Week of July 14th

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Dear Parishioner,

There are three announcements which I would like to make in my letter this week.

First, just a reminder that Joe Cistone from International Partners in Mission will be speaking after Communion at all of the Masses this week as our annual missionary appeal. Fr. Tom and myself will give an abbreviated homily so that our liturgies should not become longer than usual. I encourage you to please stay until the end of the liturgy out of hospitality to our speaker and so that you might benefit from the powerful message that he will deliver. You may donate to this missionary appeal in one of three ways (1) any loose cash in today's collection (2) ushers will be in the narthex after the liturgies to accept any offering (3) place a donation in next weeks's collection marked "missionary" (all checks should be made out to St. Noel).

Second, because of the added pressure generated by the construction this summer we are not holding a parish picnic this year. You may look forward to this event returning next summer.

Third, we will be preparing for a number of changes in our parish liturgy due to a new General Instruction of the Roman Missal which has recently been issued by the Vatican. Our staff and parish council will be meeting to determine how we will be implementing these changes at St. Noel this Fall. If, however, you are interested in the direction of this new document, there is a very good summary of it by Lawrence E. Mick in the recent issue of Catholic Update which is available in the kiosk.

Fr. George Smiga

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - will not meet this Friday, July 18th.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S "ELIZABETH'S ROSES" - will be available in the narthex following all Masses this weekend. Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, visit "Caring Ministries."

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

NEWS FROM ST. NOEL'S JAIL MINISTRY - St. Noel's Jail Ministry was born out of the Social Concerns Commission in 2001. Three members of the parish joined the ministries of St. Anthony in Fairport Harbor and St. Mary in Painesville. St. Noel's Sunday Jail Ministry now has eight members and the Thursday morning women's Bible Study ministry now has eight members.

One Sunday evening a month four members of St. Noel's Jail Ministry conduct four services for jail inmates. Two members conduct two services on the second floor of the jail and two members conduct two services on the fourth floor of the jail. Each service is attended by about thirty inmates. Perhaps one third of the jail's population will attend these services on a particular evening. Many come every week. One second floor service is attended by women only and one second floor service is attended by men who are in jail serving sentences for lesser offenses such as driving and alcohol offenses. On the fourth floor service is attended by men who are in jail for more serious offenses and one service is attended by men who are federal inmates.

A liturgy program is distributed and the service is usually begun with song. Most evenings the singing of a hymn like Amazing Grace can be heard beyond the library walls where the services are conducted. Inmates will often participate in the petitions often praying out loud for their families and for each other. Of course a few inmates will attend the service because it beats sitting in their cell. But for some it is the only church-like setting that they have ever been exposed to.

After Eucharist is distributed to Catholics, there is a time for musical reflection, the service concludes and the jail guards are called to escort the inmates to their cells.

On an average night, perhaps a dozen inmates will come forward and say, "Thank you for coming." And the volunteer response is usually, "No, thank you for coming."

More next week.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG SAVINGS - Please check the pockets of the Social Concern's section of the kiosk for a flier regarding ways for seniors to save on prescription drugs. Our Diocesan Education & Training Center for Social Justice has provided us with this information.

SUNDAY PRESCHOOL - needs teachers and music staff for the 2003/2004 school year. Volunteering is only once a month during the 9:00 a.m. Mass from October through May. Please contact the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for July are as follows: - July 17th - NO MEETING - July 24th - Mystery Luncheon - Tickets are $6.00 per person. Last day to purchase tickets is July 21st. July 31st-Birthdays and anniversaries celebrated. Don't forget to bring your food donations for the food pantry. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays at Noon in the small hall.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, July 15th 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 - 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 (440-946-1128 x 20) with questions. Our informational meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2003.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - Our volunteers are serving at the Food Bank on Tuesday, August 5th. We leave the church at 5:30 p.m. and return at 8:45 p.m. Please call Anthony if you would like to serve (440-946-1128 X 20).

EMPTY BOWL PROJECT - St. Noel is sponsoring an Empty Bowls Dinner in the Fall to aid hunger relief in our area. Local artists donate ceramic bowls, people enjoy a simple meal and keep the bowl as a reminder. Learn more at www.emptybowls.org Would you like to be involved in planning this exciting event? Call Anthony 440-946-1128 X 20); our initial meeting is July 28th at 7:00 p.m.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE IN THEIR 20'S AND 30'S MARRIED AND SINGLE - On Saturday, July 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. The actual work is contingent upon what's happening with projects in progress. To register, please call (216-228-9516) or e-mail to:
whitkofski@msn.com or pekelly@dioceseofcleveland.org. This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO office of the Diocese of Cleveland.

THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY - needs air conditioners in good working condition. Heat often has serious effects on people with MS. Air conditioners are not covered by insurance and are critical in the summer. If you can donate a good air conditioner. Reliant Care/Active Rehab will make arrangements to pick it up at no charge. To arrange for pick-up, call 216-520-4980 or 800-214-7057, ext 231.

THE SUMMER THEOLOGY ON TAP - featuring Fr. Lorn Snow will be held Monday, July 28th at the Improve in the Cleveland Powerhouse(2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland). Fr. Snow will discuss "Willingness to Serve." Complimentary appetizers and 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 professional hosts the quarterly speaker series. For more info, visit www.cdcf.org. There is no admission fee, but a free will offering for charity is encouraged. Reservations are suggested, seating is limited --for reservations, contact Melanie Shakarian at 800-869-6526 ext 1049, or at:
mshakarian@dioceseofcleveland.org.

GOD IS THE JOY OF MY SOUL, ISAIAH 61:10 - All are invited to take part in the 21st Cleveland Charismatic Conference sponsored by Catholic Renewal Ministries, August 9th and 10th at Regina High School. Bishop Roger Gries, Therese Cirner and Jim Murphy will be the guest speakers. Contact Rose Kaval at 216-643-3344 for conference registration information. A Teen Program will also be offered on Saturday, August 9th, at St. Basil the Great Parish from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WESTERN RESERVE CHAPTER OF THE CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY - Do you know what Christ Child members do for the Lake County Community? Are you familiar with "The Clothing Cottage" resale shop? Do you know about our Layette, Campership, Scholarship and Clothe-a-Child programs? All questions will be answered at an informal get-together on Thursday, August 28th at 1:00 p.m. To receive your invitation, please call Dolores at 440-428-1548.

LAKE CATHOLIC WRESTLING BOOSTER CLUB - will hold their annual golf outing at Thunder Hill Golf Club on August 15th. If you would like to golf, or have a foursome, please contact Tony at 440-256-0238 or Jim at 440-255-6096. A $10,000.00 hole-in-one prize is being offered and everyone will receive a door prize!

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