Evangelization: The word comes from the Greek verb "evangelizo," meaning "to convey good news" of a wedding, party, athletic victory, etc. Among the early Christians the word evangelization was used as a missionary term "announcing the good News of Jesus." Today, the word implies preaching, witnessing, proclaiming, inviting, and announcing. The U.S. Bishops defined evangelization as "bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself." (Go and Make Disciples, p. 2)
Catholic Evangelization: The U.S. Bishops made it clear that evangelization is important for Catholics. "We can see what it means by looking at what happens to evangelized people. Not only are they related to Jesus by accepting his Gospel and receiving his Spirit; even more, their lives are changed by becoming disciples, that is, participants in the Church, celebrating God's love in worship and serving others as Jesus did." (Go and Make Disciples, p. 10)
Conversion (metanoia): An on-going process of radical and profound changes of heart and mind. The U.S. Bishops say this kind of conversion is two-fold:
1. Conversion of Self: "Conversion is the change of our lives that comes about through the power of the Holy Sprit. All who accept the Gospel undergo change as we continually put on the mind of Christ by rejecting sin and becoming more faithful disciples in the Church. Unless we undergo conversion, we have not truly accepted the Gospel." (Go and Make Disciples, p. 12)
2. Conversion of Society: Our faith is not a private happening, but seeks to touch the world by the strength of our conviction. As we are transformed into holiness, we must let our faith speak to the world around us; radiating the love of Jesus by the way we speak, think and act. "The fruit of evangelization is changed lives and a changed world - holiness and justice, spirituality and peace." (Go and Make Disciples, p. 10)
Disciple: From the Greek "mathetes" which means "the learner." A disciple is one who responds to Christ's call, begins to follow Jesus, and molds his or her life in imitation of Christ's. A disciple is seriously committed to the Word, worship, service, evangelization, and community.
New Evangelization: Beginning in 1983, Pope John Paul called for a "new evangelization." He was hoping for renewed methods, ideas, energy, language and zeal among Catholics in spreading the gospel message to people who are unchurched. He also envisions an outreach to re-evangelize active, inactive, and alienated Catholics.
Proselytizing: Trying to pressure, manipulate, scare, or force someone into converting to a religion. This is not evangelization.
Steward: One who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.
Stewardship: Christian stewardship holds every person accountable to God for the personal care of all that we have and all that we are as individuals, as a church, as a citizen, and as a human being. Stewardship is the way we live out our discipleship.
Witness: To verify that something has been seen, felt or experienced. As Christians, we witness to what we believe about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church by sharing our faith stories, buy living authentic Christian lives and by inviting others to learn or experience the Catholic faith.
A Vocation View Some people do not respond to God's call because they feel they are not worthy to do God's work. And they are not - nobody is! But still God calls. There is enough ministry for many more. Answer God's Call Senior Fair Offers Facts, Freebies and fun on October 20 The fair will take place from 8:30-12:30 at the DuPage County fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. Free Parking is available. Many free health services will be available, including blood pressure, glucose, vision, hearing, podiatry and bone density screenings as well as brochures, giveaways, raffle prizes and refreshments. For a nominal charge, DuPage County residents can obtain flu shots (subject to availability, and appointments are necessary). A representative from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be there to accept applications and provide information on help with heating bills. For more information or to make an appointment for a flu shot, call DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at 630-407-6500 or toll free at 1-800-942-9412. Sponsors include: DuPage County Senior Citizen Services, DuPage County Health department, Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Metropolitan family Services, and Association of Senior Service Providers-DuPage. Food For Revival Healing Meals One night nearly four years ago my youngest sister's wonderful, seemingly virile 40-year-old husband died, leaving his wife, 7-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and soon-to-be-born child. The pain, utter despair, sadness and numbness of this life-changing event, flogged us with instant realities that dominated each minute of each day. Only with the passing of time did we realize the blessings among the horrific tragedy. Our eyes, though wearier than ever, still saw the goodness and comfort that came from the rallying efforts of truly generous and kind neighbors and parishioners who provided a basic necessity: loving, nourishing, healing meals for my sister's mourning family. Dinnertime hits right when all the energy you could muster for the day begins to fade and the foreboding loneliness of nightfall creeps in. If it were not for these miracle workers, my sister's family simply would not have functioned. With this same spirit and intention, we are "officially" establishing a Healing Meals ministry. I humbly ask each person in the parish who wishes to make a small but significant contribution to another, to reach out and offer a meal to the hurting, the numb. If and when a fellow parishioner experiences illness or loss, we will collectively share the happy experience of providing a meal that truly heals. Great cooking skills are not required. Nutritious, hearty carry-out food or a restaurant gift certificate is equally appreciated. If you will please contact me at jamjdm@aol.com with your name, phone number and email address, I will add you to the list, provide you with the simple details of the ministry program, and then contact you---a miracle worker---for the gift of a nourishing healing meal for a family truly in need. Thank you for your consideration and help. Jill Adams McDonough English as a Second Language Literacy in Action DuPage offers English as a Second Language classes to adults who want to learn or improve their