Week of May 19th

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Dear Parishioner,

From the founding of St. Noel Parish and certainly since I have become pastor, our community has occasionally invited someone to preach at the weekend liturgies other than the priest or deacon. This has been one way to emphasize that proclaiming the Word is not limited to the ordained only but to everyone who is a baptized child of God. Recently it has been our practice to invite members of our staff, Alice Hinkel, Anthony Camino, and Marianne Slattery to share their reflections on the scriptures at the Eucharist. This practice fully conformed to the directives of our Bishop who recognized the appropriateness of laypersons preaching at the Eucharist on an occasional basis.

Within the last year, however, a new directive has been issued by the Vatican severely limiting this practice. Preaching after the Gospel at the Eucharist is now reserved solely to an ordained priest or deacon. Our best interpretation of this new policy is that the Vatican is concerned that the role of the priest or deacon is eroded when laypersons share their scriptural reflections during the homily time. Because of this directive Bishop Pilla has asked that the practice of such preaching be discontinued in our diocese. Although I would personally prefer that our past practice could continue, I feel it is important for us as a Catholic community to respect the decision of our hierarchy.

The new directive still leaves in place the right of laypersons to preach and even to preach at the Eucharist, but only at a time other than the homily. Therefore, in an effort to retain some of the value of our former practice, we will be trying a new approach at our liturgies next weekend. I have asked Alice Hinkel to share her insights into the scriptures at a different place in our liturgy. After the opening prayer, before the readings, Alice will offer some thoughts to prepare us to hear the readings. After the Gospel, I will offer a homily on what we have heard. Alice's thoughts will comprise what is called an "Admonitio" which is an option of the liturgy and is not reserved only to an ordained person. Having such an "Admonitio" will give a different shape to our worship and this might take some adjustment. It will however only happen occasionally and whoever gives the "Admonitio" and I will work together so that our thoughts pull in the same direction.

I believe it is always important at our worship to hear the voices of our staff and other qualified laypersons. Providing a period before the readings when this can validly take place will, I hope, enrich our community. I encourage you to share your reactions to this new approach with me and members of our staff after the liturgies next weekend.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW

"Bless the Lord, you servants of the Lord; sing praise to God and highly exalt God forever." Daniel 3,85

The beautiful stained glass behind the tabernacle was designed and created by Kate DuPuis of Rainey DuPuis Studios in Cleveland, Ohio. The window is made out of imported German glass. Its design suggests the movement of the Spirit and shafts of wheat. The soft, gentle colors and fluid design create a sacred atmosphere for prayer and allow visitors to the chapel ample opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God.

"God of all creation, continue to speak to us through the wonder and beauty of nature, color and art. Give us new eyes to see You in the works of your children."

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - gathers today (Sunday) in the nursery 12:15 to 1:00 p.m.

SOCIAL JUSTICE "GEM" - Today's Gospel tells us that apart from Jesus we can do nothing! This is a good reminder for us as we approach the commission given to all disciples to be instruments of justice and peace. Our work will only bear lasting fruit when we realize our total dependence on God. Our actions on behalf of justice and peace must be rooted in personal prayer and communal discernment lest we find ourselves following our personal agendas rather than God's.

THANK YOU - The benefit concert presented on Friday evening, May 9, 2003, by Marc Weagraff, J.R.Fralick, Joanne Uniatowski, Margaret Karam and Leanne Lombardo raised $836.00 for our Social Concerns Fund! We appreciate the kindness of these fine musicians in sharing their talents to benefit others and all the concert goers who contributed so generously.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE - On May 25th 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 May 24th and May 25th, 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. Please place the cookies on the counter in the nursery and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND - In April we collected $1,072.00. Our expenses for April were:

We thank you for your support.

HIKING RETREAT - JUNE 1ST - Join us on Sunday, June 1st for a reflective walk in the Lake MetroPark's Chapin Forest. It is an uphill/downhill trail, but the pace will be gentle and meditative. We will depart from the Hobart Road entrance at 12:30 p.m. and hike to the Rt. 306 entrance, where a pizza lunch will await us in the pavilion. (A free will offering will be taken.) Along the way, there will be time for input and reflection. Snacks will be provided for the trail; you are asked to bring water and a notebook and pen. The round trip should take about three hours. Sign up on the kiosk. Call Diane Obringer at 216-692-3769 with any questions.

PSR REGISTRATION - Families new to the parish or wishing to register a 1st - 6th grader for the 2003-2004 PSR year may call Michelle at 440-946-1128 ext 37. Leave your name, address and phone number and we will mail your registration packet.

GARDENER'S ALERT - For the fifth year, St. Augustine and St. Noel will be planting an urban garden on a plot of land on West 15th Street behind Walsh Hall, owned by St. Augustine. The food grown in this garden will be used to support the St. Augustine Hunger Center, where many needy people are able to receive a meal on a daily basis. The garden is a joint project of our two parishes as a part of the Church in the City initiative. We will be planting seeds on Friday, May 23rd (rain date, Saturday, May 24th) at 9:00 a.m. and seedlings on Saturday, May 31st (rain date, Sunday, June 1st) at 9:00 a.m. If you need directions or have questions, call the church office. This gardening has been a wonderful experience for all those who have participated. Why not choose to be a part of it? See you in the Garden!

