Queen of Angels Catholic Parish Chicago

“Stay Awake and Watch One Hour With Me”

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD 

Each Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m we have a unique and beautiful opportunity for prayer here at Queen of Angels. I speak of the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, which is an ancient and sacred prayer form in the Catholic Church. Each Friday we are in need of parishioners and non-parishioners alike, to come and spend one hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, as Jesus asked his apostles to do after the Last Supper (Mt: 26). The following is a short article written by the famous Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on the subject of Eucharistic Holy Hours. If you are able to accompany the Lord in prayer on Fridays, please contact us at the parish office or just come when you can between 9 and 5 to the small chapel on the west side of the main altar. Entrance is through the side door of the church on Claremont Ave. — Father Tom Lamping

Watch One Hour With Christ Our Blessed Lord spent 10 times as much time in silence as He did in action: 30 years obeying, 3 years teaching, and 3 hours redeeming. One of the most salutary of all silent ways is the Holy Hour. There was only one request Our Blessed Lord ever made directly to His apostles. In a general way He asked for drink when He was on the cross. But to His own disciples He said explicitly: "Can you not watch one hour with Me?"

Now why did Our Lord use the word hour? He did not ask them to go into the Garden to share His agony. They did not have to suffer a bloody sweat. He merely asked: "Can you not watch one hour with Me?" Every time the word 'hour' is used in Scripture in the New Testament in connection with Our Lord, it is always in relationship to His passion and death, and to the evil forces in the world. When the people attempted to stone Him, Scripture says His hour was not yet come; when they attempted to throw Him over the brow of His own home town, His hour was not yet come; when the Blessed Mother asked for His first miracle, He asked Her if she was sending Him on His hour: "My hour is not yet come"; in other words, "that hour when I come to My death to face the forces of evil." We are living in that hour today, for the devil is loose. Our hour is related to the evil and crucifying forces of our modern world.

-- Two Great Spiritual Benefits: There are two great spiritual benefits in making the hour. It trains the eyes, and it trains the ears. I am not speaking of physical eyesight; I'm speaking of spiritual light and faith. Notice how very often Our Blessed Lord used the word 'see'. When the woman came in to break a little alabaster vase that she had about her neck and poured the perfume at His feet, she was ridiculed by Simon the Pharisee. Our Lord turned on him and said: "Do you see that woman? No, what you see is a tag, a name, a label. To Me, she is a ruined image of My Father!" And when the priest and the Levite were on their way to liturgical services and passed a wounded man, they turned aside so that they would not see him. On the last day the Lord will say to us: "I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat. I was thirsty and you gave Me not drink." And those who are lost will say: "When?" The rich man never saw Lazarus, the poor beggar at His door. So seeing is something Our Lord associates with faith.

Today there is a movement in the Church toward the world, and it is good. We must be interested in the poor, the socially disinherited, no not only our neighbors, but all the people of the world. But where do we learn to see them?

-- Looking at the Host: The best place in the world for social workers and all those who would serve mankind is to come before the Sacred Host, tear away the bread as they tear away flesh and see Christ. This is the condition of all social-mindedness.

-- Keep Your Eyes On Christ: One of the reasons why all of us in the Church are growing cold in faith is because we are doing what Peter did. When Our Lord came to His struggling apostles in the boat, who had been rowing against the storm, Peter said to Him: "Lord, bid me come to You on the water." And Peter began to walk on the water. Then he sank! And this is strange: he sank! Now Peter was a swimmer, and if you read the Gospel closely, you will discover the reason why he sank. The Gospel says: "He took account of the winds." And we begin to take account of the currents of public opinion, the surveys, the modern moods, and we begin to sink. Why? Like Peter we have taken our eyes off Christ.

Spirituality is a unit. It is an hour. It is an hour that we spend with Christ. May I plead with all good people to make the hour every day. It means sometimes getting up early. It may be hard, but after a while it seems so easy. Do it, and your life will change. Your character will change. This is the Lord we want. It can be done. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Due to the Independence Day Holiday on Friday, July 4, Eucharistic Adoration will resume at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 11. We invite you spend an hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, keeping company with the Lord.

CON DIOS NADA ES IMPOSIBLE “Oren Una Hora Conmigo” Cada viernes de las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m. hay una oportunidad especial para la oración aquí en Reina de los Ángeles. Me refiero a la Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento, que es una oración antigua y sagrada en la Iglesia Católica. Cada viernes se necesitan personas que vengan a pasar una hora en oración ante el Santísimo, como Jesús pidió a sus apóstoles después de la Ultima Cena (Mt: 26).

El artículo siguiente es una traducción de uno escrito por el famoso Arzobispo Fulton J. Sheen sobre las Horas Santas ante el Santísimo. Si Ud. puede acompañar al Señor en oración los viernes, por favor comunicase con la oficina parroquial o venga a la capilla entre las 9 y las 5 los viernes. La entrada es por la puerta lateral de la iglesia en la calle Claremont. — Padre Tomás Lamping

Ore Una Hora Con Cristo Nuestro Señor pasó 10 veces más tiempo en silencio que en la acción: 30 años obedeciendo, 3 años enseñando, y 3 horas redimiendo. Una de las mejores maneras de orar en silencio es la Hora Santa. El Señor sólo pedía a sus discípulos: “¿No pueden quedarse conmigo una sola hora en oración?”

