Queen of Angels Catholic Parish Chicago

Welcome Back to Queen of Angels, A Great Place to Learn!

This past Monday, Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School re-opened its doors to welcome students for the new school year.  At an all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit on Monday morning, students and teachers prayed with Fr. Jim for a school year rooted in faith and gave thanks to God for the blessings of friendship, knowledge and fun.  Our Queen of Angels community joins in their prayers and offers our support to the school as a ministry of our parish.

This year we welcome 385 students from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to grow in faith and wisdom at Queen of Angels School.  We are excited to be able to offer specialized programs through our school for children of different ages, abilities and interests.  Our Arts Alive Program, supported by the Annual Fund, continues to bring performing and visual arts and a spirit of creativity to our classrooms.  A new Early Childhood Bridge program, headed by Queen of Angels parent Mrs. Maria Elting, will help prepare two-and-a-half year-olds for preschool.  An Institutional Advancement office headed by Music Director Mr. Kent Jager will support our school’s development efforts.

Our growing school community includes familiar faces and brand new students and staff members.  This year our 6th, 7th and 8th Graders welcome new teachers Ms. Mary Kate Kvasnika (7th Grade homeroom, Junior High Reading and Literature) and Ms. Margaret Mehan (6th Grade homeroom, Junior High Math).  Mr. John Szymanski, who accompanies the Contemporary Choir on bass guitar and drum, now joins the school faculty as the Music teacher.  Returning teachers include many Queen of Angels alumni: Mrs. Renee Carson (Preschool); Mr. Brian Duckmann (Physical Education); Mr. Donald Elkin (5th Grade); Mrs. Kathy Kelley (Preschool); Mr. Noah Madden (8th Grade); Ms. Katie Manning (Kindergarten); and Mr. Timothy Selgrat (Technology).  Thank you to all those who continue to give back to our school community long after graduation!

Please continue to pray for the students, faculty and staff of our parish school.  By developing the minds, gifts and talents of our young parishioners, we help to build God’s kingdom at Queen of Angels.  Thank you also to all those who support the school through Market Day, Shop with the Angels, major fundraising events and donations to the Annual Fund and Lyman Scholarship.

Beginning next Sunday, September 7, we will welcome students in our Sunday morning CCD classes for Religious Education.  Families with children who attend public schools or non-Catholic private schools may call the Religious Education office at 773-769-4986 ext. 23 to register.

The Cross in Our Lives

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

What goes through your mind when you think of the Cross? My guess is that it isn’t always very positive. When we speak of the Cross, it often relates to reversals in life, the bad luck people experience, suffering and sometimes the mystery involved in how Jesus brings salvation to the world and to each of us. Maybe we’ve reached the point of accepting that life isn’t perfect and that conflicts, ups and downs, are a part of the human existence. Without a doubt the cross is real in our lives. More than anyone else, Jesus knew what it meant to espouse a different value system than the ruling powers in his day. As we continue to follow the scriptures from day to day and week to week, we discover that his views were contrary to many others in his society.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come—death, crucifixion, resurrection. In the selection from Matthew, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where once more he will come to loggerheads with the Pharisees and the Scribes. Peter comes to Jesus’ defense but is quickly silenced and told, “You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do.” Jesus then places a challenge before his followers—and us—if we choose to accept his way, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

As much as we would rather not think about the role of the cross in our lives, it behooves us, as baptized Christians, to pause and reflect how the cross appears in day-to-day living. It isn’t all gloom, and if we believe and trust in the God who called us into being, we may be able to see some positive aspects of the cross in everyday life. Granted, the thought of any type of reversal in life stirs up anxiety and fear.

Following Jesus means that we support a way of thinking that is contrary to what our culture and society supports. Don’t we come face-to-face with this contradiction in our work places or in the way government operates at times? For example, how do we handle financial abuses that may exist in work situations or even in religious and church organizations? Do we have the courage to confront unethical practices that may be responsible for the dishonesty that brings about abuse? Or do we refrain from saying anything because we may be tripped of our position or lose our reputation and the good favor we acquired in our circle of co-workers? This is a hard call, but it may be such circumstances that test our ability to live by the value system that Jesus espoused and that he taught his followers.

Jesus was a strong critic of the hypocrisy he saw in the religious leaders of his day who were so preoccupied with their own importance and the positions they held. We also may face such kinds of dilemmas in life and, I think, that is what brings the cross square before us.

I believe the gospels teach us that living according to the principles of Christ deepens God’s life within our souls. Nurturing the God-life within our spirit enhances the courage, faith and trust needed to live in a genuine, Christian way. This coincides with the other question Jesus presented to the disciples for their consideration: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” Material gains will not lead us to the Kingdom unless we know how to draw the line between having possessions and sharing them.

We’ve all experienced or have seen how materialism cuts into our relationship with God and how it fortifies power and prestige. It leads to no good and separates us from the core of who we are as baptized Christians.

In his commentary for today’s gospel reading, theologian John Shea points out that the cross occurs when there is a persistent striving toward righteousness in a world that is often self-righteous. This is not exactly a comfortable position in which to be. But every time the cross comes into our daily lives, it also opens up a way to the deeper divine life of God within our souls.

We need to let ourselves be taken aside as Jesus took Peter aside and listen to the final word Jesus uttered when he said he would face crucifixion and death. The key to accepting the daily crosses of life is the belief in the resurrection, life everlasting with God. Is it not worth accepting the daily challenges that cross into our lives? It is my prayer and hope that we, as the faith community of Queen of Angels, pray for the courage and persistence to face those challenges that identify us as followers of Christ.

Father Jim Kaczorowski

La Cruz en Nuestras Vidas CON DIOS NADA ES IMPOSIBLE

¿Que les pasa por la mente cuando piensan en la Cruz?  Yo supongo que los pensamientos no son siempre muy positivos.  Cuando hablamos de la Cruz, con frecuencia esto se refiere a reveses en la vida, la mala suerte que la gente experimente, sufrimiento y algunas veces el misterio envuelto en como Jesús trae la salvación al mundo y a cada uno de nosotros.  Quizás hemos alcanzado el punto de aceptar que la vida no es perfecta y que los conflictos, subidas y bajadas son parte de la existencia humana.  Sin una duda, la cruz es real en nuestras vidas.  Mas que nadie, Jesús sabia lo que significaba abrazar un sistema de valores diferente de los poderes que gobernaban en su día.  Mientras continuamos siguiendo las escrituras día a día y semana a semana, descubrimos que sus puntos de vista eran contrarios a muchos otros en su sociedad.

