Mary Queen of Heaven: A Welcoming Catholic Community in Elmhurst - Contact us at: parishoffice@maryqueen.org

Elmhurst, Illinois

Mary Queen of Heaven Church

March 23, 2008

Easter Sunday

Mary’s Page

Alleluia!

Dear Friends,

Yesterday (as I write this), just after the beginning of one of our Palm Sunday Masses, one of our brand new altar servers sidled up to me in the front pew and quietly asked me if she could still serve the Mass. “I am late because my tooth fell out this morning,” she said. I told her of course, that she could still serve, just to move quickly and quietly into the sacristy to dress and then take her place.

I have been thinking about this young server since yesterday morning. I remembered the very first day this young girl served at Mass a few weeks ago, when she became faint and had to leave early. Her determination yesterday, in wanting to serve our Lord and her parish in spite of the difficulties she has encountered, is an example for us all. Fainting and losing a tooth may seem of little consequence to those of us who live much more complicated lives than this young girl. Yet, I believe that the witness of this young member of our parish can offer us a powerful metaphor this Easter as we contemplate our own faithfulness in response to the love of our Risen Savior.

This young girl’s experience of Christian discipleship and stepping out into active ministry did not go exactly the way she planned, as she literally became faint on the journey! And yet, she did not give up; she did not worry about what others would think. No matter how embarrassed she might have felt on her first day, she continued on in faithful service. She displayed courage in respectfully asking if she could still serve yesterday’s Mass, even though she arrived late. (She knows from altar server training how important it is to arrive early for Mass!) She spoke honestly and trusted that she would be accepted, just as she was.

How often have we felt faint on our journey of faith because of difficulties we encounter along the way? Many of us often give up in difficult circumstances. It is human nature to do so. Failure, embarrassment, feelings of helplessness, being afraid of what other people think – all of these are things that can cause us to withdraw. When we do this we are thinking only in human terms, forgetting our nature as children of God. We have a God who loves us beyond comprehension. This is the essence of what we celebrate at Easter. By virtue of our baptism, which we renew again at Easter, this living, loving God is always calling us to new life, always calling us to trust in second chances, always accepting us as we are, and always promising to give us what we need to strengthen us on our Christian journey of discipleship. In some ways, however small they may seem to us, our young altar server has shown that she already believes this in her own life. Let us pray this Easter that we may be like her. Whatever the past, let us trust in God’s love and help. Let us pick ourselves back up again from wherever we have fallen faint, trusting that God will help us on our journey. Let us not be afraid to try again to be the people we are called to be. Let us trust in God’s power to make all things new.

To all who worship with us on this joyful day, Happy Easter! On behalf of the entire staff of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, thank you for being with us and for sharing in our celebration of this holy day. And please know that if you are looking for a church home, all are welcome at Mary Queen of Heaven.

For us, today is only the beginning of Easter. While the chocolate bunnies, yellow peeps, and Easter baskets are probably already on the discount shelves, for Catholics, today is just the beginning of an entire season of celebration. We have the next 50 days of Easter to deepen our appreciation for the gift God has given to us in Jesus Christ, our brother and our Lord, the One who has truly risen! May these 50 days of our journey draw us deeper into love for God and one another.

Thanks to all who have worked so hard for our Holy Week and Easter celebrations to be so beautiful. Special thanks to our Liturgy Committee (Ellen Walker, Tim Barton, Sheila Reiter, and Deacon Tom Nolan) and to everyone on our Art and Environment Committee who devoted hours of their time each night to prepare our church for all of our liturgies. Thanks to our presiders, to all of those who helped with music, to all of our Altar Servers, Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, RCIA Team, Ushers, and Greeters. Thanks to Sister Marlene and Liz Lowrey for their work in putting together printed materials for this weekend and thanks to everyone else who helped in any way! Grateful thanks most especially to all of you, for your generosity to our parish, and for enriching the life of our church with your presence and participation. I thank God for you all!

Alleluia!

