Dear Friends,
In the last week, we had three funerals, all of long-time members of our parish. I also received notices of the death of one diocesan priest and the serious illness of three others, all of whom were included in our prayers of the faithful at this weekend's Masses. I could not help but think about how as time passes, generations pass away, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds, especially when we lose a generation of priests in our church. I believe there were some clues for me as I spent time with all three families who experienced the death of loved ones in the last week.
One family talked at length about how much they learned from a man who was simple in the eyes of the world. In spite of years that brought many challenges for this family, in the end, they came to recognize the face of God in this man. In their love for him, they came to understand what Jesus always taught; at we are to love each other fully for who we are as beloved children of God, and a simple life unencumbered by attachment to material goods is holy.
Another man who died last week had been married to his wife for 59 years. I remember hearing that their four-year courtship even made their time together longer. (She had been having great fun but he finally said he couldn't wait any longer to get married!) This woman spoke of her husband as being very religious and said he was a very good man. She said - even after all these years - that they made a great team together! She and her husband lived in a nearby condo complex and their neighbors all gathered with this widow after the funeral, celebrating his life with her. What a witness to Christian love is given with 59 years of joyful dedication in marriage, a love that still produces life by drawing others together in community.
Many of you were present for the third funeral, that of Arthur Fonck, father of Father Benet Fonck, the Franciscan priest who celebrates Masses here two weekends a month. The testimony given about Art Fonck's life, especially as a husband to Anna and father to eight children, was very powerful. The Foncks are a very close and loving family. Theirs is also a family that embodies and embraces diversity, having been long taught by Art Fonck that the more we are open and accepting of others, the closer we become to seeing life as God does. The church was full on Tuesday night, and as I looked around, I am sure God was very pleased with what could be seen. People of all walks of life, young and old, black and white, clergy, religious, lay, women, men, and children. Art Fonck's love of God brought an abundance of love into the world.
Our parish suffered the loss of three long-time parishioners last week, a sign that a generation is beginning to pass away. However, as I reflected on the experience of being with each of these families during the course of the of the week, I could not help but pay attention to how the lives of each of these three men brought so much new life and love into the world. Looking back at all those I met and the stories I heard during the week, it is impossible to calculate the number of people whose lives were impacted by the lives of these men. The future that will be - in their families and in our parish - is being built by the gift of faith and love that these men gave to us.
As for the notices about the death and illness of an increasing number of our priests, I cannot help but think the same thing - the future that will be is being built by the gift of faith and love that these men have given to us through their lives. Without denying that there have been fathers of our church who have been hurtful or abusive, a great many have been like the three men of our parish who gave of their lives and faith generously to generations of people. What shape the church will take in the future as the number of priests diminishes, I do not know. But I do believe, with all my heart, that God gives the church the gifts it needs. If we continue to be a welcoming community of faith, one that learns from its elders and teachers to live simple lives, to draw people together, welcoming all as children of God, then we will provide the fertile ground for all kinds of Christian vocations to grow and develop.
In our prayers this week, let us pray for all our families who have lost loved ones recently. Let us pray that they will be comforted in the sadness that comes from loss. And let us pray with hope for the future, for them and for ourselves, knowing that death cannot take away the love that God has bestowed upon us.
Wedding Nostalgia Mary Queen of Heaven Council of Catholic Women is planning a Wedding Nostalgia Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, September 26, in Barrett Hall. We are looking for wedding dresses dating back as far as the early 1900's. Perhaps you have your own wedding dress, or a wedding dress worn by your great-grandmother, great-aunt, grandmother, aunt, mother or another relative or friend that could be worn in this fashion show. We also need parishioners to model the dresses in the fashion show. Please call Sheila Reiter (833-6657), Phylis Twardowski (279-6239), Diane Bernstein (279-7252), or Mary White (833-9809) if you have a dress we could borrow, if you would be willing to model a dress, or if you can help in any other way with the show. Be sure and mark Sunday, September 26, on your calendar and spend a nostalgic afternoon with your friends enjoying a delicious luncheon, the beautiful dresses and models. Watch for more information in future bulletins. June and July Celebrations We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the following who were baptized in June and July: Joseph George Del Rio Rebecca Therese Kevil Teah Mei Rogers Mia Isabel Fedanza Leila Addison Huffman Matthew Ethan Huffman Mitchell Nathan Powell Courtney Elizabeth Van Berschot Parish Ministry Fair We will once again be having a Ministry Fair to share with the parish all that is going on and being offered here at Mary Queen of Heaven. Please mark your calendar for September 18 & 19. All commissions will be contacted by Cybele Japczyk with further information on reserving a table. