Are we going back to the old days with the Mass being said in Latin? I was asked to respond to recent news in the media that made things sound this way. I think it would be good to offer some explanation of what has transpired, along with some background.
On July 7, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated a moto proprio, meaning an apostolic letter issued "on his own initiative," about a subject that is personally important to him.
This apostolic letter makes it easier for the old Latin, or "Tridentine" Mass to be celebrated. The Tridentine Mass would be familiar to those of us born prior to or in the 1950's. This would be the Latin Mass of our childhood.
The reforms of the Second Vatican Council led to renewed liturgical books and the Mass as we know it today, spoken in the language of the people in every country around the world. Since the time of the renewal of the liturgy, parishes have had to get special permission from their bishop for a Tridentine Mass to be celebrated. In many respects, this was a very good thing. Emphasis on the value of having Mass in the language of the people was needed. This helped people to learn more about the Eucharistic liturgy - what was going on and how they are called to participate - since they could now understand all the parts of the Mass in their own language.
In the time since the Second Vatican Council, there have been many changes in the church, not only involving liturgy. Change is always hard and these changes affected the lives of people all around the world! Especially when change is major, it shakes people up. Some people became angry; this is what happened with schismatic Catholics who broke away because they could not accept the changes of Vatican II. Even today, some practicing Catholics seem angry in their responses to teaching or church practices that seem new but are a legitimate part of Catholic Church tradition; their reactions are undoubtedly magnified by previous hurts.
While all of this is certainly true, it is also true that there is a real sense that something was lost when the liturgy seemed to change so radically and so quickly. The language of Mass changed, the music changed; we don't have many "smells and bells" anymore. Should this matter? In some respects, it really does. The years following Vatican II produced a lot of experimentation. Some of this was good; some of it was not, as it led to there being less a sense of mystery when we celebrate the Eucharist, less a sense of reverence during the Mass, and less a sense of our Catholic identity. Some of the changes that have come about in recent years (and are coming about still) are meant as a corrective to these tendencies. The new emphasis in the GIRM (General Instruction on the Roman Missal) on making a gesture of reverence (a small bow of the head) before receiving the Eucharist is but one small example of this. (This change is a reminder that Catholics believe that what we receive is the real Body of Christ and not merely a symbol, as in some other churches.) There is also work being done now by the Bishops to put together texts of especially appropriate sacred music for liturgies.
But we are not returning to a pre-Vatican II Church. There is no question that there is a strong pull of the reigns, a return to older, popular devotions, and more attention being paid to church doctrine. And there are certainly some lay people, even some priests and bishops, who would love for everything to go back to the way it was. This engenders a legitimate fear for many people who appreciate all of the goodness and reforms that came from the Council. The truth is, however, that we are still far from fully achieving the full vision of the council and Pope Benedict has made it clear that he is a primary supporter of the reforms of Vatican II.
At the same time, in his pastoral care of the Church, he has determined that there is a need for "an interior reconciliation in the heart of the church." He wishes to build unity within the church by making it possible for those faithful who are attached to the ancient Latin liturgical tradition to celebrate the Mass this way. The Pope does not believe that allowing broader use of the Tridentine Mass will cause division in parishes as some people expect. Its use, says Pope Benedict (in his letter to bishops from around the world), "presupposes" a level of liturgical formation and knowledge of the Latin language, neither of which, he says, is found very often. So, it may be that in certain small religious communities or in very conservative parishes, Latin Mass may be celebrated more often. Even then, however, there are limitations in how often this can be. For most of the parishes in the U.S., there will be no significant change in liturgical practice as a result of this apostolic letter.
The desire of the Pope to build unity within the church comes from his heart and his mission as the successor of Peter. It is good that he is sensitive to division within the church. I hope that he, and all of us, will work to see that there is less acrimony between us, more forgiveness and acceptance, and more room for freedom in areas where differences can not only be allowed but can enrich the life of the church.
Mary
Dr. Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator
A Vocation View
Where is your treasure? There is your heart! Have you
considered that God's will is your treasure for you? Come,
follow him!
August is Catholic Charities Month!
