounds Committee. Sheila will be honored at the 2003 Woman of the Year Recognition Mass celebrated by Bishop Imesch at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet on April 24. She will also participate in crowning the Blessed Virgin on May 16 at the 10:30 Mass, and will be honored at our CCW Ladies Night Out Dinner in June. Congratulations Sheila!! Market Day Orders for April are due Monday, April 19, at noon. Turn in your order form in the box at the back of church or at the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, April 24, from 9:30 to 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. Eastern DuPage Deanery Meeting The Eastern DuPage Council of Catholic Women Spring Institute Election, Dinner and Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 12, at Holy Trinity, 111 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont. The theme for the meeting will be Moved by the Spirit. Registration is at 5:00 p.m.; dinner and voting at 6:00 p.m.; followed by an informative and entertaining program by Anna Weselak on Stress Management; concluding with Mass at 8:30 p.m. For more information call: Madalene Cannata at 630-627-4649 or Carlotta Lawton at 630-941-3377. Reservation deadline is Monday, May 3. Free at Last, Free at Last! All are invited to join in a special celebration to honor the ministry of Father John Barrett. His retirement party will be held on Sunday, April 25, in Barrett Hall after the 10:30 Mass. This is also his birthday weekend - so as he celebrates a new year of life, let us celebrate with him in thanksgiving for his loving years of service to this parish. Installation of Mary Foley Pastoral Life Coordinator Bishop Joseph Imesch will formally install Mary Foley as Pastoral Life Coordinator at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish at the 10:30 Mass on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9. All members of the parish are invited to share in this celebration, along with Mary's family and guests. A reception will follow in Barrett Hall. Mother's Day Tribute MQH Respect Life Committee, will sell carnations to adorn the statue of Mary in the Gathering Place for Mother's Day. If you would like to honor the nurturing women in your life (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, friends), this is a lovely way to show your love and appreciation. Carnations can be purchased for $1.00 each at the Respect Life sign-up table in the church vestibule after all the Masses the weekends of April 24/25 and May 1/2. For your convenience, an order form is inserted in this bulletin. You may bring it, with your payment, to the sign-up table. We will have red carnations for those living and white for those deceased. The names of all those being honored will be published in an insert in our parish bulletin the weekend of May 8/9. Proceeds will benefit Respect for Life. Wedding Nostalgia CCW is planning a WEDDING NOSTALGIA Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, May 23, in Barrett Hall. We are looking for wedding dresses dating back as far as the early 1900's. Perhaps you have your wedding dress, or a relative or friend has a wedding dress that could be worn in the fashion show. If so, please call Sheila (833-6657), Phylis, (279-6239) or Diane (279-7252). We are also looking for parishioners to model the dresses in the fashion show. We Pray for Life For the grace of the mercy of God: That all who contribute to the culture of death Might turn away from sin and Embrace the Gospel of Life. CCW Sponsors Plant Sale The Spring Plant Sale will be Saturday, May 15, at 10:00 in the church parking lot. All items must be pre-ordered and paid for before the day of the sale. An order form will be in the bulletin next weekend. Order forms and payment can be turned in to the rectory or in the vestibule of church as you are leaving Mass. We are ordering the plants from Autumn Leaf Nursery in Willow Springs. Bedding flats of Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonias, Celosia, Coleus, Dahlias, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Impatiens, Marigolds, Moss Roses, Pansies, Petunias, Salvia, Snapdragons, Verbena, and Vinca are available for ordering at $12.00 per flat. Also available for ordering are 3-1/2 pots of Hybrid Geraniums at $1.50 per pot, and New Guinea Impatiens, Non-stop Begonias, Double Impatiens, Spikes, Asparagus Fern, Vinca Vine, Trailing Petunias, Fuchsia and Ivy Geraniums at $1.75 per pot. There are 10 Hanging baskets ranging in price from $9 to $11. 12 diameter planted pots are also available at $15.00 each. The deadline for placing your order is Sunday, May 2. If paying by check, please make it payable to Mary Queen of Heaven CCW. For information or questions , please call Mary White at 833-9809 or Sheila Reiter at 833-6657. Finding New Life in the Spirit 7 weeks beginning April 20 from 7-9 p.m. At St. Joseph Church in Addison The early Christian Church came to know the fullness of the Life in Jesus only through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God's own gift. The power of that same Spirit of God is available to every baptized Christian. Each evening will consist of joyful singing, teaching and sharing presentations by religious and lay members of the community, prayer time together, and follow-up activities with a team laity who will share their life-changing relationship with the Holy Spirit. Free child care is available. For more information, please call 279-6553. Special gatherings to meet The Pastoral Life Coordinator Please join Mary Foley to share your hopes, dreams and ideas about Mary Queen of Heaven Parish. These are three special gatherings for May, with more sessions to come! Long-time Parishioners Tea You are specially invited to come and enjoy tea and finger sandwiches and share your stories of the history of our parish! Friday, May 7, at 11:00 a.m. in Barrett Hall R.S.V.P. to Mary White, 833-9809 Newcomers and Young Adults You are welcome! Come and enjoy some wine and cheese as we share ideas for the future of our parish life together. Friday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. in Barrett Hall R.S.V.P. to Karen Vicary, 279-4108 Teenagers - The Future of Our Church Please come and share pizza as we get to know each other and talk about the ways that you would like to be involved in the life of our parish community! Sunday, May 23, At 6:00 p.m. in Barrett Hall R.S.V.P. to Kathleen Gusloff, 832-4348 Mary Michele (Regina) Foley