Ahora bien, ¿porque usó el Señor la palabra hora? No les pidió que fueran al huerto para compartir su agonía. No tenían que compartir su sudor de sangre. Sólo pidió que velaran una hora con él. Cada vez que el Señor usa la palabra hora en el Nuevo Testamento es en relación a su Pasión y Muerte, y a las esfuerzas malvadas del mundo. Cuando la gente le quiso apedrear, la Biblia dice que “su hora todavía no había llegado.” Cuando querían tirarlo de la barranca de su propio pueblo, “su hora todavía no había llegado.” Cuando su madre le pidió que hiciera su primer milagro, “su hora todavía no había llegado.” Mejor dicho, “la hora es cuando llega mi muerte para afrontar la maleza del mundo.” Vivimos en aquella hora hoy, porque el diablo esta activo. Nuestra hora esta relacionada con la maleza del mundo que crucifica.

-- Dos Beneficios Espirituales: Hay dos beneficios espirituales en hacer la hora santa. Entrena los ojos, y entrena los oídos. No hablo de la visión física; hablo de la luz espiritual y de la fe. Nuestro Señor usaba mucho la palabra ‘ver’.

Cuando la mujer vino a romper el frasco que llevaba en su cuello y derramó su perfume en los pies del Señor, Simón el Fariseo se burló de ella. El Señor lo regaño diciendo, “¿Ves aquella mujer? No, porque la juzgas. Para mí, ella es la imagen de mi Padre.”

Cuando el sacerdote y el levita iban a la sinagoga y vieron el hombre herido, lo pasaron y fingieron que no lo vieron. En el último día el Señor nos va a decir, “Tuve hambre, y no me dieron de comer. Tuve sed y no me dieron de beber.” Y los perdidos dirán, “¿Cuándo?” El hombre rico nunca vio a Lázaro, el pobre que pedía a su puerta. Por eso ‘ver’ es algo que el Señor relaciona con la fe.

Hoy hay un movimiento en la Iglesia hacia el mundo, y eso es bueno. Tenemos que preocuparnos por los pobres, los olvidados, no sólo nuestros vecinos, sino a todos los pueblos del mundo. ¿Pero dónde aprendemos verlos?

-- Mirando la Hostia: El mejor lugar en el mundo para los trabajadores sociales que ayudan al ser humano es ante la Hostia Sagrada. Detrás del pan vemos a Cristo.

-- Fije Su Vista En Cristo: Una de las razones que nosotros en la Iglesia estamos más fríos en la fe es porque hacemos lo que hizo Pedro. Cuando el Señor encontró a sus apóstoles en el barco en la tormenta, Pedro le dijo, “Señor, mande que yo le venga en el agua.” Y Pedro empezó a caminar en el agua. ¡Luego se hundió! ¿Porqué se hundió? El Evangelio dice que, “se dio cuenta de los vientos.”

Cuando nos damos cuenta de las corrientes de la opinión pública, las encuestas, los genios modernos, y empezamos a hundirnos. ¿Porqué? Como Pedro, hemos bajado nuestros ojos de Cristo.

La Espiritualidad es una unidad. Es una hora. Es una hora que pasamos con Cristo. Les ruego que hagan la hora cada día. Hay que levantarse más temprano. Es difícil al principio, pero luego se hace más fácil. Hágalo y su vida cambiará. Su carácter cambiará. Es el Señor que deseamos. ¡Se puede hacer! Arzobispo Fulton J. Sheen

Debido al Día de Independencia el viernes, 4 de Julio, la Adoración Eucarística será reanudará a las 9 a.m. el próximo viernes, 11 de Julio. Todos están invitados a compartir una hora de oración ante el Santísimo, acompañando al Señor. ¿Es tu primera vez en nuestra parroquia? ¡Bienvenidos! ¿Se ha mudado recientemente? ¡Que Dios bendiga su nuevo hogar!

Por favor visite o contacte la oficina parroquial al 773-539-7510 para registrarse o arreglar su registración actual.

THE NAME GAME

Today’s solemnity might have been “Saints Simon and Saul” if it hadn’t been for some renaming. There are numerous examples from the Bible of people being given new names to indicate their new status in God’s plan of salvation. This practice begins with Abraham, and we see the fruit of that in today’s renaming of Simon as Peter when he makes his great profession of faith in Jesus as Messiah (Christ) and Son of God. Saul, though Acts recounts a significant conversion experience for him, is renamed rather silently by the New Testament. Even though the author of the Acts of the Apostles occasionally slips and still calls him “Saul” after his conversion experience, his new name—most likely intended by the New Testament to differentiate his Christian mission from his life as a Jew—occurs most frequently in Acts, and exclusively in his own letters, as “Paul.” The naming of Peter is reminiscent of our own naming at baptism, when our own faith in Jesus as Christ was proclaimed. Even though most of us never go through a changing of our proper name later in life (though this was characteristic of religious profession for many years), a bit of reflection will help us to discern the ways in which God has called us anew or named us again for our own role in proclaiming the Good News.

TODO ESTÁ EN EL NOMBRE La solemnidad de hoy podría haber sido “Santos Simón y Saúl” si no hubiese existido un cambio de nombre. En la Biblia hay numerosos ejemplos de personas que recibieron un nuevo nombre como una indicación de su nueva situación en el plan de salvación de Dios. Esta costumbre empieza con Abrahán, y vemos sus frutos hoy cuando Simón recibe el nombre de Pedro cuando hace su gran profesión de fe al reconocer a Jesús como Mesías (Cristo) e Hijo de Dios. Saúl recibe más bien silenciosamente su nuevo nombre en el Nuevo Testamento, aunque los Hechos relata su experiencia de conversión. Aunque el autor de los Hechos de los Apóstoles comete ocasionalmente un desliz y lo sigue llamando “Saúl” después de su conversión, el nuevo nombre — más probablemente para diferenciar en el Nuevo Testamento su misión cristiana de su vida como judío — se menciona más frecuentemente en Hechos, y exclusivamente en sus epístolas como “Pablo.” El nuevo nombre de Pedro recuerda un hecho similar en nuestro bautismo, en el que se proclama nuestra fe en Jesucristo. Aunque la mayoría de nosotros nunca se cambia el nombre (aunque por muchos años fue característica de los miembros de comunidades religiosas), un poco de reflexión nos ayudará a discernir las maneras en las que Dios nos invita hace una nueva invitación o nos llama nuevamente a cumplir la misión de proclamar la Buena Nueva.

