Queen of Angels Catholic Parish Chicago

Protecting God's Children: Training for Adults

VIRTUS TRAINING ON MARCH 2
Part of the mission of Queen of Angels Parish and the Safe Environment Office of the Archdiocese is to train adults how to protect children from sexual abuse and to screen all adults who have access to vulnerable parishioners through Queen of Angels programs.

All clergy, all employees and all volunteers who work with children under the age of 18 or with vulnerable adults (as in our SPRED groups) are asked to help us in this mission by attending a Virtus Training Session (Protecting God’s Children for Adults). Virtus Training is composed of one 3-hour session with a Virtus facilitator at Queen of Angels or at any Virtus session in the Archdiocese, plus monthly ongoing training with short online articles.

Virtus Training will be offered at Queen of Angels from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, March 2 in the church basement. You must be on time and stay for the whole session in order to receive credit for attending. Children under 18 are not allowed. Sign-up is online on the Virtus website.

Winter Fun for Everyone

Join Queen of Angels parishioners for wintertime fun and games. Our adults-only fundraiser Winter Toast needs donations of wine and other items, and all are invited to cheer on our basketball players at Pack the Gym Knight and let loose at the Commons Valentine's Day Family Dance.

Support the Lenten Food Drive

LENTEN FOOD DRIVE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED - NOTE NEW DISTRIBUTION TIME!
The Society of St Vincent de Paul will be collecting food for local families in need during Lent. This is an opportunity to Share what you have with those in need as part of your Lenten almsgiving. Please bring your donation to church during the weekends of March 11, 18 and 25. Do not send alcohol or junk food. Here are some suggestions.

Announcements, Week of March 4, 2012

BAPTISMS / BAUTISMOS
Anthony Danilo Castro, child of Olga and Manuel
Layla Ayde Castro, child of Olga and Manuel
Leo Jesus Castro, child of Olga and Manuel
Michael Alexander Alvarado, child of Annette and Jose
Peter James May, child of Lauren and Adam
Mikaela Arieli Melendez, child of Elida and Christian
Finnian Joseph Tomsheck, child of Jennifer and Brian
Harrison Aiden Weber, child of Deannine and Erin
Ryan Matthew Wilcox, child of Allison and James
Ayden Patrick Culliton, child of Amy and Brian
Briden Thomas Culliton, child of Amy and Brian
Charlotte Rose Eickhoff, child of Christine and Michael
Khloe Harlow Tose, child of Maricel and Leomerr
Aaron Ramon Lopez, child of Maria and Armando

2011 DONATION STATEMENTS If you are preparing your 2011 Income Taxes and would like to receive a statement of your tax-deductible gifts to Queen of Angels in 2011, please contact the parish office at 773-539-7510 or at parish@queenofangelschicago.org. We appreciate your help in caring for God’s creation and preserving our parish’s resources by requesting a paperless e-statement that can be sent to your e-mail account, or statements may be mailed to your street address or picked up during office hours.

¡BIENVENIDOS! ¿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 773-539-3176 para registrarse o arreglar su registración.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Are you new to our parish community? Welcome! Have you recently moved? May God bless your new home! Please visit or contact the parish office at parish@queenofangelschicago.org or 773-539-7510 to introduce yourself, register or adjust your existing registration. Thanks!

HOSTS NEEDED The Parish Social following the 9:30 a.m. Mass needs people willing to help host these gatherings. Gather in the Lower Church and visit with friends while having a light snack. Are you able to bring baked goods or fruit on any given Sunday? Organizations and ministries of the parish are urged to help in this effort. Beverages provided. Contact Walter Rucker at walt501@juno.com, or call 773-539-7510.

JOIN US FOR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ON FRIDAYS 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. Help us keep vigil with the Lord by making time on Fridays for these moments of prayer; you’ll feel closer to God by resting in the divine presence. Please sign in.

EXPOSICIÓN DEL SANTÍSIMO 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 que se halla sobre la Claremont, suba las escaleras y vire hacia la izquierda. Suba cinco escalones más y pase por la sacristía y detrás del altar. Allí entrará a la capilla de Veneración, donde 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. Favor de llamar al 773-539-3176.

