This is such a busy time of year, with school and parish activities starting up again. Just as some of you may have a list of reminders posted on your refrigerator during these busy days, today's column lists a kind of potpourri of parish news and events:
THANK YOU TO SPECIAL DONORS
A couple of weeks ago when our annual report was sent out, a special request was made of a number of parishioners, asking them to assist us with reducing the deficit further. I would like to thank those who have already responded. In addition to the Sunday collections which have been published, in the last two weeks we have received almost $10,000 from this special appeal. Moreover, even though our Sunday offertory renewal program does not begin for another week, some families have already contacted the parish office and asked for their automated contributions to be increased. Sincere thanks to all of our parishioners who are so generous in supporting all the ministry of our church.
PRESCHOOL MEETING
This weekend, you will hear a presentation on our new preschool and receive a list of Frequently Asked Questions. We have scheduled an open meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in Barrett Hall to answer further questions about the preschool. Originally, we planned to have people on hand to answer questions after the 10:30 Mass today but the Tuesday meeting will enable more parishioners and committee members to attend.
ATTENTION ALL MINISTRY LEADERS
All commission members are expected to attend a special presentation on Stewardship and Evangelization, our parish themes for this year, on Tuesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. in Barrett Hall. We will have as our special guest speaker Lorene Duquin, from the Diocese of Buffalo, New York. All parishioners are invited to attend, as well!
JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT CONCERT
Thanks to all of our ticket captains for early ticket sales. Please be sure to turn your money and ticket sheets into the office (or place them in the collection basket in an envelope marked "JMT Concert"). General ticket sales will begin next week. Everyone who sells 10 tickets will receive a free CD. Thanks to everyone for supporting this important fundraiser for our new preschool. This will be a great event, very uplifting and enjoyable for all who can attend. Remember, the concert is scheduled for Friday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. at York High School.
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
I would like to encourage all of our married couples to participate in the 10 Great Dates program, which begins next month. Once a month, married couples will gather together to learn ways to deepen their intimacy and develop ways to deal with common challenges faced in marriage. On each of these nights, after couples spend time together learning as a large group, individual couples will then leave Barrett Hall to go on a date with their spouse, learning to put into action the things they are learning. This program has the potential not only for strengthening individual marriages but our whole parish. I encourage parents whose lives are so busy with children to invest the time in each other by participating. This program can be good for couples of all ages and can be a way to meet other couples in the parish, too.
PARISH E-MAIL LIST We have had problems with some parish news electronic mailings ending up in parishioners' spam folders. Our technology committee has asked that everyone on the list please add "mqhnews@maryqueen.org" to their address book. Most computers will then recognize our mail and not treat it like spam.
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Speaking of our Technology Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Randy Styka, who single-handedly helps us with computer problems, parish news mailings, and our website, out of the kindness of his heart and without remuneration. Our parish is growing and we want to use technology even more to share our Catholic faith. At the same time, Randy's other responsibilities are growing, too! We would like to find some tech-savvy people to assist Randy with parish technology. We would like to have one person who would be willing to participate in commission meetings on the third Monday evening of each month, in order to facilitate communication about technology issues. We could also use help building web pages and assisting with parish computer breakdowns when they occur. Please contact the office if you would like to be part of the Technology Committee and we'll put Randy in touch with you.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
One of our parishioners has volunteered to lead English as a Second Language classes here at Mary Queen. If you or a family member would like to participate, please call the office and let us know. If there is enough interest, classes will begin in October.
CATHOLIC EXPLORER NEWSPAPER
Our new bishop has renewed interest in the Catholic Explorer, our diocesan newspaper, in which he now writes a column each week. The diocese has asked each parish to have a Catholic Explorer liaison. If you would be interested, please call the parish office.
Have a great week, everyone. God bless you!
