July 4, 2009 Holiday Schedule

-- The Parish Center and all facilities will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. The Parish Center will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, July 6.
-- There will be only one morning Mass on Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The Mass of Anticipation at 5 p.m. will be held as usual.
-- All material for the July 5 issue of The Guide must be received by Friday, June 26. Thank you for your cooperation.
In the event of an emergency, please call the Parish Center number at 773-539-7510 and the answering service will contact the appropriate person.

"From Fear to Faith"

BUILDING ON 100 YEARS OF SHARING AND CARING

When was the last time you experienced great fear or doubt about a life situation that really tested your faith? I am sure it wouldn’t take any of us long to recall such a memory. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus gives us a glimpse into such an occurrence when the disciples and Jesus find themselves in quite a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just completed days of teaching people and many crowds had gathered to hear his message. In order to get a break, Jesus invited the disciples to join him in going to the other side of the lake.

We have probably heard the story numerous times, how a violent storm broke out and the boat started rocking in many directions. In the midst of all the bouncing on the waves, Jesus sleeps through it all. Not so the disciples. They were terrified and wondered how Jesus could rest so peacefully. In their fear, they rouse Jesus and question him about being so calm with such a violent wind, why he didn’t care whether all of them sank to the bottom of the sea.

Very simply, Jesus calmed the violence of the winds and waves by saying, “Be still.” But then came the key questions to the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

I see some symbolism in this story for us. Jesus and the disciples crossing over to the other side of the lake is a bit like crossing from fear to faith and trust. Don’t you find yourself experiencing this many times in your life? If you were to take a look at the last week and all that happened in your life, I am sure you would come up with instances of how your faith was challenged as you feared the outcome of certain events.

It is really easy to keep saying and hearing the advice: “Just trust God. Everything will work out.” The fact is, things do work out, but maybe not our way. And this after much agonizing and a tendency to give up. The many uncertainties in which people find themselves today—the possible loss of work, rising taxes and food prices, the question of continuing Catholic education for the children when finances are low, losing one’s home and numerous other instances—demand a great deal of trust and belief that God will see one through it all.

In the gospel story today it almost seems as though Jesus didn’t care whether the disciples swam or sank. In reality, he, no doubt, was waiting to see whether the disciples’ faith was strong enough to trust that Jesus would come to their aid. In our lives, too, there are times in which it appears that God has disappeared from the radar screen. Actually, God’s care is always available to us, that is, if we let go of doubts and fears.

God is on the waiting end, as it were, ready to respond to our need in life. It may be similar to Jesus and the disciples crossing over to the other side of the sea. In the process of moving from fear to faith and trust, one still is faced with the turmoil and upheaval of everyday life. God is in the midst of it all, waiting for us to muster together a stronger belief in God’s goodness and care. I sense that the words Jesus spoke to the disciples are also directed to us: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

In addition to the message of Jesus in the gospels, we can look at our family histories and marvel at the faith and trust of our loved ones, those who have gone before us, and we can be encouraged by their example and the strength of their lives.

As we continue to celebrate our 100th anniversary of Queen of Angels Parish, may we re-double our efforts to believe and trust in a God who cares.

Father Jim Kaczorowski

“Del Temor a la Fe”
CONSTRUYENDO EN 100 AÑOS DE COMPARTIR Y CUIDAR

¿Cuando fue la última vez que ustedes experimentaron gran temor o dudas acerca de una situación de la vida que realmente puso a prueba su fe? Estoy seguro de que no nos tomaría a ninguno de nosotros mucho tiempo para recordar una cosa así. En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos deja echar una mirada a un caso así cuando los discípulos y Jesús se encuentran en medio de una tormenta violenta en el Mar de Galilea. Jesús acababa de terminar días de enseñanza a la gente y muchas multitudes se habían reunido a escuchar su mensaje. Para poder tomarse un descanso, Jesús invitó a los discípulos a unírsele para ir al otro lado del lago.