LOOKING TO BOARD ELECTIONS If you are interested in running for a board position on either the Athletic, Commons or School Board, the time is now to mark your calendar to attend one meeting in February, March or April to fulfill that eligibility requirement.
-- The Athletic Board will be seeking five candidates to fill four 3-year terms and one 1-year term.
-- The School Board will have four openings, all for three-year terms.
-- Commons will seek to fill the Vice President and Treasurer positions.
Meeting dates and times are posted on the school website. Please give thoughtful consideration to volunteering your time and talents to one of these essential boards.

FRIENDS OF THE POOR BENEFIT The Society of St. Vincent dePaul will host the fourth annual Friends of the Poor Benefit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15 at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $75 per person and will include a champagne brunch, silent auction, pick a prize, 50/50 raffle, Big Raffle and entertainment from Padres on Parade, a group of talented and gifted pastors within the Archdiocese to entertain and delight. Big Raffle prizes include a five-night cruise on the Royal Caribbean with a deluxe ocean view stateroom with balcony (airfare included); 55-inch LG televisions and $250 gas cards. Contact Elvia Rojas at elvia@svdpchicago.org or at 312-655-7182.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE! Continue to clip and bring in your box tops to benefit the classrooms of Queen of Angels. All proceeds from Box Tops for Education will benefit the school library and the winning classroom collecting the most Box Tops will be awarded a pizza party in May. Please clip Box Tops coupons from products including Cheerios®, Betty Crocker®, Pillsbury®, Juicy Juice®, Kleenex® and more. Drop coupons in boxes outside the school office or at the back of church. Each Box Tops coupon is worth a dime to Queen of Angels students. Thank you to all families for your continued support. Currently Mrs. Thilmany’s class is in the lead with Ms. Manning’s and Ms. Larkin’s classes in pursuit. Thank you for your help to Queen of Angels School. We’ll give another update soon!

SUPPORT OUR STUDENT ATHLETES The Athletic Board is looking for people with knowledge of volleyball to coach both our fifth grade girls team and sixth grade boys team. Coaches must hold two practices a week and attend all games. Contact Nancy at nbaer@att.net to volunteer.

DONATE A BOOK FOR A BIRTHDAY The School Library invites you to donate a book in honor of your favorite child’s birthday or half-birthday. A special bookplate will be added to the front of the book that will announce to all readers of the book who donated the book to our library. A photo of the child with the book will be taken and that picture will be displayed on the bulletin board outside the library. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are much appreciated. You can be sure this gift will be shared and celebrated by all our students for many years to come. Thanks to all school families and staff who have participated in the program. Please contact Mrs. Diaz at gdiaz@queenofangelschicago.org for title suggestions.

CATHOLIC LAWYERS GUILD RETREAT Join the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 for a day of prayer, reflection and discussion with Francis Cardinal George. The retreat theme is “Can a Good Catholic be a Good Lawyer? Why Lawyers Need to Pray.”
The retreat will be held at Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Hall and Terry Student Center located at 26 E. Pearson St. Cardinal George will also celebrate mass at St. James Chapel in the Quigley Center before lunch.
There is a $50 registration fee per person, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Law students may attend free of charge. Free parking is available at Holy Name Cathedral. Spaces are limited; registration is required. Go online to dayofrecollection.eventbrite.com or contact parishioner Bill Castle at 773-787-8783 or williamaustin1974@hotmail.com. More information is available at www.clgchicago.org.

TRIP TO HOLY LAND, ITALY Fr. Edward Panek, Dean and Pastor of St. Thomas Becket Parish in Mount Prospect will be the chaplain on the trip to the Holy Land and Italy September 10 to 23, 2012. Stops include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Capernaum, Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Assisi and Venice. All-inclusive fee of $4,699 with airfare included. For more information, email Anthony@Proximotravel.com or call 855-842-8001.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY MASS SET The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 23 in Holy Name Cathedral. Couples married in 1962 interested in attending this celebration need to call the Parish Center at 773-539-7510 to register. For more information, visit www.familyministries.org or call the Family Ministries Office at 312-534-8351.

MISA DE ANIVERSARIO DE BODAS DE ORO La Misa de Aniversario de Bodas de Oro será el domingo, 23 de septiembre del 2012 a las 2:30 p.m. en Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St. Las parejas que se casaron en 1962 y están interesados en asistir esta celebración deberán habír a su parroquia para registrarse. Para más información, visite al www.familyministries.org or llame a la Oficina de Ministerio para la Familia al 312-534-8351.

