Week of January 20th

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Dear Parishioner,

With the renovation of our church now well underway, our staff thought it was an appropriate time to compile a "prayerful tour" of our worship space. This will be a booklet available to parishioners and visitors which would provide the history and liturgical significance for many aspects of our church building.

Alice Hinkel has agreed to compile this booklet for the parish. The format for each entry will be a scripture quotation, a section of information and a prayer. Since we are anticipating our return to the church in mid-March, I thought it would be helpful to print one section from this booklet each week in the bulletin.

So beginning this week our bulletin will include an installment from "A Prayerful Tour of St. Noel Church." The first entry will feature the narthex. I hope that our reading and praying through this tour will deepen our appreciation for space in which we give glory to God.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE NARTHEX

If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care. (Rm. 12:13)

Our narthex is a place of welcome and hospitality - a threshold or transitional space between our worship space and the outside world. In the early days of the Church, the narthex was a "waiting area" for catechumens and penitents. Today our narthex serves as a gathering space and a place for fellowship after our liturgies. It is also in the narthex that Christians are greeted for the last time as their mortal remains are received into the church building for the celebration of the funeral rites. With the completion of our renovations the narthex will have pass-through openings on either side for the serving of coffee and donuts. This new feature, along with the removal of the secondary set of outside doors will allow for more floor space for our gatherings both before and after the liturgy.

"Gracious and generous God, may we always receive one another with the same love and hospitality offered by your son Jesus."

OFFICE HELP - We are looking for someone who would be interested in volunteering in the parish office on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please call Carole (440-946-0887) for further information.

SEEDS OF LITERACY PROJECT - We have been very pleased with the response to our call to tutor children and adults at St. Augustine Parish Learning Center. So far thirteen parishioners have committed themselves to participate on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. There is now a need for help during the morning hours from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Resource material is available to help an adult successfully complete the GED course and move on to a better life. Children are in need of math and reading help. This project is part of the St. Noel/St. Augustine Partnership. Your help in this important ministry could really make a difference in the life of another person. Ride sharing is available if wanted. To sign up as a tutor or to receive more information, please call our parish office (440-946-0887). Brochures are available in the kiosk in the narthex.

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - Our peace prayer and reflection group would like to make available to you a letter that can be sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, encouraging him in his efforts to foster peace in the world. The letter is available in the Social Concerns section of the kiosk and can be sent to the address in the upper right hand corner, preferably before January 27, 2003. Also, please consider joining us on Sunday, at 1:15 p.m. in the large hall. We also invite you to join us in a daily prayer for peace at Noon, or any time of the day that suits your need and schedule. We have found it encouraging and supportive that other parishioners are remembering the need for peace and reconciliation in our world in their daily prayers.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE - On January 26th our volunteers will be serving the meal at St. Augustine Hunger Center. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk if you are able to lend a hand. After all the Masses on January 25th and January 26th, we will be collecting for our Social Concerns Fund. Also, if anyone would like to bake cookies please bring the cookies with you when you come to volunteer at the Hunger Center or they can be dropped off at church before Mass on Saturday or before 8:00 a.m. only on Sunday. Please put the cookies in the nursery on the counter and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND - In December we collected $10,770.00 Our expenses for December were:

We thank you for your support.

PARISH ITALIAN FAMILY DINNER - On Friday evening, February 7th we will hold our Parish Family Italian Dinner from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The meal is meant to provide good food and a time for us as a parish to come together socially. Tickets which can be purchased at the door, are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (ages 6-12). The menu includes two kinds of pasta, sausage, meatballs, salad, bread sticks, beverage and dessert. We will need members of the parish to volunteer to serve food and to clean up afterwards. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk.

EVOLUTION EVENING - Join us for a dialogue about "Evolution" with Fr. George speaking from the religious perspective and Professor Joseph F. Koonce, Chairman of Case Western Reserve's Biology Department speaking from the scientific point of view. Be sure to bring the questions you've always wanted to ask about this fascinating topic. We will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the large hall on Tuesday evening, January 21st.

WEDDING MUSIC - We will have an Evening of Wedding Music on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. at Divine Word Church, 8100 Eagle Road in Kirtland. This workshop is for engaged couples who will be getting married in 2003, and will feature over an hour of music appropriate for liturgy, as well as a chance to hear parish soloists and instrumentalists. To better assist you in making choices, you are strongly encouraged to bring a tape recorder and tape the session. See you there!

ST. AUGUSTINE CALENDARS - are available in the parish office.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Need a time for fellowship and prayer? The prayer breakfasts are going great! Join us at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st in the nursery for a delicious breakfast, quality conversation and time for prayer. These mornings are open to all men of the parish and your friends--so treat yourself to a well-deserved break!