Probablemente hemos escuchado la historia en numerosas ocasiones, de cómo de pronto empezó una violenta tormenta y el bote se empezó a mecer en todas direcciones. En medio de todo este rebote en las olas, Jesús se la pasó durmiendo. No así los discípulos. Ellos estaban aterrorizados y preguntándose como Jesús podía descansar tan pacíficamente. En su miedo, ellos despertaron a Jesús y le preguntaron como podía estar tan calmado en medio de vientos tan violentos, porqué no le importaba si todos ellos se hundían hasta el fondo del mar.

Muy simplemente, Jesús calmó la violencia de los vientos y las olas diciendo, “Enmudece.” Pero entonces empezaron las preguntas clave a los discípulos,” ¿Por qué tenían tanto miedo? ¿Aun no tienen fe?”

Veo un cierto simbolismo en esta historia para nosotros. Jesús y los discípulos cruzando al otro lado del lago es algo así como cruzar del temor a la fe y confianza. ¿No se encuentran ustedes experimentando esto muchas veces en su vida? Si fueran a mirar a la semana pasada y todo lo que pasó en su vida, estoy seguro de que podrían mencionar ciertas ocasiones en las cuales su fe fue puesta a prueba al sentir temor del resultado de ciertos eventos.

Es realmente fácil seguir diciendo y oyendo el consejo: “Solo confía en Dios. Todo se arreglará.” La verdad es que las cosas se arreglan, pero quizá no de la manera como queremos. Y esto después de mucho agonizar y la tendencia de darnos por vencidos. Las muchas incertidumbres en las cuales la gente se encuentra hoy – la posibilidad de perder el trabajo, los impuestos suben y también los precios de los alimentos, la dificultad de continuar la educación católica de los hijos cuando las finanzas están bajas, temor a perder la casa y muchas otras situaciones demandan una gran cantidad de confianza y fe en que Dios nos ayudará a salir de todo ello.

En la historia del Evangelio de hoy casi parece que a Jesús no le importa si los discípulos nadan o se hunden. En realidad, sin duda el estaba esperando a ver si la fe de los discípulos era lo suficientemente fuerte para confiar en que Jesús vendría a ayudarlos. En nuestras vidas también hay muchas veces en las cuales parece que Dios ha desaparecido de la pantalla de radar. De hecho, el cuidado de Dios siempre está disponible para nosotros, eso es, si dejamos atrás las dudas y temores.

Dios está esperando al final, listo para responder a nuestras necesidades en la vida. Puede ser similar a Jesús y los discípulos cruzando al otro lado del mar. En el proceso de movernos del temor a la fe y confianza, uno todavía se enfrenta con el desorden y la confusión de la vida diaria. Dios está en medio de todo, esperando para que nosotros podamos tener una creencia mas fuerte en Su bondad y cuidado. Siento que las palabras que Jesús le dijo a los discípulos están también dirigidas a nosotros, “¿Por qué tenían tanto miedo? ¿Aun no tienen fe?”

Además del mensaje de Jesús en los Evangelios podemos ver a nuestras historias familiares y maravillarnos en la fe y confianza de nuestros seres queridos, aquellos que se han ido antes que nosotros y podemos sentirnos animados por su ejemplo y la fortaleza de sus vidas.

Al continuar celebrándonos el 100º Aniversario de la parroquia Reina de los Ángeles, redoblemos nuestros esfuerzos para creer y confiar en un Dios que nos cuida.

