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

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.


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