skills in the English language. If there is sufficient interest, classes will be offered at MQH starting in October. If you or someone you know would like to learn English or improve their English speaking skills, please contact the church office. Parish News "Evening Under the Stars" Auction/Dinner Dance Plans are well underway for our 50th Anniversary "Evening Under the Stars" Auction/Dinner Dance, which will be held on Friday, November 3, at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison, Illinois. Letters have been sent to businesses and parishioners seeking donations for our Live and Silent Auctions. We are in need of people to help follow up on these letters. Many hands are needed to call and visit the businesses we have written to in an effort to obtain as many donations as possible. Do you have some time to spare to help us with this task? Without the help of willing parishioners, the task of obtaining items from businesses for the auction will make our efforts fruitless. WE NEED YOU! There are also many other areas where volunteers are needed: helping with decorations, parishioner donations, ticket sales, raffle tickets, etc. If you would be willing to help, we invite you to attend our next meeting on Thursday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett hall. Or you may call Sheila Reiter at 630- 833-6657 and let her know you are willing to help in a certain area. This year we have engaged a new DJ for the Dinner Dance/Auction. Guests of the dance may request songs in advance. If there is a particular song you would like to hear, you can access the request web page at http://www.kausphoto.djintelligence.com/request/queenofmary Once the web page is accessed you can type in a request or search for songs by both artist and song title. The DJ will do his best to play all the songs that are requested. If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Glick at 630-833-5725 or by email: eileenglick@gmail.com This is the ninth year for our "Evening Under the Stars" Auction/Dinner Dance any many are looking forward to a wonderful evening socializing with parishioners and friends, and the opportunity to purchase auction items at great prices that can be given as gifts for the holidays or special occasions. The ticket donation is $40 per person. The proceeds from this benefit will be used to help support our Church Mission of reaching out to those who are hungry, sick and otherwise in need; supporting our youth who are the future of the Church and our world; and supporting the various ministries in our parish which allow us to live our lives through faith, hope, and loving service to all. Parenting Classes October 7 through November 11 6 Saturdays from 10 a.m. to Noon Offered by Catholic Charities of the Joliet Diocese Are you a stressed out parent who wants to learn effective discipline, communication and better ways to deal with your children? Classes will be held at 26 W. St. Charles Road in Lombard and are $20 per class or $25 per couple per class. To register, or for more information, call Catholic Charities toll-free intake line at 1-800-240-7011. Community News 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 a.m.-2 p.m. or 3-8 p.m. in Cicero, Hodgkins, Lombard, Summit, Westmont, or Woodridge. Two-day training will be provided on Saturdays, October 7 and October 14, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Volunteers must attend both training sessions. No prior second language skills are needed. For more information, call (708) 354-9200: ext. 5060, 5085, or 5037. Panel Discussion on Immigration Reform: How do we fix the system? Wednesday, October 11, at 7:30 p.m. St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church 1450 Green Trails Dr. in Naperville. The panelist are Mr. Mehrdad Azemun, senior organizer for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Mr. Curt Mercadante, Republican Party campaign activist and professional consultant. For more information, contact Tom Cordaro at 369-0777. Enrich your Relationship with Our Lord Please join us at Eucharistic Adoration Monday, October 2, From 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Your prayer life will be enriched. Eucharistic Adoration About 16 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 (except when the first Monday is a national holiday). Following are some quotes from Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994 English translation. Adoration 1378. "Worship of the EUCHARIST: In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by, among other ways, genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord. 'The Catholic Church has always offered and still offers to the sacrament of the EUCHARIST ...... adoration, not only during Mass, but also outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts with the utmost care, exposing them to the solemn veneration of the faithful, and carrying them in procession.' [Paul VI, MF 56.]" (Catechism of the Catholic Church) 1379. "The tabernacle was first intended for the reservation of the EUCHARIST in a worthy place so that it could be brought to the sick and those absent outside of Mass. As faith in the real presence of Christ in his EUCHARIST deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species. It is for this reason that the tabernacle should be located in an especially worthy place in the church and should be constructed in such a way that it emphasizes and manifests the truth of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament." (Catechism of the Catholic Church) What is Eucharistic Adoration? Eucharistic Adoration is an expression of our love for Jesus, who loves us so much that He never wants to leave us and so stays with us day and night in the Blessed Sacrament. For He says: "Behold I am with you always," because "I have loved you with an everlasting love. And constant is my affection for you," (Mt 28: 20; Jer 31:3). 