Dear Friends,
Many of you know that I have been out of town for a few days for the birth of my first grandchild. He is a beautiful redheaded boy named Jameson, who weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. and is 21 1/2 inches long. He is a healthy baby who was born out of the love of his parents and he has been welcomed with loving arms by his family and many friends. We are so blessed. How I wish that every child born into this world would be surrounded by the love that both began and surrounds Jameson's life.
I have been fully immersed in grandmothering in these days, something akin to mothering, but different. My daughter-in-law and my son (who are both on maternity leave) are sharing in all the responsibilities of caring for the baby. Jessica is a natural! She is calm and patient and takes great joy in Jameson, constantly marveling at his every facial expression. Eric helps Jessica with breastfeeding in the ways that he can and he has been changing diapers from the very beginning. He comforts Jameson and sings to him when he is fussy. I have been here to help them during these first few days when they've had little rest.
Besides being grandmother, I have also been observer during these days. The birth of this child has been the focus of everyone's lives. All of the grandparents came to the hospital as soon as they knew Jessica was in labor. A flock of Eric and Jessica's friends did, too. Every night here since they've been at home, family and friends have visited, bringing gifts, food, and helping with anything needing to be done in the house. There has been a single purpose, a common life, a shared hope.
I have reflected upon all of this as we continue our Easter season. How our lives would be different, I wonder, if we all truly lived in gratitude for the life we have been given in Christ. What would things be like in our church - even in our parish - if we were all united in a common life, with a single purpose and a shared hope? The Second Vatican Council talked about the church being a sacrament of God's love for the world. This means that those who form the church, those of us who form the parish at the local level, should be united with Jesus as our single focus. All of us together should support the whole parish in whatever ways we can, putting aside personal interests for the good of the whole family.
When new life comes into a family, everyone wants to share the good news. We already have a whole website devoted to Jameson! I would like to ask everyone to think about how we, as a parish community, share the good news of Jesus with others. Not only as individuals, but together as a community. The measure to which we are united will be the measure to which people will see God in the church.
You could not mistake Eric and Jessica's family - either on the day he was born at the hospital or during this week at home. The presence and dedication of grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, and friends has been very visible and everyone at the hospital - and now in their neighborhood - knows that there is new life in their family. Thanks be to God for Jameson and for all babies born to us. Thanks be to God for the gift of life, especially for the life of Jesus. And may God help us so that others may see in our parish family the new life given to us at Easter.
Mary M. Foley,
Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View
God's love for us has been revealed:
"Love one another as I have loved you."
The world needs to see people
who are striving to love others with all their hearts.
What about you?
Navajo Mission
On June 3, Rosalie and I leave with the mission to the
Navajo Reservation in Arizona sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet.
There will be a group of 16 individuals on this two-week mission.
We will be working with impoverished Navajo families repairing
their homes (hogans) and supporting them with our prayers and
friendship.
You may know the two leaders of this trip: Deacon Tom
Goebel and Fran Butler. Deacon Goebel was the person who inspired
us to join a mission trip to Sucre, Bolivia in 2001. He was one
of the leaders of the trip to Israel we took in 2004.
I am sharing this background information with you because
Rosalie and I have three requests:
1- please pray for the success and safety of this mission.
2- please pray for our Native American brothers and sisters
3- please consider participating in future missions sponsored by our
Diocese
In addition to missions to Sucre in Bolivia and the Navajo
in Arizona, the Diocese of Joliet also sponsors missions to Kenya
in Africa, the Philippines, Ecuador in South America.
The goals of these missions are:
a- to share skills and knowledge in aid of the poorest of the
poor
b- to deepen one's own spiritual life by sharing in service,
prayer and reflection
c- to learn from the poor and alienated in a way that reflects
mutuality and solidarity
d- to understand the causes of injustice and to find ways of
communicating these insights
Before you dismiss the idea of joining in future Diocesan
missions because
1- you lack construction skills (Rosalie and I hardly know which
end of the hammer to use)
2- you are too old (Rosalie is reluctant to reveal her age, but I
will be 78 this August)
3- you don't have time (What did Jesus suggest is the work of his
followers? If you don't know the answer, re-read Matthew
Chap 25, verses 31 46)
Finally, Rosalie and I would be honored to carry to Father
Blaine, pastor of the parish in Window Rock, Arizona any money
you drop in the basket at the back of our church after the Masses
next weekend. Many thanks for reading this and for your
generosity. If you have any questions about our mission trip to
Window Rock, AZ or any of the other mission trips, please feel
free to call us (Rosalie and Milt Honel) at 279-7086.
2006 Diocesan Annual Appeal
Diocese of Joliet
20 Years of Growing Ministry
funded by the Annual Appeal
All of us share in the life of the Diocese of Joliet. We
are many people, but one Church. If you have not made a gift to
the Annual Appeal, please do so today. Your gift will touch many
lives. Thank you.
