A friend of mine often uses the phrase "I am on a mission." When she says those words, I know with certainty that whatever the mission is, it is something urgent. She will be singularly focused and nothing, no matter how seductive, will distract her form accomplishing her task. She is on fire! My friend would probably never think of herself as a poster child, but she could serve as one for the concept of mission.
The word "mission" comes from the Latin word mittere, which means to send. In its most general sense, a mission is an assigned duty or task. A mission can be a simple task like being sent to clean the yard, or it can be something quite serious such as being sent to relieve hunger in a poverty-stricken area.
When we use the term mission in reference to the Church and the baptized, we are talking about something serious, because we are talking about being sent to accomplish God's mission. The Church is missionary by its very nature because it exists to continue the work of the risen Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church continues the response to Jesus' words: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mathew 28:19-20).
The Church accomplishes its mission through the ministry of the baptized. Through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), each of us is empowered for mission. We are sent forth from the baptismal waters to "walk always as a child of the light" and to keep the flame of faith alive in our hearts. In Baptism we put on Christ, in Confirmation we are strengthened with the fullness of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and each week as we celebrate the Eucharist we are nourished with the body and blood of Jesus and sent forth to love and serve the Lord in others.
While some of the baptized are sent to mission lands or hear an awe-inspiring call to service, each of us is called to witness to the person and message of Jesus in the daily tasks of our lives. All of us are sent to act as my friend does: to have a sense of urgency, to be singularly focused and live in the fire of Pentecost. This is the kind of witness that will accomplish the mission and it is everyone's responsibility.
A Vocation View You've got an incredible message to make credible. It is not like selling used cars! It is proclaiming eternal life, forgiveness and great Love! Employment Opportunity Parish Receptionist and Event Coordinator Sacred Heart Parish in Lombard, Illinois, is looking for a dedicated and trustworthy Catholic for the full-time position of parish receptionist and event coordinator. The full-time position would include salary and full benefits. You would work in a traditional faith-filled environment attending to the needs of the parish office including answering the door and telephone and assisting with the execution of parish events. Typical work week would run Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information please phone Jessica Payne at 630-627-0687 (Mon. through Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Resume should be sent to Jessica Payne, Sacred Heart Parish, 114 S. Elizabeth, Lombard, IL, 60148 and received no later than April 14, 2007. Come Pray the Psalms Beginning the week of May 21, the Adult Education Ministry of Mary Queen of Heaven will be offering a study of the Psalms through the Little Rock Scripture Study. This work examines fifty-five psalms, approximately one-third of that unique biblical book. Psalms I begins with an introductory chapter that is followed by a fixed format in analyzing the Psalms. We will not only be studying but actually learning how to pray the Psalms and see them in relation to our lives. The author shows us the Psalms can be prayed "for the ups, downs and in-betweens of life." Come join us. Sign-up and purchase books on the weekends of May 5/6 and May 12/13. Any questions CALL Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523 or Alex and Marie Grozik at 630-530-0503. Elmhurst Catholic M.O.M.S. Group M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support) is a social organization that provides an opportunity for mothers of young children to meet other mothers. There is no membership fee, nor are there any requirements to join the group. M.O.M.S meets in Msgr. Plunkett Hall, lower level of the Immaculate Conception chapel, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m, unless otherwise noted. Spring has Sprung! But is your yard looking less than ideal? Join us on Thursday, April 19, and have all your gardening questions answered by an Elmhurst Park District Horticulturalist. Your yard will thank you! 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. 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! 50th Anniversary Mass and Raffle Only one more week until the culmination of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. On Sunday, April 22, 2007, Bishop Roger Kaffer will celebrate a special liturgy at the 10:30 Mass. We invite you to join us at the 10:30 a.m. Mass and also to participate in our final event, a 50th Anniversary Raffle. The raffle proceeds will be used to lower our parish deficit. Raffle tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling the committee members listed below. Only 250 tickets are for sale 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. Help 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 can be purchased by calling any of the committee members: Sheila Reiter (833-6657), Ellen Walker (279-4021), Dick Reed (834-4840), Phylis Twardowski (279-6239), or Mary White (833-9809) They can also be obtained by contacting the Parish Office. Parish News 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. 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. Christian Worship 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 John Larkin 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 Anna Catalano 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. CCW Mother's Day Tribute Mary Queen of Heaven Council of Catholic Women Respect Life Committee will be selling carnations to honor the nurturing women in our lives (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, and friends). The carnations will be placed at Mary's statue in the gathering place for Mother's Day, May 13. Carnations can be purchased for $1.00 each. Order sheets will be available the weekends of April 21/22 and April 28/29. Order sheets must be returned on or before May 5th. A CCW member will be in the church vestibule after all the Masses to accept orders. The names of all those being honored will be published in an insert in our parish bulletin the weekend of May 12/13. Proceeds will benefit Project Gabriel. 