Happy Easter!
Welcome to all who worship here this holy day! Today, we celebrate what we believe in our heart of hearts, that love has power over death. No matter what pain, no matter what sorrow, no matter what betrayal, no matter what darkness, no matter what sin, no matter what despair, no matter what heartbreak, today the new light dawns. Once again, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. The same love of God that raised Jesus from the dead has the power to break through all things: the sin which binds us, the selfishness which blinds us, the anger and hatred which destroy us, the depression which overwhelms us, and the grief that immobilizes us. Today, we are reminded that the love of God can make all things new. Jesus came that we might have new life. New life in the resurrection. New life today.
On behalf of our parish, I want to welcome all of those who are visiting Mary Queen of Heaven this Easter. Please know that you are always welcome. If you are looking for a new church home, you have a place here. Each and every person is important in the life of this community. We have a lively community of faith here at Mary Queen of Heaven. If you were here at Mass this weekend, you know that we have beautiful liturgies. You will not find better music, or more dedicated liturgical ministers, from the sacristans and art and environment people who prepare our worship space; to the lectors who prepare so well for proclaiming Holy Scriptures; to Eucharistic Ministers who lovingly share the Body and Blood of Christ; to the priests and our deacon whose sacramental ministry sustains us; to the altar servers who more and more understand the reverence due to our Lord who is present in Word, and Sacrament, and the People of God; to the ushers who joyfully welcomed you into the church today.
I write these words gratefully, as I begin my fourth year as leader of this parish. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our parish. The parish is different today than it was then. This parish is different today than when I first arrived. I am different today than when I first arrived. This parish is a living entity and everything that is alive changes over time. God is alive here: within us, among us, and active in our history - the history of our parish and the history of our lives.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve this faith community. I am grateful for its history and for its long-time members, who are part of the life fabric of this parish. I am grateful for the many ministries of this parish, including the new ones that are growing. I am very grateful for the ways that people here share their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. I am very grateful for what God has taught me and for what people here have helped me to learn about becoming a better leader, becoming a better Christian. I am grateful to be part of a parish faith community that draws people to Christ.
If you have been away from church for a while, I would like to extend a special invitation to you. Please consider participating in our Welcoming Catholics Home Program, which will be starting soon. This is a six week program, no strings attached, which can help you to find answers to your questions and can help you to find your way back into the life of the church. Please call the parish office at (630) 279- 5700 for meeting dates and times. Anyone may also feel free to call and ask for a booklet about the parish which contains much more information. Parish registration forms are also available upon request.
Happy Easter to one and all! May the new light dawning draw us deeper into the knowledge and love of God, who gives us hope of new life. May we be sharers of this new life as a parish family and as individual Christians, as we seek to make a difference in the world. May God bless us all!
Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View We're no longer nobodies. Jesus rose from the dead. He promises to take us to heaven too. Our Ultimate Vocation: Union with God! 50th Anniversary Mass and Raffle Our year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration will culminate on Sunday, April 22, 2007, with a special liturgy celebrated by Bishop Roger Kaffer at the 10:30 Mass. As this Anniversary Year draws to a close, we invite you not only to join us at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on April 22, but also to participate in our final event, a 50th Anniversary Raffle. The raffle proceeds will be used to lower our parish deficit. The raffle drawing is only two weeks away, so be sure to pick up a ticket after mass or call one of the committee members listed below. Only 250 tickets will be sold and the winner need not be present. The odds of winning a Raffle Prize are great! The Ticket Donation is $100. Each ticket contains 10 slots so that the cost of the ticket can be divided with as many as 10 people if you choose. 1st Prize $10,000 2nd Prize $2,000 3rd Prize $1,000 The Drawing will take place on April 22nd in Barrett Hall immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Refreshments will be served. Please consider helping us make this final event a success and an enjoyable occasion for all. Invite your family, friends and co-workers to participate in the Raffle. Tickets will be available for purchase this weekend in "Mary's Gathering space. They can also be obtained by contacting the Parish Office or one of the 50th Anniversary Committee members: Sheila Reiter (833-6657), Ellen Walker (279-4021), Dick Reed (834-4840), Phylis Twardowski (279-6239), or Mary White (833-9809). Parish News Mary Queen of Heaven High School Treble Concert Sunday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m. Mary Queen of Heaven Church Mary Queen of Heaven's High School Treble Choir will be performing a free concert on Sunday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m. in church. The concert will last approximately 45 minutes. 