DO YOU KNOW A VETERAN? Volunteers of America can assist veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, including housing, counseling, transportation and daily living services, financial planning and financial aid. Contact John Fahey at 312-564-2334.

RESURRECTION ALL H.S. REUNION Resurrection College Prep High School will celebrate an All-School Reunion at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Resurrection. Classes that are celebrating a milestone year will be honored in a special way during the evening. Resurrection Alumnae Coordinator Stefanie Thorpe is seeking graduates who are able to reach out to friends and help promote the event to their former classmates. Please contact Stefanie Thorpe at sthorpe@reshs.org or 773-775-6616, ext. 127 for more information. Resurrection, located at 7500 W. Talcott, is the largest all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school on the north side of Chicago. For more information, call 773-775-6616, ext. 129.

TARA CLUB SENIOR MEETINGS The Chicago Irish Immigrant Support’s senior group at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, holds winter meetings on the second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome; membership is not required and there are no fees (excluding trips).
-- The guest will be a Cook County Circuit Court judge. The judge will tell us more about the workings of the Circuit Court and speak about issues of particular relevance to seniors. There will also be time for questions from senior group attendees.
-- Seniors age 60 and older are invited to attend the Golden Diners Lunch Program Tuesday through Saturdays (excluding Wednesday) from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Heritage Center. Join the group for great food and good company.
For more information on any programs, please call 773-282-8445.

BE A HERO FOR MERCY Run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and be a hero to countless youth who need a safe home, a quality education and the chance for a brighter future. Registration for the marathon is open. Contact Amber at 312-738-7567 to start your journey to becoming a hero!

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
March 4 — Lyman Scholarship (with regular collection)
March 18 — Maternity BVM (with regular collection)

Announcements, Week of February 19, 2012

PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY All Queen of Angels facilities will be closed on Monday, February 20 in honor of Presidents Day. The usual weekday Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. The parish office will re-open at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 21. In case of an emergency requiring the attention of a priest while the office is closed, please call 773-539-7510.

SUPPORT OUR STUDENT ATHLETES All are invited to the Athletic Mass at 9:30 a.m. next Sunday, February 26. Our Knights on the boys and girls basketball teams will receive a blessing and medals of Saint Sebastian, patron of athletes. Come cheer on our 7th and 8th grade boys at Pack the Gym Knight this Thursday, February 23. Basketball games begin at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. A small donation is requested at the door. The Athletic Board is looking for individuals with knowledge of volleyball to coach both our fifth grade girls team and sixth grade boys team. Coaches must hold two practices a week and make all the games. Contact Nancy Baer at nbaer@att.net for more info. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak... They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:29, 31

SSVD REFLECTS... In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “...your sins are forgiven.” Indeed forgiving is a divine act of mercy. When we forgive others we are acting in and by God’s power. When we give to the poor, God indeed pours his love, peace and forgiveness into our hearts and into our lives.

2011 DONATION STATEMENTS If you are preparing your 2011 Income Taxes and would like to receive a statement of your taxdeductible gifts to Queen of Angels in 2011, please contact the parish office at parish@queenofangelschicago.org or at 773-539-7510. We appreciate your help in caring for God’s creation and preserving our parish’s resources by requesting a paperless e-statement that can be sent to your e-mail account, or statements may be mailed to your street address or picked up during office hours. Thanks for your support of our parish family!

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES FOR SALE Girl Scout cookies will be sold after the Masses February 25-26 and again March 24-25. Cost is $4 per box. For more information, contact Ann at 773-509-0350.

YUM! PANCAKES AND SAUSAGE Save the date! Cub Scout Pack 3894 will host the annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 25. Tickets are available from all Cub Scouts. Tickets are $5 for adults and children age 13 and up; $3 for seniors and children 2 to 12.

SHARE OUR AMERICAN FREEDOMS In 2010, a total of 619,913 people who came to this country as immigrants swore the oath of allegiance and became U.S. Citizens. Requirements in this process include multiple applications, interviews and tests, in order to ensure that naturalized citizens have familiarity with American government and history, a working knowledge of the English language and good moral character.
The road to citizenship can be long and difficult. At Queen of Angels, a ministry exists to help our brothers and sisters who have begun this process and are studying for the interviews and examinations. Help is needed to lead these classes, which are offered free of charge as a service to the community.
Volunteers must be patient, caring and able to keep up on current events and changes in immigration regulations. Internet access, teaching skills, or competence in a foreign language can be helpful but are not necessary. Most important is a love of the United States and the freedoms that we enjoy, including the freedom to adopt this country as one’s own. Training is available from Deacon Ben Nieves, who has taught the class for 14 years. U.S. Citizenship Classes are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at the Parish Center. For more information, to volunteer or sign up for the class, please call the parish office at 773-539-7510.

