The President has put forth a new plan for addressing the difficult situation in Iraq. This proposal is rightly generating intense discussion in Congress and across our country. As our nation weighs the President's proposals and considers alternatives offered by others, our Conference of Bishops seeks to once again lift up a key moral question that ought to guide our nation's actions in Iraq: How can the U.S. bring about a responsible transition in Iraq?
Each course of action, including current policies, ought to be evaluated in light of our nation's moral responsibility to help Iraqis to live with security and dignity in the aftermath of U.S. military action. Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as their presence actually contributes to a responsible transition. Our nation should seek effective ways to end their deployment at the earliest opportunity consistent with this goal
The Holy See and our bishops' Conference expressed grave moral concerns about military intervention in Iraq and the unpredictable and uncontrollable negative consequences of invasion and occupation. In light of current realities, the Holy See and our Conference support broader regional and international engagement to increase security, stability and reconstruction in Iraq.
Benchmarks for progress toward a responsible transition in Iraq include: minimally acceptable levels of security; economic reconstruction to create employment for Iraqis; and political structures and agreements that help overcome divisions, reduce violence, broaden participation, and increase respect for religious freedom and basic human rights. These measures may address whether the traditional principle of "probability of success" can be met. Any action or failure to act should be measured by whether it moves toward these benchmarks and contributes to a responsible life. Another necessary step is more sustained U.S. leadership to address other deadly conflicts in this region, especially the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and the Crisis in Lebanon.
In repeatedly calling for a "responsible transition," our Bishops' Conference has also consistently called for substantive, civil and non-partisan discussion of ways to bring about a responsible transition in Iraq. Such civil dialogue is even more essential and urgent at this moment of national discussion and decision..
As pastors and bishops we are deeply concerned for the lives and dignity of the people of Iraq who suffer so much and for the men and women in the U.S. military who serve bravely, generously and at great risk. As religious leaders and defenders of human rights, we have expressed particular alarm at the deteriorating situation of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq. Their great vulnerability demonstrates the growing dangers facing the entire population of Iraq, including Sunnis and Shiites.
At this critical juncture as our nation seeks a new way forward in Iraq, our leaders have a moral obligation to examine where things genuinely stand in pursuing justice and peace in Iraq, to assess what is actually achievable there, and to evaluate the moral and human consequences of alternative courses of action and whether they truly contribute to a responsible transition. At this difficult moment, let us pray for our nation, for the people of Iraq and for all those who bear the responsibility and burden of these difficult choices. We ask God for courage, humility and wisdom as we seek a path to a responsible transition in Iraq.
Bishop William S. Skyland
Bishop of Spokane
January 12, 2007
The Lenten Season
The Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes
with the Church's celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord's
Supper on Holy Thursday.
Fast & Abstinence Regulations
1. Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat
on Ash Wednesday and all the Friday's of Lent.
2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is bound to
fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
3 On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full
meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals,
sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to
each one's needs, but together they should not equal another
full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two
days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are
allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously
affected, new law does not oblige.
4 To disregard completely the law of fast and abstinence is
sinful.
5 Lent is the principal season of penance in the Christian year.
All of the faithful are strongly urged to develop and follow
a program of voluntary self-denial (in addition to following
the Lenten regulations), serious prayer, and a performance of
works of charity and mercy.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence.
During Mass, ashes are blessed and imposed after the homily.
When distributed outside of Mass, a Liturgy of the Word is
celebrated, the rite of blessing is performed and, after the
imposition of ashes, the celebration concludes with the general
intercessions, the Lord's Prayer and a hymn.
Dinner & Dialogue
with the Wheaton Franciscans
Monday, February 26, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Angels Convent
26 W. 171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton
The "Dinner..." will begin with a simple meal, followed by a
prayer, engaging presentations, and then a table discussion.
This session, Love Is All around: An Introduction to the
Franciscan Theological Genius of John Duns Scotus (1266-1308)
will touch on the topics of discovering grace, beauty and
relationship in ourselves, in each other and in God.
Cost $15 for this session or $40 for all four 2007
sessions. To register, please call the Justice, Peace and
Integrity of Creating Office at 630-874-2555, or email us at
justicepeace@wheatonfranciscan.org.
University of St. Francis
Campus Visit Day
Saturday, February 24, at 9:15 a.m.
High school juniors and seniors are invited to take a look
and experience USF. Complimentary breakfast at 9:15 a.m.; begins
at 10 a.m. Information on all facets of the university including
admissions, scholarships, financial aid, housing and
extracurricular activities.
A student panel with Saints Ambassadors and tours of campus
are included. RSVP today by calling 800-735-7500 or online at
www.stfrancis.edu/visitday.
Elmhurst Catholic
M.O.M.S. Group
Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) is
a social and spiritual organization that provides an opportunity
for mothers of young children from Elmhurst Catholic parishes to
meet other mothers. Bi-monthly meetings include one morning
mother/child activity and an evening activity just for moms.