Mary M. Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
Market Day Orders for September are due Monday, September 18, at noon. Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, September 23, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. If you have questions or would like to place an order, please call Maria at 279-2238 or Karen at 279-4108. Marriage Ministry Presents: 10 great Dates! We are introducing the Great Dates Program this fall and we are inviting you to make 10 dates with your spouse this year. Sign up will be on the weekend of September 9 after all masses. The cost will be $11.00 per couple which covers the cost of the companion text. We meet for our first date on Saturday, October 14, in Barrett Hall at 6:30 p.m. and will meet every 2nd Saturday of the month for the next 9 months. The date begins with a brief gathering at the parish for fellowship and to quickly review the material in the chapter for that date. Then you simply go off to our favorite restaurant, coffee shop, park, hiking trail, etc., and enjoy each others company and conversations. This is a time to renew and enrich your marriage. It is designed for all couples in all stages of marriage. Your marriage is one of the most important relationships that a couple shares and this program will enhance our commitment, intimacy and spirituality. Come and join us. More information and sign up sheets are available in the vestibule of the church, or call Don and Ellen Walker at 630-279- 4021. 50th Anniversary Parish Picnic Celebration Next Sunday You and your family are cordially invited to attend Mary Queen of Heaven's 50th Anniversary Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 17, 2006. Rain or shine, the picnic will be held on the parish grounds from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Many plans have been made to provide food, fun and entertainment for both adults and children of all ages. As in previous years, a huge tent with sides will be available in case of rain. Families can bring their own food or purchase tickets for an "All-You-Can-Eat Buffet." Tickets will be available for the Buffet this weekend after all the Masses. Adults $9.00 each; Kids $6.00 each. Buffet tickets must be purchased by September 14th. Popcorn, cotton candy, soda and bottled water will be available for purchase. Activities for the family will include, face painting, moon jumps, a slide, egg toss, Limbo contest, balloon toss, volleyball, fire truck, disk jockey, Bingo and a Dessert Bake-Off Contest. The Dessert Bake-Off Contest was a big hit last year so we are planning another one for our Picnic Celebration on Sept. 17. Get your favorite Dessert Recipes out and pick the one you wish to enter in the contest. Those who are entering a Dessert for the Contest should deliver their Sample Dessert to the School Social Hall by 12:30 p.m., as judging will take place at 1:00 p.m. Special features will be the availability of our 50th Anniversary Cookbook and Spirit Clothing. Sounds like lots of fun, so be sure to plan on attending and spending a wonderful afternoon enjoying conversations and participation in the various activities with parishioners and alumni of our parish. For more information or to volunteer to help, please call Bob Glick (833-5725), Ed Hayes (279-5325), or Sheila Reiter (833- 6657). The Infancy Narratives "Come follow Me" - Allow the Word of God to Form You as a Disciple of Jesus. Are You a Bible Study Leader in Your Heart? The four Bible Study programs within the past year have been very successful and faith-enriching for all the participants and the facilitators as well. We are planning to continue this fall and would like to invite you to join us in becoming a facilitator for our study of The Infancy Narratives. These are the Old and New Testament accounts of the hope for the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Studies begin the week of October 23 through the week of November 13. Training meetings will be held four consecutive Saturdays, September 23 & 30, and October 7 & 14 at 9:30-11:30 a.m. Our final leader training will be after the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, October 22. In these training sessions, we will learn and practice the methods for the 11/2 hour Scripture Study. Topics discussed will be conversatioinal prayer, gorup dynamics, being aware of different personalities within a group and many others. Everything you need to be an effective facilitator willb e provided for you. All you need to provide is a willingness to study and learn with some fellow parishioners. If you think this is an area in which you could serve and learn more about Scriptuer at the same time, please call Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523 (evenings). The following are those grade levels where help is still needed: Note that there are some changes in our needs. Session 1 - 3:15 Grade Two - 2 people needed Grade Two is the year we prepare our children for Reconciliation and First Communion. One of the two classes that meet at 3:15 will not be able to start on time if we do not get your help. Session 2 - 5:15 Grade Seven - 2 people There will be no grade 7 offered at 5:15 unless catechists come forward. Religious Education News God's calling...............you are needed as a catechist! Catechist meetings are underway. Unfortunately we still need a few catechists. HELP us