Religious Education
First Communion Banners
The banners that our First Communion children made have
been adorning the walls of the church for the last 3 weeks.
However, now it is time for them to hang in their own homes. We
ask that you please retrieve your child's banner from the Church
by June 4. Any remaining banners will have to be discarded. If
your child's banner is still hanging in Church or you know
someone who has a banner still up, please claim it this weekend.
Last call for discounted RE Registrations!
June 1st is right around the corner. If you want to register
at the discounted fee, get those forms in to the office today.
FYI - if you have a preschool or kindergarten child you would
like to see in the program next fall, get your registration in
today. Those classes fill up quickly and enrollment is limited at
those grade levels.
Catechists are needed at almost every grade level. With
our continually expanding enrollment, we must fill those
positions. If you love children and you love your faith, we
invite you to join our staff. We will help you with the rest.
Please call for more information.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call
Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Wings to Heaven
Our next meeting will be Wed, May 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. All
youth going into 5th grade and anyone up to 8th grade are invited.
This is a great way to find out what Wings to Heaven is all
about! Come and find out from other members why they love
coming. Please note as of now, this is our only May meeting due
to Mothers Day and Memorial Day.
Watch the bulletin for our summer meeting times!
Destiny
Destiny will also be doing the Bible Study. It will take
place during our regularly scheduled meeting times on Sunday
mornings.
Youth Leadership Conference (YLC)
Sign up now to join us July 21-23 for a weekend of fun and
worship. Total cost is $175 per student. Application deadline
is June 1st with a $100 deposit.
All high school students are invited to join us. Please
call Mrs. Gusloff at 832-4348 if you are interested or have any
questions.
Christian Education Commission
Diocese of Joliet
Job Description
Title Housekeeper/Custodian
Agency St Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center
Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor
Job Summary
Clean assigned areas, guest rooms and monitor the security
of the building on weekends.
Qualifications
High school education. Ability to lift 60 pounds. Valid
drivers' license. Ability to work independently, unsupervised.
Good communications and people skills.
Working conditions
Full-time with benefits 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to
Monday. Some over-time work as necessary.
If Interested Contact Michael A. Svach,
Director of Diocesan Personnel at: 815-834-4077
or E-Mail: msvach@dioceseofjoliet.org
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..
Pam Bondfide Heather Brennan
Kathleen Bryers Doresa Brugler
Pat Caffarelli Rose Caffarelli
Kathy Calzante Dennis Ciancio
Cynthia Catalano Family Cosmore Ciancio
Paul Cirone Rhonda Colletti
Margaret Conroy Ida Corriedo
Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski
Virginia Feret Modesta Goggins
Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel
Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt
Pat Holmes Michelle Humann
Maureen James Tom Janicke
Richard Johnson Kathy Johnston
Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn
Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde
Robert Manion Raymond Mitchell
Bobbi Nannini Phyllis O'Donnell
Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid
Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith
Karen Sutkus Ted Vecchio
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.
Christian Worship Commission
A Memorial Day Mass
Monday, May 29, at 9:00 a.m.
in the Assumption Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum
located at 1S520 Winfield Road in Wheaton.
L.O.S.S.
(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.
Support groups meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on:
June 06 - Catholic Charities, Kankakee
June 21 - St. Paul the Apostle Activity Center, Joliet
June 27 - St. Daniel the Prophet's Parish Center, Wheaton
For further information, please call the L.O.S.S. Program
Center at 312-655-7283.
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
Friday, June 16 - Saturday, June 17
The glories of the Relay are not in the past,
but in the possibilities it has for the future....
It's about being a community that takes up the fight.
The Relay is an overnight family event where everyone can
help our communities contribute in the fight against cancer. Our
Relay for Life of Elmhurst and Villa Park is a community-
sponsored event designated to honor loved ones who lost their
battle, celebrate cancer survivors and raise money to support our
survivors and future research. It offers everyone a fun
opportunity to help with the fight for a cure.
While the Relay is in progress, team members stroll around
the track at York HS enjoying entertainment, live bands, food,
games and camaraderie while honoring cancer survivors. It's
unforgettable!
The teams are set as the event gets closer. There are many
behind-the-scene helpers needed to coordinate such an event.
Whether you are an individual or part of a organization who can
spare some time, or a leader of youth groups looking for service
hours, have we got jobs for you. No matter what age, there is a
job for everyone. Please consider volunteering for this inspiring
event - you will be glad you did!
Please contact Cindy Tenuata at 268-0819 or email
CTENUTA@emhc.org. subject-Relay.
Introduction
to the Bible
Week 1 - God's Self-Revelation
This week the Bible groups will be studying how we
experience God as he reveals himself in human history by calling
us to salvation. We will see how God reveals himself in the
Bible. We will learn how he made a covenant with the Hebrews and
how Jesus is our new covenant with God.