En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy, Jesús prepara a sus discípulos para lo que va a venir – muerte, crucifixión y resurrección.  En la selección de Mateo, Jesús esta en camino a Jerusalén donde una vez mas el se   en- frentará a los Fariseos y los Escribas.  Pedro viene en defensa de Jesús pero es rápidamente silenciado y dicho, “Tu no estas pensando como Dios lo hace sino como los seres humanos lo hacen.”  Jesús entonces les pone un reto a sus seguidores – y a nosotros – si escogemos aceptar su modo, “Quien quiera venir conmigo, debe negarse a si     mismo, tomar su cruz y seguirme.”

Por mucho que no quisiéramos pensar acerca del papel de la cruz en nuestras vidas, nos beneficia, como cristianos bautizados, tomar una pausa y reflexionar como la cruz aparece en la vida diaria.  No es todo sombras, y si creemos y confiamos en el Dios que nos llamó a ser, podemos ver algunos aspectos positivos de la cruz en nuestra vida diaria.  Aceptado, el pensamiento de cualquier tipo de revés en la vida agita nuestra ansiedad y temor.

Seguir a Jesús significa que apoyamos un modo de pensar que es contrario a lo que nuestra cultura y sociedad apoya.  ¿Acaso no nos enfrentamos con esta contradicción en nuestros lugares de trabajo o en el modo como el gobierno opera algunas veces?  Por ejemplo, ¿como manejamos los abusos financieros que puedan existir en situaciones de trabajo o aun en organizaciones religiosas y eclesiásticas?  ¿Tenemos el valor de confrontar prácticas faltas de ética que puedan ser responsable por la deshonestidad que genera el abuso?  ¿O nos desistimos de decir algo porque podemos ser botados de nuestra posición o perder nuestra reputación y el buen favor que hemos adquirido en nuestro circulo de trabajadores?  Es una decisión difícil, pero pueden ser circunstancias como esas que pongan a prueba nuestra habilidad de vivir bajo el sistema de valores que Jesús abrazaba y que enseñó a sus seguidores.

Jesús era un crítico muy fuerte de la hipocresía que veía en los líderes religiosos de su día, quienes estaban tan preocupados con su propia importancia y las posiciones que tenían.  También nosotros podemos enfrentar tales clases de dilemas en la vida y, creo yo, eso es lo que trae la cruz a ponerse frente a nosotros.

Yo creo que los Evangelios nos enseñan que vivir de acuerdo a los principios de Cristo profundiza la vida de Dios en nuestras almas.  Nutriendo la vida-Dios dentro de nuestro espíritu aumenta el valor, fe y confianza necesitada para vivir en un modo genuino cristiano.  Esto coincide con la otra pregunta que Jesús presentaba a los discípulos para su consideración:  “¿Que ganancia habría para uno en ganarse el mundo entero y perder su vida? Las ganancias materiales no nos llevarán al Reino a menos de que sepamos la diferencia entre tener posesiones y compartirlas.

Todos hemos experimentado o hemos visto como el materialismo corta nuestra relación con Dios y como fortifica el poder y prestigio.  No nos lleva a nada bueno y nos separa del centro de quienes somos como cristianos bautizados.

En su comentario de la lectura del evangelio de hoy, el teólogo John Shea señala que la cruz ocurre cuando se está persistentemente procurando alcanzar la virtud en un mundo que es con frecuencia intolerante.   Esta no es exactamente una posición confortable en la cual encontrarse.  Pero cada vez que la cruz llega a nuestras vidas diarias, también abre un camino a la más profunda divina vida de Dios dentro de nuestras almas.

Necesitamos dejar que se nos lleve al lado como Jesús tomó a Pedro al lado y escuchó a la palabra final que Jesús expreso cuando el dijo que el efectuaría la crucifixión y muerte.  La clave para aceptar la cruz diaria de la vida es la creencia en la resurrección, la vida eterna con Dios.  ¿No vale eso el aceptar los retos diarios que cruzan en nuestras vidas?  Es mi oración y esperanza que nosotros, como la comunidad de fe de Reina de los Ángeles, oremos por el valor y la persistencia para enfrentar esos retos que nos identifican como seguidores de Cristo.

Padre Jim Kaczorowski

Announcements, August 31, 2008

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 particu- lar 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.

LABOR DAY SCHEDULE There will be one Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, September 1. All parish facilities, including the school, will be closed in observance of Labor Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2.  In the event of an emergency that requires the assistance of a priest, call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510 and the answering service will contact the appropriate person.

NICODEMUS  MINISTRY When a parishioner dies, the priest leads the wake, or vigil service, and celebrates the Mass of Christian Burial. The final Prayers of Commendation at the  cemetery are led by a lay person.  Why?  Laity are encouraged to lead their brothers and sisters in prayer.  It is a sign that when a parishioner dies, other members in the parish—and not just the priest—pray. Volunteers are needed for this ministry to a grieving family. Follow the kindness of Nicodemus who, with Joseph of  Arimathea, buried Jesus. Training is provided. Call 773-539-7510.

CCD CLASSES TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 7 Sunday Morning Religious Education Classes for Children will begin next Sunday, September 7.  Please join us for the 9:30 a.m. Mass and then accompany your child to the classes held in the school.  If you have any questions or would like a registration form, please call 773-769-4986, ext. 23 and leave a message.

HARVEST JAM NEEDS The Harvest Jam Committee is looking for gift certificates and new or gently used items as prizes for the September 20 raffle.  Items are needed that can be enjoyed by adults, children and the whole family.  To donate, contact Erin Shea at erin@joeshealaw.com or 773-899-0169;  or call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510.

ANKLEBITERS BACK IN SESSION! Are you a parent or caregiver of small children?  Are you looking for an activity to break up your week? Please join us at Anklebiters!  This group is for parents, caregivers and their children aged 3 and under.  We meet between 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday in the motor skills room in the basement of the school.  This is a great opportunity for young families to get together and socialize.  Call Julie Buckert at 773-562-4625.

BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION Earn extra money and supplies for Queen of Angels School by clipping BoxTops for Education coupons from many General Mills products and labels from Campbell’s Soup products.  Please drop labels at school or in the collection basket at church.

DEACONS IN THE CHURCH A deacon is a man who is called by God to a ministry of service. With bishops and priests, the deacon receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders.  He is an ordained minister, who may be married and have children, living in the lifestyle of the laity.  The minimum age for application is 31.  The next Deacon info session for the Archdiocese will be Wednesday September 24 at 3166 South River Road in Des Plaines.  Call Deacon Bob Puhala at 847-837-4564.

YOUR FAITH: YOUR CHURCH The Chicago Catholic Men‘s Conference 2008 will be Saturday, September 6 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This is a conference of men, for men and by men to explore what it means to be a Catholic man today in our modern world. Registration fee is $85 and includes dinner. Register at www.itsaguythingonline.org.