fill our remaining catechist positions. We pray that we will not have to delay our first class session for some children on September 20th because good people like yourself (you know who you are) have not come forward. However, if these slots are not filled that is what we will have to do. Please consider joining our team of dedicated men and women just like yourself who weekly share their Faith with the young people of the parish. Help our children to get to know our God. All sessions meet on Wednesdays. If you can help, please call the REO today. Reminder to all RE Families and Friends Our annual Family Concert to kick off our year is this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in church. This year, Tom Malouf, the Director of Music from St. Walter Parish in Roselle will lead us in song. It is a wonderful way to begin our year. Please bring your entire family. Immediately following the concert, you will have the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet your children's catechists. We promise to have you on your way home by 8:00 p.m. Have you registered yet? Registrations are still being taken in the REO for the coming year. Call the REO. We will also take registrations at our family concert on September 13th. Remember that we do not process registrations the week of September 20th. If you want your children to start on the first day of class, register now. Pass the word to our friends and neighbors. For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Christian Education Commission 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. Natalie Baker Pam Bondfide Heather Brennan Kathleen Bryers Doresa Brugler Pat Caffarelli Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante Cosmore Ciancio Dennis Ciancio Paul Cirone Margaret Conroy Cynthia Catalano Family Ida Corriedo Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski Virginia Feret Modesta Goggins Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Pat Holmes Michelle Humann Maureen James Kathy Johnston Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde Robert Manion Dennis McCabe Raymond Mitchell Fred Moss Bobbi Nannini Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid Robert Restivo Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith Mary Spierowski Rachael Thompson Cathy Ward Christian Worship Commission Lands of the Bible Week 6 Synopsis Week 6 of our Bible Study of the Holy Lands describes the region of Galilee, the primary place for the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus and his disciples. Music Ministry is getting ready to start our next season! Hi everyone! The full choir begins its 2006/2007 season on Sunday, September 17th. WHY DON'T YOU COME JOIN US? Mary Queen of Heaven's Full Choir is open to all parishioners and there is no audition to join. Many of our choir members do not read music and they are doing a great job! Many have never been in a choir before, but welcomed the opportunity to give ensemble singing a try. We currently have 38 members in the choir. Thirteen of these are gentlemen! Ages range from high school to retirees. The choir is a wonderful blend of ages and voice types. We welcome and want more members. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:05-9:15 p.m. in the church from mid-September through the end of May. The choir is off for the summer. The choir sings at the 10:30 Mass every Sunday between mid-September and the first week of June. A complete schedule for the entire year, can found by following this link: http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/musicministr y2006-2007calendar.pdf High School Treble Choir Mary Queen of Heaven's High School Treble Choir is an ecumenical choir open to young women of our community who are high school aged and have a true love of sacred music. This is auditioned group. Members must be able to read music very well. The repertoire chosen for this group is stunning and quite sophisticated. Our first rehearsal for the year is on Sunday, September 17th, 2006. Call Molly at 630-941-0744 to set up an audition. Rehearsals for the High School Treble Choir are held approximately twice per month on Sundays from noon-1:30. The Treble Choir sings at the Mary Queen of Heaven 10:30 a.m. mass six times this year in addition to singing in MQH's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which we will perform next June, 2007. A complete schedule along with our repertoire for the entire year, can found by following this link: http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/Treble200620 07Schedule.pdf 5th-8th Grade Middle School Chorus This will be the fourth year for the Middle School Chorus, and this is a group which has brought great joy during many of our masses. Participants range in age from fifth thru eighth grade. The Middle School Chorus is not an auditioned group. Come and join us! Rehearsals for the Middle School Chorus are held every other week, (so typically two rehearsals per month), on Sundays from noon-1:30. The Middle School Chorus sings at the Mary Queen of Heaven 10:30 a.m. mass six times this year in addition to singing in MQH's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which we will perform next June, 2007. Parents and Middle School Chorus members can review the Middle School Chorus Schedule at a Glance by following this link: http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/MiddleS