Mary's Corner

Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
426 N. West Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-2171
Parish Office: 630/279-5700
Fax: 630/279-4667

Dear Friends,

This weekend, members of our Finance Council are speaking at all Masses, to introduce the annual report which will shortly be mailed to all parishioners. I know that the idea of a financial report means different things to different people. For some, drawing such attention to finances and material matters may seem to detract from proclamation of the Gospel and spiritual matters. In great contrast, for others, anything less than a balanced budget and zero deficit reflects failure and a need to point fingers or blame. Neither is a truly Christian perspective.

From the very beginning of the Church, people in Christian communities have been called to share what they have to support the ministries of the Church. The poor must be cared for, those who mourn must be comforted, sinners must be welcomed, social injustices must be confronted and corrected. People have a right to the sacraments of the church and beautiful worship is a sign of our love for God. Handing on the Catholic faith and making disciples from generation to generation requires religious education and spiritual formation for the Church's members. All of this is at the heart of the Gospel. All of this flows from Jesus' great commandment that we love the Lord, our God, with our whole heart, our whole mind, and our whole soul, and love our neighbor as ourselves. And as from the beginning, from the time of the earliest Christian communities, this requires the participation of all the faithful in sharing their time, talent, and treasure, including their financial resources. The Church - and the preaching of the Gospel - depends upon this.

The Church - all of us, leaders and people - are also called to be responsible stewards of all that is entrusted to us. We are entrusted with the financial donations of parishioners and should be responsible to develop good budgeting processes and watch spending and costs. At the same time, we are entrusted with the Gospel itself, and the faithful are obliged -- not only by canon law, but out of love for God - to provide the means for the Church to exercise its ministry.

Our parish is a wonderful parish, with a past, a present, and a future. Those who have been here a long time have witnessed much change over the years. Nothing that is alive can grow without change. New leadership and new generations may bring new styles, new ministries, new people. When there seems to be too much change at once, when there is not enough sensitivity on the part of those making changes, or when some are resistant to change, it is very easy for people to become upset and angry. Some of this has happened here. At the same time, what has also happened here is that many people have been attracted to the good things that have always been part of the tradition of this parish - among them, a sense of family and welcome, and a great emphasis on the religious education of children - and they have also been attracted to some of the new changes here, and the parish has grown. Let us take the best of our past and work together in the present to build a future that holds hope for stronger bonds of love and unity and a strengthening of our apostolic mission.

Spiritual life involves the here and now and something beyond. The realities of our life in the world are realities, even for spiritual people. One reality we have is that our parish has been operating at a deficit for three years. The parish used to depend upon the rental of the school building as a major source of income. The loss of rent means that without another way of increasing parish income, we will continue to eat away at our savings.

However, there is another part of our present reality. The past use of our school building limited the ministries of the church, including the religious education of our children. Since we have begun using our school building to primarily support the ministries of our parish, we have witnessed phenomenal growth in our Religious Education program over the last two years, as enrollment has grown from 400 students to more than 500. We now also use the building for Bible Study, for Welcoming Catholics Home, for RCIA, for teen group, for music ministry, and for other activities of the parish.

This points to something else about our present reality that is beyond us. The mission of the church is not maintenance but evangelization. When we invest our lives, our talents, and our resources in service of the Church - which belongs not to me or to you but to God - the measure with which we measure will be given unto us. We are still operating at a deficit but our income has slowly been increasing, our parish has more members, and our ministries are growing.

It is diocesan expectation that parishes support their operating budgets through the Sunday collection and so we appeal to you now to study our annual report when you receive it. Please look at all of the ways that we are being faithful to the Gospel and continue to give as best as you can. The more we give of ourselves out of love for God, the more richly we will be blessed. May God continue to bless you and I will see you in a couple of weeks.

Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator





Mary Queen CCW Dance Event

	MQH CCW invites you to a dance party!  Singles and couples 
welcome.  Two dance instructors will teach us popular social 
dances.  Perhaps we will learn the Salsa or Swing or Hustle or 
Foxtrot or Line dances!  There will be something for everyone.  
Drinks and light appetizers included.  Only $20 per person.

		Saturday, February 11
		7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
		Dupage Dance Center
		Naperville Road & Ogden Avenue
		1153 E. Ogden, Naperville

	Sign up in the vestibule after Mass.  Or, call Mary 
Connelly at 782-7626 or Marie McCall at 617-6067.



Peace and Justice Committee

	A reminder to all members and potential members that the 
next parish P & J committee meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on 
Feb. 9, 2006 in the lower level of the Parish House.