MISERICORDIA FAMILY FESTIVAL Misericordia’s Annual Family Festival will mark its 28th anniversary with live entertainment, children's games, kiddie rides, auctions and raffles, food and drink and lots more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 7 at Ridge and Devon.  Free parking is available.  Proceeds support Misericordia’s programs for 550 children and adults with developmental disabilities.  Call 773-273-2766.

CATHOLIC OUTREACH AT COLLEGE Did you know that at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), University of Chicago (U of C) and Northwestern University there are strong, vibrant Catholic student communities? At each of these institutions, the Archdiocese sponsors a Catholic Student Center for the students that attend the university. A variety of programs from daily Masses, confessions, adoration to bible studies, retreats, lectures on Catholicism, ethics and moral lectures, service trips, social justice concerns and more are offered.

If you are a student or have a child attending any of these universities, contact the Catholic student centers so a connection can be made this fall.  At the University of Chicago, contact Father Patrick Rugen at prugen@uchicago.edu. At UIC, reach Father Patrick Marshall at fr.patrickmarshall@jp2newman.com.  At Northwestern, contact Father Tom Franzman at f-franzman@northwestern.edu.

COME CELEBRATE WITH SPRED Please join us at the 9:30 a.m. Mass next Sunday, September 7 as our three Queen of Angels SPRED communities begin another year exploring faith together.  Simple adaptations to the liturgy will bring more meaning and an enhanced worship experience for our friends with disabilities and all who attend to pray with us.

The mission of SPRED (Special Religious Development) is to welcome all persons with disabilities more fully into the sacramental and worship life of the parish.  The goal is to deepen the experience of worship and to create a sense of the sacred through our prayerfulness and spirit of welcome.

Please join us after Mass as we continue to give thanks for the blessings of our faith with refreshments and warm hospitality in the church basement.  This is an opportunity for all to help our friends feel welcome in this parish family.  It also provides time for you to ask questions and learn more about SPRED.  It gives our SPRED communities a chance to personally thank you for the parish’s generous support of our program and to speak with parishioners about our plans for the new year.

Two of our SPRED communities, those that meet on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, are in need of more volunteers to act as catechists so that we can welcome more friends with disabilities into these groups.  Please consider the invitation not only to celebrate God’s gifts with us at the SPRED Mass, but also to put those gifts into action as a SPRED catechist. With gratitude,

— Queen of Angels SPRED

CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE SCHOOL Chicago Catholic Scripture School  offers Catholic biblical scholarship, prayer and long-term faith formation to help adults bring the light of God’s Word into their lives.  Register now for September classes to be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at  St. Teresa of Avila.  Call 312-243-3700.

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.  Call Joann Salas at 773-583-1371 or email jasworks@myibocs.com.

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time—Our Week’s Work and Prayers

We Remember: Robert Ferris and the Parish Remembrance Society
We Pray For: Pamela Rill, Deacon Ben Nieves, Alicia Constantino, William Butt, Evie Ross, Joe Ledger, June Weber, John Wojdyla, Cleo McDonald, Eduardo Escalante, Meredith Brimstin Martin, Jessica Beltran Garcia, Jeanne O’Neil and Rosemarie Micklinghoff

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1—LABOR DAY
1Cor 2:1-5 | Ps 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 | Lk4:16-30
       10:00 MORNING MASS
  † Joseph Cwikowski III 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2— 
1Cor 2:10b-16 |  Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14 | Lk 4:31-37
7:00 MORNING MASS
  † Dawn Sandburg—Anniversary 
9:00 MORNING MASS
  † Mathilde Ecimovich

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3— POPE GREGORY THE GREAT
1Cor 3:1-9 | Ps 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21 | Lk 4:38-44
      7:00  MORNING MASS
  Susan Duffy
      9:00  MORNING MASS 
  † Apel, Kilcourse and Scanlon Families

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4—
1Cor 4:1-5 |  Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 | Lk 5:1-11
      7:00  MORNING MASS
  † John and Mary Byrne
      9:00  MORNING MASS
  † Alice Cusack

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5—
1Cor 4:1-5 | Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40| Lk 5:33-39
      7:00  MORNING MASS
  † Robert J. Ferris
      9:00  MORNING MASS
  † Parish Remembrance Society
      9:00  WEDDING
  Detlef Sommerfield and Lorena Robledo

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6—
1Cor 4:6b-15 |  Ps 145:17-18, 19-20, 21 |Lk 6:1-5
      9:00  MORNING MASS
  † Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
      3:00  WEDDING
  Michael Nicasio and Kimberly Morris
      5:00  EVENING MASS OF ANTICIPATION
  Susan Duffy

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7— TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
Ez 33:7-9 | Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 |Rm 13:8-10 | Mt 18:15-20
  8:00 † Ludwika and Marian Mika
9:30 † Sean David Barnes—Birthday
      11:00 For the People of the Parish
      12:30 Spanish Intentions

This Week at Queen of Angels

Monday, September 1—Labor Day
-- Mass, 10 a.m., Church
-- All Parish Facilities Closed

Tuesday, September 2—
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Respect Life Meeting, 7 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Baptism Preparation Class, 7 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Wednesday, September 3—
-- Anklebiters Playgroup, 9:45 a.m., School
-- Choir Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m., Lower Church
-- Citizenship Class, 6 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:15 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Boy Scouts, 7 p.m., Lower Church

Thursday, September 4—
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- Commons General Meeting, 7 p.m., School
-- Wedding Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Church
-- Girl Scout Leaders, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Friday, September 5—
-- Eucharistic Adoration, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Church
-- Music Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m., Lower Church
-- Estudio de la Biblia, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- Wedding, 6:30 p.m., Church

Saturday, September 6—
-- Rosary, after 9 a.m. Mass, Church
-- Bautismos, 11:30 a.m., Iglesia
-- Wedding, 3 p.m., Church

Sunday, September 7—
-- Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 a.m., Lower Church
-- SPRED Mass, 9:30 a.m., Church
-- SPRED Fellowship Reception, 10:30 a.m., Lower Church
-- Reunión de Ministros Eucarísticos, 10:30 a.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- CCD Classes Begin, 10:45 a.m., School
-- Practica del Coro, 11 a.m., Salón de Música

"The Chair of St. Peter"

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

One can assume that, because of the public nature of Jesus’ preaching and miracles, news of him spread quickly throughout the towns and villages of the Holy Land. It is safe to assume that people were talking about him and that many had heard of him even though they may not have actually seen Jesus or heard him speak. As we all know, when rumors go around about someone, some of the rumors are usually positive and some are negative, as well as some being true and some being false. In today’s Gospel reading it is apparent that Jesus is aware of the rumors that are going around about him, so he asks his Apostles what they hear people saying about him: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” After hearing their response, he then asks them a more pointed question: “And you... who do you say that I am?”