There are no membership fees and everyone is welcome. M.O.M.S
meets in Msgr. Plunkett Hall, lower level of the Immaculate
Conception chapel, from 9:30 to 11:00 a. m.
Bring the kids and join us on Thursday February 22 at 9:30
a.m. for our regular Thursday morning meeting. Looking forward
to seeing everyone!
Joliet Area Vocation Association
The Joliet Area Vocation Association (JAVA) is sponsoring a
Jeremiah Day for boys from the Joliet Diocese in grades 7, 8, 9 &
10 at Mundelein Seminary on Saturday, March 10. This is a day
for boys to grow closer to God and to visit a seminary.
Activities include a tour of Mundelein Seminary, talks about how
God calls us, lunch, recreation time, open gym and Mass. It is
hosted and lead by the Joliet Diocese seminarians at Mundelein
Seminary. The day begins at 10:30 a.m., and ends with Mass at
4:30 p.m. For more information call the Joliet Vocation Office
at 815-834-4004.
JAVA is also sponsoring a Marian Day for girls from Joliet
Diocese in grades 7, 8, 9 & 10. The girls are invited to spend a
day at Loretto Convent in Wheaton and explore vocations in
religious life. The day will include talking about how God calls
each person , meeting sisters of different communities, lunch,
and various activities. It will be held on Saturday, March 10,
beginning at 10:00 a.m. including Mass at 4:00 p.m. at Loretto
Convent in Wheaton. For more information call the Joliet
Vocation Office at 815-834-4004 or Sr. Claire at 630-868-2904.
Deadline for registration for both events is March 1.
Stations of the Cross
Friday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross are being held in Church during the
Friday's of Lent. Perhaps you and your family could make a
special effort to attend this devotion.
Parish News
Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool registration continues!
Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and contact
the parish office for more information and registration.
Preschool tours scheduled on request.
Christian Education Commission
Religious Education News
HELP!!
We are in dire need of a 5th grade catechist at the 5:15
session. We are also in need of two assistant catechists at
grade 6 and grade 7 at the 5:15 session. One of our catechists
had to leave us because of health reasons, and another was called
to duty in Iraq. The Gr. 5 session must be filled or we may have
to cancel that class. Please call the REO for more information if
you are interested.
Please Mark Your Calendar:
There is NO regular class on this Wednesday, February 21st.
It is Ash Wednesday and we ask all families to bring their
children to church for the distribution of ashes either at Noon
or at 4:00 PM. Families are also welcome to attend Mass which
will be celebrated with the distribution of ashes at 8:30 AM or
7:30 PM.
Please make a point to attend one of the four services
above to get your Lent off to the right start.
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann
Woods at the REO, 832-8962.
Diocesan News
Second City Comedy Group
Comes to Villa Park!
Saturday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m.
At Willowbrook High School, Villa Park
(All proceeds benefit St. Alexander School, Villa Park)
Performance: Truth, Justice or the American Way.
Tickets are $30.00 and can be purchased at
Anyways Restaurant, Aurelio's Pizza, Kopper Kitchen, Restaurant,
McNally's Irish Pub, Mike's Market, Mr. Z. Supermarket, Pioneer
Garden & Feed, or download an order form at
www.stalexanderschool.org.
This show contains mature subject matter; parental guidance
is advised. Call 333-3524 for more information.
Community News
Fellowship Sunday Today
Our monthly Fellowship will be held today in Barrett Hall
after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. It is being sponsored by the Lectors.
Everyone is cordially invited to join fellow parishioners for
coffee, tea, juice, and goodies. Don't forget! We are looking
forward to seeing you.
MQH Council of Catholic Women
"Woman of the Year"
Nomination slips for "Woman of the Year" are in the pews.
Please nominate a candidate and drop the slip in the box in the
church vestibule. A list of candidates with a short biography to
assist you in electing the "Woman of the Year" will appear in
next week's bulletin and the election will take place the weekend
of March 3-4.
All parishioners, ages 18 and older, are invited to
nominate a woman they feel leads a life of faith and love and who
has given generously of her time and talent to the various
ministries and organizations in our parish.
To be eligible for the "Woman of the Year," nominees must
be MQH parishioners, not on the Parish staff, over 18 years of
age, and not have held the title in the last 10 years. The woman
chosen will be invited to the 29th Annual "Woman of the Year" Mass
and Luncheon at the Cathedral of St. Raymond and also honored at
our "Ladies Night Out" dinner in June.
MQH Help Opportunities
For Parishioners
Parishioners may submit ads to appear in the bulletin to
MQHBulletin@aol.com for approval by the Pastoral Life
Coordinator. No ads will be accepted for real estate or by those
offering child care services (although those looking for child
care providers may place an ad and screen candidates themselves).