	The mission of the P & J committee is to inform our 
parishioners regarding the USA Bishops? Catholic Social Teachings 
and to encourage and support appropriate actions which promote 
these teachings:


	1. Life and dignity of the human person
	2. Call to family, community and participation
	3. Rights and responsibilities
	4. Option for the poor and vulnerable
	5. The dignity of work and rights of workers
	6. Solidarity
	7. Care for God?s creation


		These titles may seem a bit abstract. Attend the P & J 
committee meetings to see how we try to flesh out the Bishops? 
Catholic Social Teachings with such activities as the STEP WALK, 
BREAD FOR THE WORLD Offering of Letters, scheduling speakers for 
our parish, promoting the use of Trade Free coffee at parish 
functions, etc.

	We are an active group and we welcome new members. If you 
would like more information about the Bishops? Catholic Social 
Teachings or more information about
the P & J committee, feel free to contact Milt Honel at 279-7086 
or Bill Barnds at 782-5966, co-chairs of the P & J committee.


Religious Education News

Mark your calendars:

Wednesday, February 8th at 7:15 p.m. in Barrett Hall.  
There will be a special meeting for all parents of children who 
will be making their First Communion this Spring.  Friar Johnpaul 
Cafiero, OFM. Will facilitate.  All are expected to attend.
	If you have questions or need more information, please call 
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.


Continue to exercise extreme caution in the parking lot on 
Wednesday afternoons and evenings.  Winter weather makes dropping 
off and picking up children a real challenge.  Remember our 
children are precious. Let's all strive to insure their safety.


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	Katherine Brennan
	Kathleen Bryers	Doresa Brugler	Pat Caffarelli
	Rose Caffarelli	Kathy Calzante	Dennis Ciancio
	Cosmore Ciancio
	Family of Cynthia Catalano	Paul Cirone	
	Rhonda Colletti	Margaret Conroy	
	Baby Samantha Dobrowolski	Trudi Dolato
	Dino Fuggitti	Anna Heffel
	Jen Huwalt	Tom Huwalt
	Pat Holmes	Michelle Humann
	Maureen James	Tom Janicke 
	Richard Johnson	Irene Kmieciak	
	Bernadette Kohn	Tim Kowalski	
	Baby Emma Lynde	Robert Manion
	Bobbi Nannini	Geri Pstrzoch
	Baby Faith Reid	Jess Smith
	Karen Sutkus	Cathy Ward

	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.


Effective Choices, Effecting Parenting

	Offering a variety of workshops and seminars to assist you 
in becoming the parent you want to be.

Building Effective Relationships 
With Our Teens 

 For parents of children ages 13 - 19


Tuesday, January 31, at 7 - 9 P.M.
Tuesday, February 28, at 7 - 9 P.M.
At Catholic Charities in Lombard

	This two-hour workshop teaches participants practical, 
usable skills and insights on how to parent effectively during 
the challenging teen years.  For info or to pre-register, please 
call 630-710-8226.    	$20 single;  $25 per couple; Pre-
registration required.


A Day of Meditation Using Sound

Wheaton Franciscan Campus
Maura Hall:  Oasis Room
26W171 Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton
Saturday, February 4, 2006
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sr. Alana Gorski, OSF

	The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters invite you to a day of 
prayer using the most wondrous of Diving Instruments, the voice. 
One will learn to resonate with one's own body and chakras to 
help balance and raise one's own consciousness.  Various 
techniques in Name as Mantra, Breath and Sound, Vowels as 
Mantras, toning and Vocal Harmonics will be shared followed by 
experiencing the method.

	No experience is necessary.  All are welcome, beginners as 
well as experienced sounders.  Wear comfortable clothing.  

	For those interested in additional time with Sr. Alana for 
sounding experience, Friday evening and Sunday morning group 
sessions may also be arranged.

	To register please contact the Collaborative Ministries 
office at 630-462-4936.


50th  Anniversary Celebration

	Mary Queen of Heaven's 50th Anniversary Celebration will 
begin on April 2nd, 2006 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.  Bishop Imesch 
will be the principal celebrant and a very special liturgy is 
planned to mark 50 years of spiritual growth.  Immediately 
following the Mass all who attend are invited to Barrett Hall for 
Fellowship and the opportunity to visit rooms in the school 
building which will contain memorabilia from the past and also 
the present.

	The Anniversary Committee meets every two weeks working and 
planning on a calendar of events that will carry us through to 
April of 2007.  Much help and many hands are needed to work on 
the various events that are scheduled and we invite you to attend 
a meeting and see where you could offer your expertise.

	Presently we are still looking for help in these particular 
areas:

1.	Memorabilia from the past (pictures, booklets, newspaper 
articles, video's, etc.)  Perhaps you just can 	recall a 
single event or a series of events from the past 	and would 
like to share them.  May we suggest that 	you write your 
thoughts down, contact either Sheila or 	Ellen at the numbers 
listed below and someone will be 	happy to stop by and pick 
up what you have written.  	Aside from having things for 
people to read or look at 	In the Memorabilia Room(s) we 
would like to put 	some of your stories in the bulletin.