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending. Parish Library The Buildings and Grounds Committee is excited to announce the formation of a Parish Library. We are looking for any parishioners that are interested in being part of or heading up this group. We will be having a meeting on Thursday, August 12, at 7 p.m. in Mary's Gathering space. Please leave a message at the rectory if you are interested (even if you can't be at the August 12th meeting). We are also asking for book donations. Any Religious or Spiritual books you may want to donate would be appreciated. If you have any donations, please also leave a message at the rectory office. Parish Picnic - September 12 Mark your calendars today! MQH will be holding our annual picnic on Sunday, September 12. Entertainment and activities include a band, moon jump, tug-o-war, volleyball, popcorn, cotton candy, bingo and more. A large tent will again be provided, so come rain or shine. For information or to volunteer to run an activity, contact Steve Rhea at 833-2592 or Mike Funk at 359-4051. Parenting Workshop How To Talk So Kids Will Listen This is a program for parents who want to improve communication and understanding in their home. Honest and caring ways of communicating can make a major contribution to the stability and sanity of today's family. The program is directed to parents of children from ages three to thirteen. You'll learn how to: Help your child develop a realistic, positive self-image Set limits while maintaining goodwill Cope with your child's negative feelings Express anger without hurting Engage your child's willing cooperation Resolve conflicts peacefully Create a family atmosphere of life and respect The 6-week program will be presented on Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, beginning August 24. The class location is at Catholic Charities, 26 West St. Charles Road, in Lombard. The cost to participants is $50, or $70 per couple. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. For information or to register, contact Jim Gilligan, MSW, RSW at 630 495-8008. Parishioner Assistance An older parishioner would like a ride to and from 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mary Foley at the rectory. 2004 Man of the Year From the 11 men nominated by 43 parishioners, the Men's Group Awards Committee has selected 4 candidates: Joel Bernstein, Tom Gusloff, Jim Japczyk, and Scott Vicary. The men of the parish will vote for the 2004 Man of the Year at the Men's Group meeting on August 12 at 8:30 p.m. at the Arena (630 W. Lake), and at the Masses on August 14/15. The 2004 Man of the Year will be announced at the Parish Picnic on September 12. Contact Jim Bonfiglio at 782-0897 for more information. Witnessing for future Catholics At a time when children are being confronted with conflicting values, God may be calling you to walk the faith journey with them. As catechists face job changes, change their ministry, or just take a rest from teaching on Wednesday afternoons or evenings, we need you to seriously consider the ministry of catechesis. We need you to talk the talk and walk the walk of faith with the children of the parish. Listed below are the teaching slots that still need to be filled. (Some you will note are new; our lives are always in flux, as is evident from the list below.). Wednesday, 3:15 P.M.- 4:30 P.M. Grade Four - two catechists Wednesday, 7:00 P.M. -8:15 P.M. Grade Six - three catechists If you feel God tugging at your sleeve or maybe just one of your neighbors, please contact us at the REO, 832-8962 or MQHREO@juno.com. Have you registered yet? Just a reminder, registrations are still being accepted at all grade levels with the exception of Kindergarten. This class is filled. Pass the word to your friends and neighbors. Classes begin September 8th. Please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962 for more information. 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 John Brennan Kathleen Bryers Kathy Calzante Joe Colletti Rosemarie Colletti Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes Michelle Humann Maureen James Tom Janicke Irene Kmieciak Tom Kwiatkowski Nancy Maloney Dick Martin Bobbie Nannini Michaelene Parrilli Faith Maxine Reid Dan Scanlon Therese Shaheen 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. Rest In Peace Arthur F. Fonck Stephen Kubane William McVittie Summer Parish Prayer Services 7:00 p.m. in the Church Wednesdays, August 11 & 18 Please join the Pastoral Life Coordinator for prayer, reflection, and fellowship together this summer. Each evening prayer service will be held in Church from 7-7:30 p.m. This will be followed by fellowship and conversation in Barrett Hall, with the evening concluding around 8:15 p.m. Deaf Ministry Religious Education The Joliet Diocesan Deaf Ministry is beginning a religious education program for deaf children, K-5th grade. It will begin in September. It will be at St. Raphael Parish in Naperville. For information or to register, please contact Jeanne by August 31 at 630-637-0455. (Voice or TTY) or e-mail jeannem@westrick.org. (Please put deaf on subject line.) Volunteers are welcome. Do You Know The History Of The St. Vincent DePaul Society? The Society of St. Vincent DePaul was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozman, a 20 year old student of the Sorbonne University in Paris. In answer to a challenge for Christians to Practice what they preach, Frederic Ozman and a group of fellow students started to seek out and visit the poor of Paris in their homes, taking them bread and clothes, their friendship and their concern. This small group took as their Patron the great French Priest, who alerted the world to social problems, St. Vincent DePaul. Similar groups began in Paris, then in the rest of France and eventually spread throughout the Christian world with the object of visiting, for the love of God those in need. Today the Society of SVDP is a worldwide lay organization of Catholic men and women, young and old, of whom some 60,000 are in the United States. Are you aware that our parish is the only parish in Elmhurst that has a St. Vincent DePaul Society? The St. Vincent DePaul Society has been a viable organization in our parish for 20 years and we would like to embark on enlarging the scope of our commitment