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 an auditioned group. The group is directed by Molly Lindberg assisted by Tara Cappelletti. This outstanding group of young women have given generously of their musical gifts to praise His name. Please come and support them, and enjoy some exquisite music. Concert Program: O Sanctissima, Arranged by Ludwig van Beethoven, (1770-1827), edited by Alan J. Hommerding Rest Now in Me, Paul A. Tate Lord, I Stretch My Hands to You, Jay Althouse Eucaristica, Pablo Casals (1876 B 1973) Lacrymosa, from The Requiem, W.A. Mozart (1756-1791), Arranged by Russell Robinson Canon of Praise, from Kanon, Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), Arranged by Hal H. Hopson Sign Me Up, Kevin Yancy and Jerome Metcalfe The Baby in Bethlehem, Raymond S. Beights Open My Eyes, Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739), Arranged by Dale Grotenhuis Days of Elijah, Robin Mark You Are Holy, Mark Imboden and Tammi Rhoton Sunday, April 15, is a big day for the Music Ministry at MQH. We will be introducing the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the 10:30 a.m. mass. The entire cast will sing the Post-Communion meditation that morning. So, come to Mass, stay for fellowship in Barrett Hall, and come on back into the church for the Mary Queen of Heaven High School Treble Concert. Parish News - The Gathering - A small Faith Community at Mary Queen of Heaven A Thursday evening Community, The Gathering, would like to welcome new members. Would that be you? - Not a Bible study group, although Scripture is a key element - Not a social group, even though socializing and caring for one another as friends is very important - Not a prayer group, but prayer is its foundation - Not a ministry committee, but service is a vital aspect of community life A Small Faith Community is all of these. It is an opportunity to come together in a manner similar to the very first Christians more than 2,000 years ago, in each other's homes. A small church within a larger one. We meet 1st and 3rd Thursday evening of each month. How can you tell if this is for you? COME AND SEE! Call Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523. Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration, April 15 April 15, at 1:30-3:45 p.m. At Visitation Parish, Elmhurst Sacrament of Reconciliation-1:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet-3:00 p.m. Celebration of Mass-3:45 p.m. Jesus said: "In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion." Please come join us on this special day !!! All are Welcome !!! Parents of Confirmation Candidates: Please note that Confirmation will be celebrated at the Parish on Saturday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m. Religious Education News Attention Parents of First Communicants: Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m. our second graders will gather in the Social Hall for their "Retreat Morning." This is a wonderful experience for our little ones. The morning will conclude at 11:00 a.m. All our second graders are expected to attend. Reminder to Parents of First Communicants: If your child is celebrating with the large group on May 5, there is still time to place your order for a video of the Liturgy. Please turn your forms in to the RE office. Are you being called to be a catechist? We only have a short time left of this RE year, so if you have always wondered what goes on in the building after you drop your children off, this is the perfect time to stop by and say hi. Remember you don't have to be a theologian; you just have to love children, love your faith and want to share it. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Mark your calendar: Saturday, April 14 - First Communion Retreat 9-11 a.m. in School If you have any questions or need more information, 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 Pat Caffarelli Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante Cosmore Ciancio Dennis Ciancio Geroge Cibula Paul Cirone Ida Corriedo Cynthia Catalano Family Deacon Bob Delbeke Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski Virginia Feret Kathy Filipiak Cecilia Garstki Mary Goggins Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel Jen Huwalt Tom Huwalt Michelle Humann Maureen James Kathy Johnston Irene Kmieciak Bernadette Kohn Anne Kostas Baby Emma Lynde Marie Mangano Robert Manion Dennis McCabe Mary Piszczor Raymond Mitchell Fred Moss Mary Sabel Oye Geri Pstrzoch Baby Faith Reid Robert Restivo Vera Rossiano Agnes Sabel Patricia Sabel Joaquina Scroppo Jess Smith Mary Spierowski Rachael Thompson John Unger Rest In Peace Stan Gorski 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. Wanted: More small miracles! Do you know a small miracle? Most people do, if they really think about it. Not necessarily something major-league, like turning water into wine, but rather the everyday stories that let us recognize the presence of God. Several years ago, I wrote a book titled, "Small Miracles, the Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary People Touched by God" (Zondervan, 1996). It told stories of people who responded to a letter just like this one. Since God continues to touch our lives I think it's time for a sequel. So I'm again inviting people to share their small miracles. It might be something that seems unimportant - except to you - perhaps a healing, an insight, an opportunity or an event that let you know God came close when you least expected it. If your small miracle is included in the book, I'll send you a copy. And even if it's not used, you'll know that just by sharing it, you'll be helping to proclaim the presence of Lord. Tom Sheridan, 15771 SW 16th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34473, or by email to tomsheridan@cfl.rr.com. (Tom Sheridan is a deacon for the Joliet Diocese and the former editor of The Catholic New World, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago.) Market Day Orders for April are due Monday, April 23, at noon. Turn in your order form in the box in the back of church or at the rectory. Pickup on Saturday, April 28, 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. Fenwick