2.	Names and addresses of previous parishioners or 	school 
alumni are extremely important.  We want to 	be able to 
invite them to our celebration on April 2nd 	and the other events 
that we have scheduled through	out the year.  For more 
information or questions:  con	tact Sheila Reiter 833-6657 or 
Ellen Walker 279-	4021.

3.	A 50th Anniversary Cookbook with best recipes 	from 	MQH 
parishioners is planned.  Recipes should be 	carefully 
printed or typed and checked for accuracy.  	Recipe forms 
were in last week's bulletin and are 	available in the vestibule 
of church.  They can be 	placed in the basket in the vestibule 
or sent to the rec	tory to the attention of Mary Nanak or 
Ellen Walker.  	We thank you for your participation in this 
project and 	if you have any questions, please call Mary (530-
	4502) or Ellen (279-4021).

	Our next scheduled Anniversary Committee meeting is 
Tuesday, January 31st at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall.  Hope to see 
you there!


Marriage Ministry
We're still newlyweds!	

	Our expanded Marriage Ministry is still in the newlywed 
stage of it's formation, but we are beginning to branch out!  
Come celebrate your marriage with the community.  On the weekend 
of February 11 and 12, there will be a special blessing of all 
married and engaged couples at all Masses in honor of National 
Marriage Day, which is February 12.
	Also - - come meet the neighbors!  The Marriage Ministry is 
planning the first of our double-date nights for Saturday, 
February 18, at 7:30 p.m.  All married couples are invited to 
come.  We will be meeting in Barrett Hall where couples will be 
selected by chance to go to dinner together.  It is an 
opportunity to meet new couples in our parish community and 
perhaps get to know some better.  The only cost is your dinners 
and that will be determined by you.  So come and meet your 
neighbors!
	Plans for the future:  Dinner-theater night, talks by 
marriage counselors, moonlight picnic, 50+ anniversary Mass, 10 
great date nights.  For more information or to join the Marriage 
Ministry, please contact Don or Ellen Walker at 630-279-4021.


Catholic Engaged Encounter

A weekend marriage preparation program

	The engaged couples who attend give the program high marks.  
The next two programs are February 10-12 and March 10-12 at the 
St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville.  For more information, 
please call the Engaged Encounter hotline at 630-375-7072.


Volunteer Tutors Needed

	The Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange Park are in need of 
volunteers for its adult literacy program, School on Wheels.  
Tutors are needed to teach one hour per week from 9:00 a.m. - 
2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in Woodridge, Hodgkins, 
Berwyn, Summit, Villa Park and Westmont.  

	Training will be provided on Saturday, February 4th and 
February 11th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  You must attend both 
training sessions.  No prior second language skills are needed.  
For more information call 708-354-9200 ext. 5060, 5085 or 5037.


Rental and Use of Barrett Hall 
and Social Hall

	The renting and use of Barrett Hall and the Social Hall 
depends upon the event.  Barrett Hall is available for things 
related to the sacraments or ministries of the church.  For 
example, in Barrett Hall we have had multiple wedding receptions, 
gatherings after funerals and memorial services, and retreats for 
religious groups.  We do not use Barrett Hall for individual 
celebrations when many children together receive a sacrament for 
the first time, although we try to have group receptions there 
when possible.  The Social Hall (in the school building), as well 
as classrooms at certain times, are available for rent for 
private parties or meetings of groups or organizations from 
outside the parish.  We will accommodate what requests we can, at 
times when adequate staffing is available.  All facility rentals 
require an application and approval.  In addition, there is the 
necessary purchase of insurance through the Diocese of Joliet.  
For more information about the use or rental of Barrett Hall for 
religious events, please contact the Pastoral Life Coordinator, 
Mary Foley.  For information about the use or rental of the 
Social Hall or classrooms for a private party or a meeting of an 
organization outside of the parish, please contact the Parish 
Business Manager, Richard Kaffka.  Both can be reached at the 
parish office at (630) 279-5700.


Upcoming Parish Pastoral 
Council Discernment
(Hold these dates!)

	Planning for next is around the corner already!  We will 
begin discernment in March for next year's new members of the 
Parish Pastoral Council.  Keep in mind these important dates:
	Feb. 18-19 and Feb. 25-26:  Detailed information about 
the discernment process will appear in the bulletin.
	March 3-4: Current PPC members will speak at weekend 
Masses about the discernment process.
	April 8-9 and April 15-16: Nominations taken at all 
weekend Masses.  Monday, April 24: Mandatory PPC 
orientation for those who accept nomination.	May: Mandatory 
discernment session for nominees who wish to continue the 
process (date pending confirmation by facilitator.
	June: Those who are discerned to serve the PPC attend 
their first meeting of the council.


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