The parish accepts no responsibility for goods or services
offered. The ads are a free service to parishioners.
* Parish family is looking for a nanny. Need someone 4 days a
week, Mon., Wed., Thur., Fri, 8:00 a.m.-5:00/5:30 p.m. or
sometimes a little later. Two children-3-year old and 1-year
old. .Must have own transportation to be able to take
children to park district activities. Also, although it's not
necessary, it would be a plus if the nanny was willing to
travel with us a couple times a year. If interested contact
Ken and Cathy Gillis, 630-782-5156 or cathyr3@yahoo.com,
kengillie@comcast.net
Parish News
Market Day
Orders for February are due Monday, February 19, at noon.
Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at
the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, February 24, 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.
Collection to Aid the Catholic Church
In Central and Eastern Europe
Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Theme: "Love is the only light."
Pope Benedict XVI writes, "Love is the light-and in the
end, the only light-that can always illuminate a world grown dim
and give us the courage needed to keep living and working." With
a love that brings radiant light, Catholics in the U. S. help
through the Collection to build parishes in Magadan, and may
other distant, unknown places. Their generous donations
support the seminaries, social service programs, youth ministry
pastoral centers, church construction and renovation and the
spreading of the gospel message through the mass media. Thank
you for your generosity again this year.
St. Charles Borromeo Grade School
Now accepting Fall 2007 registrations for all grades:
Full-day Kindergarten - 8th grade with
After-school Day Care until 6:00 pm
For more information, please call 630-766-0116.
MQH Peace and Justice Committee
(You CAN make a Difference)
YOU are invited to meet with brothers and sisters from
Burma, Sudan and Rwanda at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn,
located at 420 Glenwood Ave., from Noon until 3:00 p.m. on March
3, 2007. Share lunch, hear their stories, and learn ways to
promote social justice with and for them.
This "conversation" with representatives from some of
those areas is an opportunity to begin to fulfill the promise of
"never again" by: 1) becoming aware of what is happening; 2)
learning ways to help change what is happening; and 3) learning
ways to minister to those displaced and suffering in the
aftermath of violence.
RSVP: Joyce or Jen Ruhaak at the Peace and Social Justice
Ministry, 815-834-4028. E-mail: joyceru@dioceseofJoliet.org. If
you need a ride, please call Milt Honel (279-7086) or Mary Ann
Reed (834-4840).
EVALUATING PLANS FOR A RESPONSIBLE
TRANSITION IN IRAQ
(A Statement of the President of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Encounter With God's Call
March 24-26
Encounter With God's Call, held at Conception Seminary
College, is a discernment retreat for young men age 16 and older
who are considering the vocation to priesthood. This is an
excellent opportunity to meet the seminarians as they share their
stories of responding to God's call. This visit is free. For
more information, please contact your Pastor or Fr. Burke
Masters, the Joliet Diocese Vocation Director at 815-834-
4004/frburke23@aol.com or Conception Seminary College at 660-944-
2886/Email: vocations@conception.edu.
Rachael's Vineyard Retreat
For post-abortive men and women
March 23-25, 2007
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat for is sponsored by the Joliet
Diocesan Life Office and will be held at St. Charles Borromeo
Pastoral Center. This retreat aims to allow participants to
focus on God's unconditional love and forgiveness in a completely
non-judgmental setting. 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).
L.O.S.S.
10 Session Group
The L.O.S.S. (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide)
Program provides services to those who are grieving a death by
suicide of a family member or close friend. Eight weekly
sessions and 2 monthly follow-up meetings for those grieving the
death of a loved one will be offered. Meetings are held from 7
to 9 p.m. at the:
Offices of Catholic Charities
(Diocese of Joliet)
26 West St. Charles Rd.
Lombard, IL 60148
Mondays, March 19 thru May 7,
June 4 and July 9
We need at least 10 people signed up to convene a group.
Call 1-800-240-7011 to register or for additional information.
The deadline to register is March 14. L.O.S.S. is a program
provided by Catholic Charities.
Diocese of Joliet
"Out of Poverty"
Starting Monday, February 26
For 10 consecutive Mondays, at 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Catholic Charities, 26 W St Charles Rd, in Lombard.
Catholic Charities plans to hold an "Out Of Poverty" program
in an effort to prevent homelessness and improve people's lives.
"Out of Poverty" is a program of personal change which affirms
that change is possible.
By following a step-by-step process within a group context,
participants take responsibility for their life and choices,
commit to learn and practice new behavior, and finally share
experiences and thus find a road to a more prosperous life. In
letting go of unproductive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and
replacing them with new ones, participants move towards a better
quality of life.
If you know of someone you think could benefit from this
program, please encourage them to enroll by contacting Dennis
Haffron (dhaffron@cc-doj.org) or Larry Cada (lcada@cc-doj.org)
630-495-8008.