THE BELLS OF SUMMER - St. Noel's music ministry will be adding a second handbell choir during the summer months and we are looking for ringers. No prior experience is necessary and the ability to read music is NOT required for this handbell choir. Adults, teens, and children ages 10 and up are all welcome to join. The choir will meet from June until September and will play at selected Masses over the course of the summer. Basic ringing is easy to learn (and fun too!). For more information, contact Marc Weagraff at 440-946-0887.

THE NURSERY IS STILL AVAILABLE! - The nursery, across the hall from the parish office, is still available during the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays--year round. All children, parishioners and guests, from infants up to four years old are welcome to stay in the supervised nursery. Please stop in and visit us during Sunday Mass. The nursery provides a safe place for the little ones to play so that parents can worship in a peaceful and quiet environment.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! - Volunteers to staff the nursery are needed. If you have a child who regularly attends the nursery or wish to provide volunteer service to the nursery please contact the parish office at 440-946-0887. We ask volunteers to supervise the nursery one Sunday each month for approximately one hour. We aim to always have two adults and one youth staffing the nursery. We are also in need of youth volunteers. Young parishioners, early middle school age and up, are needed to help play with the children, read to them and offer assistance to the adult volunteers.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for May are as follows: - May 22nd - Luncheon consisting of cheeseburger, waffle fries, ice cream and cookies. The cost is $4.00 per person. May 29th - Auction, we will also celebrate birthdays and 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, May 20th from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the church as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING - St. Noel Stephen Ministry will begin training new Stephen Ministers in the Fall. The ministry continues to grow and we need new people to help us better serve the parish and wider community. Are you interested in being a part of this vibrant ministry? Would you enjoy bringing the healing presence of Christ to others? Call Anthony (440-946-0887) with questions and look for an info evening in early summer.

PRIME TIME - No meeting tonight (Sunday). See you on the 25th.

CAMP YAC - Our awesome Junior High Camp is the week of June 16th. With exciting activities each day, this is a great week for current 6-8 grade students. Brochures are in the kiosk.

STOCK OPTIONS - The market can be a rough ride!! Why not purchase stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!! On the weekends of May 24-25 and May 31-June 1, stop at the table in the narthex and invest in the youth of our parish who are traveling to Buffalo this summer to perform community service and learn about their faith. Stockholders will receive a stock certificate and an invitation to our service report once we return. Sure it's a fundraiser, but this stock will pay big dividends! Shares sell for $10. Getting to New York is a big undertaking--thanks for your support!

NOEL MOVERS - We're currently looking for washer/dryer, full and/or queen bed, and dressers. Please call Anthony if you can help with any donation.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Our Father's Day Pancake Breakfast is back!! Bring your dad (or anyone!)on Sunday, June 15th. More details to follow.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - We need more volunteers to help out once a month. Please sign up on the kiosk if interested. This is a great family opportunity for parents and teens to work together. Minimum age is 12.

CHAPERONES NEEDED - Our high school service trip has moved from Toronto to Buffalo, New York the week of July 6-12, 2003. This change in weeks has prompted
the need for additional chaperones. Are you interested in a fabulous experience with high school teens? Please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 X 20.

WHEELS FOR THE WORLD - St. Noel has teamed up with Pilgrim Alliance Church in Canton, Ohio to sponsor a wheel chair collection on the weekend of May 24th/25th. We will also collect walkers, crutches, and three or four-legged canes. All items will be donated to Wheels for the World, a non-profit organization started by Joni Erickson. Please note: the collection is for one weekend only; no other medical equipment - beds, bedpans, toilet seats, etc - will be accepted. Bring your useable items to Mass on the weekend of May 24th/25th.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES - Don't forget your interviews. Call Anthony to schedule a time.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING - Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled "Cohabitation Before Marriage," by Joseph M. Champlin, is now available in the kiosk.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS - an eight week support group for divorced/separated Catholic will be held at Divine Word Church, Kirtland, beginning Tuesday, June 3rd, from 7-9:00 p.m. Sessions are designed to provide direction and faith-based support along with tools for coping. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755.

THE SOUNDS OF MO-TOWN - are coming to St. Noel Parish Hall, Saturday, May 24th from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Shout, a live show-band will entertain you as you dance the night away under the stars. Assorted gourmet pizzas and other snacks will be served, and a cash bar will be available. If you have never attended an event at St. Noel Parish Hall, this is one you do not want to miss. Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635.

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.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING? - Searching and asking questions about your future? Looking for a more meaningful life? Want to find a new way--a way to make a difference in your life and in the life of the world? Spend one weekend answering these questions by attending the "Where Are You Going?" Retreat, June 20-22, 2003. The retreat is open to single, Catholic women and men, 20-40 years old. Explore a life that makes a difference--priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated religious life. For more information or a registration form, please call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 800-869-6526 or 216-696-6525 ext 3490, or online at: www.churchvocations.com.

NOTRE DAME SKILLS LAB - located on Green Road in South Euclid offers small group classes and private tutoring for students of all ages at affordable prices. The summer session begins June 16th and continues through August. For more information call: 216-291-2273

WE TREASURE YOUR TRASH! - The Fundraising Committee at Christ the King is requesting that you please CONTINUE TO SAVE your Trash to Cash items year round. These include Tops grocery receipts, Campbell, Prego, Swanson and Franco American labels, General Mills 10 cent box tops and Tyson A+ panels. Although Christ the King School is closing this June, our Youth Programs will still be supported by the Trash to Cash efforts. Thank you so much for your generous support of this fundraiser! May God bless you for all you do for others!

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