Announcements, June 29, 2008

THEOLOGY IS “ON TAP” AT ST. BEN’S THIS SUMMER The weekly Theology on Tap speaker series presented by RCYA begins July 16 and continues Wednesdays through August 6 in Heidenreich Hall at St. Benedict. All speakers begin at 7:30 p.m. This event will appeal to anyone who likes provocative discussion, appealing topics, great speakers and good fellowship. -- July 16— Just Be It: Discerning Your Gifts, Mr. Douglas Scott -- July 23 — How the Gospels Were Written, Fr. William J. O’Shea -- July 30 — Christ With Me, Christ Before Me, Christ Behind Me: Inviting Christ into Every Aspect of Your Life, Sr. Theresa Sullivan -- Aug. 6 — How to Win the Love of Your Life: Intimacy, Sexuality and Relationships, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hengesbaugh and Mary-Louise Kurey

For more information, call Craig at 773-653-8834 or email rcya_chicago@yahoo.com.

Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults (RCYA) is a group of Catholic adults who provide service, spiritual and social outreach to build God’s kingdom within our hearts and our community. Please visit the RCYA website at www.rcyachicago.org for a full list of upcoming RCYA events.

SUMMER SHOPING WITH THE ANGELS Gift cards are a great way to let the recipient get “just what they’ve always wanted” or to make your own shopping more convenient. See a Shop With the Angels representative in back of church after Mass on Sunday or at the Parish Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

CALLING ALL LEADERS OF PARISH ORGANIZATIONS! The Parish Calendar Process is Changing! Save the date for Calendar Week 2008-2009, which will take place Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19. Calendar Week replaces the Calendar Meeting as the means by which the parish calendar for August 2008 through July 2009 will be put together.

All leaders and contact persons for parish organizations are asked to watch their mail in the coming days for information about the new parish calendar process. The new process is based on the individual placement of event-request labels in a printed calendar.

Groups are asked to send representatives to the parish office during the week of July 14-19. If you know you will be unavailable all that week, please begin planning now for someone else to represent your group’s needs. Thank you for all that you do for our parish community!

CHARLA PARA ADOPCIÓN El Programa de Adopción de Caridades Católicas de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, esta patrocinando una charla informativa para familias interesadas en aprender más acerca de la adopción. La charla para adopción doméstica será el 10 de julio a las 6 p.m., en Caridades Católicas, 1400 S. Austin, Cicero. Se agradece hacer las reservaciones por anticipado. Por favor llame a Carmen al teléfono 312-655-7070.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING A Domestic Adoption Information Meeting will be sponsored by Catholic Charities at 6 p.m. July 10 at Catholic Charities, 1400 S. Austin, Cicero. To register, please call Rebecca at 312-655-7086.

A WORD ABOUT PARKING... Please do not block someone’s entrance or exit in a parking space by leaving your car in the aisles of the parking lot. If all designated parking places are already full when you arrive, it is necessary to find street parking. Thank you!

INDEPENDENCE DAY SCHEDULE There will be just one Mass, at 10 a.m., on Friday, July 4. All parish facilities will be closed on July 4 and will reopen for regular business hours on Saturday, July 5.

SUMMER TOILETRY COLLECTION St. Vincent DePaul Society (SVDP) is collecting individual-sized toiletries for the Franciscan Outreach Ministry, which runs one of the largest case management programs and shelter for the homeless in the city of Chicago. Larger sized clothing is also being collected for Girls and Boys Town in Back of the Yards, a transitional shelter for teens. A collection basket will be in the back of church.

TAKE A MUSTARD SEED We ask God to increase our faith. How often do we, as a couple, take a “mustard seed” of faith and together work at using and enriching it? Share a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend and nurture your faith and your marriage. The next weekend dates are September 19-21 or November 14-16. Please consult the website at www.wwmechicago-gary.org or call Kris and Jim at 800-442-3554.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS July 4 — Independence Day / St. Vincent DePaul July 6 — Lyman Scholarship Fund (with regular collection) July 20 — Sharing: Maternity BVM Parish (with regular collection)

PRAY THE ROSARY The Rosary is prayed every Saturday morning after the 9 a.m. Mass. Come for Mass and stay for the Rosary. People are needed to lead the prayers of the Rosary. Please call Joann Salas at 773-583-1371 or email jasnetworks@myibocs.com

NOTRE DAME TO HONOR MILITARY The Notre Dame High School for Boys community invites anyone who is currently or has been in any branch of the U.S. military to attend “Notre Dame Honors All Who Have Served” beginning with Mass at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3. This is a free one-hour event.

Veterans from different branches of the military will sit together in chairs on the football field while guests will sit in adjacent stands. Vets are encouraged to wear some memento, piece of the old uniform, medal or insignia marking their time in the service. Also, more than 4,000 American flags honoring each American lost in Iraq and Afghanistan to date will be placed in the lawn along Dempster Street.

A band will play a musical “salute” to the services. To volunteer to play in the band contact Mike Wallace at mwallace@ndhsdons.org. Call 847-965-2900.