It is St. Peter who answers him directly, “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God!” This response comes from Peter’s heart and not from his head. It is a response rooted in faith. Jesus realizes the depth of Peter’s response and responds by calling him “blessed.” Jesus validates Peter’s faith by telling him that his response was not formed by something he heard said on the street by other people, but one that had been placed in his heart by God in heaven.

Throughout the gospels, Peter is portrayed as the loving follower of Jesus who is sometimes impetuous and fearful, such as when he stepped up to defend Jesus by cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear, and when he denied Jesus three times even after claiming that he would follow him to the death, and when he refused to let Jesus wash his feet but wanted him to wash his head and hands as well when he found that Jesus would not offer him a place in heaven if he did not. It is obvious in the Scriptures that among all the Apostles, Peter held a special place in Jesus’ heart. Perhaps it was Peter’s irrational loyalty that endeared him to Jesus. Perhaps Jesus knew that, even though Peter was impetuous at times, he acted from the heart and with conviction.

It is in today’s Gospel passage that Jesus chooses Peter as the head of all the Apostles. He chooses him as “the Rock” (the name Peter is from the Latin word petrus, meaning “rock”) on which he will build his Church, against which the powers of hell will not prevail. It was because of this that Peter was looked up to by the other Apostles as an example and guide. As we follow Peter throughout the rest of the New Testament we see a great change in him when the Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles on Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles. We see him lose his fear and go out into the streets to preach just as Jesus had. And it is this great faith that allows Peter to eventually go to Rome with Paul to found the Church there. And it is there that both Peter and Paul meet their death as martyrs for the Faith.

Tradition has it that the early Christians remembered and passed on knowledge of the place of Peter’s burial, and it is over that cemetery that the present-day Basilica of St. Peter in Rome is built.

Jesus’ choosing Peter to be the first pope to head the Church has led to the Tradition of choosing successors to follow in his footsteps. Our present pope, His Holiness Benedict XVI, is the 264th successor to St. Peter. Since it was Jesus who chose St. Peter as the first pope, it is with prayer and meditation that we ask Jesus to guide the process of choosing each of his successors. It is with this openness to the Holy Spirit that we believe that Jesus still guides the Church as a divine institution.

The symbol of the authority of St. Peter and his successors, the popes, has always been the Chair of St. Peter. It is said that the pope fills “The Chair of St. Peter.” In other words, the present pope is said “to be Peter,” and we Catholics place our faith in him because we believe that Jesus works through him, just as he worked through St. Peter.

There is in St. Peter’s Basilica a beautiful and famous sculpture which hangs on the back wall and surrounds the famous yellow alabaster window of the Holy Spirit, which is often seen on television and in pictures of the Basilica. It is a sculpture by Bernini which includes a chair which, according to tradition, is the chair used by St. Peter himself. Whether this is true or not, it serves as a magnificent symbol of the enduring presence of Jesus in the Church through his chosen leaders of the Church.

There have been many who have challenged and denied the faith that St. Peter proclaimed that day in Caesarea Phillipi in the Gospel reading today. This is the faith that we proclaim to believe. Let us proclaim with our Holy Father and millions of Catholics worldwide that same Faith that St. Peter proclaimed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”

Father Tom Lamping

“El Sillón de San Pedro” CON DIOS NADA ES IMPOSIBLE

Uno puede pensar que por la presencia pública de Jesús, que se volaban las noticias de él por los pueblos y aldeas de la Tierra Santa. Es seguro que la gente estaba hablando de él y que muchos habían oído de él aunque no lo habían visto ni oído hablar. Como todos sabemos, los rumores vuelan y algunos son positivos y otros negativos, tanto como algunos son verdaderos y otros falsos. En el Evangelio de hoy se ve que Jesús se entera de los rumores que se estaban circulando de él. Les pregunta a los Apóstoles que es lo que oyen de él en la calle. “¿Quién dice la gente que es el Hijo del hombre?” Después de oír su respuesta les pregunta, “Y ustedes, ¿quién dicen que soy yo?”

Es San Pedro quien le contesta directamente, “¡Tú eres el Mesías, el Hijo del Dios vivo!” Esta respuesta surge del corazón de Pedro y no de su cabeza. Es una respuesta arraigada en la Fe. Jesús se da cuenta de la fe de Pedro y le responde por llamarle “bendito.” Jesús verifica la fe de Pedro por decirle que su respuesta no fue algo que le dijo otra persona, sino algo que fue puesto en su corazón por Dios en el Cielo.

En todos los Evangelios, Pedro se describe por un seguidor amador de Jesús, quien es a veces impetuoso y miedoso; por ejemplo cuando le cortó la oreja del servidor del sumo sacerdote, y cuando negó tres veces a Jesús después proclamar que le seguiría hasta la muerte, y cuando no permitió que Jesús le lavara los pies, pero cuando oyó que no tendría un lugar en el Cielo si no lo permitiera quería que Jesús le lavara hasta la cabeza y las manos. Es obvio que en las Escrituras, entre todos los Apóstoles, Pedro tenía un lugar especial en el corazón de Jesús. Quizá era la lealtad a veces irracional que le ganó este lugar especial. Quizá Jesús sabía que, aunque Pedro era a veces impetuoso, actuaba siempre del corazón y con convicción.

En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús escoge a Pedro como el líder de los Apóstoles. Lo escoge como “la Piedra” (el nombre Pedro viene de la palabra Latina Petrus que quiere decir “piedra”) en la cual construiría su Iglesia, que hasta el poder del infierno no puede destruir. Fue por eso que los otros Apóstoles vieron a San Pedro como un ejemplo y una guía. Se ve un cambio muy grande en San Pedro cuando se les desciende el Espíritu Santo sobre los Apóstoles en el Pentecostés en Los Hechos de los Apóstoles. Pierde su miedo y sale a las calles de Jerusalén a predicar como Jesús. Y era esta fe grande que le ayuda a San Pedro ir a Roma con San Pablo y fundar una Iglesia allá. Fue entonces en Roma donde ambos perdieron sus vidas como mártires por la Fe.

La tradición dice que los primeros Cristianos se acordaron y pasaron a futuras generaciones el lugar de la tumba de San Pedro, y está sobre aquel cementerio que se edificó la actual Basílica de San Pedro en Roma.

Jesús escogió a San Pedro como el primer papa de la Iglesia, y la Iglesia ha continuado la tradición de escoger a los sucesores de San Pedro. El papa actual, Benedicto XVI es el número 264 en la línea de sucesores de San Pedro. Puesto que fue Jesús quien escogió a San Pedro como el primer papa, es con oración y meditación para pedir a Jesús que escoja cada papa sucesivo. Creemos que es Jesús que escoge a los papas si estamos abiertos al Espíritu Santo y que Jesús todavía guía la Iglesia como una institución divina.