choolChorus20062007Schedule.pdf Instrumentalists Please contact Molly if you play an instrument and have been studying privately for at least three years. We have many needs for instrumentalists. We like to incorporate instrumental solos as preludes before mass, as well Post-Communion meditation pieces. There are also several choral works during each year which will require the use of instrumentalists. So call Molly and let's get you playing!!! SO, CALL ME, DON'T BE AFRAID TO JUST CALL ME! 630-941- 0744. Looking forward to a great year! Molly Lindberg, Music Director Christian Worship Commission Peace and Justice Activities The Peace and Justice Committee of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish is looking for a few good members to take part in its activities. This recently formed and energized committee has begun a major effort to provide information to the members of the parish concerning Catholic social teaching as it applies to contemporary social, economic and international issues facing all of us. The committee sponsors speakers on these topics and arranges carefully targeted activities to help alleviate unjust and unfair conditions facing people today. New people and new ideas for the committee's activities are needed to enable it to realize its potential. Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Conference Room off Mary's Gathering Place. Join us at 7:00 p.m. on September 14th to take part in an important parish activity. Christian Service Commission BREAD FOR THE WORLD (BFW) is a Christian voice for ending hunger in communities in the USA and around the world. BFW is a nonpartisan citizens' movement of people of faith. BFW participants lobby our nation's elected officials in Congress by writing letters these decision-makers to allocate funds for the hungry. MQH Peace and Justice supports this project to help the hungry of the USA and the world by writing letters to our representatives in Congress. Many parishes in our Joliet Diocese also participate in this project every year. Members of our MQH parish will be invited to write letters (this is the "Offering of Letters" project) after Masses on Sept. 23 and 24 to their representatives in Congress to support legislation that would provide funding for the hungry of our country and around the world. As individuals, we may volunteer in social ministries to help the marginalized in our society. BFW members can multiply their effectiveness by participating in an "Offering of Letters" at critical times when members of Congress are addressing budgetary legislation that is important to hungry people. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jeannette Elderkin at 279-9116 or check out BREAD FOR THE WORLD atChristian Worship Commission Enrich your Relationship with Our Lord Sign up for Eucharistic Adoration for Monday, September 11, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. We would like to have more permanent Adorers. If you are interested or have any questions please call Kay Diggins at 630- 530-7124 or Renee Bladek at 630-832-1812. Eucharistic Adoration About 15 months ago, in May 2005, the Worship Commission launched monthly Eucharistic Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. This was in response to the Year of the Eucharist begun by Pope John Paul II, which extended from October 2005 and concluded in October 2005. Now that we have a history of several months, we would like to use this space in the bulletin to provide some background and information related to this form of public worship of Jesus in the Eucharist. We hope and pray that the information you read here may inspire you to "come and worship" with us on the first Monday of the month (excet when the first Monday is a national holiday as in September). What is Eucharistic Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? (From ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA (on the Eucharist and its relationship to the Church), of His Holiness, POPE JOHN PAUL II) . The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass is of inestimable value for the life of the Church. This worship is strictly linked to the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The presence of Christ under the sacred species reserved after Mass - a presence which lasts as long as the species of bread and of wine remain - derives from the celebration of the sacrifice and is directed towards communion, both sacramental and spiritual. It is pleasant to spend time with him, to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in his heart. If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the "art of prayer", how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament? How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation and support! This practice . . . . is supported by the example of many saints. Particularly outstanding in this regard was Saint Alphonsus Liguori, who wrote: "Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us". The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: By not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace. A Christian community desirous of contemplating the face of Christ . . . cannot fail also to develop this aspect of Eucharistic worship, which prolongs and increases the fruits of our communion in the body and blood of the Lord. (Worship Commission):