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for the month of January are as follows: January 23rd - Luncheon consisting of a sub-sandwich and chips. The cost is $4.00 per person. January 30th - Social meeting, we will celebrate birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank. Everyone is welcome to attend the St. Noel Fellowship on Thursdays.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, January 21st from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the nursery as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

PRIME TIME - "SOA - Not Okay!!" - Matt Bartolotta will be our guest speaker tonight (Sunday) at 7:30 p.m. He'll share his experiences from the recent protest outside Ft. Benning, Georgia and we will conclude our thoughts on peace.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is January 28th at 7:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT - Our annual PRIME TIME retreat is scheduled for January 31st-February 2nd at Cedar Hills. Registration forms are due this weekend.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES - Our next session is February 6th at 7:00 p.m. Bring your journals.

YOUNG ADULT THEOLOGY ON TAP - featuring Anthony Camino will be held on Monday, January 27th at Pickwick and Frolic Restaurant, in the Hilarities Comedy Room (2034 E. 4th Street, Cleveland). Anthony will discuss "Choosing Peace in a Nonviolent World." Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar begin at 6:30 p.m., the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation's Associate Board of young professionals hosts the quarterly speaker series. For more information visit www.cdcf.org. There is no admission fee! Reservations are encouraged. For parking directions and reservations, contact Melanie Shakarian at 216-696-6525 ext. 1049, or mshakarian@dioceseofcleveland.org. Also, see kiosk for details.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - The February issue of the Catholic Update is in the kiosk and is entitled "Creating A Place For Peace," and offers reflections for each day of Lent. Please help yourself to a copy of the Catholic Update containing this very timely and important theme.

"MARKED" - will be held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership (Borromeo) on February 22, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This day will include liturgy with Fr. Neil Walters, a concert featuring Who Do You Say I Am and a keynote address from Matt Smith of MTV'S Real World New Orleans Fame and Lifeteen. Advance tickets are $5/person or $11/person with lunch included. Lunches must be ordered before 2/12/03. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10/person (lunch not included). All ages are welcome. For tickets and additional information you may contact Gregg Costanzo at 216-289-0770 ext. 26 or gregg@stfelicitas.com.

THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - will be holding an information session on the financial and legal issues surrounding divorce. Join Domestic Relations Judge, Colleen Falkowski and Pastoral Minister, Gail Roussey as they share their expertise with us. The program will include an introduction to the legal aspects of divorce and dissolution in the State of Ohio, including custody, child support and visitation, along with some tips on how to approach financial planning and other financial and legal implications of divorce such as changing your will and life insurance. Join us at St. Gabriel, Concord Township, on Thursday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. To register or for more information call Karen Jubeck at 440-352-8282.

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED/SEPARATED AND WIDOWED - men and women of all ages are encouraged to attend a weekend designed for those who wish to let go of the painful past and create a more peace-filled future. Presented by people who have "been there" and offer their support. The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND will be held on February 14th at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Call (440-546-9192 or 330-920-0943 for the information on this weekend of hope and healing.

URSULINE COLLEGE - is sponsoring an Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ursuline Educational Center, the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity, 2600 Lander Road in Pepper Pike. This event is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Fedearia Nicholson, Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 440-684-6085.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING - Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby.

THE PRO-LIFE OFFICE, THE INTERFAITH COMMISSION OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND AND CLEVELAND RIGHT TO LIFE -
Cordially invite you to: a prayer service on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at Noon at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center, 18485 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, to celebrate the Christian unity of churches and groups on the issues of the sanctity of human life in commemorating the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.

WILLOWICK RECREATION DEPARTMENT - will hold two winter volleyball camps for Grades 5 through 11 on Sundays, February 2nd and February 9th. Lake Catholic Assistant Coach and stand out players of the year, Diane Rastoka-Sabath and Jessica Sabath will teach fundamentals and game strategy. The cost is $40.00 for each session. Call 440-516-3011 to register or sign up at the Willowick Recreation Department.

THE CLEVELAND ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES - will be offering four courses beginning January 25th. Wayne Simsic, M.A., will teach Francis of Assisi: A Pilgrim's Quest, on Six Mondays: January 27th through March 3rd. Timothy Beal will teach Roadside Religion, on Six Tuesdays: January 28th through March 4th. Alison Benders will teach Christ and Krishna, on Six Wednesdays: January 29th through March 5th. Fr. George Smiga will teach Exploring the Gospel of Luke, on Eight Saturdays: January 25th through March 15th. Details concerning these courses can be found in the red flyers in the kiosk.

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