El símbolo de la autoridad de San Pedro y sus sucesores, los papas, siempre ha sido el Sillón (Sede) de San Pedro. Se dice que el papa se sienta en “El Sillón de San Pedro.” Mejor dicho, se dice que el papa “Es Pedro,” y nosotros los Católicos ponemos nuestra fe en él porque creemos que Jesús actúa por él, tanto como trabajó por San Pedro.

Hay en la Basílica de San Pedro una escultura bella y famosa, que se coloca en la pared detrás del altar mayor alrededor del famoso vitral amarillo del Espíritu Santo que se ve mucho en la televisión y en las fotos. Es una escultura por Bernini que incluye un sillón que, según la tradición, es el sillón usado por el mismo San Pedro. Esto sirve como un símbolo magnífico de la presencia duradera de Jesús en la Iglesia por los líderes que él escoge.

Ha habido muchos que han desafiado y negado la fe que San Pedro proclamó en aquel día en Caesarea Phillipi en el Evangelio de hoy. Esta es la Fe que nosotros proclamamos y profesamos. Proclamemos con nuestro Santo Padre y los millones de otros católicos del mundo esa misma Fe que San Pedro proclamó, “¡Tú eres el Mesías, el Hijo del Dios vivo!”

Padre Tomás Lamping

Announcements, August 24, 2008

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 Chicago. Larger sizes are being collected for Girls and Boys Town in Back of the Yards, a transitional shelter for teens. A collection box is in the back of church.

HARVEST JAM NEEDS The Harvest Jam Committee is looking for gift certificates and new or gently used items as prizes for the September 20 raffle. Items are needed that can be enjoyed by adults, children and the whole family. To donate, contact Erin Shea at erin@joeshealaw.com or 773-899-0169; or call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510.

JOHN PAUL II STUDY GROUP The John Paul II Study Group has been reading some of the writings of Pope John Paul II and is inviting others to join. Would you like to join the next study? “Familiaris Consortio” will begin in September and study guides are being ordered now. If you are interested, please contact Georgia Montana at 708-788-9531 or jgm7834@pnqusa.net.

GOTHIC LIT STUDY Resurrection High School will offer an adult enrichment class, Humanities 105: The Gothic Story in Literature and Film. Taught by Resurrection faculty member Mike Longo, the featured topics include several short stories from the Gothic period and the novels Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. The class is four sessions and will meet every other week on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Resurrection High School, 7500 W. Talcott, beginning Sept. 9. The fee is $50 and the class is open to all. Call 773-775-6616, ext. 142.

OPENINGS AT ST. GREGORY H.S. Is choosing the right high school still a consideration for this year? St. Gregory the Great High School will host a complimentary dinner and open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the school, 1677 W. Bryn Mawr. Call to reserve a space at 773-907-2100.

MISERICORDIA FAMILY FESTIVAL Misericordia’s Annual Family Festival will mark its 28th anniversary with live entertainment, children's games, kiddie rides, auctions and raffles, food and drink and lots more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at Ridge and Devon. Free parking is available. Proceeds support Misericordia’s programs for 550 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Call 773-273-2766.

SENIOR GROUP OUTING All senior citizens in the 19th Police District (Belmont Avenue Station) are invited to the next Senior Group Outing on Thursday, Sept. 18. The group will attend a performance of “The Boys from Syracuse” at the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook. The bus will leave the station at 10:30 a.m.; cost is $60 per person and includes transportation, luncheon and the show. Call Robin Ratledge at 312-744-5574.

ICON EXHIBITION BENEFIT Iconographer Joseph Malham will host an exhibition of his original icon panels and limited edition reproductions at his studio from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at St. Gregory the Great Church, 5455 N. Paulina. Windows Into Eternity is a benefit for refugees assisted by the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program with the proceeds from the raffle of an icon going directly to the service of these needy families. The exhibition is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call 773-561-3546.

CATHOLIC OUTREACH AT COLLEGE Did you know that at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), University of Chicago (U of C) and Northwestern University there are strong, vibrant Catholic student communities? At each of these institutions, the Archdiocese sponsors a Catholic Student Center for the students that attend the university. A variety of programs from daily Masses, confessions, adoration to bible studies, retreats, lectures on Catholicism, ethics and moral lectures, service trips, social justice concerns and more are offered.

If you are a student or have a child attending any of these universities, contact the Catholic student cnters so a connection can be made this fall. At UIC, contact Father Patrick Marshall at fr.patrickmarshall@jp2newman.com. At the U of C, contact Father Patrick Rugen at prugen@uchicago.edu. At Northwestern, contact Father Tom Franzman at f-franzman@northwestern.edu.

The Church continues to reach out to our young people throught he Newman Centers.

August 24, 2008 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time—Our Week’s Work and Prayers

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, AUGUST 25—ST. LOUIS; ST. JOSEPH CALASANZ
2Thes 1:1-5, 11-12 | Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5 | Mt 23:13-22
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Alice Cusack
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Charles and Mary Huss

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26—
2Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17 | Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13 | Mt 23:23-26
7:00 MORNING MASS
†Mathilde Ecimovich
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Joseph Cwikowski II—Anniversary

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27—ST. MONICA
2Thes 3:6-10, 16-18 | Ps 128:1-2, 4-5 | Mt 23:27-32
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
9:00 MORNING MASS
Susan Duffy

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28—ST. AUGUSTINE
1Cor 1:1-9 | Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 | Mt 24:42-51
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Mary Rita Conley
9:00 MORNING MASS
For the People of the Parish

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29—  MARTYRDOM OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
1Cor 1:17-25 | Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11| Mk 6:17-29
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
9:00 MORNING MASS
† John and Mary Byrne

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30—
1Cor 1:26-31 | Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21 |Mt 25:14-30
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Parish Remembrance Society
1:00 WEDDING MASS
Wendy Martinez and Jose Antonio Segura
3:00 WEDDING MASS
Viviana Piña y Javier Gonzalez
5:00 EVENING MASS OF ANTICIPATION
† Alice Cusack

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31— TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jer 20:7-9 | Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 |Rm 12:1-2 | Mt 16:21-27
8:00 † Narciso, Eufrosina, Leticia & Pedro Dimaano
9:30 † May Byrne—First Anniversary
11:00 † Franziska Katzenmeyer
12:30 Spanish Intentions

This Week at Queen of Angels

Monday, August 25—
-- School Opens, 8 a.m.
-- All School Opening Liturgy, 9 a.m., Church
-- School Early Dismissal, 11:30 a.m.
-- Catechist Appreciation Dinner, 6:30 p.m., SPRED Room
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss
-- School Board, 7 p.m., Upper Voss

Tuesday, August 26—
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Kindergarten Parents, 7 p.m., School
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Wednesday, August 27—
-- Kindergarten Orientation, 9 a.m., School
-- Citizenship Class, 6 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:15 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Preschool Parents, 7 p.m., School

Thursday, August 28—
-- Preschool Orientation, 8:10 a.m., School
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia

Friday, August 29—Assumption
-- Eucharistic Adoration, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Church
-- Estudio de la Biblia, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- Cub Scout Pack Night, 6 p.m., Lower Church
-- Wedding Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Church

Saturday, August 30—
-- Rosary, after 9 a.m. Mass, Church
-- Wedding, 1 p.m., Church
-- Wedding, 3 p.m., Church

Sunday, August 31—
-- Practica del Coro, 11 a.m., Salón de Música

Monday, September 1—Labor Day
-- Mass, 10 a.m., Church
-- All Parish Facilities Closed

“Who Do You Include?”

