Week of April 7th

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

New Stations of the Cross have been installed in our church. We are accustomed to seeing the Stations of the Cross fixed on the walls of a church. Our stations are hand carved pavers inserted into the church's new slate floor. To understand the reason for this location, one must appreciate the history and purpose of the stations. The Stations of the Cross originated early in the history of the Church. It was the custom of pilgrims visiting Jerusalem to walk the path which Christ walked from Pilate's house to Calvary. Those who made this prayerful journey desired to continue using it when they returned to their home countries. Moreover, those who could not afford a trip to Jerusalem also wanted to benefit from this unique form of prayer. In the fourteenth century when Franciscan Brothers were entrusted with care of the holy places in Jerusalem, they promoted the devotion of the Way of the Cross by installing fourteen markers in parish churches which people could walk and thereby spiritually follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Although it became the practice to have pictures for each station, such images are optional. What is required for the stations are fourteen crosses each of which marks a particular step of Jesus' journey. The guidelines of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Built of Living Stones, (#132-34) note that the Stations of the Cross is a devotion which should emphasize an actual movement or journey. This movement from place to place is a symbolic action which invites us to enter into the passion and death of the Lord and serve as a manifestation of the Pilgrim Church on its homeward journey to heaven. The Bishops urge those who are installing stations to do so in a way that allows space for movement and encourages those praying the stations to realize that they are making an actual journey.

By placing our stations in the floor of the church we are choosing to emphasize this devotion as one that calls us to move physically from place to place. The fourteen pavers in our floor allow those making the stations to walk on them, thus characterizing this devotion as a true "Way" of the Cross.

Both the design and placement of our stations were determined in a meeting last year which was held with the parishioners who have chosen to memorialize a station as part of our parish Foundation for the Future Campaign. Some of the stations have yet to be memorialized and if anyone is interested in doing so, I ask them to please contact me. Our stations employ the cross in the form of a "Jerusalem Cross" which is a larger cross with four smaller crosses located between its arms. The five crosses symbolize the five wounds of Christ.

Some people have expressed to me their reluctance to step on the stations. Let me assure you that there is no disrespect in doing so. Those of you who have traveled abroad to historic basilicas and cathedrals will realize that the placing of images and crosses in the floors of churches is a common ancient practice. Plaques, inscriptions and even tombs were regularly inserted into church floors. Those who walked on such markers were not showing disrespect but rather contact and approval with the spiritual intentions which motivated their location in the church building. Our stations invite you to make physical contact with them. It is our hope that this will enhance your experience of praying the Stations of the Cross. But the presence of the stations in our floor also serves as a reminder. Each time we enter the church and step on one of the stations we should call to mind that we have entered a holy place where Christ's sacrifice for us is honored. At the same time we should remember that we are called to be holy people through our union with Jesus' saving mystery.

You may pray the Stations of the Cross in our church whenever you wish. The first station is located towards the front of the church close to the baptismal font. The stations follow a clockwise pattern around the church returning to the altar. We will have booklets to guide your prayer in the kiosk. I believe you will find the experience of "walking" the stations in our church spiritually enriching. Even though the "Way of the Cross" is a personal devotion, we have asked Fr. Robert Marva, Pastor of The Conversion of St. Paul Shrine in Cleveland to lead us in a blessing of our new stations. The service will take place this Friday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the church. All are invited to join us for this special "Way of the Cross".

Fr. George Smiga

LENTEN LITURGICAL MUSIC: The text of this week's preparation chant is: I will confess to you, Lord, with my whole heart. Give back to your servant. I shall live and keep your words. Enliven me according to your Word, Lord.

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE PROCESSIONAL CROSS

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Mt. 16:24)

Our processional cross, carved from ashwood by Norbert Koehn, is a reminder to us of Christ's paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that suffering, when united with the passion and death of Christ, leads to redemption. The design of the corpus is such that it also provides a strong hint of resurrection. Christ's body has an upward movement, reminding us that death will not have the final word for the Lord, or for us. This cross always has a prominent place in our sanctuary and during special seasons and at funerals is used to lead the procession into church.

"Christ crucified, sustain us with your courage in times of trial and grant us a steadfast faith in life eternal."

EUCHARIST MINISTERS AND SACRISTANS - Please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchenette if you are able to help with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday liturgies.

PALM SUNDAY - Next weekend is Palm Sunday- all of our liturgies will begin in the large hall and we will process to the church, weather permitting.

HOLY THURSDAY ADORATION - There will be a period of personal prayer time before the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening until 11:00 p.m. in the large hall. We encourage parishioners to sign up on the kiosk for one of these times.

BULLETIN ARTICLES - for the weekend of April 19th/20th need to be in the office by Tuesday, April 8th.

HEALING MINISTRY - Please join us this Wednesday evening at our 6:45 p.m. liturgy for Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. You need not carry heavy burdens or suffer alone, our community is here to support you and pray for you. After Mass, prayer teams are available to pray with you if you desire.