We will also learn how the Bible is a piece of Sacred
Literature and what the Church Fathers teach concerning
Scripture; ("The Church has always venerated the Divine
Scriptures just as she venerates the body of the Lord,"
Constitution on Divine Revelation, 21).
Our study will guide us to understand the role of the Holy
Spirit not only in the compilation of the Bible but also in our
comprehension of The Word.
Resurrection Parish Reunion
Former Chicago Parish Plans Reunion
Sunday, September 17,
at Drury Lane, in Oakbrook Terrace
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The gathering of former parishioners and Resurrection
School alumni will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an informal viewing of
memorabilia, an opportunity to visit with old friends.
Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., and luncheon will be
served at 12:30 p.m. More socializing and reminiscing will
continue from 1:30 until 4 p.m.
For further information, or to send names and addresses of
former parishioners or graduates, write to Kay Cahill, P.O. Box
72016, Roselle IL 60172 or email kayCahill78@aol.com.
Coming events:
June 7: Anniversary Mass for those Married 50 years or more (See
article below)
September 16/17: Homecoming Weekend
Dinner/Picnic
Paddle Boat Rides on Fox River
50th Anniversary Committee Update
Our next meeting is Wed., June 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett
hall. Anyone interested in helping with the "Homecoming Weekend"
(Dinner/Picnic) on September 16 & 17, or the Auction/Dinner
Dance, is encouraged to attend this meeting. We are looking for
help in many areas and would appreciate as many volunteers as
possible attending this meeting. For questions or information,
please contact Sheila Reiter (833-6657).
Last call for Recipes for our 50th Anniversary Cookbook.
We're certain that there are many parishioners in our parish who
are great bakers or cooks and we would love to have your recipes
in our Anniversary Cookbook. Please take some time to go through
your recipe files or books and submit some of those special items
for our 50th Anniversary Cookbook. The Deadline for having your
Recipes printed in the cookbook is Sunday, June 25. For
information or questions please call Mary Nanak (530-4502) or
Ellen Walker (279-4021).
Paddle Boat Rides
Mark your calendars now! The 50th Anniversary Committee is
sponsoring Paddle Boat Rides on the Fox River the weekend of July
15/16. The first ride will take place on Saturday, July 15, from
6-8 p.m., the second ride will take place on Sunday, afternoon.
Further information will appear in the bulletin after our
next meeting.
Free Ministry
to Traveling Catholics
For nationwide Mass times and locations,
phone 1-800-Mass Times
(1-800-627-7846)
Or Internet www.Masstimes.org
Marriage Ministry
Celebrating Fifty (or more) Years of Marriage
Mary Queen Marriage Ministry is planning an anniversary
Mass and celebration for all couples married 50 or more years in
2006. Our celebration will be in Barrett Hall on Saturday, June
24, after the 5:00 p.m. Mass. We will be serving cake, coffee
and champagne.
If you will be married 50 or more years, please come with
your family and join us. Contact one of the Marriage Ministry
Facilitators so we can include you in our celebration. The
facilitators are: Don or Ellen Walker 279-4021 and Alex or Marie
Grozik 530-0503).
Christian Service Commission
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. in
Mary's Gathering Space.
For information, please contact Sheila Reiter at 833-6657.
St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive
June 3 & 4
Spring Cleaning? Clear your home of all that extra
clutter! We are having a collection for The Society of St.
Vincent de Paul. We're looking for clean gently used clothing,
shoes, cookware, lines, dishes, toys, books, lamps, etc. Your
donations will benefit the needy.
St. Vincent de Paul bags will be available in the church
this weekend. Please fill these bags, or your own bags and boxes
with the items you are planning to donate and bring them to
church the weekend of June 3/4.
We would appreciate it, if you would place your donations
in the SVdP truck that will be in the Parking lot. The truck
will be here from 9 a.m. on June 3 to 1 p.m. on June 4. Receipts
are always available for your donations.
If you have donations of large items, please call 630-231-
4658 to schedule a pick-up from you home.
Thank you for Helping Us to Help People!
Spring Planting
Time!
Calling all Garden Club Members and parishioners!
It's time to beautify the parish grounds again. We are
planning to plant flowers around the rectory, south side of
Church, in front of school and in the planter in front of Mary's
Gathering Space on Sat., May 27, at 9:30 a.m.
If you can spare an hour or two, bring your gloves and
digger and we will be delighted to assign you a job. Many hands
make light work, and if we have enough help we hopefully will be
able to complete all the planting in one day. If you can help or
have any questions, please call Rose Wilkes (833-7238) or Sheila
Reiter (833-6657).
Volunteer Work at PADS
To Fit Your Schedule
Debbie and Randy Styka need a few helpers on Sunday
morning, May 28, probably 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. Bethel Church and
Mary Queen will be serving the homeless at a PADS site at the
Salvation Army in Oak Brook Terrace. Duties may include serving
breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast, and putting away bedding.
Call Debbie at 941-7224 if you can help. Thank you for
considering this work.