Dr. Mary

Dr. Mary Foley, Pastoral Life Coordinator

Parish News

Little Rock Scripture Study

The next Scripture Study offering by the Adult Ed and Spirituality Committee will be the Book of Wisdom. We will be studying the importance, background, and composition of this Old Testament Book. Was this book actually written by Solomon? Can the Wisdom of the Old Testament be relevant in our lives today? Come and help us find the answers to these and many more interesting questions that await us in this new study.

Sign-up Weekends will be April 5/6 and April 12/13, 2008. The study will begin the week of April 28, 2008 and continue through the week of June 2, 2008.

If you are interested in becoming a facilitator please contact one of the committee members or the Parish office. You will be given training and materials to help you in your groups. Our final leader meeting for all facilitators, new or returning, will be Sunday, April 27, 2008. More information will be forthcoming.

Study materials will be available for purchase on the sign-up weekends for $12.00 and scholarships are available by contacting Dr. Mary Foley.

Lynn Suwanski, 630-530-2523, Alex & Marie Grozik 630-530-0503, Parish Office 630-279-5700.

New Parish Missalette

Our Peace and Justice Committee has been encouraging us to be better aware of immigration here in the United States. In solidarity with their mission of immigration education we will be providing our Missalettes in a bilingual version beginning the weekend of March 29-30. Please join us in support of our rich diversity.

YOUTH GROUP INFO

DESTINY high school group

join us this summer for

YLC - youth leadership conference.

June 27-29

Lewis University, Romeoville

deadline to apply is March 31st

incoming Freshman for 2008 can also go

call Kathleen Gusloff if you are interested

630-832-4348

A Vocation View

Easter Sunday

You have been gifted new life in Christ. Forsake earthly materialism, in order to live life to the full.

MUSIC MINISTRY

If you would like to participate in the Music Ministry, please see Interim Music Director/Pianist Tim Barton or call 847-223-0760.

get well soon!

Please join us in wishing Fr. Tapper a speedy and healthy recovery from his hip surgery. Get well prayers and wishes may be sent to the Parish Office. We will forward these thoughts and prayers to him.

YOGA

Yoga Classes - Tuesday and Wednesdays Stop in anytime. Recommended for ages 10 to 75 (however, everyone is welcome)

Increase your flexibility, strength, and decrease your stress. It is about balance, strength, and mobility.

All Tuesdays in March

9 am to 10 am

Wednesday, March 26 -

8:30 pm to 9:30 pm

$4 per class ($6 for families)

Call Debbie Styka at 941-7224 or email debbie@styka.com

Please bring a non-slip yoga mat if you have one.

Required: comfortable clothing

Your dining out and your checking account can help the parish!

Parishioners who dine at the Elmhurst Family Restaurant on Lake Street can help contribute to the parish. Just identify yourselves as being from Mary Queen of Heaven and 10% of your restaurant bill comes back to the parish.

Also, parishioners who open a new checking account with $100 at Standard Bank and Trust in Villa Park will receive $75 from the bank and another $75 will come to the parish. For details, please contact parishioner and banker Karen Biggs at (708) 499-2062, ext. 61115.

Christian Education Commission

Religious Education News

Are you being called to be a catechist?

Every year there are catechists who cannot return for one reason or another. This year will be no different. 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. Our more than 75 volunteer catechists, assistants, office helpers, etc. etc. are the backbone of our RE program. Please consider joining them. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Mark your calendar:

Wednesday, March 27^th - RE class at the normal times

Wednesday, April 2^nd - No Class – Spring Break

On behalf of the entire RE staff, we wish you a joyful and very Happy Easter!

If you have any questions or need more information, please call Mary Ann Woods at the REO, 832-8962.

Mary Queen of heaven preschool

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Please call the Preschool for information. Become a part of our growing school. Schedule a visit, meet the teacher, come “Light the Way” with us.

The Preschool is accepting Registration for the 2008-2009 school year. We have opened up a second classroom for the Monday, Wednesday, Friday class and look forward to being able to serve your child and your family for the 2008-2009 school year. We are offering Open Houses for those interested in visiting our classroom.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Monday, April 14, 2008 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Please see our website at www.maryqueenpreschool.org and contact the school office for more information and registration. (630) 833-9500 . Preschool tours scheduled upon request.