HELP YOURSELF TO MARKET DAY Market Day provides restaurant quality results and helps Queen of Angels School, too! Pick up a Market Day order form in church or school or visit www.marketday.com to see more than 200 quality food items. Market Day has healthy snacks, quick entrees, and a long line of convenience foods. Market Day has been a long-time presence at Queen of Angels for a reason: the items are high quality and the profits go directly to the school. This is a great way to help Queen of Angels School with very little effort. Online Market Day orders are due by 11 p.m. Wednesday, February 22. Pick-up will be 9:15 a.m. Saturday, February 25 in the Lower Voss Center. If you would like to help, call Nancy at 773-539-7510.

DONATE A BOOK FOR A BIRTHDAY The School Library invites you to donate a book in honor of your favorite child’s birthday or half-birthday. A special bookplate will be added to the front of the book that will announce to all readers of the book who donated the book to our library. A photo of the child with the book will be taken and that picture will be displayed on the bulletin board outside the library. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are much appreciated. You can be sure this gift will be shared and celebrated by all our students for many years to come. Thanks to all school families and staff who have participated in the program. Please contact Mrs. Diaz at gdiaz@queenofangelschicago.org for title suggestions.

“SHOP WITH THE ANGELS” UPDATE Gather your papers, receipts and supplies to prepare taxes. Through Friday, March 2, a Staples gift card will be loaded with a little extra money! When you purchase a $25 Staples card, the card will have a value of $26.25 and when a $100 Staples gift card is purchased, that card is worth $105. Staples’ everyday savings, combined with the extra money added to your gift card, makes Staples a great source for all the tools and supplies needed. Stop by the table in the Gathering Space after Mass to find answers for all your shopping needs.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE! Continue to clip and bring in your box tops to benefit the classrooms of Queen of Angels. All proceeds from Box Tops for Education will benefit the school library and the winning classroom collecting the most Box Tops will be awarded a pizza party in May. Thank you to all families for your continued support. Currently Mrs. Thilmany’s class is in the lead with Ms. Manning’s and Ms. Larkin’s classes in hot pursuit. Thank you for your help to Queen of Angels School. We’ll give another update next month!

ST. ANDREW FISH FRY PLANNED The first annual St. Andrew Fish Fry will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 24 in the gym at Addison and Paulina. A fish basket is $10, mac and cheese basket is $5. BYOB. Visit www.saintandrewchicago.com to order your dinners.

CATHOLIC LAWYERS GUILD RETREAT Join the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 for a day of prayer, reflection and discussion with Francis Cardinal George. The retreat theme is “Can a Good Catholic be a Good Lawyer? Why Lawyers Need to Pray.” The retreat will be held at Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Hall and Terry Student Center located at 26 E. Pearson St. Cardinal George will also celebrate mass at St. James Chapel in the Quigley Center before lunch. There is a $50 registration fee per person, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Law students may attend free of charge. Free parking is available at Holy Name Cathedral. Spaces are limited; registration is required. Go online to dayofrecollection.eventbrite.com or contact parishioner Bill Castle at 773-787-8783 or williamaustin1974@hotmail.com. Visit www.clgchicago.org for more information.

REFLECTION FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS St. Clement Church will sponsor “Love and Loss of a Child: Reflection for Grieving Mothers as a half-day retreat on Saturday, February 25. This reflection is for mothers who have suffered miscarriage, infertility or loss of a child, no matter how long it has been. This will be a special time of reflection, healing and hope. The healing journey after the loss of a child can take many twists and turns, including navigating through grief and finding comfort. Carol Regina Winter, mother of six, will reflect on her experience with the death of two children. There will be break-out sessions on the topics of infertility, miscarriage and loss of a child. Contact St. Clement Church at 773-281-0371 for more information.

