Week of August 31st

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Dear Parishioner,

On August 20th our Parish Pastoral Council together with members of our Vibrant Parish Life Co-Coordinating Team and Adult Enrichment Committee met here at St. Noel with Bishop Pilla to discuss issues regarding the shortage of priests in our diocese. We were deeply appreciative of the opportunity to meet with our bishop and our discussion was honest and respectful. The meeting began with several questions being posed: will a weekly Eucharist be available to our grandchildren; will the sick have access in their time of need to a priest; will we still be able to have a Mass at funerals; how can we be pro-active in preparing for the changes to come; what should we teach our children and catechumens to expect in the future; why are our priests unable to marry when this is permitted in other rites of our Church and even for former Anglican priests who convert to the Catholic Church; would we consider importing priests from other countries or building mega churches where we could celebrate Eucharist with one priest for five to six thousand people?

Bishop Pilla listened very carefully to these concerns and then offered some reflections. He encouraged us to continue to pray that there would be an increase in vocations to the priesthood which would reduce the future shortage. He pointed out that compared to many other parts of the world and even our own country, the Diocese of Cleveland is rich in priests. He felt it would be inappropriate to import priests from other countries when the need in other parts of the world would be even greater than our own. He reminded us that there are some aspects of our faith we cannot change but that mandatory celibacy is a Church discipline which could be altered (although there does not seem to be a willingness on the part of the Pope to do that at this time). He assured us that as difficult decisions regarding staffing of priests need to be made, his policy is to deal with them on a case by case basis, allowing the affected parishes to work out their own solutions. At times a particular parish has decided to close, or join with another parish or ask for a lay-administrator to lead the parish in the absence of a priest. He informed us that already in our diocese we have several parishes functioning with such an administrator. The U.S. Bishops have petitioned Rome to permit deacons to anoint the sick but it is still uncertain whether this request will be granted.

In conclusion, he encouraged us to continue this discussion both within our own parish and with other neighboring parishes and to work to increase vocations.
The bishop concluded with a word of hope, reminding us that God has a plan for the Church and we can only do our best in responding to the plan as it becomes clear.

Our Parish Pastoral Council will be meeting in the upcoming weeks to reflect upon this productive meeting with our bishop and to look for ways to expand this conversation as the bishop suggested.

To end this report on a positive note, I am proud to remind you that St. Noel at present has two seminarians studying for the priesthood for our diocese. Mark Muzzillo is beginning the second year of Theology at St. Mary Seminary and Justin Ekin will be beginning his first year of college at Borromeo. Please keep both of these men in your prayers that they may continue to respond to God's grace and may God guide us to encourage others to explore the path of priestly ministry.

Fr. George Smiga

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

JUSTICE IN THE WORKPLACE - "`History teaches that {unions} are an indispensable element of social life, especially in modern industrialized societies.' Therefore, we firmly oppose organized efforts, such as those regrettably now seen in this country, to break existing unions and prevent workers from organizing. U.S. labor law reform is needed to meet these problems as well as to provide more timely and effective remedies for unfair labor practices." ("Economic Justice for All", U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Jesus was not afraid of speaking truth to power. The upcoming Labor Day weekend reminds us of the call in Catholic social teaching to speak up for justice for the poor and the rights of workers, especially low-wage workers. Our faith offers a rich tradition of calling for workplace justice.

Contact the Catholic Commission of Lake & Geauga at 440-585-7745 to find out how you can become more involved in overcoming poverty, workers' rights and economic justice issues. Or visit the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice www.nicwj.org to connect your faith to work issues and to help voice your concerns.

FOOD PANTRY - A number of thank yous are in order for last weekend's very successful food pantry drive. Kevin Myers and his Boy Scout troop did an admirable job of organizing and publicizing the drive, as well as helping to stock the shelves. As you may recall, Kevin's Eagle Scout project also included cleaning and painting the new pantry as well as building new bins to receive used clothing. (More in the coming weeks about the new location of the clothing bins. In the meantime we ask that you continue to use the old ones located in the coatroom area.) We also want to thank our dedicated food pantry workers who pack and prepare orders for our clients several times a week. Lastly, but by no means least, we want to thank all of you who so generously brought food or made a monetary donation to the pantry. If you forgot your donation last week we will happily accept it at any time. Thanks for all you do to curb hunger in our community and beyond.

HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE - We are happy to report that we collected over 250 signatures on the petition to encourage our representatives in Congress to sign onto House Resolution 99. This resolution commits the Congress to address the problems that 41 million Americans have due to the lack of health insurance. Representative Steven LaTourette listened to the presentation by the Health Care Task force and subsequently signed onto the resolution as a co-sponsor. We appreciate all the support you gave the task force in that effort. Our next goal is to continue our dialogue on the Diocesan level to explore what can be done to address the problems of the uninsured in America. We have already met once with Bishop Gries regarding this issue. In October of 2000, Bishop Pilla said the following in an address to a meeting of the Catholic Ministry of Health Professionals: I am here because the Catholic Church maintains a deep interest in the future of health care. I believe that the care of the sick reflects the mission of Jesus Christ; his compassion for the poor, the sick and the needy was an important part of His ministry, and it remains a basic part of the mission of the Church today. If you too have a deep interest in the future of health care, please join us for our next Health Care Task Force meeting on Monday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - meets every Thursday at Noon in the small hall. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