Then the angel said to the women in reply, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."

Christian Service Commission

CATHOLIC CONSTRUCTION CORPS

On Monday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. Bruce and Karen Carlson will speak at a meeting sponsored by the parish Peace and Justice Committee the Catholic Construction Corps. The CCC has arranged for many groups to make field trips to locations in this country and abroad to help those in need rebuild their communities, especially after natural disasters.

Bruce Carlson is the coordinator of CCC activities for the Joliet diocese, and he and his wife have taken part in a number of these trips. They will speak about their experiences, discuss opportunities for parishioners to participate in this valuable work, and answer questions about the programs. Come and learn how we can share our blessings by helping our brothers and sisters in need

Immigration and Catholic Social Teaching

On page 6 of the MOH Bulletin for March 2, our parish Peace and Justice Committee laid out some basic information about Catholic Social Teaching and immigration. The purpose of this article is to expand on that theme.

1. This article mentioned that presently there are some 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Some of these immigrants have come to the U.S. seeking employment because they have been driven off their farms in Mexico and other Central and South American countries by the cheaper corn, beans, and other crops coming into their countries from the USA and Canada where the farmers are subsidized by their governments. What’s a Mexican farmer to do? If you would like to read more about the impact of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), the plight of Mexican farmers, and the concern of Mexican bishops about this problem, please see your copy of our Diocesan Catholic Explorer for February 8, 2008, page 12 where you will find this interesting Catholic News Service article.

2. In a more recent issue of the Catholic Explorer (February 22, 2008, page 11) there is an article entitled Bishops Criticize Federal Policies Against Illegal Workers. In a letter addressed to Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the bishops list their concerns and criticisms of dealing with undocumented immigrants. The bishop’s letter also lists a number of recommendations which would allow for legal status and other protections for migrant workers and their families. We would like to share with you part of a statement made by Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the bishop’s Committee on Migration: “With one hand our government attempts to deport these workers, but on the other it holds tight to the taxes they pay into the system.” This brief summary does not do justice to the impact of the full article. Please take the time to read the whole article and then consider how the application of Catholic Teaching would positively impact the lives of undocumented workers, our brothers and sisters in Christ. This article was also provided to our Catholic Explorer by the Catholic News Service.

— Milt Honel and Members of the Peace and Justice Committee

Christian Worship Commission

Prayer Requests

To pray for our sick is an important privilege of our parish family. Please call 630-279-5700 to have a name added to our list. A new listing will appear in bold face. When calling the parish office, please leave contact information and your relationship to the person. Names will remain on the prayer list for four weeks. Contact the parish office to renew the individual’s name on our prayer list. We hope that you will pray for these persons every day.

Margaret Barone Jim Brankin

Katherine Brennan John Brennan

Pam Bondfide Pat Caffarelli

Rose Caffarelli Kathy Calzante

Josephine Castro Cosmore Ciancio

Dennis Ciancio George Cibula

Paul Cirone Ida Corriedo

Cynthia Catalano Family Deacon Bob Delbeke

Trudi Dolato Baby Dobrowolski

Virginia Feret Cecilia Garstki

Mary Hagerty Anna Heffel

Bob Hummell Jen Huwalt

Tom Huwalt Maureen James

Richard Jones Kathy Johnston

Sr. Emmanuel Kattner, OSF Irene Kmieciak

Anne Kostas John Larkin

Baby Emma Lynde Marie Mangano

Robert Manion Mary Martin

Dennis McCabe Mary Piszczor

Jennie Milazzo Raymond Mitchell

Fred Moss Baby Faith Reid

Robert Restivo Vera Rossiano

Patricia Sabel Vi Sabel

Joaquina Scroppo Joan Skimina

Jess Smith Steve Snyder

Patricia Sullivan Rachael Thompson

Richard Vanni

bulletin deadlines

Due to the Easter Holy Days, all articles for the upcoming bulletins will have the following deadlines: Thank you for your cooperation.

For Bulletin On Articles due by noon on :

3/30 3/24

4/06 3/26

Community News

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

We, here at St Joseph Parish, are celebrating our 4th year of Divine Mercy Sunday we welcome everyone to come join us.

FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY CELEBRATION

MARCH 30, 2008 2:00-3:30pm

ST JOSEPH CHURCH

330 E FULLERTON AVE

ADDISON, IL 60101

PLEASE COME JOIN US ON THIS SPECIAL DAY !!!

ALL ARE WELCOME

Finding the Love That Lasts

A conference for the divorced and widowed, entitled Finding the Love That Lasts takes place on Saturday, April 5 at St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville. This enrichment day features nationally known speaker and author, Rose Sweet. The day begins with a 9 a.m. check-in and ends with a 4:00 p.m. vigil mass celebrated by Bishop Sartain. For information or to register, call The Center for Family Ministry at 815-838-5334. The suggested donation of $35 includes materials and lunch.

Summer fun day camp at benedictine university

Registration is now under way for Summer Fun Day Camp 2008. Boys and girls ages 5-13 are invited to spend a fun-filled summer beginning with the first of nine weekly sessions on Monday, June 9.

The Summer Fun Day Camp is designed to ensure that each camper has lots of fun every day of the week by participating in a variety of activities. Children will enjoy Benedictine University’s indoor and outdoor facilities and participate in such activities as field sports, swimming, arts and crafts, computer games and much more.

The camp is sponsored and operated by the University and its staff and students serve as camp directors and counselors. The camp strives to maintain a 10:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Lunch is provided each day and campers can bring a snack to enjoy during the morning.

The camp runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The cost is $185.00 per week ($148.00 for June 30-July 3) and there is a $10 per session discount for a second child. Sessions are June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 3 (no class July 4), July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-August 1 and August 4-8.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.ben.edu/resources/camps/index.asp or call Susanne Ventura at (630) 829-6088.

Diocesan News

Diocesan Pilgrimage of Peace to the Holy Land

We are pleased to announce our annual Advent Peace Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, December 1 - 12, 2008. This year it will be under the spiritual direction of Bishop George Lucas of the Diocese of Springfield-in-Illinois, with group coordinators Jim and Sue Morris of Koinonia Retreats and Deacons Terry McGuire and Tom Goebel. These pilgrimages are a sign of solidarity, a witness to peace, and an opportunity for economic support of the beleaguered Palestinian Christian community.

Co-sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and the Joliet Diocese Peace and Social Justice Ministry along with Koinonia Retreats, this pilgrimage responds to the Holy Father's call to find solidarity with the people of the Holy Land. Our pilgrimage will include visits to the Holy Places, the "Ancient Stones," important to the People of God. We will walk where Jesus walked. But, we will also take time to visit God's Holy People, the "Living Stones," the Palestinian Christians. We will walk in solidarity with the descendants of the people with whom Jesus walked.

Each day will be steeped in scripture reflections, prayer times, and liturgy. We will also have an opportunity to hear from the oppressed of the land, to witness efforts to bring justice and peace through development and empowerment, to learn from peacemakers and Middle-East issue experts. This will not be a tourist trip, but a pilgrimage. It will be a pilgrimage of prayer, solidarity, and the quest for peace.

Full details at www.paxjoliet.org/events. Contact: Tom Garlitz at 815-834-4028 or tgarlitz@dioceseofjoliet.org

Joliet Diocese

Peace and Social Justice Ministry

The Joliet Diocesan Committee on the Environment will present a workshop on Care for Creation and Environmental Issues. There will be a special focus on Mountain Top Removal with guest speakers from Appalachian Voices. April 12, 2008. 9:00 - 2:00, St. Charles Pastoral Center. Full details at www.paxjoliet.org/events Contact: Maribeth Meaux at 815-834-4028 or mmeaux@dioceseofjoliet.org

Peace Day 2008

"The Challenge of Peace" - Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter. With Keynote Speaker John Carr, Secretary of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Workshops: Global Climate Change and How it Can Lead to Conflict; An introduction to Catholic Social Thought for Young People; Conflict, Peace, and Christian Vocation; and Hiroshima: A Survivor's Story. May 3, 2008. 8:45 - 2:00. St. Charles Pastoral Center. Full details at www.paxjoliet.org/events Contact: Joyce Ruhaak at 815-834-4028 or joyceru@dioceseofjoliet.org