SCHOOL PARENTS NEEDED! Volunteers are needed for summer maintenance in our parish school. If you are willing to work in the school from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2 or August 9, you can work off 2008-2009 school volunteer hours. Helping in this way can make a difference! Call Bob Ross at 773-802-3456.

HATS OFF TO HIGH ACHIEVERS Congratulations to Megan Peterson ‘10 who received First Honors recognition at Resurrection High School.

Charles Plovanich ’10 achieved Second Honors status at St. Patrick High School.

Kassandra Pacheco ‘11 received First Honors Academic Recognition for Computer Applications and Honorable Mention in Recognition of Service to Others. She also received the Blue Ribbon for First Honors at Notre Dame High School for Girls.

HIGHLIGHTS OF POPE’S U.S. VISIT Catholics from across the Archdiocese are invited to join Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago for a prayer service followed by a reflection on his time spent at Pope Benedict XVI’s side during the Holy Father’s recent visit to the United States.

The Cardinal will discuss the impact of the Holy Father’s visit on the American Catholic Church, and the current and future influence of the visit’s theme, Christ Our Hope, at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30 at St. Thecla Parish, Falcon Hall, 6725 W. Devon Ave.

June 29, 2008 Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles—Our Week’s Work and Prayers

We Remember: Members of the Parish Remembrance Society
We Pray For: Andy Byrne, June Weber, Cleo McDonald, Rosemarie Micklinghoff, Gilbert Pacheco, William Butt, Jim Lamping, John Wojdyla and Pamela Rill

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
Wilfredo Borrero Jr., brother of Aida Alejandro
AFC Patrick F. Dillon, USAF,nephew of Joan & Gabriel Castillo
Sgt. David Cardenas, Army, brother of Teresa Cardenas
LCDR Amanda John, USN, daughter-in-law of Marybeth & Jim Young
TSgt. Roland Austen, AFG, husband of Lyzette, son of Barbara Austen
PFC Matt Galiardo, Army, nephew of Joan VanDenBosch
Lt. Kevin Heath, son of Ann McCormick & Sean Heath
Capt. Ivan Normandia, USAF, son-in-law of Lillian Bedia
Lt. Patrick Jors, USN, nephew of Pat & Meg McQuillan
Michael Flahive, USAF, son of Renee Mackin-Bracy
Thomas Flahive, USAF, son of Renee Mackin-Bracy
LCpl. Samuel Ferolie, USMC, nephew of Albert Ferolie & Lisa Wells

MONDAY, JUNE 30—  THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH
Am 2:6-10, 13-16 | Ps 50:16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23 | Mt 8:18-22
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Marilyn Witt
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Chester Ciasto

TUESDAY, JULY 1—BLESSED JUNIPER SERRA
Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12 | Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8 | Mt 8:23-27
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Alice Cusack
9:00 MORNING MASS
For the People of the Parish

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2—
Am 5:14-15, 21-24 | Ps 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17 | Mt 7:8:28-34
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Leonard and Clara Griffiths
9:00 MORNING MASS
† John Edward Schultz—Birthday

THURSDAY, JULY 3—ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE
Eph 2:19-22 | Ps 117:1bc, 2 | Jn 20:24-29
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Thomas James Kraskiewicz

FRIDAY, JULY 4—ST. ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL
Am 8:4-6, 9-12 | Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 | Mt 9:9-13
10:00 † Mathilde Ecimovich
† Joseph Cwikowski III

SATURDAY, JULY 5—  ST. ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA
Am 9:11-15 | Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 |Mt 9:14-17
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Nora Parks
1:00 WEDDING
Lynn Johnson and Bill Landau
5:00 EVENING MASS OF ANTICIPATION
† Mary Rita Conley

SUNDAY, JULY 6— FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Zech 9:9-10 | Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 | Rm 8:9, 11-13 | Mt 11:25-30
8:00 † Bridget Carroll
9:30 † Parish Remembrance Society
11:00 † Franziska Katzenmeyer
12:30 Spanish Intentions

This Week at Queen of Angels

Monday, June 30
-- Music Rehearsal, 10 a.m., Lower Church
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss

Tuesday, July 1—
-- Music Rehearsal, 10 a.m., Lower Church
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Baptism Preparation, 7 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Wednesday, July 2—
-- Citizenship Class, 6 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:15 p.m., Upper Voss

Thursday, July 3—
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Sótano de la Iglesia
-- Wedding Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Church

Friday, July 4— Independence Day
-- Mass, 10 a.m., Church
-- All Parish Facilities Closed
-- No Eucharistic Adoration in Church

Saturday, July 5—
-- Parish Center Reopens, 9:30 a.m.
-- Ministry of Care Meeting, 9:45 a.m., Upper Voss
-- Bautismos, 11:30 a.m., Iglesia

Sunday, July 6—
-- Practica del Coro, 11 a.m., Sótano de la Iglesia

BE NOT AFRAID

In the course of this short selection from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Twelve three times not to be afraid. Both the disciples and Jesus will soon encounter suffering and death. Jesus reminds them, and us, of our Father’s eternally powerful love that will not abandon us in the tough times. That is the grace that “overflow[ed] for the many,” in “the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15).

This message of hope is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Like the apostle Paul, we are to communicate that good news to all who may be experiencing tough times—through our actions as well as our words. Jesus proved the truth of his words by his saving death on the cross. What about us? When we calm others’ fears, telling them not to be afraid, that everything will work out in the end, are those just empty words? Or do we follow up with actions that prove our words to be true? How might you help someone through tough times this week?

