Week of September 21st

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Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

In a letter which will be read before all of our Masses this weekend Bishop Pilla announces the beginning of the implementation of the new General Instruction of the Roman Missal which will influence the manner in which the Church throughout the world celebrates the Eucharist. The changes which will go into effect in our parish on the weekend of November 15/16 concern only the Communion Rite of our worship. Changes affecting other parts of the liturgy will be implemented in our diocese next year. It is the Bishop's desire that Catholics of our diocese be fully informed not only of what the changes are but also of the reasoning which motivated them. To that end, Fr. J. Glenn Murray of our Diocesan Office for Pastoral Liturgy has prepared ten articles clarifying our beliefs concerning the Mass. These will be available for you in our kiosk. They are also available by following the link on our website to that of the diocesan website. The changes described by Fr. Murray are open to many adjustments on the parish level. In the upcoming weeks, I will be summarizing Fr. Murray's remarks in our weekly bulletin and advising you of the approach we plan to take here at St. Noel.

In his first two articles (available today on yellow paper in the kiosk) Fr. Murray explains that the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) shows us "how to offer Mass by providing the what (rules, rubrics, regulations) and why (the meaning) of the Mass." The GIRM is a kind of "instruction book" for the liturgy. It does not make many changes to our present form of worship. Of the 399 paragraphs, 26 are clarifications, 10 are options and only 8 will alter our present practice.

The GIRM reaffirms what we have been experiencing in our liturgies here at St. Noel. It insists that the entire assembly should pray with full, conscience and active participation. This is something which we have fostered continually in our parish.

It reaffirms a variety of liturgical ministries which all flow from our Baptism. When we come to pray, the priest stands in the person of Christ and other members of the assembly serve as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, servers, cantors, choir members, ushers/greeters, sacristans and ministers of hospitality. All these ministries which we have encouraged here at St. Noel are given official status in the GIRM. The GIRM stresses the importance of singing not only by the assembly and choir but also by the priest as he prays the Eucharistic Prayer. This again is something we have been doing at St. Noel for years. The GIRM advocates periods of silence after the readings and homily as well as after communion. We already observe this directive and plan to enhance this silence in the future. Above all, the GIRM encourages us to pray the Mass with reverence and in a way which manifests our unity. The very nature of the Eucharist is a "sacrament of unity." The Eucharist is not about "me and Jesus alone" but "us as part of Christ's body."

How we pray, therefore, and what postures we assume during the liturgy should reflect that unity. The GIRM cautions against "any appearance of individualism or division." This simply means that our communal actions during the liturgy take precedence over any personal preferences. This is a prayer we celebrate together.
Mass can never be a solitary, private, individual activity.

Further information concerning the GIRM will be made available in the upcoming weeks. We are also scheduling two evenings for the entire parish but in particular for anyone involved in liturgical ministry. On Monday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. we will gather in the church to discuss the implications of the GIRM for our parish, to answer questions and to experience an enactment of the Communion Rite according to the new guidelines. I encourage all of you to come to one of these evenings so that we will implement these changes to our liturgy in an informal and prayerful manner.

Fr. George Smiga

BLANKET SUNDAY - sponsored by the Diocesan St. Vincent DePaul Society, will be the weekend of October 11th and 12th after all the Masses. We will also need help on the weekend collecting and packing up items. If you are able to help, there is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk.

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

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE - on September 30th 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 September 27th and September 28th, 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 Nativity room (formally called the nursery) and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND - In August we collected $931.00. Our expenses for August were:

We thank you for your support.

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMISSION - The term of service for our current Social Concerns Commission is drawing to a close. We are grateful for their faithful service and the fruits of their labors. Now it is time for us to call forth others to continue this important ministry. There will be a four-week formation and discernment process beginning Wednesday, October 15th for those who would like to explore the possibility of serving our parish and the larger community in this manner. Please prayerfully consider whether or not you might be able to offer your time and talent by being part of the Commission. For more information, please call Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887.

