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Walking with Moms Update 10/29/2026

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:15:55 GMT

Thank You!

We are soooo grateful for your generosity. The baby bottles/bags returned so far have averaged $40 per bag/bottle! Wow! These donations will help purchase gas cards (so moms can get to work), Kroger cards (for perishables like fruits, dairy, veggies, and meat), clothing gift cards at nearby consignment stores (Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet). And more. Bless you!

November 1 – Time to drop off gently-used toys and clothes for the children of our moms in need. We will need items for 71 children of the moms in need. Donations for ages 1 to 12 – both boys and girls - can be left on the table in the coat room as of November 1.

For further information about WWMIN, check the information counter in the gathering area.

Judy Cornett, 1(859)797-73450 Kathy Marra (859) 229-6383

LITURGY CORNER All Saints and All Souls

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:36:41 GMT

LITURGY CORNER

All Saints and All Souls

We are taking a brief break from our series on liturgical furnishings to explore two important celebrations that begin November, the Church’s traditional month of remembrance: All Saints Day on November 1 and All Souls Day on November 2. Although closely connected, each offers a different perspective on our relationship with those who have gone before us in faith.

All Saints Day, which falls on Sunday this year, is a solemnity, the highest rank of celebration in the Church’s calendar. The November 1 observance became established throughout Western Christianity during the ninth century. Its importance is reflected in the fact that it takes precedence over the usual Sunday celebration.

While we often associate saints with familiar figures such as St. Francis or St. Teresa, All Saints Day celebrates not only those formally recognized by the Church but also the countless holy men and women who have entered heaven without ever being canonized. We celebrate their holiness and ask for their continued prayers on our behalf.

Catholic tradition describes the Church in three parts: the Church Militant (those living on earth), the Church Triumphant (the saints in heaven), and the Church Suffering or Penitent (those undergoing purification in purgatory). Together, we remain one Church united in Christ.

All Souls Day, observed Monday, November 2, turns our attention toward the faithful departed, particularly those still undergoing purification before entering heaven. We offer prayers for them, trusting in God's mercy. The Mass for All Souls resembles a funeral Mass in its prayers and readings. Interestingly, it is one of the few occasions when the priest may wear white, violet, or even black vestments.

At Mary Queen, several traditions help us observe these days. Our Hispanic community prepares a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar in the gathering area, where everyone is invited to place photographs and remembrances of deceased loved ones. The community also gathers for a novena of prayers for the faithful departed. At our All Souls Day Masses on Monday, we will remember parishioners who have died during the past year and present their families with the crosses bearing their names that have been displayed in our chapel.

We invite everyone to our All Souls Day Masses on Monday, November 2, at 8:15am (English, with our school), 5:30pm (English), and 7:00pm (Spanish).

Throughout November, our Book of Remembrance will be available for you to inscribe the names of loved ones. The Church also encourages cemetery visits and prayers for the dead, particularly during the first days of November.

Together, these celebrations remind us that death does not sever the bonds of the Church. We rejoice with those in heaven, pray for those who have died, and continue our own journey toward eternal life.

LITURGY CORNER Liturgical Furnishings: Music Risers

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:40:30 GMT

LITURGY CORNER

Liturgical Furnishings: Music Risers

You may have noticed some changes in our music area over the past few weeks as we prepare for the installation of new choir risers. These improvements will provide a safer, more functional space for our musicians while better supporting their participation in the liturgy.

Our previous risers served us well, but their shallow steps made moving around difficult and sometimes unsafe. They were also somewhat angled toward the congregation rather than the altar, making it harder for musicians to see the projection and participate fully in Mass. The new risers will address these concerns while accommodating more singers, an increasingly important need as our school choir continues to grow and as we gather larger ensembles for Christmas, Easter, and other celebrations.

There is also an important liturgical reason for the new arrangement. Our musicians will now face more directly toward the altar, reflecting the purpose of their ministry. The choir and instrumentalists are not performers presenting music to an audience. They are members of the worshiping assembly who help lead and support the congregation's song, directing own praise and attention toward God.

Throughout the Church's history, choirs have occupied various locations, from spaces near the sanctuary to the familiar choir lofts at the rear of churches. The liturgical renewal of the Second Vatican Council emphasized the full, conscious, and active participation of the entire assembly. While the Council did not require choirs to move to the front, subsequent liturgical guidance encourages placing musicians where their role as part of the worshiping community is evident and where they can effectively exercise their ministry.

Those who remember our former church may recall that space for musicians was quite limited, sometimes requiring singers to stand in the sanctuary for major celebrations. We are fortunate to have a dedicated music area today, and these improvements will help it serve our growing ministry even better.

I have been reluctant to expand the music area at the expense of potential seating, particularly given the crowding at some celebrations and weekly at our 1:00pm Spanish Mass. However, the seats in front of the music area have remained largely unused despite our efforts to encourage people to sit there. The new arrangement will still allow additional seating alongside the risers, and parishioners are always welcome to sit in the music area when needed. You might even find yourself singing with the choir!

We will continue making small adjustments, including additional electrical outlets to reduce cords in walking areas and a monitor to help musicians, especially children, see the projected texts more easily.

These improvements have been made possible through the generosity of a parish family, to whom we are especially grateful. Ultimately, our goal is not simply to create more room for musicians, but to help them better serve the prayer of the entire assembly. Whether singing from the risers or the pews, we are all joining our voices in praise of God.

Walking With Moms Update 10/25/2026

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:15:36 GMT

WWMIN 10/25/26

Profile of an Average Mom

The average mom who comes to Mary Queen for assistance, comes only one time. She experienced some unusual difficulty: (the washer died, the father of the children became violent and was put in jail, the rent money had to be used for a car problem, benefits have been slashed and rent has almost doubled so she needs food for herself and her children.) We assist with a portion of the rent or utilities due.

If they come for food, we meet them at the back door of church then take them to the Food Pantry in the coat closet. We show them the bags available (Kroger pic-up bags are stronger than regular plastic shopping bags), then we step away to the the chapel. Once we feel that they have had a chance to choose items, we re-appear and encourage them to scan the offerings again in case they missed something that they need. They are particularly excited to find something like laundry detergent or a dessert. After gratitude and hugs, she is on her way.

November 1 – Time to drop off gently-used toys and clothes for the children of our moms in need. We will need items for 71 children of the moms in need. Donations for ages 1 to 12 – both boys and girls - can be left on the table in the coat room as of November 1.

For further information about WWMIN, check the information counter in the gathering area.

Judy Cornett, 1(859)797-7345 Kathy Marra (859) 229-6383

Walking With Moms Update 10/18/2026

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:05:25 GMT

WWMIN October 18 Update

Prayers Needed for two pregnant women:

 One has suffered domestic violence and lost the income of that former partner. She has not been able to find work since she is due soon (November). She struggles to stay optimistic about the future and that of her two-year old and the new baby.

 Another is a 15 year old. Her unprepared family just recently learned of her condition.

Since she is due in December, we will shower her on November 14th with needed supplies (stroller, newborn clothes, diapers, wipes, pack-n-play) donated by YOU. If you want to add any other baby items, please call one of the numbers below.

For further information about WWMIN, check the information counter in the gathering area.

Judy Cornett, 1(859)797-7345 Kathy Marra (859) 229-6383

Walking with Moms in Need

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:21:41 GMT

WWMIN Update

This is a Test of the WWMIN Blog