What you hear whispered, proclaim on the rooftops Lo que digo al oído, pregónenlo desde las azoteas

NO TEMAN
A lo largo de esta corta selección del Evangelio según san Mateo, Jesús repite tres veces a los Doce que no teman. Tanto los discípulos como Jesús pronto se enfrentarán al sufrimiento y a la muerte. Jesús les recuerda a ellos, y a nosotros, el amor eternamente poderoso de nuestro Padre, que no nos abandonará en los tiempos difíciles. Ése es el don que “se ha desbordado sobre todos”, por “el don de un solo hombre, Jesucristo” (Romanos 5:15). Este mensaje de esperanza no debe ser un secreto. Como el apóstol Pa- blo, debemos compartir la Buena Nueva con todos los que puedan estar viviendo tiempos difíciles –con nuestras acciones y también con nuestras pala- bras. Jesús probó la verdad de sus palabras por medio de su muerte salvadora en la cruz. ¿Y nosotros? Cuando tratamos de tranquilizar a los demás diciéndoles que no teman, que todo saldrá bien al final, ¿son tan solo palabras huecas las que usamos? ¿O las apoyamos con acciones que prueban que nuestras palabras son verdaderas? ¿Cómo puedes ayudar esta semana a alguien que atraviesa tiempos difíciles?

“Be Firm in the Truth”

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

Both Jeremiah and Jesus offer us some challenging words in today’s scripture readings. Along with the message each of them speaks, we are confronted with how one’s actions need to match the words spoken. We all know the cliché, “walk the talk.” Sometimes this can be difficult, especially when it seems we are immersed in a double standard of life in our society. This behavior is borne out on the signals we receive through the media, through our workplace, through conversations we may have with friends and neighbors.

We witness plenty of deceit and manipulation from day to day. Could the question with which we are faced be something like this—what is the truth in what I hear or see or witness? It takes a lot of sorting out to arrive at what is honest and genuine and in sync with the teachings of Jesus and the Church. And then the question is – what do I do with that I hear and observe? Can I stick by the truth?

I believe that the messages from Jeremiah and Jesus are an invitation to examine the kind of integrity and honesty we espouse as baptized Christians. Without a doubt, all the prophets in the Old and New Testament incurred persecution and suffering for the messages they conveyed to the people of their time.

Jeremiah has always struck me as one of the more persecuted messengers of the Old Testament. But he was firm in what was truth. People despised his call to change their lives. The scriptures tell us that even his friends turned against him because of his convictions. That is quite a hard reality to face, to be standing alone and without the support of others.

Jeremiah relied heavily on God when the odds were against him. In the first reading it says, “The Lord is with me like a mighty champion.” Ought not we find strength in these words when we are challenged for what we believe? You may recall that St. Paul once said, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Jesus prepared his disciples to face the reality of what they might experience when standing for their beliefs. Being a follower of Jesus means I may need to embrace the cross of Jesus. Do we think about that very much? When we take a stand that reflects the truth of what it means to be Christian, we may experience hate, we may be pushed aside even by our friends. It is not an easy sell to adhere to the truth and to convictions that reflect Jesus’ life.

Fear often plays a role in our efforts to stand for that which is different, honest, the opposite of what society values. In this season of the year, I’m reminded of the many different kinds of seeds that have been planted. If they develop strong roots, they will yield good fruit for the harvest. So, too, we need to be strongly grounded in faith, nourish and develop it through prayer, the sacraments and service to others. To be deeply rooted in God assures us of the strength needed to adhere to the teachings of Jesus and to live a life committed to truth and integrity.

There is another consoling thought from today’s gospel. Jesus indirectly addresses the fears we may experience in practicing authentic Christian living. He says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?” In Jesus’ time sparrows were considered cheap and of little value. But, as we read further in this passage from Matthew, Jesus says, “Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.” God cares for them. Jesus considers us worth much more than sparrows. So why be afraid to stand for that which is of God? God is our strength and courage and cares for us.

If we support the truths of Jesus and stand with him, Jesus will acknowledge us before his Father. The reverse is true also, if our lives are not of God. Let us, then, choose to act fearlessly despite the cowardice we may feel in our hearts when we are faced with difficult choices.

We may live with fear in our efforts to stand by the truth, but eventually a sense of freedom will take over. Thomas More, in A Man for All Seasons, knew what it was to choose the truth. It cost him his life. He said our natural tendency is to escape. But rather than run away from the truth, we need to let God enter into the picture and be our security. We need to believe that we are worth more than sparrows and that God’s loving care is always with us. Then, courage will transcend our fears, and we will be able to live a life of freedom and trust in God. Such is my prayer for us, the faith community of Queen of Angels.

Father Jim Kaczorowski

CON DIOS NADA ES IMPOSIBLE: “Ser Firme en la Verdad”

Ambos Jeremías y Jesús nos ofrecen unas palabras retadoras en las lecturas de las escrituras de hoy. Junto con el mensaje que cada una de ellos habla, se nos confronta con como las acciones de uno necesitan ser iguales a las palabras habladas. Algunas veces esto puede ser difícil, especialmente cuando parece que estamos inmersos en un doble estándar de vida en nuestra sociedad. Este comportamiento es nacido de las señales que recibimos a través de los medios de comunicación, del trabajo, de conversaciones que podemos tener con amigos y vecinos.

Atestiguamos una cantidad de deshonestidad y manipulación día tras día. Podría ser la pregunta con la cual nos enfrentamos algo parecido a esto – ¿cual es la verdad en lo que escuchamos, vemos o atestiguamos? Toma mucha categorización u organización para llegar a lo que es de verdad genuino y a la par con las enseñanzas de Jesús y de la Iglesia. Y entonces la pregunta es – ¿que hago con lo que escucho y observo? ¿Me puedo mantener pegado a la verdad?

