A Vocation View Unless your family loves you, nothing else makes sense. In your family your vocation can grow in wisdom, age and grace. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell research is not showing the remarkable "promise" claimed by supporters, but lags far behind adult stem cells and other approaches that are providing real treatments for dozens of conditions. Experts now predict that treatments may emerge in "decades" or not at all. Cardinal William H. Keeler, Letter to Senate regarding H.R. 810, "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act," July 12, 2006 Bible Study Facilitators Needed If you think you are interested in facilitating one of our groups studying the Book of Exodus this winter, training times will be tailored to the trainees. The facilitator merely makes sure that all aspects of the study (prayer, discussion, video) are completed within the allotted time each week. If you have any questions please contact Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523 or Alex and Marie Grozik at 630-530-0503 or the Parish Office at 630-279-5700. Preschool Open Houses After months of study by the parish Finance Council, after multiple surveys of parents by the Preschool Committee, and after receiving much positive feedback from parents of preschool-aged children, we are moving forward with plans for beginning registration for our new preschool, starting in January. Tuition rates for the 2007-2008 school year will be finalized by the end of this month. The Preschool Board is in formation, with two subcommittees already established. The Safety and Environment Committee will be headed by Terri Kevil and the Preschool Finance Committee will be headed by Jim Japczyk. Open Houses for the Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool will be held on: Sat. Jan. 6 from 9-11 am Sun. Jan. 7 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Sat. Jan. 13 from 9-11 am Sun. Jan 14 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Sat. Jan. 20 from 9-11 am Sun. Jan. 28 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Please see the insert in today's bulletin and share this information with your family and friends. New Year Schedule Sunday, December 31, 2006 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. New Year's Masses New Year's Eve, December 31, 2006 5:00 p.m. Mass Monday, January 1, 2007 Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and World Day of Prayer for Peace 9:00 a.m. Mass Please Note: There is no RE on Wednesday, January 3. RE Class sessions will resume at the normal time on Wednesday, January 10. Religious Education News On behalf of all of us in the REO, you are wished a 2007 filled with much peace and joy. For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Diocesan News Rachael's Vineyard Retreat March 23-25, 2007 Rachel's Vineyard Retreat for post abortive men and women, is sponsored by the Joliet Diocesan Life Office and will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center. Confidentiality and privacy will be strictly observed. To learn more about a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat or to register, contact Kay Corcoran at 815-838-7171. For more information and a list of retreats in other locations: www.rachelsvineyard.org or call the toll free national hotline at (1-877-HOPE-4ME). Catholic Charities Hosts Parenting Classes Six consecutive Saturdays January 27 through March 3 10:00 a.m. until Noon Are you a stressed out parent who wants to learn effective discipline, communication and better ways to deal with your children? Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet is offering Parenting Classes at Catholic Charities at 203 N. Ottawa Street in Joliet. The fee for class is $40 per person, and a reduced fee is available for those who qualify based on income. To register, or for more information, call Catholic Charities toll-free intake line at 1-800-240-7011. 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 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 Cecilia Garstki Modesta Goggins Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Michelle Humann Maureen James Kathy Johnston Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn Anne Kostas Tim Kowalski Baby Emma Lynde Marie Mangano Robert Manion Dennis McCabe Johanna Mesner Mary Piszczor Raymond Mitchell Fred Moss Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid Robert Restivo Agnes Sabel Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith Mary Spierowski Rachael Thompson Rest in Peace Kathleen Bryers 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. Community News Attention Bulletin Editors and Leaders of High School / College Youth / Family Youth Groups Volunteers are Needed !! The DuPage Continuum of Care, whose members provide services to individuals and families in need throughout DuPage County will be conducting it's third area wide survey count of unsheltered homeless persons the evening of Thursday, January 25, 2007 into the morning of Friday, January 26, 2007. The survey is being performed by the Continuum in conjunction with the requirements set forth by the Department of Housing (HUD). The purpose of the survey is to gather statistical information on the unsheltered homeless population. This count takes place all across the country to help various levels of government allocate dollars to fund the appropriate agencies that assist the homeless population throughout the next calendar year. The survey will be conducted with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies. Catholic Charities is recruiting and training volunteers to perform the overnight survey count. Needed funding for helping the homeless depends on the accuracy of the count. Please help spread the word and recruit the volunteers. A training session will be held at Catholic Charities, in Lombard, on January 16. Groups and volunteers should RSVP to Jane Tyshenko, Catholic Charities, 630-495-8008. Volunteers Needed for DuPage Community Clinic The DuPage Community Clinic is a free medical/dental clinic serving low-income, DuPage County residents who have no insurance or governmental assistance with offices in Wheaton and Villa Park. Our medical clinic is seeking Nurses, LPNs, CNAs, and EMTs. Primary care physicians, cardiologist, dermatologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, nephrologists, optometrists, orthopedics, and surgeons are also needed to volunteer at the clinic or as referral specialty site at your private office. Dietitians, social workers, certified or experienced medical translators, data entry, receptionist, and clerical/office volunteers are needed for our Wheaton office. Our Wheaton dental clinic also needs dentists and dental hygienists. For more information call Yessica Cabrera at 630-682-0631. Get Your Ticket Today! Woman's Choice Services will hold its First Annual "Choices for Life" Benefit Banquet at the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn. The proceeds of this event will enable Woman's Choice Services to provide hope for those at risk for abortion, help for those who are pregnant, and healing for those who are suffering from an abortion. We are honored to have the Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain, Bishop of Joliet, as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The banquet will begin with cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, with a discounted rate of $650 for a table of ten. Woman's Choice Services builds a Culture of Life in three interconnected ways: providing vital counseling and necessary connections to women at risk for abortion, supporting pregnant women in need through the parish-based Project Gabriel program, and bringing the healing love of Christ and His Church to women who have suffered the pain of abortion. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, January 8. For tickets or for more information, please call Woman's Choice Services at (630) 261-9564. Diocesan News "Choices for Life" Benefit Banquet Friday, January 26, 2007 Keynote Address by Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain Bishop of Joliet Brand New Morning Class Gentle Yoga Start your New Year Right!! Recommended for Ages 35 to 75 (however, everyone is welcome) Increase your flexibility, strength, and decrease your stress. Starts Tuesday, January 2, for five mornings 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 5 classes, $20 per person OR $4 per class Call Debbie Styka at 941-7224 Please bring a non-slip yoga mat if you have one. Required: comfortable clothing, socks that can come off Parish Mission February 5, 6, and 7, 2007 Mark it on your Calendars! As part of the Parish 50th anniversary activities, the Adult Education and Spirituality Committee and the Liturgy Committee are sponsoring a Parish Mission on Monday, February 5; Tuesday, February 6; and Wednesday, February 7; at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Church. The theme of the Mission is "Does my life make a difference?" Fr. Richard Fragomeni, an Associate Professor of Liturgy and Preaching at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will be the presenter. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed pre-Lent experience.