BE A HERO FOR MERCY Run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and be a hero to countless youth who need a safe home, a quality education and the chance for a brighter future. Registration for the marathon is now open. Contact Amber at 312-738-7567 or ambcer@mercyhome.org to start your journey to becoming a hero!

JOYFUL AGAIN There will be a retreat/workshop for widows and widowers who want to find joy in living again. The event, sponsored by Rainbow Hospice, will be March 17-18 at Resurrection Health Care, Holy Family Medical Center, 100 N. River Road, Des Plaines. For information or to register, call 708-354-7211.

TARA CLUB SENIOR MEETINGS The Chicago Irish Immigrant Support’s senior group at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, holds winter meetings on the second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome; membership is not required and there are no fees (excluding trips).
-- On Thursday, February 23, a clinician from Swedish Covenant Hospital will speak about chronic pain and techniques to manage it.
-- Seniors age 60 and older are invited to attend the Golden Diners Lunch Program Tuesday through Saturdays (excluding Wednesday) from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Heritage Center. Join the group for great food and good company.
For more information on any programs, please call 773-282-8445.

FRIENDS OF THE POOR BENEFIT The Society of St. Vincent dePaul will host the fourth annual Friends of the Poor Benefit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15 at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $75 per person and will include a champagne brunch, silent auction, pick a prize, 50/50 raffle, Big Raffle and entertainment from Padres on Parade, a group of talented and gifted pastors within the Archdiocese to entertain and delight. Big Raffle prizes include a five-night cruise on the Royal Caribbean with a deluxe ocean view stateroom with balcony (airfare included); 55-inch LG televisions and $250 gas cards. Contact Elvia Rojas at Elvia@svdpchicago.org or at 312-655-7182.

WWME WEEKENDS SET The readings today talk about the healing power of God. God heals the same today as he did in Old and New Testament times. Allow God to work and move in to your marriage relationship; attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend and let God strengthen, renew and rekindle your relationship. Deepen your communication, strengthen your relationship, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending one of the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends for the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area on March 30-April 1; June 8-10; or September 7-9. Early registration is highly recommended. For reservations or information, contact Jim or Kris at www.wwmechicago-gary.org or 800-442-3554.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
February 19 — Maternity BVM (with regular collection)
February 22 — Ash Wednesday
March 4 — Lyman Scholarship (with regular collection)
March 18 — Maternity BVM (with regular collection)

2012 Winter Toast is Next Month

Preparations continue for Winter Toast, our parish's largest fundraiser, on Saturday, February 25. Purchase raffle tickets, donate to the auctions or 100-bottle wine cellar, or volunteer your time to help this event be a great success in raising much-needed funds for our church and school.

Spread the Warmth This January

All are invited to reach out to others this January with a Baby Bottle project to benefit moms in crisis pregnancies at the Women's Center, or consider giving your time to lead others to U.S. citizenship. Please note that the St. Vincent de Paul clothing box has been moved to the St. Matthias parking lot.

Announcements, Week of January 8, 2012

All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. — Psalm 72:11
Ante él se postrarán todos los reyes y todas las naciones. — Salmo 72:11

PROMISE FULFILLED Isaiah reminds the people of God that the land shall be restored to their possession, they shall rejoice to see their people return from the bondage of exile, and they shall be a light to the nations. In other words, through the people of Israel, the Savior shall come to all people who seek God with a sincere heart. This brings joy and the radiance of God’s glory to all the world and to all people everywhere. Through the fidelity of the people of God, and through God’s fidelity to them, all people shall become God’s children and rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel.

HELP YOURSELF TO MARKET DAY Market Day provides restaurant quality results and helps Queen of Angels School, too! Pick up a Market Day order form in church or school or visit www.marketday.com to see more than 200 quality food items. Market Day has healthy snacks, quick entrees, and a long line of convenience foods. Market Day has been a long-time presence at Queen of Angels for a reason: the items are high quality and the profits go directly to the school. Make a difference and do some grocery shopping along the way. This is a great way to help Queen of Angels School with very little effort. Online Market Day orders are due by 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 25. Pick-up will be 9:15 a.m. Saturday, January 28 at the Guild Hall. If you would like to help, call Nancy at 773-539-7510.