to those in need. So, on Thursday, August 26th, at 7:00 PM, we invite you to attend an informative meeting regarding the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Barrett Hall. What is required of you? The desire to help the needy, attendance at a regular monthly meeting of perhaps an hour's duration, respect for confidentiality, some visitation to needy peoples homes, understanding and prayers. Please consider joining us and taking an active part in the Mary Queen of Heaven SVDP conference. No special qualifications are required other than the desire to join with others to help those in need for the love of God. Back to School Fair Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, is once again coordinating the 13th Annual Back to School Fair on August 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Approximately one hundred agencies will provide a wide variety of information and free health services for children ages newborn to 18 years. The health services include immunizations, dental and lead screenings. A limited number of physical exams (grades K, 5, and 9) will be available at the Fair. Participants should call Elmhurst Hospital at 630-782-7878 to schedule an appointment. Parents will also find information regarding financial assistance, child care options, affordable housing, legal needs, educational and career opportunities, voter registration, nutrition, social security, car seat and booster seat safety, D.A.R.E. cars, bicycle helmets, clowns and much more! A ten dollar voucher for the exclusive purchase of school supplies will be distributed to each eligible student in the family. Interpreters will be available and it is required that a parent or guardian accompany the children. Please bring proof of income and a residency, identification for each child and any health information that may relate to the health services . For more information about the Back to School Fair, call Mary S. Tarnow, Catholic Charities, at 630-495-8008. Picture Directories Yes, they are finally ready! Anyone who had a photo taken and put in the directory, will receive a complimentary copy. We also have a limited number of additional copies available for $5.00 each. The Directories are available for pick up in Mary's Space after Masses this weekend, August 8-9. If you have any questions, call Donna Glick at 833-5725. A Vocation View Where is your treasure? There is your heart! Have you considered that God's will is your treasure for you? Come follow him! Worship Commission Meeting Notes July 19, 2004 The next training for Eucharistic Ministers is on Saturday, August 14th. The calendar for holy days, RCIA dismissals and Family Masses was established. This included the schedule for Our Lady of Lebanon congregation. Everything is ready for the celebration of our parish feast day on Sunday, August 22nd. Our next meeting is Monday, August 16th at 7:00 p.m. Catholic Charities Month - Needs Never Take A Vacation Bishop Imesch has declared August as Catholic Charities Month. While many folks are planning or taking vacations during August, the people who come to Catholic Charities for help are planning where their next meal will come from, how they will pay their rent, how they will pay for school supplies for their children and how they will take care of an aging parent. Their needs never take a vacation, and neither does Catholic Charities. This year Catholic Charities faced a financial crisis and was forced to cut over $300,000 from its budget. While the agency is stretched as far as it can go, it is still able to proudly say that 90 cents of every dollar is used for direct client programming. This month spend some time finding out more about Catholic Charities and the programs and services in your community. You can also volunteer or help organize an activity that benefits the 55,000 people served each year at Catholic Charities. For more information or for ideas on how you can make a difference one life at a time, call Lorri Nagle at 815-723-3405. Donations can also be sent directly to Catholic Charities, 203 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432 Joliet Diocese Catholic Charismatic Healing Mass Friday, August 20 Mass at 7:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation - 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove Rev. Paul Hottinger, Presiding Sponsor: Spirit of God Divine Savior Church For information, please call 630-964-0216 Parish Feast Day Mass & Fellowship This year, the feast day of Mary Queen of Heaven will be celebrated on Sunday, August 22, with an outdoor mass at 10:15 a.m. Our Mass will be held between the church and school building, directly behind Barrett Hall. Should the weather be inclement, Mass will be held in the Church. Following Mass, MQH Men's Group will sponsor a fellowship in Barrett Hall. This is a great opportunity for our parish families to meet and become better acquainted with each other, while enjoying conversation and refreshments (coffee, tea, juice and sweets.). We look forward to seeing you and your family on this special occasion. ANNOUNCING THREE NEW MINISTRIES AND INITIAL MEETING DATES ADULT EDUCATION AND SPIRITUALITY The first meeting of our new Adult Education and Spirituality Committee will be on Thursday, August 12 at 7 pm in the rectory. PEACE AND JUSTICE MINISTRY You are invited to join us for an informational session and presentation as we begin to develop the Peace and Justice Ministry of Mary Queen of Heaven. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 17 from 7 - 9:30 pm in Barrett Hall. HEALTH COMMITTEE The first meeting of our new Health Committee, to which all are invited, will take place on Thursday, August 19 at 7 pm in the rectory. These meetings are open to all interested parishioners. Please contact Mary Foley at the rectory if you have any questions or if you are interested in one of these ministries but are unable to attend the first meeting. Eucharistic Minister Training All current Eucharistic Ministers and those interested in becoming part of this ministry are invited to a day of reflection and training on Saturday, August 14th from 9:00 a.m. to noon . We will gather in the Church . Please contact the rectory to register for this session.