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

How many Scripture readings reveal a situation in which Jesus is challenged for upholding his Jewish roots? That is exactly what happens in today’s gospel when the Canaanite woman presents her case: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

This woman is not of Jewish descent. She is out of the boundary of Israel, out of the circle of “the chosen people.” But she has heard of Jesus and the good works he rendered to the people of his land. So the Canaanite woman crosses the “boundaries” and presents her plea to Jesus. His reply is shocking, I think, since we are accustomed to hearing and seeing how all-embracing Jesus normally is.

He responds by saying, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel... It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” And the woman comes right back by saying that even dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table. One author goes so far as to say that in all of the gospel stories, this is the only instance in which Jesus appears to lose the argument. The woman presents a case of inclusiveness. Her faith is convincing to Jesus. She calls him “Lord,” implying that he really came for all peoples, regardless of ethnic or cultural origins.

One of the things that strikes me about this story is that Jesus and the Canaanite woman engage in a conversation and begin to dialogue about the differences that exist between themselves. What a lesson for us. It eliminates the block that appears to have been built up between Jesus and the woman. Don’t many of us run into situations where we meet up with strangers or those who are foreign to our culture and way of doing things?

I look at our parish community and see differences all the time. Beyond the boundaries of Queen of Angels, in the larger community of our city, we see and hear people from many varied backgrounds. How do we handle such differences? Today’s gospel story gives us a lead. It is through talking and contact with the other that we can come to know and appreciate who the person is. Granted, language at times may pose a difficulty but there may be other ways of communicating so that a stranger can feel included.

Sometimes there are other occasions which present varied ways of looking at things. We may differ greatly with other people over a variety of issues, be that in the family, in the neighborhood, at parish meetings. We do not see eye-to-eye. Talking it through will help clear the air. We don’t need to agree with the other person necessarily, but we can arrive at a respectful view of someone else’s opinion and come to some kind of consensus. This happens only if we are willing to talk about it and enter into dialogue.

The key element underlying differences is a wholesome respect of the other person. I feel that was truly present in the conversation that occurred between Jesus and the Canaanite woman.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we get an image of how all-embracing and inclusive God is. Isaiah speaks about the foreigners who come to the Lord and how they will be brought to God’s “holy mountain.” He concludes God’s message by saying, “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Does that not imply everyone is invited? People of all races and religions, rich and poor, women, men and children, ordinary folks and those who hold power, lay people and clergy — all are accepted into God’s house.

As a result of thinking and praying about the Scripture readings for today to what is God inviting us? Perhaps we can choose to become acquainted with a new person and invite them into “our circle.” To whatever God may be calling you to broaden your horizon, respond with an open mind and heart. May the prayer, taken from a selection by Remigio Hernandez, direct all of us toward greater openness: “O holy God, heart of heaven and earth, praised be your holy name. Your daughters and sons, from all peoples of the world, regardless of borders, praise you.”

Father Jim Kaczorowski

“¿A quien incluyes?” CON DIOS NADA ES IMPOSIBLE

¿Cuántas lecturas del Evangelio revelan una situación en la cual Jesús es retado a mantener sus raíces judías? Eso es exactamente lo que sucede en el Evangelio de hoy cuando la mujer de Canaán presenta su caso: “Señor, hijo de David, ten compasión de mí. Mi hija está terriblemente atormentada por un demonio.” Esta mujer no es de ascendencia judía. Ella es de las afueras de Israel, fuera del círculo de “la gente escogida.” Pero ella ha escuchado de Jesús y los buenos trabajos que hizo por la gente de su tierra. Así que la mujer de Canaán cruza los “limites” y presenta su petición a Jesús. Su respuesta es chocante y yo creo es porque estamos acostumbrados a escuchar y ver a un Jesús que normalmente abarca a todos.

El responde diciendo, “Yo no he sido enviado sino a las ovejas descarriadas de la casa de Israel... no está bien quitarles el pan a los hijos para echárselo a los perritos.” Y la mujer responde diciendo que aun los perritos comen las migajas que caen de la mesa. Un autor va mas allá diciendo que en todas las historias del Evangelio esta es la única instancia en la cual Jesús parece perder el argumento. La mujer presenta un caso de inclusividad. Su fe convence a Jesús. Ella lo llama “Señor” implicando que el realmente vino para toda la gente, sin importar su origen étnico o cultural.

Una de las cosas que me sorprende en esta historia es que Jesús y la mujer de Canaán se envuelven en una conversación y empiezan a dialogar acerca de las diferencias que existen entre ellos. Que lección para nosotros. Elimina el bloqueo que parece haber sido levantado entre Jesús y la mujer. ¿Acaso no nos encontramos muchos de nosotros en situaciones donde conocemos a otras personas extraños a nuestra cultura y modo de hacer las cosas?

Echo una mirada a nuestra comunidad parroquial y veo diferencias todo el tiempo. Más allá de los límites de Reina de los Ángeles, en la más extendida comunidad de nuestra ciudad, vemos y escuchamos gente de muchos variados orígenes. ¿Como manejamos esas diferencias? La historia del Evangelio de hoy nos da la guía. Es a través de conversación y contacto con los demás que llegamos a conocer y apreciar quien es esa persona. De acuerdo, el idioma a veces presenta una dificultad, pero puede haber otras maneras de comunicarnos para que un extraño se pueda sentir incluido.

Algunas veces hay otras ocasiones que presentan diferentes modos de ver las cosas. Podemos diferir grandemente con otra gente en una variedad de tópicos, ya sea en la familia, en el vecindario, en las juntas de la parroquia. No vemos las cosas de la misma manera. Hablando de ello ayudará a aclarar las cosas. No necesitamos estar de acuerdo con la otra persona necesariamente, pero podemos llegar a ver la opinión de otros respetuosamente y llegar a un cierto compromiso. Esto sucede solamente si estamos dispuestos a hablar de ello y entrar en diálogo. El elemento clave en las diferencias fundamentales es un sano respeto de la otra persona. Siento que eso estaba verdaderamente presente en la conversación que ocurrió entre Jesús y la mujer de Canaán.

