Week of September 28th

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Dear Parishioner,

As you know three years ago we made a change in our parish both in the time for Confirmation and the way we celebrated First Communion.

Confirmation was joined to First Communion to show more clearly the unity of these two Sacraments and how they completed the initiation process into the Church. We also sought to make the process of preparation for Confirmation/Communion a family process which stressed the shared faith of the family united in service.

As with any new process it is important to evaluate its success. All of the families who participated in this new approach were interviewed after the experience. I am happy to report that the results of those interviews were very encouraging.

There were a few families who expressed reservations concerning the joining of the two Sacraments, believing that some of the specialness of Confirmation was lost in the process. Most families, however, felt that joining the Sacraments allowed them to see Confirmation more clearly as a Sacrament of Initiation. They also said that celebrating it earlier gave more emphasis to living the Sacrament rather than simply preparing for its reception. Almost all families affirmed that they grew spiritually together and were more able to stay focused on the things which really mattered. Families appreciated particularly the opportunity of serving together, meeting other families in preparation and coming to a greater understanding of their faith. We also believe that our entire parish has benefited from having those preparing for these Sacraments more visible and active among us.

I am sure we will discover more value to our celebration of these Initiation Sacraments as time passes, but the beginning results are positive.

Fr. George Smiga

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GIRM - A third installment of Fr. J. Glenn Murray's catechesis on the implementation of The New General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) is available on green sheets in the kiosk. In this article on "Holy Communion," Fr. Murray emphasizes something which we have stressed here at St. Noel many times in the past. Eucharist is not a thing; it is an action. It is the action of God saving us through Jesus Christ and it is our action. This is why the Church asks us to "fully, actively and consciously participate" in the Eucharist. Although, there are times when we can quietly reflect in our personal thoughts, most of the liturgy asks us to listen, pray and sing actively.

Fr. Murray also emphasizes that Holy Communion alone is not the totality of the Mass. Even though it is possible to receive Communion outside of Mass, the fullness of the Eucharist happens when we gather together as a community, hear the Word proclaimed and broken open in the homily, pray with the priest the Eucharistic Prayer, witness the breaking of the bread and then come forward to receive the Body & Blood of the Lord.

With fewer priests in our diocese it may indeed become more common that Holy Communion be offered apart from the entire Mass. Yet, such a service would not permit us to participate fully in the Communion of Jesus to "do this in memory of me."

NURSERY UPDATE - Next weekend, the weekend of October 4/5, our nursery will be moving from its present location to a new space on the lower floor of our new wing. The nursery in its new location will be called The Play Room. One of the aims of our new wing was to provide a space which could be used exclusively for babysitting during our liturgies and parish events. The new Play Room meets this need and provides a baby-sitting area in proximity to the pre-school program which will also be held on the lower level. Babysitting is available weekly during the 9:00 a.m. liturgy for children under 4 years old. Parents are encouraged to volunteer once a month to share the responsibility for child care.

At present The Play Room is seeking some large scale toys such as a play kitchen or play house. If any parishioners have children-safe toys such as these or would be willing to volunteer as helpers please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

SACRISTANS - HELP!!! We are in need of sacristans for the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you can help, or for answers to any questions you may have.

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 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.

"CHANGING SEASON-CHANGING LIVES" - On Sunday, October 26, join us for a hiking retreat at Penitentiary Glen. This retreat will center around the changing seasons and changes in our lives. Jan and Mel Troha will lead us in exercises and reflections that provide opportunities to find new energy in changes. We will leave following the 11:00 Mass (arriving at 12:30). The Day will include lunch and snacks concluding around 3:00 p.m. Please sign up on the kiosk. If you have any questions please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. (Please note: this is a different date from the one listed on the Adult Enrichment Flyer).

ST. AUGUSTINE FUND RAISER DINNER - will again be held this year in the large hall on Thursday, November 20, 2003, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.00 per person and again we will have a Silent Auction, a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping as well as benefit a very worthwhile cause. Every parish family will receive an invitation in mid October with more details but be sure to save that date!

PRAYER LIST UPDATING - We are aware of the valuable ministry provided by the community's prayers for those whose names appear on our prayer list every week in this bulletin. Because of the passing of time and also because of the large number of names which appear on the list, we have lost touch with the status of many people. We are asking that you notify us by October 15, 2003 if you would like us to continue with putting your name (or the name of your friend or loved one) on the list. As of the weekend of October 18 & 19, 2003 we will only be publishing those names received or renewed by October 15, 2003. Please know that we are willing to place a name on the list anytime but feel it is important that we periodically update the list so we can truly pray for those most in need of our support.

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

"JOURNEY TO JOY" - a support group for persons being treated for depression and/or family members will be meeting the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room (formally the nursery) and the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level Meeting Room B. For further information call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

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 any questions, please contact 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 a part 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 - Saturday, October 4th, from 8-10 a.m. here at St. Noel. Come and be refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit.

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

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 if you can help.

SUNDAY PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION - will take place in Classroom A in the educational wing today (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.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Thanks for a great first session. Remember the serenity prayer! Our next session is Tuesday, October 7th at 7:00pm. Bring your bibles.

PRIME TIME - Have you been to PRIME TIME? This group is for you! We're meeting tonight (Sunday) 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.com

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 be 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. Entry forms are available in the kiosk, at the Church office or from Anthony. All forms must be submitted by October 15th. Please call Anthony (946-1128) or Chris Bartolotta (943-1690) for more information.

BREAD BAKERS NEEDED - The empty bowls dinner consists of soup and bread. You can help by baking bread to be served at the dinner. This would be a great service opportunity for First Communion families, and all types of bread are welcome. Your gifts are needed! Please call Anthony to help out (946-1128 x20). We need the bread on Friday, October 24th.

CONFIRMATION - All students in the 5th grade and above are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. (This is a separate preparation process from those candidates in 2nd grade; those preparing for First Communion and Confirmation together do not have to register again.) To register for preparation, please call Anthony Camino (946-1128 x20) or Marianne Slattery (946-1128 x21). The deadline for registration is Sunday October 26th, and our informational meeting is Sunday, November 2nd from 10:15-11:00am. All parents must attend this meeting.

ALTAR SERVERS - Looking for an opportunity to serve during our liturgies? Being an altar server is an excellent way to be involved. Adults as well as teens are welcome to serve at the altar. This ministry was never meant as a "children only" ministry. Minimally, servers must be in the 4th grade. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk if you are interested in being a server. Our next training session is scheduled for October 22nd & October 29th at 7:00pm.

ENTERTAINMENT 2004 BOOKS: are available in the church office. 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.

BETHESDA THE HOUSE OF MERCY - On October 7, at 7:00 p.m. The Most Reverend Roger Gries, OSB will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance for all of God's littlest ones who have lost their lives to abortion and will pray for God's healing for their mothers and fathers. The Mass will be celebrated at the Marycrest Chapel, 7800 Brookside Rd., Independence, OH. For details call 216-524-9432 or 1-800-482-4100. Also, Women suffering after an abortion are invited to experience a new beginning at Bethesda The House of Mercy's annual retreat, "Opening a New Door" on October 11th the retreat will take place in Independence,OH for more information or a retreat application please call 216-524-9432 or 1-800-482-4100.

TAIZE PRAYERS - will resume Thursday, October 2, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 460 E. 321st Street, Willowick. For more information please call 440-943-2133,

PROJECT HOPE - needs volunteers to serve in the following ways: Evening Shelter Volunteers, Overnight Shelter Volunteers, Volunteers to provide meals for the sheltered guests, Bible Study Facilitators, Devotional Leaders, Volunteers to provide music for shelter worship programs. Would you like to make a difference in someone's life through volunteering as part of Project Hope's ministry to the homeless? If so, contact Ron Kozma at Project Hope (440-354-6417) for more information. Volunteer Orientations are scheduled for: October 2, 6:30 p.m. or November 6, 6:30 p.m.

JOURNEY OF HOPE SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM - The Catholic Commission of Lake/Geauga invites you to experience the "Journey of Hope" . . . from Violence to Healing" - an educational tour by family members of murder victims who share their stories of healing and reconciliation, yet also do not believe in the death penalty. Learn about Catholic teaching against capital punishment and help end the cycle of violence by attending one of the following events (free and open to the public): Thursday, October 2, 7:30-9:00 p.m. with George White at Ursuline College- Daley Dining Hall 2550 Lander Rd., Pepper Pike. Monday, October 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m. with Sam Reese Sheppard & Juan Melendez at John Carroll University-Jardine Rm/Lombardo Center 20700 N. Park Blvd., University Hts.

THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ST. MARK - are proud to announce the 45th Anniversary of Mount St. Joseph Nursing Facility. The Sisters will be hosting an open house in celebration on Thursday, October 2, 2003. Tours will begin at 2:30 p.m. and at 4:30 p.m. a special presentation will be made to the Sisters. refreshments will be served outdoors (weather permitting).

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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