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES - This Friday will be our last fish fry for this year. The fish fries are from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. and volunteers are needed for serving and clean-up. Sign up on the kiosk if you can help. Also, Randy needs volunteers who can help set-up fish fries on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. If you can help please call the hall office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - Our prayer and reflection group will continue to meet from 1:15 to 2:00 p.m. in the nursery for the remaining Sundays of Lent. There will be no gathering on Easter and after Easter we will move our time to 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. because of the Mass schedule change. The group invites you to continue to add the names of people in the armed services to the list on the kiosk so that we might pray for their protection and guidance as we continue to pray for a quick conclusion to the war in Iraq.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for April are as follows: April 10th - Luncheon consisting of cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad and cherry pie. The cost is $6.00 per person. April 17th - NO MEETING. April 24th - Social meeting, we will celebrate birthdays & anniversaries. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, April 15th 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 - See you tonight at 7:30 p.m. Do the Dew.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session this Tuesday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. Bring your Bibles.
EASTER HAMS - This is the final weekend that you can sign-up at the table in the narthex to purchase your spiral-sliced ham through PRIME TIME, our awesome high school youth group! These delicious hams are fully cooked and vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness, and at $4.75 per pound (no increase from last year), they're the best value in town!! Last year, over 130 people enjoyed these hams, and we hope to increase that number this year. Stop at the table after Mass. You can also order by calling 440-946-6635 (the hall) or 440-946-1128 X 20 (Anthony).

GORDON FOOD SERVICE - Fliers are available in the kiosk - Please support our youth ministry and use your Fun Funds cards. You can check it out online www.gfsmarketplace.com.

NOEL MOVERS - We are in need of beds washers, dressers, and and any furniture in good condition. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 X 20) if you can help.

SIX FLAGS TICKETS - Once again, Six Flags has a great promotional price for tickets. The Christian Youth Festival is scheduled for May 17, 2003 and Catholic Family Day is scheduled for June 6, 2003. Tickets for both these events are only $15.50/person and must be purchased advance. Orders for May 17th must be postmarked by April 17th. Orders for June 6th must be postmarked by May 2nd. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 x 20) if interested in purchasing tickets. See the kiosk for details.

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS - The inaugural season is here, and group tickets are only $7/person. These are box seats within 17 rows of the field! If anyone is interested in organizing a group outing, please call Anthony (440-946-1128 x 20).

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES - We are meeting this Thursday, April 10th from 7-9:00 p.m. Bring your journals.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Bishop Pilla will celebrate the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration this year at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, July 27, 2003. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1953). Deadline for registration is June 13, 2003. Please call the parish office (440-946-0887) to register.

FOR CATHOLICS WHO ARE DIVORCED OR LEGALLY SEPARATED - A self-help reflection and affirmation program called Divorce and Beyond will be held at St. Paschal Baylon, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, beginning Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. For more information or to join please call 440-442-3410, ext 106.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED CATHOLICS OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - are invited by the Catholic Churches of Lake & Geauga counties - to an Evening of Reflection, Reconciliation, and Healing on Thursday, April 24, 2003, at St. Mary Magdalene Church Activity Center - Multipurpose Room, Willowick, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Join Fr. Patrick Henry as he facilitates this special evening devoted to those who are suffering from the hurt, confusion, and loneliness of separation and divorce. For more information, please call 440-352-8282.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED CATHOLICS OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - will be attending the 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Bede Church in Mentor on April 12th and gathering for fellowship afterwards. For more information, please call 440-974-8769.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES - Your spouse is suffering from Alzheimer's and you're afraid to leave her or him alone at home. You want a safe and cheerful place where he or she will be well cared for call Catholic Charities St. Anthony's Adult Day Center located in Wickliffe. Safe, cheerful, and caring. We can help you! (440-943-7800).

ST. NOEL MEN'S SOFTBALL - Any man over age 29 interested in playing softball on Monday and Wednesday evenings should call 440-943-1805 or e-mail: KECoolick@Hotmail.com.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN - The parent support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday April 13th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the library of the Administration Center of St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor, Ohio.

THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC STUDIES AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY - is sponsoring a lecture on Thursday, April 10, 2003 by Edmund Pellegrino, M.D., Director of the Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University entitled, Secular Bioethics and Catholic Conscience: The Growing Divide. The lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center Conference Room. The lecture is free and open to the public. Also, the institute will be sponsoring a Concert of Sacred Music in commemoration of Holy Week on Saturday, April 12, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. in the St. Francis Chapel. The concert, In the Shadow of Your Wings, features the JCU Schola Cantorum and the Seminary Chorus. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information on either of the above, please call 216-397-4558.

CATHOLIC SINGLES ASSOCIATION - will have a general meeting at St. Mary Magdalene at the Parish Center, East 321 & Vine Street in Willowick, on April 13th in room 104 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 216-731-7926 or 440-944-1068. Or visit us on the web at: http://community.cleveland.com/cc/sca

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

BACK TO TOP

If you have questions concerning any information contained on the Saint Noel Parish Web site, contact us. Our staff will answer your questions or forward you to the appropriate individual or group.