Yo creo que los mensajes de Jeremías y Jesús son una invitación a examinar la clase de integridad y honestidad que nosotros esposamos como cristianos bautizados. Sin duda alguna, todos los profetas del Viejo y el Nuevo Testamento fueron perseguidos y sufrieron por los mensajes que llevaban a la gente de su tiempo. Jeremías siempre me impactó como uno de los más perseguidos mensajeros del Viejo Testamento. Pero el estuvo firme en lo que era la verdad. La gente despreciaba su llamado a cambiar sus vidas. Las escrituras nos dicen que hasta sus amigos se volvieron en su contra a causa de sus convicciones. Eso es una dura realidad a enfrentar, estando solo y sin el apoyo de otros.

Jeremías se apoyaba bastante en Dios cuando las probabilidades estaban en su contra. En la primera lectura dice, “El Señor, guerrero poderoso, está a mi lado.” ¿No debemos de encontrar fortaleza en estas palabras cuando se nos reta en aquello en lo que creemos? Ustedes recordaran que San Pablo una vez dijo, “¡Que si Dios está a nuestro favor, nadie podrá estar contra nosotros!”

Jesús preparaba a sus discípulos a enfrentar la realidad de lo que podrían experimentar cuando tuvieran que luchar por sus creencias. Ser un seguidor de Jesús significa que puedo necesitar abrazar la cruz de Jesús. ¿Pensamos mucho en eso? Cuando tomamos una posición que refleja la verdad de lo que significa ser cristiano, podemos experimentar odio, podemos ser empujados a un lado aun por nuestros amigos. No es una llamada fácil adherirse a la verdad y a convicciones que reflejan la vida de Jesús.

El miedo con frecuencia juega un papel en nuestros esfuerzos por defender lo que es diferente, honesto, lo opuesto de lo que nuestra sociedad valora. En esta estación del año, se me recuerda de las muchas diferentes clases de semillas que se han plantado. Si desarrollan raíces fuertes, darán buen fruto para la cosecha. Así que nosotros también necesitamos estar fuertemente plantados en la fe, nutriéndola y desarrollándola con oración, los sacramentos y el servicio a otros. Estar profundamente enraizado en Dios nos asegura la fortaleza necesaria para adherirnos a las enseñanzas de Jesús y a vivir una vida dedicada a la verdad y la integridad.

Hay otro pensamiento consolador en el Evangelio de hoy. Jesús indirectamente se refiere a los miedos que podemos experimentar al practicar una vida cristiana autentica. El dice, “¿No es verdad que se venden dos pajarillos por una moneda?” En los tiempos de Jesús los gorriones eran considerados baratos y de poco valor. Pero, tal como leemos mas adelante en este pasaje de Mateo, Jesús dice, “Sin embargo, ni uno solo de ellos cae por tierra si no lo permite el Padre.” Dios los cuida. Jesús nos considera de mucho mas valor que los gorriones. Entonces, ¿porque estamos temerosos de defender aquello que es de Dios? Dios es nuestra fortaleza y valor y nos cuida.

Si apoyamos las verdades de Jesús y permanecemos con el, Jesús nos reconocerá ante su Padre. Lo opuesto es verdad también, si nuestras vidas no están con Dios. Escojamos, entonces, actuar sin miedo a pesar de la cobardía que podamos sentir en nuestros corazones cuando nos enfrentamos a decisiones difíciles.

Podemos vivir en el temor en nuestros esfuerzos de permanecer junto a la verdad, pero eventualmente un sentido de libertad se impondrá. Tomás More, en Un Hombre para Todas las Estaciones, sabía lo que era escoger la verdad. Le costó su vida. El dijo que nuestra tendencia natural es escapar. Pero en vez de correr de la verdad, necesitamos dejar a Dios que entre al cuadro y ser nuestra seguridad. Necesitamos creer que valemos más que los gorriones y que el cuidado amoroso de Dios siempre está con nosotros. Entonces, el valor irá más allá de nuestros temores y podremos vivir una vida de libertad y confianza en Dios. Tal es mi oración para nosotros, la comunidad de fe de Reina de los Ángeles.

Padre Jim Kaczorowski

AN OLD ENGLISH PRAYER
Give us, Lord, a bit of sun, a bit of work and a bit of fun.
Give us in all the struggle and sputter
Our daily bread and a bit of butter;
Give us health and our keep to make,
And a bit to spare for others’ sake;
Give us, too, a bit of song, and a tale, and a book to help us along.
Give us, Lord, a chance to be our goodly best, brave, wise and free.

CRISTO NUESTRA ESPERANZA

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

La Colecta Peter’s Pence que apoya la labor del Santo Padre, se realiza anualmente en parroquias de todo el mundo. La colecta permite proporcionar fondos de asistencia y socorro inmediata a todos aquellos que sufren como resultado de guerras, opresión y desastres naturales en todo el mundo. Mediante las obras de caridad, los católicos se solidarizan con los débiles, indefensos y los que no tienen voz, y dan sostén a los que sufren.

El tema de la colecta de este año repite el del viaje apostólico del Santo Padre a Estados Unidos en abril de 2008 — Cristo Nuestra Esperanza. El tema refleja el mensaje de la encíclica del papa Benedicto XVI Spe Salvi: una invitación a encontrar a Jesucristo personalmente. En la encíclica, el papa Benedicto dijo que la fe en Cristo trae una esperanza bien fundada en la salvación eterna, la “gran esperanza” que puede sostener a una persona durante los padecimientos de este mundo.