En la primera lectura del profeta Isaías, vemos una imagen de cómo Dios es inclusivo y abarca a todos. Isaías habla de los forasteros quienes vinieron al Señor y como ellos serán llevados al “monte santo” de Dios. El concluye el mensaje de Dios diciendo, “mi casa será casa de oración para todas los pueblos.” ¿No implica esto que todos están invitados? Gente de todas las razas y religiones, ricos y pobres, mujeres, hombres y niños, personas ordinarias y aquellos que tienen poder, laicos y religiosos – todos son aceptados en la casa de Dios.

Como resultado de pensamiento y oración acerca de las Escrituras las lecturas de hoy, ¿a qué nos esta invitando Dios? Quizás podemos escoger el familiarizarnos con una nueva persona e invitarlos a “nuestro circulo.” A lo que sea que Dios les esté llamando a ustedes para ampliar sus horizontes, respondan con una mente y un corazón abiertos. Que la oración, tomada de una selección de Remigio Hernández, nos dirija a todos hacia una mayor apertura: “O Dios Santo, Corazón del cielo y la tierra, alabado sea tu santo nombre. Tus hijas e hijos, de todos los pueblos del mundo, sin importar fronteras, te alaban.”

Padre Jim Kaczorowski

Announcements, August 17, 2008

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS ED Children not attending a Catholic School may register for Sunday Morning Religious Classes (Kindergarten through Level 7) and Confirmation Preparation (eighth grade through high school) after all Masses this weekend and next. Registration will be in the Gathering Space at the rear of the church. While sacramental preparation is a part of this program, it is not designed for sacrament preparation only. Classes are structured to help children learn and grow in their faith. Class schedule and an explanation of fees will be given at registration. For information, call 773-769-4986, ext. 23 and leave a message.

In order to ensure we have adequate books and teachers, it is important to register before classes begin.

CHORISTERS IN NEW YORK CITY Three of our Choristers recently returned from attending the Girl’s Choir Course at St. Thomas Choir School in Manhattan. Katie Gerhart, Andie Slein and Hannah Paral were accompanied by Deborah Beien, who is on staff at the course. This is the fourth year Queen of Angels has participated.

This is a great opportunity for our young singers. Our parish community benefits from their increased musical and spiritual skill, knowledge and dedication. See this for yourself by visiting the St. Thomas website. A blog with pictures has been added. Go to www.choirschool.org and click on the Girl’s Course link near the top of the home page.

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 Chicago. Larger sizes are being collected for Girls and Boys Town in Back of the Yards, a transitional shelter for teens. A collection box is in the back of church.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY FRIDAY 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.

WE CAN ALL GIVE TO IGIVE.COM Sign up on iGive.com, designate Queen of Angels as your cause and your online purchases lead to rebates to benefit Queen of Angels Parish— at no cost to you! Simply register and any time you shop online, a little iGive.com logo appears to remind you a portion of your purchase price is automatically kicked back to the parish. What could be easier? And with several hundred stores registered, this is the most painless way to make a difference. Many of the gift cards purchased through Shop with the Angels are also valid through iGive.com, meaning the rebated amount to the parish can double! Give it a shot the next time the idea of hitting the mall turns you off. Many vendors offer free shipping so what could be better?

Try it, chances are you’ll like it!

MARKET DAY MAKES IT EASY Shop Market Day, the food service program that offers restaurant quality food products with a portion of proceeds going directly to the school. Market Day has something for every household. Order forms can be found in the back of church or go to the website www.marketday.com. Internet orders due by noon Wednesday, Aug. 20. Pick-up is 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 in the Guild Hall Gym. For more information, call Nancy Baer at 773-539-7510.

DONATE YOUR OLD CAR TO HELP THOSE IN NEED The Society of St. Vincent DePaul is accepting donated vehicles through our “Vehicles for the Needy” program. Anyone with an unwanted vehicle in any condition is encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation. RVs, boats, golf carts and other vehicles are accepted.

The Society will arrange for the vehicle, the vehicle’s title and keys to be picked up. Donors will receive a receipt for the amount the vehicle was sold for. Vehicle donations help provide emergency assistance with rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing and furniture to help a neighbor in need get through a crisis. To donate a car, call 312-655-7183.

HARVEST JAM NEEDS The Harvest Jam Committee is looking for gift certificates and new or gently used items as prizes for the September 20 raffle. Items are needed that can be enjoyed by adults, children and the whole family. If you have something to donate, please contact Erin Shea at erin@joeshealaw.com or 773-899-0169 or call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510.

JOIN THE FUN IN THE PARK At 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, catch the action in Ravenswood Manor Park at “Teen Night in the Park” with 24*13, a local garage rock band.

On Sunday, Aug, 24, the last event of the season in the park, Rokko Jans’ Legendary Folk Group at 7 p.m. will be featured. Be there or be square!

GOTHIC LIT STUDY Resurrection High School will offer an adult enrichment class, Humanities 105: The Gothic Story in Literature and Film. Taught by Resurrection faculty member Mike Longo, the featured topics include several short stories from the Gothic period and the novels Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.

The class is four sessions and will meet every other week on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Resurrection High School, 7500 W. Talcott, beginning Sept. 9. The fee is $50 and the class is open to all. Call 773-775-6616, ext. 142. Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. —Isaiah 56:1

Velen por los derechos de los demás, practiquen la justicia, porque mi salvación está a punto de llegar y mi justicia a punto de manifestarse. —Isaías 56:1

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.

CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE SCHOOL Chicago Catholic Scripture School of the Archdiocese of Chicago offers Catholic biblical scholarship, prayer and long-term faith formation to help adults bring the light of God’s Word into their lives. Next session begins in September. Register now for classes to be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Teresa of Avila. Call 312-243-3700.

RCIA—COME AND SEE! RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is an opportunity for those who have never been baptized, or baptized with little or no affiliation or religious training in the Catholic religion, to learn and ask questions about the Catholic faith. This includes those who may have been baptized Catholic, but have not yet received their First Communion or Confirmation. Sometimes after the information meetings, prayer and reflection, participants choose to begin the process for becoming Catholic or coming into full Communion. It is important to note, however, that no commitment is expected of participants at this time. Sometimes those of us who have been Catholic our whole lives assume that if others are interested, they will find their own way. Sharing with others, in a gentle way, the information about RCIA may be just what some of our relatives, friends and neighbors would welcome. They may be waiting for an invitation.

RCIA sessions will begin this September and will meet on Tuesday evenings. Call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510 and leave your name and number.