HOSTS NEEDED The Parish Social following the 9:30 a.m. Mass needs people willing to help host these gatherings. Would you care for some coffee, some juice or a donut? If you attend the Parish Social on Sundays, you know you’re at the right place. Gather in the Lower Church and visit with friends while having a light snack. Are you able to bring baked goods or fruit on any given Sunday? If so, please call the Parish Center and leave your name and phone number. Organizations and ministries of the parish are urged to help in this effort. Beverages will be provided. Contact Walter Rucker, walt501@juno.com, or call 773-539-7510.

PLEASE COLLECT THOSE BOXTOPS! Each Box Tops coupon is worth a dime to Queen of Angels students. Local grocer Jewel-Osco is currently offering bonus Box Top coupons this week that can help the school earn even more money. Last year, our school earned more than $300 for our school library and classrooms through this program. Please clip Box Tops coupons from products including Cheerios®, Betty Crocker®, Pillsbury®, Juicy Juice®, Kleenex® and more. Drop coupons in boxes outside the school office or at the back of church. Contact Mrs. Allen at aallen@queenofangelschicago.org or Mrs. Diaz at gdiaz@queenofangelschicago.org for more information.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Are you new to our parish community? Welcome! Have you recently moved? May God bless your new home! Please visit or contact the parish office at parish@queenofangelschicago.org or 773-539-7510 to introduce yourself, register or adjust your existing registration. Thanks!

MINISTERS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES The shortest verse in the entire Bible is: “And Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Why does that short sentence merit its own verse? Perhaps it is because at that moment, Jesus does what we all may do when someone we love dies: he grieves for a friend. Will you volunteer to help a grieving family by praying with them at their loved one’s final resting place? The consolation and prayers you offer are a sign of the parish’s love and support. Follow the kindness of Nicodemus who, with Joseph of Arimathea, buried Jesus. Training is provided. The need is especially urgent for a Nicodemus Minister who speaks Spanish. This ministry may be a good fit for a parishioner who is retired, works from home, or has flexible time during the late morning and early afternoon hours any day Monday through Saturday. Call 773-539-7510.

MINISTERIO NICODEMO Cuando un miembro de la parroquia fallece, el sacerdote guía el velorio o servicio de vigilia y celebra la misa de entierro cristiano. Sin embargo, las Oraciones de Elogio finales en el cementerio son guiadas por un laico. ¿Por qué? Los laicos son invitados a guiar a sus hermanos y hermanas en oración.
Es un signo que cuando un miembro de la parroquia muere, otros miembros de la parroquia, y no sólo el sacerdote, rezan. Para el Ministro Nicodemo, este es un ministerio de ternura a una familia en tristeza y también uno de satisfacción personal. ¿Puede usted hacer tiempo para este esfuerzo? Se necesitan voluntarios, especialmente aquellos disponibles para los funerales durante la semana. Este ministerio, que ha formado parte de Reina de los Ángeles por mucho tiempo, está comenzando en más parroquias a través de la arquidiócesis.
Con sus compañeros de la parroquia, siga en los pasos de la amabilidad de Nicodemo quien, con José de Arimatea, enterró a Jesús. Formación, orientación y manual serán proveídos. Llame al 773-539-3176.

WILL YOU ASSIST THE LYMAN FUND? Once a month, the collection includes the monthly Lyman Scholarship Fund. The Lyman Scholarship Fund was established to help families in need of assistance in making a tuition payment. We are united by our commitment to “the sharing of faith and knowledge,” as our Parish Mission Statement declares, even in the face of economic uncertainty and the rising costs of educating a child. A growing number of families need assistance from the Lyman Fund. Use the green envelope provided in your envelope packet or place your donation in any envelope marked “Lyman Fund.” The Lyman collection is the first Sunday of the month but donations are accepted at any time. Helping a family in need continues the purpose of our church. Thank you.

READY FOR ANKLEBITERS? Are you a parent of a small child? Join us Mondays when school is in session at 10 a.m. in the school basement. Enter using the north play lot entrance and arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to sign in. This group is for parents, caregivers and their children aged 3 and under. Call 773-255-8133.