Did you know that 30% of the 60,000 people served each year at
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Joliet are children? Catholic
Charities provides help and creates hope for children in foster care,
many of whom needed long-term, specialized therapy to heal from the
abuse and neglect they have suffered. Catholic Charities also provides
adoption services and helps women facing unplanned pregnancies through
our Maternity Services Program. For a complete list of services that we
offer to children, please visit our website at www.cc-doj.org or call
our Development Office at 815-723-3405.
Mark your calendars! Parent Orientation Night (parents only) is
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 from 7:00pm-8:00pm in the Social Hall/Large
Motor Skills Room. Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool registration
continues! Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and
contact the school office for more information and registration.
(630) 833-9500
Preschool tours scheduled on request.
Preschool opens September 4, 2007!
Teacher Aide Position Available
Do you enjoy working with children, fostering their growth
spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally? We are
currently accepting resumes for the teacher aide position for our
Preschool here at MQH. Please direct resumes to Mrs. Liz Lowrey at MQH
Preschool 426 N. West Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126
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 Joyce Belasiek
Pam Bondfide Pat Caffarelli
Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante
Cosmore Ciancio Dennis Ciancio
Lou Ciancio George Cibula
Paul Cirone Ida Corriedo
Cynthia Catalano Family Rosemary Davis
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 Richard Jones
Kathy Johnston Irene Kmieciak
Bernadette Kohn Anne Kostas
John Larkin Baby Emma Lynde
Marie Mangano Robert Manion
Mary Martin 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 Richard Vanni
REST IN PEACE
Rochelle Giovacchini
Jack Novelli
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.
Update and Invitation
As summer is slipping by, we only have 2 abbreviated sessions
left. These will be on August 19th and 26th. We will continue to meet
in the Board Room off of Mary's Gathering Space from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Anyone interested can join us following the 8:30 Mass, enter
into a discussion time or come for the discussion prior to attending
the 10:30 Mass.
Are you interested in becoming part of the Catholic faith?
You are invited to "Come and See"
v If you would like to inquire about the Catholic Faith
v If you are not Baptized
v If you are a Baptized Catholic but have never received the
Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
v If you might like to bring someone you know who is
interested in our Catholic Faith
v If you would like to be a sponsor for someone along the
journey
Questions?? Please contact Mimi Wolak (941-3851) or Tom
Nanak (530- 4502)
MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS!
LAST CHANCE TO GET SIGNED UP FOR OUR 2007/2008 YEAR!
NEW ENSEMBLE FOR 2ND-4TH GRADERS!
Director: Molly Lindberg
Accompanist: Cristina Ponce
The Mary Queen of Heaven Music Ministry would like to
announce THE FORMATION OF A NEW SINGING ENSEMBLE AT MQH
exclusively for 2nd-4th Graders! Rehearsals for the 2nd-4th Grade
Ensemble will be held twice a month on Sunday mornings from 8:30
a.m.- 9:30 a.m. in Barrett Hall. This ensemble will sing seven
times this year during Mass, and will also participate in the
Music Ministry's major concert scheduled for Sunday, February 24,
2008. Please call Molly Lindberg at 630-941-0744 if you have
questions. A Registration Form along with a complete schedule
for the year has been included in the August Religious Education
mailing. You can also print a Registration Form by following
this link: http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/2nd-
4th_Grade_Ensemble_20072008Registration.pdf. The deadline to
register is August 20th, 2007 so do not delay.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS for 5th-8th Graders (Now starting its fifth
year!)
Director: Molly Lindberg
Accompanist: Tim Barton
Manager: Sue Chamberlin
Thirty-two singers have already registered for the Middle
School Chorus (5th-8th graders). Additional singers are welcome,
but the deadline is August 20th, 2007. The Middle School Chorus
rehearses twice a month on Sunday afternoons from noon-1:30 p.m..
A Registration Form along with a complete schedule for the year
has been included in the August Religious Education mailing. You
can also print a Registration Form by following this link:
http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/MiddleSchoolChoru
s20072008Registration.pdf.
MQH HIGH SCHOOL TREBLE CHOIR (Now starting its third year!)