Al participar en este llamado especial, nos unimos a los católicos de todo el mundo en una expresión de amor y solidaridad. Compartimos la preocupación del sucesor de Pedro por las numerosas y diversas necesidades de la Iglesia y por la ayuda de aquellos que sufren más necesidades en todo el globo.

Este año, la colecta en nuestra diócesis se realizará el fin de semana del 28 y 29 de junio.

Les pido por favor que contribuyan a la colecta de este año y de antemano les agradezco su generosidad. Juntos roguémosle a nuestro Señor que derrame sus bendiciones sobre el Santo Padre, sobre nosotros y sobre todos aquellos que sufren necesidades en el mundo.

Para más información, por favor visite www.usccb.org/ppc.

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo, +Francis Cardenal George Arzobispo de Chicago

CHRIST OUR HOPE Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,

Each year the annual Peter’s Pence Collection in support of the works of the Holy Father is held in parishes throughout the world. The proceeds from this collection fund emergency relief assistance to those who suffer from war, oppression, disease and natural disaster. Through works of charity, Catholics stand in solidarity with the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and they sustain those who suffer.

The theme for this year’s collection echoes that of the Holy Father’s apostolic journey to the United States in April 2008—Christ Our Hope. The theme reflects the message of Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Spe Salvi: an invitation for people to encounter Jesus Christ personally. In the encyclical, Pope Benedict said that faith in Christ brings well-founded hope in eternal salvation, the “great hope” that can sustain people through the trials of this world.

As we participate in this special appeal, we join Catholics worldwide in a loving expression of solidarity. We share in the concern of the successor of Peter for the many different needs of the universal Church and for the relief of those most in need around the globe.

This year, the collection in our diocese is scheduled for the weekend of June 28-29.

I ask you to consider contributing to the collection this year, and I am grateful for your generosity. Together let us ask the Lord to bless the Holy Father and us, as well as those in need throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.usccb.org/ppc.

Sincerely yours in Christ, +Francis Cardinal George Archbishop of Chicago

Announcements, June 22, 2008

CARDINAL GEORGE TO SHARE HIGHLIGHTS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI’S VISIT TO UNITED STATES Catholics from across the Archdiocese are invited to join Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago for a prayer service followed by a reflection on his time spent at Pope Benedict XVI’s side during the Holy Father’s recent visit to the United States.

The Cardinal will discuss the impact of the Holy Father’s visit on the American Catholic Church, and the current and future influence of the visit’s theme, Christ Our Hope, at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30 at St. Thecla Parish, Falcon Hall, 6725 W. Devon Ave.

SUMMER TOILETRIES COLLECTION St. Vincent DePaul Society (SVDP) is collecting individual sized toiletries for the Franciscan Outreach Ministry, which runs one of the largest case management programs and shelter for the homeless in the city of Chicago. We are also collecting larger sizes for Girls and Boys Town in Back of the Yards, a new transitional shelter for teens. Enjoy your summer vacation and please bring a few toiletry souvenirs for the less fortunate. A collection basket will be in the back of church.

SHOP WITH THE ANGELS THIS SUMMER Grocery shopping, birthday gifts, housewarming presents... these are all part of summer. Shop With the Angels for your needs and benefit the parish, the Lyman Scholarship Fund or your own tuition account. Gift cards are a great way to let the recipient get “just what they’ve always wanted” or to make your own shopping more convenient. See a Shop With the Angels representative in the back of church following Mass on Sunday to see what it’s all about, or see Nancy at the Parish Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Every Friday, the Blessed Sacrament is placed out for veneration and prayer from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. To reach the Adoration Chapel, enter the church through the Claremont door, walk up the stairs, turn to the left and then to the left again. Walk down the passage behind the altar and enter the former baptistery, where the Eucharist is exposed for veneration. Feel free to bring your bible, rosary, books and thoughts. Spend some time with Jesus in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. This is an excellent way to build special devotions into your week.

Visitors are asked to register their attendance in the sign-in book when attending Adoration. The book is located in the chapel. You may sign up for a particular hour of prayer every week. At some time during the day, before or after work, while out running errands, stop by the chapel for some quiet time with the Lord. Help us keep vigil with the Lord by making time on Fridays for these beautiful moments of prayer. Call Christine Murphy at 773-561-9072.

GTHS SUMMER BOYS CAMPS Boys incoming to fourth, fifth and sixth grades are invited to participate in Gordon Tech Boys Basketball Camps from 9 to 11 a.m. weekdays. Incoming seventh and eighth grade boys are invited to camp from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Camp dates are July 7 to 11; July 14 to 18; July 21 to 25; or July 28 to August 1. Fee is $80 and includes a GTHS basketball shirt. Contact Head Coach Shay Boyle at shayboyle@hotmail.com or call 773-539-3600. Camp will be at Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California.

PRAY THE ROSARY The Rosary is prayed every Saturday morning after 9 a.m. Mass. Come for Mass and stay for the Rosary. People are needed to lead the prayers of the Rosary. Please call Joann Salas at 773-583-1371 or email jasnetworks@myibocs.com

IS GOD CALLING YOU? Jesus tells us, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father” (Matthew 10:32). God calls men and women to the priesthood and religious life to acknowledge Him before the world. Is God calling you?

For more information about the priesthood, contact Father Joe Noonan at 312-751-8298 or at jnoonan@archchicago.org.

For more information about the religious life, contact Sister Peter Mary Hettling, CSJ at 312-751-5245 or at phettling@archchicago.org.

WOMEN’S CENTER THANK YOU We are very grateful for your generous gift of $377 on May 9, 2008 to support the life-saving mission of The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicagoland. Your support provides the much needed intervention, counseling and practical assistance that women contemplating abortion deserve.