ESPERANZA: UNA HISTORIA MIGRANTE “Fuí forastero y ustedes me recibieron...” (Mateo 25:35). María es una madre de cuatro hijos pequeños con edades de 6, 4 y 2 años y un bebe recién nacido. Mientras aún se encontraba embarazada con el hijo (ahora recién nacido), su esposo, el padre de sus hijos, se fue por la mañana de un lunes a trabajar en los campos de Michigan. Él nunca volvió a casa aquel viernes. Fue detenido por una infracción menor de tránsito. A pesar de su arduo trabajo, el haber estado en Estados Unidos por 9 años y con 4 hijos, pequeños nacidos en EE. UU., lo deportaron antes de que María lo pudiera localizar. María carecía de una fuente de ingresos y no tenía a dónde acudir y por lo tanto se fue a la Iglesia. La Pastoral Migratoria le ayudó a pagar el alquiler y otros gastos necesarios. También con la ayuda de uno de los párrocos de la Iglesia, sus niños se matricularon en la escuela parroquial. Contacte a Elena Segura en la Oficina para Asuntos de Inmigrantes y Educación sobre Inmigración al esegura@archchicago.org o al 312-534-5333.

BLESSING OF RINGS AT GUERIN Alumnae of the former Mother Theodore Guerin High School are invited to have their Guerin class rings blessed again when the current juniors of Guerin Prep receive their class rings at the annual ring ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, February 3 in the Cuny Auditorium, 8001 W. Belmont Ave. A chocolate and wine reception will follow. For more information, call Tina Eiternick-Lilly at 708-437-4730.

DO YOU KNOW A VETERAN? Volunteers of America can assist veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, including housing counseling; transportation and daily living services, financial planning and financial aid. Please contact John Fahey at Volunteers of America at 312-564-2334.

VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM The Society of St Vincent DePaul’s Wheels for the Needy program welcomes donations of cars, trucks, vans, boats—any vehicle that runs! The Society sells your vehicle at auction and proceeds are used to support those in need. A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the Queen of Angels Conference for the poor in our community. To donate, call Elvia Rojas at 312-655-7182.

INSTITUTO DE LIDERAZGO CRISTÓFORO ¿Le gustaría confiar en si mismo, tener una mentalidad positiva, una personalidad atrayente, expresarse con facilidad, ser entusiasta y optimista? ¡No busque más! ¡Tenemos justamente lo que necesita! El Instituto de Liderazgo Cristóforo esta ofreciendo clases para aquellas personas que quieran eliminar sus temores y complejos, recordar nombres y adquirir dotes de líder. Inscríbase para nuestras clases de invierno este 21 de enero de 7 a 10 p.m. en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced localizada en el 4432 N. Troy. El curso es de 3 horas por semana durante 10 semanas por un costo total de $100. Si tiene alguna pregunta favor de llamar al 773-472-1515 o al 773-481-0628. La primera sesión será este 28 de Enero a las 7 p.m.

UNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) and the Church Women United of Greater Chicago will present the Annual Christian Unity Prayer Breakfast at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 24. The event will be at the Rosemont Hilton /Chicago O’Hare, 5550 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and the cost is $22. Reservations must be received at the ACCW by January 16. Late registration or at the door will be $27. Send in reservations to the ACCW/Chicago, Unity Breakfast Committee, 3525 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago, 60653-1402. Please print legibly the names of those attending. Name tags will be held at the reservation table.

HAPPY HOUR PLANNED There will be a multi-parish Happy Hour from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, January 13 at Finley Dunne's, 3458 N. Lincoln Ave. Please contact funncommittee@yahoo.com for more information.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
January 15 — Church in Latin America
January 22 — Sharing: Maternity BVM Parish (with regular collection)

Thanksgiving Food Drive Thank You

“For I was hungry and you gave me food.” — Matthew 25:35

SSVD SAYS THANKS FOR FOOD DRIVE SUCCESS
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks its many benefactors and donors for the success of the recent Thanksgiving Food Drive. Through the generosity and hard work of so many people, over 60 families received items they needed in time for their Thanksgiving feasts, as well as artificial Christmas trees through our collaboration with Project Tannenbaum.

Holiday Treats, Trimmings and Trinkets

The holiday season brings several festive fundraisers to Queen of Angels. Support our parish ministries by shopping at the SPRED Holiday Nut Sale after weekend Masses, the Christmas Tree Sale in our parking lot, and a Stella and Dot Jewelry show on December 7 in the Voss Center. Our ongoing Shop with the Angels gift card program and online shopping through iGive.com are simple ways to send a percentage of your holiday purchases back to the church or school. Please support Queen of Angels by thinking of us when you're looking for holiday treats, trimmings and trinkets this year.