Director: Molly Lindberg
Assistant Director: Tara Cappelletti Jordan
Accompanist: Tim Barton
Managers: Renee Rodriguez and Elisabeth Wise
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
auditioned group. Members must be able to read music very well.
The repertoire chosen for this group is quite sophisticated.
Rehearsals for the High School Treble Choir are held
approximately twice per month on Sunday afternoons from noon-2:00
p.m.. The Treble Choir sings at the Mary Queen of Heaven 10:30
a.m. mass six times each year. In addition, the choir has also
been invited to sing at other churches in our community. Treble
Choir members are allowed a maximum of three absences per year in
order to remain in this ensemble. A complete schedule along with
our repertoire for the entire year, can found by following this
link:
http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music/MASTERCALENDAR200
7-2008_Sorted_by_Ensemble.pdf
MQH FULL CHOIR & MEN'S ENSEMBLE (New!)
Director: Molly Lindberg
Accompanist: Tim Barton
Section Leaders: Mary Jean Adkins, Ray Mueller, Hal Cahill
The MQH Full Choir also welcomes new members from 9th grade
on up. If you interested, please call Molly Lindberg at 630-941-
0744. The Full Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:15-
9:30 p.m., and sings for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning masses
from mid-September through the 1st weekend in June.
A Men's Ensemble is also beginning this year. We already
have twelve members. Men's Ensemble singers are required to also
be in the Full Choir since our rehearsal time is integrated into
the Full Choir's regular Thursday night rehearsals. Interested?
Call Molly Lindberg!
So, come on! You've done enough singing in the shower.
It's time to come sing with us!
Molly Lindberg
Music Director
Mary Queen of Heaven Church
630-941-0744
fax: 1-801-881-9032
molly.lindberg@gmail.com
http://maryqueen.home.comcast.net/worship/music.html
Religious Education News
Sessions for the MQHRE 07/08 year begin in just a few
weeks. We cannot start without you.
Please note the positions that must be filled for all our
classes to start on time.
We need your help!
Are you aware that at your Baptism, all Christians are
commissioned to do the work of Jesus? Did you know that all
Catholics are called to further the teaching mission of Jesus? Have
you heard that by sharing your faith with children, you deepen your
own faith in the process? Do you know that without our volunteer
catechists, we do not have a Religious Education Program?
Please consider joining our team of dedicated men and women just
like yourself who weekly share their Faith with the young people of
the parish. We still have openings that must be filled. Help our
children to get to know our God.
The following are those grade levels where you are needed:
Session 1 - 3:15
Pre Three - 1 Aide Gr. Three - 1 Catechist
Session 2 - 5:15
Grade One - 1 Catechist Gr. Six - 2 Catechists Grade Seven - 1
Catechist
Session 3 - 7:00
Grade Six - 2 Catechists Grade Seven - 2 Catechists
We also are in need of help in the parking lot on Wednesday
afternoons. This would only take about 20 minutes of time each week
but it is very important that we have someone to help the children
cross over safely from Emerson school to Mary Queen. Please call the
REO for more information.
All sessions meet on Wednesdays. Please bear in mind because of
the size of our program we have almost 70 catechist and aide
positions to fill. We need only ten more. We are blessed. However,
in order for the above classes to start on time, the positions must
be filled. If you can help, please call the REO today. Classes begin
in just a few weeks.
Please get your registrations in to the office.
Registrations are still being taken in the REO for the fall. Our
opening event is September 12th. It will be here before we know it.
If you have not registered, please do so ASAP. Pass the word to your
friends and neighbors. Classes are filling up.
For more info on any of the above, please call Mary Ann Woods at the
REO, 832-8962.
The Warrenville Cenacle Retreat House, 29W012 Batavia Rd.,
Warrenville, IL 60555 Presents:
Sr. Mary Meegan, OP, who will present "Female Ancestors of
Jesus", a retreat exploring the lives of the women on the family tree
of Jesus, on Sept. 21-23. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba-- these
are the foremothers of Jesus mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. Come
and see what lessons can be learned from these courageous, resolute,
sometimes faithful, sometimes faithless women who helped to prepare the
way for the entrance of the Messiah into this world the cost is $175.00
for a single room/$160.00 for a double room (limited availability).