Catholic Charities Wants to See You on

the Fairway to Heaven

Mark your calendars and plan to attend Catholic Charities Fairway to Heaven Golf Invitational on Friday, May 16^th at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont. Afternoon shot gun start begins at 1:30 p.m. Lunch, beverages, snacks, dinner and special fun attractions at featured holes are provided. Tickets are $250 if purchased by May2nd. After May 2nd, tickets are $275 each. For more information visit www.cc-doj.org or call Sue Kaiser at 815-724-1139. Catholic Charities hopes to see you on the Fairway to Heaven!

Mentors Needed

for Transitional Housing Program

in DuPage County

Catholic Charities is sponsoring a three session training course for persons interested in becoming volunteer mentors for families who were previously homeless and are now participating in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Programs in DuPage County. Mentors work directly with families, supporting them and helping them meet daily challenges. Volunteer mentors should be compassionate, non-judgmental, respectful and sensitive to the confidentiality required in order to preserve the dignity of the family.

Training sessions are free and will be held on three consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning April 16, 23, and 30th, 2008, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the Catholic Charities office located at 26 W. St. Charles Rd. in Lombard. To register for the training, or for more information on Catholic Charities Transitional Housing ministries, please call 630.495.8008. Please register before April 14, 2008.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER:

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a weekend experience for any married couple who wishes to enhance their life together. Most marriages can use some tender loving care, and every marriage deserves it! Weekends will be held on the following dates in 2008:

April 11-13 June 6-8

September 19-21 November 14-16 December 5-7

To register, or for more information, please call ((630-577-0778) or see www.wwmejoliet.org

Ministry Schedule	Saturday, MARCH 29,2008	Sunday, MARCH 30, 2008
	5:00 PM	8:30 AM	10:30 AM
Lector	D. StaRosa	M. Reed	R. Wilkes
Eucharistic Ministers	Dr. M. Foley. C. Reisenbuckler (S) M. White (C) D. Styka R. Styka	Dr. M. Foley T. Sabel (S) K. Vicary (C) J. Unger G. Regan	Dr. M. Foley M. McCall (S) F. Tremmel (C) T. Kevil J. Spears J. Eichorst
Altar Servers	E. Zielinski K. Pierzchala	M. Bourke J. Simon	J. Vosicky C. McManus

mass intentions for the week

8:30 AM All Parishioners

10:30 AM All Parishioners

12:30 PM All Parishioners

Monday, March 24 2008

8:30 AM + Edward Weissert

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

8:30 AM Communion Service

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

8:30 AM Mary Queen of Heaven

Preschool

Thursday, March 27, 2008

8:30 AM Communion Service

Friday, March 28, 2008

8:30 AM People of the Parish

Saturday, March 29, 2008

8:30 AM Communion Service

5:00 PM Mary Queen of Heaven

Art and Environment Committee

Sunday, March 30, 2008

8:30 AM People of the Parish

10:30 AM + Johanna Mesner

+ indicates person is deceased

Use GoodSearch search engine & earn money for MQH!

Enter www.goodsearch.com for web site.

Type “Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church” into the

“I support” box, & click “verify”. Continue your search.

Easter Sunday

Readings for the Week of March 23, 2008

Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10

Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/Mt 28:8-15

Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41/Jn 20:11-18

Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10/Lk 24:13-35

Thursday: Acts 3:11-26/Lk 24:35-48

Friday: Acts 4:1-12/Jn 21:1-14

Saturday: Acts 4:13-21/Mk 16:9-15

Next Sunday: Acts 2:42-47/1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31

- Mt 28:5-7

Collection total for Sunday,

March 16, 2008

amounted to $5644.00

Thank you for your support.

ParishPay

Making it Easier to Give

Please consider this option when choosing how to best support our Parish Family at Mary Queen of Heaven.

Contact www.parishpay.com, or call 866-PARISH-1 for further information.

“God loves a cheerful giver”

- Mt 28:5-7

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