Padre Jim Kaczorowski

Seeking Sharing, Caring Harvest Jam Sponsors

In honor of Queen of Angels’ 100th anniversary, Harvest Jam 2009 is expanding to a two-day street festival next to Welles Park September 19 and 20. We will showcase our 100 years of success to the entire Lincoln Square community and invite them to join in our celebration. Harvest Jam will maintain the focus of a family-friendly event that will strengthen our parish, school and neighborhood community. Included in the event will be the Annual Chili Cook-Off, Grill Masters Challenge and the Homemade Apple Pie Contest. One of the stages will be dedicated to children’s entertainment. There will be many fun activities along with live entertainment on the main stage. Sunday will be a music and cultural day with live choral and dance performances.
We need your support. Would you please consider making a gift of $50-$100 to help underwrite costs? If you are able to give more or less, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Every dollar raised at the event can go directly back to our Parish and School.
Family and individual sponsors will be listed at the event, unless you wish to remain anonymous. Sponsors at the $100 level will also receive one complimentary admission ticket to the event. Should you—or an organization you know—have interest in a great business sponsorship, please contact us. Checks should be made payable to Queen of Angels and sent to the attention of “Harvest Jam Committee, c/o Queen of Angels School, 4520 N. Western Ave, 60625. For information regarding Harvest Jam business sponsorship opportunities, please contact LMBorelli@aol.com or EileenR@theHarbingergroup.com. Thank you!

Peter's Pence Collection / Colecta de los Centavos de Pedro

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During his visit last year, Pope Benedict XVI called upon us to “be the first friend of all who suffer” by “casting the light of Christ upon the world.” This year’s Peter’s Pence Collection theme certainly echoes the Holy Father’s call to action for the Church in the United States.
As the Year of St. Paul comes to a conclusion, I am reminded of the Second Letter to the Corinthians (8:12-13). “The willingness to give should accord with one’s means, not go beyond them. The relief of others ought not to impoverish you. There should be a certain equality.” Therefore, in a spirit of justice and generosity, I ask for your support to enable our Holy Father in providing emergency assistance to victims of war, disease and natural disaster.
Your past support of this collection has ensured that the successor of Peter is able to respond to those most in need throughout our world. May Our Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones as we become beacons of hope by casting the light of Christ in our parishes, the Archdiocese and the Universal Church.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,
Durante su visita el año pasado, el Papa Benedicto XVI nos hizo un llamado para “ser el primer amigo de todo aquel que sufre” al “proyectar la luz de Cristo sobre el mundo.” El tema de este año de la Colecta de los Centavos de Pedro ciertamente hace eco al llamado a la acción que hizo el Santo Padre a la Iglesia de Estados Unidos.
Ahora que el Año de San Pablo llega a su fin, recuerdo la Segunda Carta a los Corintios (8:12-13). “La buena voluntad para dar debe estar de acuerdo con los medios que uno posee y no ir más allá de ellos. El socorro a otros no debe empobrecerles; se trata de que haya cierta igualdad.” Por lo tanto, en un espíritu de justicia y generosidad, les pido su apoyo para permitir que nuestro Santo Padre pueda proporcionar ayuda de emergencia a las víctimas de la guerra, la enfermedad y los desastres naturales.
El generoso apoyo que ustedes han dado en el pasado a esta colecta ha asegurado que el sucesor de Pedro pueda responder a aquellos que experimentan grandes necesidades en todo el mundo. Que Nuestro Señor continúe bendiciéndolos, ustedes y a sus seres queridos, ahora que nos convertimos en faros de esperanza al proyectar la luz de Cristo en nuestras parroquias, nuestra arquidiócesis y la Iglesia universal.
Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,
Cardenal Francis George, O.M.I,. Arzobispo de Chicago

Kairos Retreat / Retiro de Kairos

NORTH SIDE KAIROS 10 Are you a teen struggling with the big issues of College, Friends and Faith? Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Would you like to learn what it means to be on “God’s Time?”
Students who are just completing their sophomore, junior or senior years of high school are invited to a four-day, co-ed North Side Kairos retreat at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington. Firmly grounded in Ignatian spirituality, the retreat gives teens a time to examine, discuss and reflect on each individual’s commitment to family, friends and God. And of course, since it is summer, there is also time to enjoy nature, laugh and play.
This diverse, multi-parish retreat currently draws teen participants from both city and suburban parishes. Queen of Angels’ own Chloe Brodner has been selected as a teen leader for this year’s retreat. North Side Kairos is open to all public, private and Catholic school students who have not already attended a Kairos retreat. The retreat will be held August 7-10 and costs $200. Financial aid is available.
For more information or to receive an application, please contact Bill McCarthy at St. Nicholas Parish, 847-951-7031 or northside.kairos@gmail.com.