Registration after Sept. 7, please add $20.00. A $40.00 deposit
secures your reservation For information or registration, please call:
630-393-1231
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.
Rental and Use of Barrett Hall
and Social Hall
The renting and use of Barrett Hall and the Social Hall depends
upon the event. Barrett Hall is available for things related to the
sacraments or ministries of the church. For example, in Barrett Hall
we have had multiple wedding receptions, gatherings after funerals and
memorial services, and retreats for religious groups. We do not use
Barrett Hall for individual celebrations when many children together
receive a sacrament for the first time, although we try to have group
receptions there when possible, nor is it used for private parties.
The Social Hall (in the school building), as well as classrooms at
certain times, are available for rent for private parties or meetings
of groups or organizations from outside the parish. We will
accommodate what requests we can, at times when adequate staffing is
available.
All facility rentals require an application and approval. In
addition, there is the necessary purchase of insurance through the
Diocese of Joliet.
For more information about the use or rental of Barrett Hall for
religious events, please contact the Pastoral Life Coordinator, Mary
Foley. For information about the use or rental of the Social Hall or
classrooms for a private party or a meeting of an organization outside
of the parish, please contact the Parish Offices Manager, Sr. Marlene
Geimer. Both can be reached at the parish office at (630) 279-5700.
MQH Parish Patron Feast Day
The feast day of Mary Queen of Heaven will be celebrated on Sunday,
August 19th, with an outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. We hope you and your
family will join other parishioners at this Mass of Celebration.
The Mass will be held between the church and school building,
directly behind Barrett Hall. Should the weather be inclement, Mass
will be held in the Church.
Following Mass there will be fellowship in Barrett Hall. This is a
great opportunity for our parish families to meet and become better
acquainted with each other, while enjoying conversation and
refreshments (coffee, tea, juice and sweets). We look forward to
seeing you and your family on this special occasion.
PARISH PICNIC UPDATE
Mark your calendars! The annual Mary Queen of Heaven Parish
Picnic will be held on Sunday September 16th from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00
p.m.
Come spend time with family and friends. Enjoy music, games,
food and good old family fun. As in past years, you may bring your own
food or purchase your meal. The food will be supplied by Cuomo
Catering and the menu will include Fried Chicken, Italian Sausage,
Potato Salad, Fruit Salad, Pasta Salad and Roasted Corn. Complimentary
Desserts and Coffee will be provided by the parish and parish families.
Tickets will be available beginning the weekend of August 11th and 12th
after all the Masses. The donation for an Adult Ticket is $9 per
person, and $6 for children under 12. Pop, Water, Popcorn and Cotton
Candy will be available for purchase.
For more information or to volunteer to help, please call: Bob
Glick (833-5725), Sheila Reiter (833-6657), Ed Hayes (279-5325), Mary
White (833-9809), Mike Launius (220-6927) or Phylis Twardowski (279-
6239).
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.
* Family friend (single mom, age 28) and her 7 year-
old daughter seeking temporary living arrangement in Elmhurst through
coming school year (September 2007 - June 2008). Mom is able to pay
some rent and assist in home upkeep (i.e. lawn, repairs, minor
upgrades) in exchange for basement apartment with bathroom or other
living space. Daughter is currently enrolled at Emerson Elementary.
Hard-working, pleasant, non-smoking, and in need. Please contact
Elizabeth Dierksheide, parishioner, at 993-1931 if you can help.
Celebrations
We welcome into the Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Family the
following who were baptized in [May, June, and July]:
May: Mia Claire Cowhey
Erin Christina Garcia
June: Thomas Parker Kapanowski
Peyton Elizabeth Vincer
July: Emerson Grace Kraft
There will be altar server training for all current servers and
for those wishing to become servers on Saturday, September 8 at
10:00a.m. Children who have received First Eucharist are eligible to
serve. Please call the parish office to register at (630) 279-5700.
Thank you.
Please join us in prayer at 7:30p.m. Mass on Wednesday, August 15, 2007
for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary