Week of July 21st

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Dear Parishioner,

I would like to thank the 82 volunteers who made our Vacation Bible School program this year a success. The activities centered around the theme of "Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit." More than 120 children participated in this year's VBS program. Our mission project was close to home this year and followed our theme of growing. Children earned money to donate toward the cost of a tree that will be planted near the new addition. The children will be able to watch it grow over the years.

We were especially grateful to Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church for allowing us to use their facility this week. Without their generosity our VBS program might not have been so successful due to the construction delay here at St. Noel. We got to know our neighbors better as we grew together this week.

In a special way, we would like to acknowledge the many teens who helped with VBS this year. We are grateful for the time they shared and the witness they were to so many young children. The teens included: Casey Reed, Nicole Wright, Kayleigh McGillivray, Maria Bordonaro, Emily Mastrangelo, Brittany Ricco, Shannon Cosper, Nicole DeMarco, Jessica Morich, Jessica Wright, Megan Slattery, Katie Caporossi, Grace Burkholder, Kristen Ekin, Sarah Wright, Kim Henderson, Jessica Lipold, Jill Lipold, Brian Myers, Kristina Kucerova, Katie Wright, Elisa Pamelia, Maria Pamelia, Brandon Elrod, Carmen Centrekio, Katie Gnau, Bridgette Drockton, Luke Slattery, Kevin Zehe, Michelle DeFazio, Kevin Kelsey, Scott Kelsey, Dan Urbanek, Andrea Urbanek, and Andrea Velotta.

Vacation Bible School is just one example of how the generosity of our parish volunteers enriches us all. Thank you.

Fr. George Smiga

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

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE - On July 27th our volunteers will be serving the meal at the 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 July 26th and July 27th, 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 June we collected $655.00 Our expenses for June were:

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS - Two exciting social justice events hosted by the Diocesan Social Action Office are coming up soon that might be of great interest to you: Colombian Bishop Cadavid will be in our diocese on a solidarity and advocacy tour against civil conflict in Colombia during the week of July 19-27. Check the kiosk for locations and the Bishop's schedule. The National Catholic Campaign for Human Development "Brake the Cycle of Poverty" awareness bike tour is coming to our Diocese July 23-24. Again please check the kiosk for details.

NEWS FROM ST. NOEL'S JAIL MINISTRY - Many of us may have a mental picture of what life is like in a local jail. Perhaps we see people living in a country club setting. Or maybe a dungeon. While most jail settings fall somewhere in between, all inmates share one common condition. They are not considered to be model citizens, and life when they leave jail is not easy.

In the 25th Chapter of Matthew, we read the words of the Lord: "I was a stranger and you made me welcome ... in prison and you came to see me." While there is a difference between a prison and a jail, the inmates who are being housed in the Lake County Jail come from varied social and economic backgrounds. Anyone who has been called to jail ministry quickly discovers that even people who are jailed for serious crimes, are searching for meaning in their lives. It's the justice system's responsibility to address the person who has committed a crime against society. It is a Christians' responsibility, if we take Matthew's words seriously, to have some contact with those who have made mistakes, even serious ones, for they too are God's children. We are not looking to ignore the victim who may have been injured by an inmate. On the contrary, we know everyone housed in a county jail eventially will be released back to society. But those who have found God and a supportive forgiving community are more likely to avoid past mistakes and start life anew. Such an outcome is a benefit, indeed a blessing to us all.

A front page article in the July 6, 2003 edition of the New Herald tells the story of a woman who has been incarcerated in the Cuyahoga County Jail. If you missed the story, you can find copies in the kiosk. Please take a few minutes to place yourself in the shoes of the woman whose story is detailed. She was in jail because she "broke the law." But we are called to see past the crime and to have the convicted see Christ in us, and for us to see Christ in them. It isn't always easy, but the Lord is asking us to look.

More about St. Noel's Jail Ministry in the coming weeks.

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 call the parish office at 440-946-0887 for more information.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for July are as follows: - 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.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - the group will again meet on Tuesday evenings during the school year. Registration will begin in mid-August. Watch the bulletin for details.

SERVE THE CHURCH - Our Stephen Ministry has shown the presence of Christ to hundreds over the years. Perhaps God is calling you to be trained as a Stephen Minister? Come to our informational night, July 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the nursery.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - We're volunteering at the Food Bank on Tuesday, August 5th. We leave the church at 5:30 p.m. and return at 8:45 p.m. Interested? Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 X 20) to volunteer. Our September date is Monday, September 8th.

EMPTY BOWLS - The empty bowls project is an exciting idea to join in the work to aid the hungry in our community. You can check them out at www.emptybowls.com St. Noel is planning an empty bowls event in the Fall, and we need your help. We're looking for people with organizational skills, connections in the arts community, public skills and people committed to justice. Join us on Monday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Church.

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.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled "The Rosary: A Prayer For All Seasons," by Gloria Hutchinson, is now available in the kiosk.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING - Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, July 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby.

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.

THE LAKE-GEAUGA BOARD OF MINISTRY TO THE SEPARATED AND DIVORCED - has scheduled quarterly information sessions for those coping with issues resulting from separation or divorce. A session will be held at St. John Vianney, Mentor, on Thursday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m. The presentation will address ways to create better communication between former spouses in order to work together to raise their children. Call Karen Jubek at 440-352-8282 to register or for additional information. Also please visit our website at:
http://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/mfm/divorce.htm for additional Divorce Recovery Groups and Ongoing Support Groups.

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