FLU IMMUNIZATION CLINIC - The Visiting Nurse Association will be holding an immunization clinic here at St. Noel in the small hall on Thursday, October 16th, from 12:30 p.m.to 2:30 p.m. The cost per immunization is $18.00 for the flu vaccine and $25.00 for the pneumonia vaccine. Medicare B beneficiaries with a valid Medicare Card will have services billed to Medicare. If you plan to participate in the clinic please sign up on the kiosk. For further questions please call Alice at 440-946-0887.

BEREAVEMENT SERIES - Our Bereavement Ministry invites anyone (participants need not be parishioners) who is coping with the loss of a family member or friend to attend a series of evenings designed to support and assist people in their grieving. The series will be held in the Nativity room (formally the nursery) October 16th through November 20th and each evening will include some time for prayer. These sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887. Fliers are available in the kiosk.

OUR WELCOME HOME - series begins Tuesday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nativity room (formally the nursery) and continues on October 14 and 21. If you have been away from the Catholic Church, or know someone who has, we encourage you to attend this three-week series. As participants take another look at the Catholic Church, we will support one another, share concerns and explore ways of renewing our Catholic faith.

WELCOME HOME referral forms are available in the narthex. If there is someone you know who has been away from the Catholic Church but might be interested in returning, please fill out a form today in the narthex

DANCE PRAYER MINISTRY: -Prayer and movement have a wonderful and beautiful history in the Church. If you enjoy praying through movement, you may want to come and see what this ministry is all about. We meet every other Monday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the church. Our first meeting will be Monday, October 6th. If you have and questions, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST -Our first breakfast of the year will be on Saturday, October 18, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Several presenters from our Bereavement Ministry will be talking with us about journeying through all kinds of losses and disappointments. We may think of grief only in association with the death of a loved one, but grief can be apart of many of our life experiences. Our presenters will help us more fully understand the grieving process in all these situations. As always we will also enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time of prayer together. The suggested donation is $3.50. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. If you have any questions please call Alice at 440-946-0887.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Men of all ages are encouraged to attend this monthly event. The Prayer Breakfast is held here at St. Noel on the first Saturday of each month (September-May), from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. It is a morning filled with Fellowship, Faith sharing, Fun and Food. Why not start the month out right? Join us on October 4th to be refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for the month of September are as follows: September 25th - bingo, birthdays & anniversaries will be celebrated. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

BAPTISM DAY - will be held on Sunday, 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.

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 take place in Classroom A in the educational wing on Sunday, September 28th after the 9:00 a.m. Mass.

SUNDAY PRESCHOOL STARTS - on October 5th during the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the educational wing. Please have your child registered to attend.

ALL PRESCHOOL STAFF - There will be a short meeting in the downstairs classrooms of the educational wing on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. If you cannot attend please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

PSR FAMILIES - Regular 4:30/6:30 p.m. classes begin on Monday, September 22nd.

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 September 22nd. 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!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our first session is this Tuesday, September 23rd. Don't forget your baby picture and a bible. Call Anthony for info (946-1128 x20).

CLAMBAKE - The clambake is today (Sunday) from 12:30 - 3:00pm and a limited number of tickets are available at the door. Stop by the large hall and enjoy the best clambake around!!

PRIME TIME - No meeting tonight - thanks for helping at the clambake. See you next week at 7:30pm.

NOEL MOVERS - The ministry continues to grow, and we need help picking up and distributing donated items. Can you give one morning a month? Please call Anthony to help make a difference (946-1128 x20).

eBay SELLERS - Noel Movers has an opportunity for you to help out. If you're eBay savvy, please call Anthony to use your talents in the Noel Movers Ministry.