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 The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal begins this week. Every family will receive a letter from Bishop Sartain and Mary Foley asking for your partnership in the diocese's important ministry work. Please give prayerful thought to your gift and be as generous as you feel able. Confirmation Candidate Parents: Please note that Confirmation will be celebrated in the parish on Saturday, May 12, at 5 p.m. Religious Education News Thank you to our 7th grade RE class for leading us in praying the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. It was a very moving experience. Thank you too to Debbie Conroy for her direction of the Living Stations (this was her 10th year) and to her team of 7th grade catechists; Judy Conness, Mike & Debbie Schwass, and Julie McGovern. Thanks also to Molly Lindberg, who took time from her busy Easter music schedule to work with our 7th graders in providing musical direction for the Stations. You worked very hard and it showed. We are grateful to you all for making our Good Friday 2007 very special. Registrations for the 2007-2008 RE year have been mailed. If you did not receive yours or if you know someone who would like one, please call the REO. We ask that you return your registration forms ASAP in order to secure your first choice of session. 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: Wednesday, April 18 - Confirmation Candidates Reconciliation Service 7:15 p.m. in church. Wednesday, April 25 - Last RE class of the year. All school 8th annual Food Drive Saturday, April 28 - First Communion practices: : 10:00 a.m. in church, May 5 Large group First Communion (Children Only) 12:00 noon in church, April 29 Small group First Communion (children & 1 parent) 12:30 p.m. in church, May 6 Small group First Communion (children & 1 parent) Sunday, April 29 - Family Mass at 10:30 a.m. & Small group First Communion Welcome to the table! Congratulations to our neophyte, Jesse Nelson, who was Baptized, Confirmed and received first Eucharist at our Easter Vigil Mass. Beth Wrobel was received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving Confirmation and First Eucharist. Jesse and Beth will now enter into the period of Mystagogy for the next six weeks where they will continue to reflect upon the Sunday readings, but also learn more about the various ministries at MQH. Thank you to the Arts and Environment Committee who again amaze us with their ability to transform our worship space, and to those who helped create, setup, and cleanup the reception following the vigil service: Mary Nanak, Ellen Walker, Milt and Rosalie Honel, Frannie Gallagher, Jack Kowalski and Dee Leoni. Many thanks go out to the RCIA support members Teri Kevil, Gary Regan, Ken Sutkus and John McGovern who acted as sponsors and companions by faithfully attending the Tuesday evening sessions spending time with the catechumen and candidates. You have all made these past few months special and inspiring for both Tom Nanak and myself! Mimi Wolak Go Make a Difference Facilitate Bible Study As a part of our continuing Bible Study, we invite you to join us in becoming a facilitator for the study of Psalms. We will begin the week of May 21 and go 7 weeks through the week of July 9, with a break for the July 4th holiday. Leadership training times are flexible according to your schedule. Everything you need to be an effective facilitator will be provided for you. All you need to provide is a willingness to study and learn - What a deal! The final leaders' meeting will be on Sunday, May 20, after the 10:30 Mass and will be for all current facilitators, new and experienced. If you think this is an area you could serve and learn more about Scripture at the same time, please call Lynn Suwanski at 630-530-2523. Community News 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. Community News If you have any questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962. Joliet Diocese Catholic Charismatic Healing Mass Friday, April 20, Mass at 7:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation - 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove Fr. Dan Hessling, Presiding Deacon Rich Rosko, Assisting For information, please call 630-964-0216 2-Part Peace & Justice Program At St. Margaret Mary Parish, 1450 Green Trails Dr., Naperville, (630) 369-0777 What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Health Care? Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Tuesday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m., COR Center Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM will give a presentation on what the Church teaches regarding health care. Fr. Nairn is the Erica and Harry John Family Professor of Catholic Ethics and is the Director of the Health Care Mission Leadership Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Nairn earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Fr. Nairn has written and spoken on a wide range of ethical issues. Most of his research has been in the area of health care ethics. Health Care & Public Policy: What Are the Options? A Panel Discussion of Policy Options. Wednesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m., COR Center Dr. Robert McKersie is a family physician who works on the South Side of Chicago. He travels regularly to Nepal where he sees patients and teaches physical diagnostic skills to Nepalese healthcare providers. He lives on the South Side of Chicago with his wife Michele and two children, Robbie and Mia. Dr. McKersie will be advocating for a Universal Health Care or Single Payer Health Care approach to health care in the United States. Joining Dr. McKersie will be a representative from Blue Cross and Blue Shield who will be advocating for a Free Market approach to providing health care in the United States.