Luncheon and Fashion Show The Fenwick Mothers Club invites you to enjoy "A Walk on the Wild Side" on Thursday, April 26. The annual spring luncheon and fashion show, which will be held at Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, features boutique shopping beginning as 10:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 12:30 p.m. and then the fashion show. Admission for the event is $55 per person, and tickets are available at the school office or by calling Sharon Bresnahan at 773-637-8398. Diocesan News 2 0 0 7 "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt 25:40 Very soon we will begin the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal for the Diocese of Joliet. With it, we recognize the good we do together in Christ, strengthen our work for the church, and share our blessings with all. Please be generous when you are asked to pledge. Reporting Sexual Abuse Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or other Church personnel is urged to report the matter immediately. To inform the Diocese of Joliet, call Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, OSF (Victim Assistance Coordinator) at 1-815-263-6467 or write the Diocese of Joliet, 524 Summit Street, Joliet 60435. Contact DCFS at 1-800-252-2873 or call the office of the local County States Attorney. "Hands & Feet Outreach" Although there are many services in DuPage County that exist to help people in need, there continues to be hundreds of families and individuals who are unable to afford their daily needs. Many are able to find assistance with food, clothing and shelter, but are still stretched to their limit to cover daily personal items such as shampoos, toothpaste, and other toiletries. St. Paul Lutheran Church is implementing a new outreach service called "Hands & Feet Outreach" that will provide many of these items, plus gently used shoes, that are unavailable through existing sources. The items are available on a "no questions asked" basis to individuals that are residents of DuPage County. Hands & Feet will be located at 537 S. Ardmore, Villa Park, and will be open the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 4:00 p.m., starting Sunday, May 6, 2007. PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR/TEACHER We believe you are out there! We are looking for a pre- school director/teacher who will help us build a premiere preschool for the western suburbs. This preschool is a ministry of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, a lively, welcoming, family- oriented Catholic community in Elmhurst. Our director must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing. This position is for a part-time director and part-time teacher. Requirements for candidates applying for this position are: * Baccalaureate degree with 04 (IL) early childhood teacher certification. * Master's degree in early childhood or related field preferred. * 2-3 years' teaching experience. * Familiarity with Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory. * Enthusiasm for curriculum and program development and implementation. * Commitment to working collaboratively with staff members and parents within a church community setting. Enrollment has already begun for our play-based preschool, which will have a multiple intelligence curriculum following Howard Gardner's guidelines. Please send your resume' to: Search Committee, Mary Queen of Heaven, 426 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Interviews will be conducted in April and early May, start date in July. Come enjoy a very pleasant working environment with wonderful parish staff, and have the opportunity to create new things! To the wonderful Parish Family of Mary Queen of Heaven We want to thank all of the thoughtful people who have been praying for us during this most difficult time in our lives. Losing our son Russ has been the hardest thing we have ever had to face. We miss him so much and our hearts are broken. Some of you may have known him, but for those of you who didn't, he was an awesome person, son and brother. Thank you for praying for us, even though a lot of you didn't even know us personally. We are so fortunate to have Tom, Kathleen, Megan, Jamie and David in our family. They have been a tremendous support for us and we love them dearly. We also want to thank all of you who prepared meals for us, it was much appreciated. It brought us more than food, we felt the love of such kind people. We will always remember your thoughtfulness. Thank you. Love, Steve, Marti and Kevin Gusloff MQH Peace and Justice Committee The documentary film, "An Inconvenient Truth", which deals with the threat of global warming and what can be done to change the situation, will be shown in Barrett Hall on Thursday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. This film offers concrete suggestions of actions that can be taken by each and every one of us to "care for God's creation" as we are called to do by the social teaching of our Pope and bishops. Even if you have already seen this award-winning documentary, please join us on April 19. There will be refreshments and an opportunity for group discussion afterward. Fellowship Sunday Our monthly Fellowship will be held on Sunday, April 15 in Barrett Hall after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. It is being sponsored by Men's Group. Everyone is cordially invited to join fellow parishioners for coffee, tea, juice, and goodies. Don't forget! We are looking forward to seeing you. Diocesan News Enriched Retirement Retired? Eager to "give something back"? The Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps is accepting volunteers (age 50+) to work with the poor in the Chicago area two days a week. * A ministry opportunity for retired persons. * Share your talents and life experiences with an organization that directly assists the poor. * Reflect and pray on your experiences in the Ignatian tradition. Contact George Sullivan at 773-975-6871 or gsullivan@ilvc.org or visit the website at ww.ilvc.org.