RICA – VENGA Y VEA RICA, Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos, es una oportunidad para aquellos que nunca han sido bautizados o que son bautizados pero con poca o ninguna afiliación o entrenamiento religioso en la religión católica, para aprender y hacer preguntas acerca de la fe católica. Esto incluye aquellos quienes han sido bautizados católicos pero no han recibido su Primera Comunión o Confirmación. Algunas veces después de las juntas de información, oración y reflexión, los participantes deciden empezar el proceso para volverse católicos o para entrar de lleno en la Comunión. Es importante notar, sin embargo, que por ahora no se espera que los participantes se comprometan a nada.

Algunas veces aquellos de nosotros quienes hemos sido católicos toda la vida nos olvidamos de ofrecer esta invitación a otras personas interesadas en pertenecer a la religión católica. Simplemente asumimos que si están interesados, ellos encontraran su propio camino. Compartiendo con otros en una manera amable la información acerca de la RICA puede ser justo lo que algunos de nuestros parientes, amigos y vecinos apreciarían. Ellos pueden estar esperando solamente por una oportunidad o una invitación. Sesiones de RICA se iniciará este mes de septiembre y se reunirá el martes en la noche. Llame al Centro Parroquial al 773-539-7510 y deje su nombre y su numero de teléfono.

Instituto de Liderazgo Cristóforo 773-472-1515 o 773-481-0628 Clases del Otoño Nuestra Señora de Gracia 2455 N. Hamlin Todos son bienvenidos a la sesión informativa. Viernes Septiembre 5, 2008 de 7-10 p.m. Primera Sesión Septiembre 12, 2008 Curso de 10 Semanas Costo $90 por adelantado y $100 en pagos. Adquiera... ¡Confianza en si mismo! ¡Mentalidad Positiva! ¡Personalidad atrayente! ¡Facilidad de expresión! ¡Entusiasmo y optimismo! Elimine temores y complejos, aprenda a recordar nombres, y adquiera dotes de líder.

YOUR FAITH: YOUR CHURCH It’s a Guy Thing! The Chicago Catholic Men‘s Conference 2008 will be Saturday, September 6 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This is a conference of men, for men and by men to explore what it means to be a Catholic man today in our modern world.

Visit the website and register online at www.itsaguythingonline.org. The $85 registration fee includes dinner.

JOHN PAUL II STUDY GROUP The John Paul II Study Group has been reading some of the writings of Pope John Paul II and has found it very rewarding. Would you like to join the next study? “Familiaris Consortio” will begin in September and study guides are being ordered now. If you are interested, please contact Georgia Montana at 708-788-9531 or jgm7834@pnqusa.net.

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 jasworks@myibocs.com.

GOD’S DREAM... ...for married couples is for them to live in an intimate, committed relationship, communicating with trust and tenderness. Isn’t that your dream for yourselves, too? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend helps you move closer to making your dream come true. The next dates are Sept. 19 to 21 or Nov. 14 to 16. For info or reservations, consult www.wwmechicago- gary.org or call Kris and Jim at 800-442-3554.

EXPOSICIÓN DEL SANTÍSIMO LOS VIERNES Haga los viernes un buen día para orar y estar con el Señor. La iglesia estará abierta los viernes desde las 9:30 a.m. hasta las 5 p.m. Entre por la puerta en la Claremont, suba las escaleras y vire hacia la izquierda. Suba cinco escalones más y pase por la sacristía y detrás del altar. Ahí entrará en la capilla de Veneración. El Santísimo estará expuesto. Traiga su Biblia, rosario, libros y sus pensamientos. Pase algún tiempo con el Santísimo. Si usted lo desea, inscríbase para una hora de oración cada viernes. Deténgase en la capilla durante el día para pasar un rato con el Señor en oración. Favor de llamar al Centro Parroquial al 773-539-7510.

August 17, 2008 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time—Our Week’s Work and Prayers Page Seven

We Remember: Members of the Parish Remembrance Society
We Pray For: Pamela Rill, Gilbert Pacheco, Evie Ross, Joe Ledger, Jeanne O’Neil, William Butt, Cleo McDonald, Eduardo Escalante, June Weber, John Wojdyla, Jessica Beltran Garcia and Rosemarie Micklinghoff

MONDAY, AUGUST 18—
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL
Ez 24:15-24 | Dt. 32:18-19, 20, 21 | Mt 19:16-22
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Emmet and Margaret Mehigan
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Albert Tuffey

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19— ST. JOHN EUDES
Ez 28:1-10 | Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab | Mt 19:23-30
7:00 MORNING MASS
Nora and the late Anthony W. Hohner—
Wedding Anniversary
9:00 MORNING MASS
† John and Mary Byrne

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20—
ST.BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX
Ez 34:1-11 | Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 | Mt 20:1-16
7:00 MORNING MASS
Susan Duffy
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Parish Remembrance Society

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21—POPE PIUS X
Ez 36:23-28 | Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 | Mt 22:1-14
7:00 MORNING MASS
† Alice Cusack
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Brendan McCabe Tobinski—Birthday

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22—THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY
Ez 37:1-14 | Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9| Mt 22:34-40
7:00 MORNING MASS
Oberland Family, living and deceased
9:00 MORNING MASS
† Ann and Fritz Armutat

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23—ST. ROSE OF LIMA
Ez 43:1-7ab | Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 |Mt 23:1-12
9:00 MORNING MASS
For the People of the Parish
3:00 WEDDING MASS
Richard Castro and Kristen Driscoll
5:00 EVENING MASS OF ANTICIPATION
† Franziska Katzenmayer

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24— TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 22:19-23 | Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 |Rm 11:33-36 | Mt 16:13-20
8:00 † Adrian Mendoza
9:30 † Barbara and Marino Montera
11:00 † Gertrude “Honey” DeLuca
12:30 Spanish Intentions

This Week at Queen of Angels

Monday, August 18—
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Parish Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Upper Voss

Tuesday, August 19—
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:45 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Wednesday, August 20—
-- Parent Day Set-Up, All Day, Guild Hall Gym
-- Citizenship Class, 6 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Overeaters Anonymous, 6:15 p.m., Upper Voss
-- Boy Scout Roundtable, 6:30 p.m., Lower Voss

Thursday, August 21—
-- Parent Day, 3 p.m., Guild Hall Gym
-- Circulo de Oración, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia
-- SPRED Activity Catechist Workshop, 7 p.m., Upper Voss

Friday, August 22—Assumption
-- Eucharistic Adoration, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Church
-- Wedding Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Church
-- Estudio de la Biblia, 6 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia

Saturday, August 23—
-- Rosary, after 9 a.m. Mass, Church
-- Wedding, 3 p.m., Church
-- CCD & Confirmation Registration, after 5 p.m. Mass, Church Gathering Space

Sunday, August 24—
-- CCD & Confirmation Registration, after all Masses,
Church Gathering Space
-- Practica del Coro, 11 a.m., Salón de Música
-- Bautismos, 2 p.m., Iglesia
-- Reunión de Lectores, 2 p.m., Cocina de la Iglesia