RETIRO DE KAIROS DEL NORTE ¿Eres un joven luchando con los temas de la universidad, los amigos y la fe? ¿Estas buscando hacer algo divertido este verano? ¿Quisieras saber que significa estar en “El Tiempo de Dios?”
Estudiantes que están completando su segundo, tercer o cuarto año de la escuela superior estan invitados a un retiro de 4 días en la Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House en Barrington. Este retiro, de diferentes parroquias, incluye jóvenes de toda la ciudad y suburbios. Kairos del Norte esta abierto a todo estudiante que no haya asistido un retiro anteriormente, sea de una escuela superior pública, privada o Católica. El retiro será el 7-10 de Agosto y cuesta $200. Ayuda financiera esta disponible.
Para mas información o para recibir una aplicación, favor de contactar la oficina parroquial al 773-539-7510 o northside.kairos@gmail.com.

Announcements, June 21, 2009

CRAFT NIGHTS SCHEDULED Have you found yourself wishing you had some extra time to work on your unfinished projects or to start a new hobby? Bring your sewing, embroidery, knitting, scrapbooking, quilting or whatever you’re working on to Craft Night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday in the Upper Voss. Enjoy some company while you work on your projects. Share ideas and talents. Contact Dorothy Plovanich at dotplovanich@comcast.net or Laura Cwikowski at cwikowski@sbcglobal.net.

OPEN TO GOD’S WORD Today the Church begins a stretch of Ordinary Time that will last for five months. The liturgical vigor of the Easter Season and the feasts of the Holy Trinity and the Body and Blood of Christ settles down into this long stretch. During Ordinary Time the life of Christ is recounted for us by one of the Gospel writers. This year we have been hearing the Gospel of St. Mark. We begin this week by listening to his account of the Lord Jesus calming the stormy seas. Through this miracle Jesus tests the faith of his followers. As we settle into Ordinary Time let us be open to the power of the word of God to effect change within us. Let us pray that our faith will be strengthened as we grow more and more into faithful disciples.

CANCER SURVIVORS RETREAT DAY There will be a Retreat for Cancer Survivors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the Cenacle Retreat House, 513 W. Fullerton Ave. Come for activities, gifts and a peace-filled time together. Please contact Dr. Sharon Barcham, chaplain, at 773-455-8202.

SUMMER TOILETRIES COLLECTION St. Vincent DePaul Society is collecting individual-sized toiletries for the Franciscan Outreach Ministry. The ministry runs one of the largest case management programs and shelter for the homeless in the city of Chicago. SVDP is also collecting larger size clothes for the Girls and Boys Town in Back of the Yards, a transitional shelter for teens. A collection basket will be in the Gathering Space at church. Thank you.

NOTRE DAME TO HONOR VETERANS The Notre Dame College Prep community will celebrate its annual Mass in Honor of American Military Veterans at 6 p.m. Friday evening, July 3 in the new grotto at the school, 7655 W. Dempster. Each flag will represent an American military life lost in Iraq or Afghanistan. The memory of 10 alumni who lost their lives in Vietnam will be honored. For more information, contact Fr. Ray Klees at 847-779-8600.

CELEBRATION OF HOPE & PEACE To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order, Chiesa Nuova, a not-for-profit Franciscan ministry for the performing arts, will present A Celebration of Hope and Peace at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27 at Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Performing will be bass-baritone Alan Held, mezzo-soprano Stacy Eckert, the Ars Viva Symphony and the 40-voice New Classic Singers. Tickets are $40-$50. For tickets, call 708-488-5000.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
June 28 — Peter’s Pence / Works of the Holy Father
July 4 — Independence Day / St. Vincent de Paul
July 5— Lyman Scholarship Fund (with regular collection)