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 Michelle Humann Maureen James Kathy Johnston Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde Robert Manion Dennis McCabe Raymond Mitchell Fred Moss Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid Robert Restivo Della Schroedl Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith Mary Spierowski Rachael Thompson Cathy Ward Rest In Peace Patricia Holmes Bobbi Nannini 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 Mary Queen of Heaven Church Stewardship Campaign 2006 As we continue our journey in becoming faithful stewards of Mary Queen of Heaven, we should be mindful of the many gifts that God has given to us. The beautiful trees that are just beginning to change colors are a good example of a gift from God. As we move through the different seasons, trees undergo a transformation that parallels birth, life and resurrection. Trees played a very important role in the life of Jesus, and their gift can be found in many biblical stories. We can surmise that trees were used to build the manger and cradle that housed Jesus in his early life. As Jesus continued his life and evangelized to the people, he traveled with Peter, a fisherman by trade, using wooden boats. The wooden cross is an important symbol in our Christian faith, not only because of the crucifixion but because it points to the resurrection and the continuation of life. In our own day and on our own parish grounds, beautiful trees provide us with many gifts: gifts of beauty, gifts of food and shelter for the animals, and gifts of shade and protection. We must be good stewards of the gift of our trees if they are to survive for future generations. Beginning this winter, we will start a schedule of regular trimming for our trees. By becoming better stewards of these gifts entrusted to us and nurturing their growth, the gift of these trees will be multiplied for years to come. Like the trees, our parish is vibrant and can provide gifts for generations to come, but we need the financial commitment of its stewards to ensure its continued growth. This week, all parishioners will be receiving a letter and a pledge card, asking for your financial commitment for the coming year. Mary Queen of Heaven offers many wonderful ministries, services, and programs. These all require financial support to continue and flourish. We ask that all parishioners be faithful stewards so that we can continue our tradition of being a welcoming Catholic community that works to further the mission of Jesus. During this time of year, the trees around our parish give up their leaves and their seeds in order that life may continue. As we enter the time of our Sunday offertory renewal, let us consider what financial sacrifice we will make to further the life of Mary Queen. Please give generously. Sheila Reiter and Derrick StaRosa, Co-Chairs, Stewardship Committee A Glossary of Terms Wedding Banns There is a promise of marriage between (1) Timothy Hurley and Kerry O'Reilly who will be married on Saturday, October 21 May God grant many blessings to you! ? Note: This week, we will begin a series of informational pieces on our parish theme for the Year of Stewardship and Evangelizaton. Today, we atart with some basic definitions. Clergy Appreciation Dinner Sponsored by The Diocese of Joliet Chapter Knights of Columbus Monday, November 6 Bolingbrook Golf Club Formal Attire; Dinner $45 per person Honorees Bishop J. Peter Sartain Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Bishop roger L. Kaffer Proceeds will provide continued support of Diocesan Vocation Efforts. Donations to Diocesan Vocation Support Welcomed! Contact: Co-chairman Ron Ziemba at 815-609-9224 or E-mail: RAZ5733@aol.com St. Vincent DePaul Clothing Drive October 14th & 15th Our fall clothing drive for the St. Vincent DePaul Society will be held the weekend of October 14/15. The SVDP Truck will be in our parking lot from 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, until 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Your donations will benefit the needy! So now is as good a time as ever to clean your dressers, closets and cabinets. Clear out all of those items that you no longer need. Especially needed are clean gently used clothing, coats, shoes and accessories. Small household items are also needed: Dishes, glassware, cookware, small clean working appliances, knick-knacks, lamps, linens, toys, books, jewelry, etc. We will have bags in the church vestibule for your convenience the weekend of October 7 & 8. Please fill them with your donations! You may also use your own heavy duty bags and boxes. Be sure to bring them with when you come to Mass the weekend of October 14/15, or they can be placed in the truck anytime during the day on Saturday, October 14. For donations of furniture and other large items, please call 630-231-4658 to schedule a pick-up from your home. Receipts are always available. Thank you for helping us to help others! Yoga at Mary Queen, Welcomes all ages, including teenagers. If you have not tried Yoga yet, come and try it out. Yoga is scheduled right after CCD class at 8:30 p.m. A New Class starts Wednesday, October 4 For four Wednesday nights 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. 4 classes, $16 per person OR 4 classes, $24 per family (ages 14 thru adult) All monies received will be donated to Mary Queen. Call Debbie at 941-7224 Required: Please bring a non-slip yoga mat (can be purchased at Sport Authority, TG-MAX, etc. for $10-$20, sometimes available at Sears, Target) YOU can be the one to HELP!! The Catholic Construction Corps project of our Diocese is soliciting volunteers to participate in helping to repair homes damaged by the Katrina hurricane. Our parish Peace and Justice committee has been given the responsibility to coordinate our parish efforts. We have been able to secure several additional time slots for volunteers to participate in recovery efforts. All trips are for one week. In most cases the volunteers will be traveling on Sat. and Sun. and returning on the following Sat. and Sun. These dates include travel days: Oct. 7 through Oct. 15, Oct. 21 through Oct. 29, Nov. 11 through Nov. 19 If you are interested, please call Rosalie and Milt Honel, parishioners, at 279-7086. We would be delighted to share our experience with you or answer your questions. These Diocesan Katrina recovery trips are wonderful opportunities to "walk the talk." With the start of RE, please be very cautious in the parking lot on Wednesday afternoons and evenings. Our little ones and even our not so little ones are our precious gifts from God. We still need one more person to help in Gr. 7 at 5:15. 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. If someone does not step forward, we may have to reconsider having 7th grade meet at 5:15. Religious Education News Reminder to all RE families and friends Classes for the 06/07 year are in full swing. We continue to accept registrations for this year. If you have not registered yet, do so now before it is too late. Pass the word to your friends and neighbors. For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.