A recent thank you note received from a client said, “My contact with The Women’s Center affected my life immensely. It changed me. My counselor had such a loving and caring spirit. Being pregnant and then evicted were such a shock to me, but not as great as the surprise of the uplifting support and encouragement I got from you. Thank you.”

We are so grateful for your support of our work which gives us the opportunity to protect women and their unborn children from the terror of abortion, and give them the love and support they need, deserve and appreciate. God bless you!

Mary Strom Executive Director The Women’s Center

INTENCIONES DE MISAS Para pedir una intención especial para una misa en inglés o español, por favor visite el Centro Parroquial durante horas de oficina. Las intenciones serán ofrecidas en el día que usted escoja, entre semana, domingo, día de guardar o misas de día festivo a través del año. La donación sugerida es de $10 por misa. Favor de llamar al 773-539-7510.

BLUE CAN RECYCLING For recycling to be effective, it is necessary to follow the guidelines. As a reminder, items to put in the blue cart include glass jars and bottles; aluminum cans, foil and pie tins; tin or steel cans; cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, etc.; cardboard (flatten boxes); plastic bottles and con- tainers; telephone books; magazines and catalogs; junk mail; paper bags; office paper and file folders; and newspapers and inserts.

Bagged yard waste should be placed next to the blue carts — not inside the cart.

Household hazardous waste and electronics should be taken to 1150 N. North Branch, two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street.

Take used and rechargeable batteries to any Chicago Public Library or Walgreens Store.

For more information, call 311 or visit www.bluecartschicago.org.

MASS INTENTIONS Intentions may be offered in the name of friends or relatives, living or deceased, for those in need of extra prayers or in honor of a beloved saint. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, feasts of patron saints and other dates special to you or your loved ones are great opportunities to remember them in prayer through a Mass intention. Intentions may be placed for Sunday, weekday, holy day or holiday Masses. Suggested donation to Queen of Angels is $10 per Mass. Call 773-539-7510.

IS IT TIME FOR FIREWORKS? For a really exciting fireworks display, how about putting the spark back into your marriage by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend? The next weekend dates will be Sept. 19 to 21 or Nov. 14 to 16. For information and reservations, please consult the website at www.mechicago-gary.org or call Kris and Jim at 800-442-3554.

June 22, 2008 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time—Our Week’s Work and Prayers

We Remember: Members of the Parish Remembrance Society
We Pray For: Andy Byrne, June Weber, Monica Hohner, Cleo McDonald, Rosemarie Micklinghoff, Gilbert Pacheco, William Butt, Jim Lamping, John Wojdyla and Pamela Rill

MONDAY, JUNE 23—
2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18 | Ps 60:3, 4-5, 12-13 | Mt 7:1-5
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Carla Herrerias
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Alex Kouchis

TUESDAY, JUNE 24— BIRTH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Is 49:1-6 | Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 | Acts 13:22-26 | Lk 1:57-66, 80
7:00 MORNING MASS
† John and Mary Byrne
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Kevin Cole

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25—
2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3 | Ps 119:33-37, 40 | Mt 7:15-20
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Alice Cusack
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Franziska Katzenmeyer

THURSDAY, JUNE 26—
2 Kgs 24:8-17 | Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 | Mt 7:21-29
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Parish Remembrance Society

FRIDAY, JUNE 27—ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
2 Kgs 25:1-12 | Ps 137:1-2, 3, 405, 6 | Mt 8:1-4
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Apel, Kilcourse and Scanlon Families
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Lawrence Flanagan
1:00 QUINCENEARA
Erica Chavez

SATURDAY, JUNE 28—ST. IRENAEUS
Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 | Ps 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 |Mt 8:5-17
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Mary Rita Conley
1:00 WEDDING
Bridget Ann Stacy and Jordan Michael Walton
5:00 EVENING MASS OF ANTICIPATION
For the People of the Parish

SUNDAY, JUNE 29—  ST. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
Acts 12:1-11 | Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 | 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18 | Mt 16:13-19
8:00 † Bridget Carroll
† Davino Giannoni
9:30 † Marlene Binkley
11:00 † Joseph Cwikowski III
† Domingo Garcia
12:30 † Rosa Amelia Vazquez y la Familia Quiñones:
Ventura, Isidro, Casilda, Domingo, Catalina  y Anthonio

This Week at Queen of Angels

Monday, June 23
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss
-- School Board, 7 p.m., Upper Voss
Tuesday, June 24—
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss
Wednesday, June 25—
-- Citizenship Class, 6 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Sótano de la Iglesia
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:15 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Boy Scouts, 7 p.m., Lower Church
Thursday, June 26—
-- St. Andrew’s Staff Retreat, 4 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Sótano de la Iglesia
-- Men’s Club Basketball, 8:30 p.m., Guild Hall Gym
Friday, June 27—
-- Estudio de la Biblia, 7 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
Saturday, June 28—
-- Eagle Scout Court of Honor, 3 p.m., Lower Church
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Sótano de la Iglesia
Sunday, June 29—
-- Children’s Liturgy of the Word, 11 a.m. Mass, Church
-- Practica del Coro, 11 a.m., Sótano de la Iglesia

Father's Day Blessing

God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always
With a spirit of profound respect.

—Book of Blessings, no. 1733

BENDICIÓN DEL DÍA DE LOS PADRES
Dios, Padre nuestro, por tu sabiduría y amor hiciste todas las cosas.
Bendice a estos hombres, para que sean fortalecidos como padres cristianos.
Deja que el ejemplo de su fe y amor brille.
Concédenos que nosotros, sus hijos e hijas, los honremos siempre
Con un espíritu de respeto profundo.
— Libro de Bendiciones, Numero 1733