YOUNG ADULTS - Check out the poster for the upcoming young adult conference. This is a huge event in our diocese. Registration info is available online at www.ohioyoungadultministry. Also, don't forget about the Crooked Halo event on Saturday, September 27th. Check out www.cleveland.com/crookedhalo

WHITEWATER RAFTING - Anyone interested in leading a rafting trip in the summer of '04? Please call Anthony to talk about using your gifts.

EMPTY BOWLS JUSTICE DINNER - You can help fight hunger in our community and participate in a unique event. For only $10, you receive a simple meal in the hall as well as a hand made pottery bowl to take home as a reminder that many go hungry each night. The bowls are made by area teens, and each bowl will come with the name and school of the artist. All money goes to a local charity. The EMPTY BOWLS dinner is scheduled for Friday, October 24th beginning at 6:30pm. To purchase tickets, please call Anthony at 946-1128 x20. We can accommodate the first 100 people.

EMPTY BOWLS ART SHOW - In conjunction with the EMPTY BOWLS dinner, the committee invites local artists from grades 7-adult to submit original works to be displayed the weekend of October 24-26. Art work will on display during the Empty Bowls dinner and after the Masses that weekend. We are accepting original work only in all media including photography - no crafts please. Teens are especially invited to participate and showcase their talent. All work must be submitted by October 12th. Please call Anthony (946-1128) or Chris Bartolotta (943-1690) for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT 2004 BOOKS: are available in the church office 440-946-0887. Cost of the book is $25.00 until December 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 December 1st. After that date the cost is $30.00. For more information please call Lake Catholic at 440-951-0077.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS - an 8-week support group for divorced/separated Catholics will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Willowick, beginning Tuesday, October 7 through November 25, from 7 p.m. to 9 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.

DIVORCED & SEPARATED CATHOLICS - "Managing and Resolving Conflict", a workshop for divorced and separated Catholics will be held on Tuesday, September 30, at St. Anthony Church, 316 Fifth Street, Fairport Harbor, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Join Dan Porter, LISW,CCDCIII-E, as he reviews some basic skills for effectively handling the disagreements and confrontations encountered during divorce. For further information or to register, please call Karen Jubeck at 440-352-8282. The workshop is free of charge.

SEEDS OF LITERACY - WE NEED YOUR HELP! Tutor adults in basic reading and math; help adults obtain a GED. Seeds of Literacy training sessions will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22nd, and 29th, at the St. Colman Learning Center, 2007 West 65th Street, Cleveland. For more information, contact Seeds of Literacy (216-651-4302).

COUPLE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP - The workshop is for engaged couples, married couples, or two people who are seeking to enhance their relationship. The workshop is scheduled for October 6, 13, 20, and 27. Learn eleven communication skills to assist you to care for yourself, your partner and to resolve conflict. The workshop will take place at the Professional Pastoral Counseling Services, Chagrin North VII Medical Building, 35040 Chardon Road, Suite 202, Willoughby Hills, at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to register please call 440-946-2384
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LAKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - announces its upcoming open house for prospective students. The open house will be on Sunday, September 28th from 1-3:00 p.m. For more information please call the Admissions Office at 440-951-0077 x 234.

ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2003 - at 7:30 p.m., Bishop Anthony M. Pilla will commemorate the 25th Jubilee of the Installation of His Holiness, John Paul II, as Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church with a Eucharistic Liturgy in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist followed by a reception at the Catholic Center. The entire diocesan and civic community are invited to join in this praise and thanksgiving to God for the mission and leadership of the Holy Father. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate. If you have any questions please call 216-771-6666.

THE ANNUAL WOMANKIND HEARTS & HANDS LUNCHEON - will be held at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights on Saturday, October 18th, at noon. Womankind, a nonprofit, nonsectarian prenatal and maternal healthcare center, offers a full range of support services free of charge to pregnant women and their families in emotional or financial need. For more information or reservations please call 216-662-5700.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled "Eucharist Heart of the Church," John Paul II's encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia in condensed form; is now available in the kiosk.

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