BAPTISM DAY - will be held on September 28th from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents who are planning to present a child for Baptism in the next six months, or already have done so and have not previously attended such a day are expected to attend. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP - We will begin our Fall session on Tuesday, September 9th at 9:30-11:00 a.m. All women are welcome to join our group for both Bible study and caring fellowship. Our current group consists of new moms and grandmoms! We will be studying the book, God Came Near, by Max Lucado. We hope to welcome new women this Fall! Childcare is provided at no charge in the nursery. Please contact Anthony Camino (440-946-1128 x 20) for more information.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Correction to the September calendar: The date for our Fall prayer breakfast has been changed from September 20, 2003 to October 18, 2003.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Saturday, September 6th, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Men THIS IS IT, your personal invitation to attend the upcoming Men's Prayer Breakfast. Fulfill that New Year's resolution. Join us on September 6th to be refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit. Parishioner Jim Myers will be presenting.

FIRST COMMUNION - All families who plan to present their children for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in April, 2004 are asked to begin the process by attending a Family Information and Interview Gathering. You may join us on either Sunday, September 7 or 14 in the large hall at 12:15 p.m. (following the 11:00 a.m. Mass). This weekend there will be a table in the narthex where your family can sign up for one of these gatherings. Parents and the child preparing for these sacraments (generally second graders) should plan to attend together. The whole family is welcome; however, babysitting for younger children will be available if you prefer.
Children who are older than second grade and have received First Communion but have not yet been Confirmed, please watch in late summer or early fall for information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation.

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 if you can help.

SUNDAY PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION - will be held in the parish hall on Sundays, September 7, 14, and 28 after the 9:00 Mass.

PRESCHOOL STAFF - can pick up their schedule folders in the preschool office in the small hall. Folders will be available starting September 6th.

PSR FAMILIES - mark your calendars! Open House is Monday, September 8th from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Opening session is Monday, September 15th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. for ALL students. Regular 4:30/6:30 p.m. classes begin on Monday, September 22nd. Did you reregister? Classes are filling quickly. Call Michele at 440-946-1128 x 23.

TASTE AND SEE -the goodness of the Lord! Prayerfully consider sharing your faith as a teacher or aide in our PSR program (grades 1-6 and special education). Classes are held on Mondays at 4:30 and 6:30 beginning in September. No teaching degree is necessary - just a love of children and a desire to share your faith. Please call Michele (440-946-1128 ext. 23) to seize this opportunity!

PRIME TIME - IT IS TIME!! Our new year kicks off Sunday September 7th at 7:30 p.m. at the Church. If you're in 9th-12th grade, PRIME TIME is for you. Check it out on the 7th!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our first session is September 23rd. Pick up a registration form in the kiosk. The group is open to all students entering 7th-8th grade.

CLAMBAKE - The annual Prime Time Clambake is Sunday, September 21st from 12:30-3:00 pm. Tickets go on sale the weekend of September 7th.

PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS - A series of six sessions will be held for adults (eighteen years or older) who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. These sessions are sponsored by the parishes of the Lake/Geauga District of the Diocese of Cleveland and will be held at St. Gabriel Church in Concord. These sessions are held on Monday evenings, 7:30-9:00 p.m., September 22nd through October 27th. If you are interested please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 x 20.

FLYER FOR THE FALL QUARTER OF THE ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES - can be found in the kiosk. Here is an example of the kinds of programs offered: "When Faiths Collide: Risking Hospitality among the Religious," with Dr. Martin Marty.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled Catholic Schools: 6 Secrets of Success, by Kathryn Ann Connelly, S.C., is now available in the kiosk.

ENTERTAINMENT 2004 BOOKS: are available in the Church office ( 440-946-0887). Cost of the book is $25.00 until November 1st, after that date cost will be $30. All proceeds benefit mentally handicapped children. Also, Lake Catholic High School students are selling Entertainment Books 2004. The cost is $25.00 per book until November 1st. After that date the cost is $30.00. For more information please call Lake Catholic at 440-951-0077.

THE LIFE IN CHRIST SERIES - will be held at St. Francis of Assisi , 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills, OH, beginning Thursday, September 11th at 8:00 p.m. The Life in Christ series is a course designed to renew your relationship with Jesus, and help develop a deeper understanding of God's call in our lives. Sessions are open to couples, singles, widows, widowers, and divorced. Each session consists of talks, group discussions and fellowship. It is approved by the diocese, and it's free. Come and see what the Lord has for you! For more information call, Arch and Marilyn at 440-442-7538 or Mark and Loretta at 440-256-6829.

TAIZE PRAYER - will resume Thursday, September 4th, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 460 E. 321st Street. Taize prayer services are held the first Thursday of the month from September through May. For further information please call 440-943-2133. All are welcome.

SINGLE VOLUNTEERS OF LAKE COUNTY TO HOST SINGLEFEST 2003 - on Sunday, September 21st, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Colby Park, 28730 Ridge Road - Rt. 84, just East of I-90 in Wickliffe. This event is free and open to any single individual. For more information visit : www.angelfire.com/oh4/svlc, or call 440-954-4247.

"SHOUT" BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - If you were busy back in May, or you were here, you are in luck! Please bring a friend and enjoy the sounds of Mo-Town and The Legends of Soul Show. They will perform at St. Noel Parish Hall on Saturday, September 13th from 7 to Midnight. Assorted veggies, cheeses, gourmet pizzas, and other light snacks will be served, along with a sundae bar. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $20 per person. Please call 440-946-6635 for reservations.

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