Week of October 5, 2003

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Dear Parishioner,

Learning can take place in many settings, even at a boutique! The “Buy-Once-Give-Twice” Boutique returns on Saturday, November 8th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our small hall. At this event you will be able to learn about the people who will benefit from the sale of a wide variety of items, as well as, purchase gifts for others or perhaps buy something for yourself.

There will be crafts from Bosnia (International Partners in Mission), El Salvador (The Community of Oscar A. Romero) and other developing countries (Ten Thousand Villages). You can even buy a cow or a pig through the Heifer Project which will be given in your name, or the name of a person you designate, to a farmer in Africa. How about that for a unique Christmas gift for the person who has everything? If you are interested in something a little smaller we will be selling plants, coffee,fair trade chocolate to benefit Womankind-a local agency that assists pregnant women in need. Clothing will be on sale from Esperanza Threads which is concerned about a just salary for textile workers and the impact the clothing industry has on the environment. New Life Community will be another one of our vendors.

The common factor in all the items for sale is that the proceeds will go to charitable efforts locally or internationally. The vendors who will participate have been carefully chosen so that the majority of the cost of the items are returned to those who produced them. For example, we will be selling Equal Exchange Coffee. The coffee is grown in the peasant co-operative of El Salvador, Peru, and Nicaragua. The majority of the price you pay for coffee in the United States stores enriches the distributors. Equal Exchange Coffee returns most of its profit back to the countries in which the coffee was grown. The farmers can then direct their profits toward a better education, health care and agriculture for their communities.

That is why we call it The “Buy-Once—Give-Twice” Boutique. When you buy here, you not only buy something for yourself, but you also help someone else. This is a wonderful way to increase the buying power of your money.

One last way that you can support the boutique would be by volunteering to work at one of the tables. Sign up on the kiosk if you are available to help.

Fr. George Smiga

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GIRM – The next two installments by Fr. J. Glenn Murray on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) are now available in the kiosk on salmon colored paper. These two explain the meaning of the Lord's Prayer and the Sign of Peace. As Fr. Murray clearly states, The GIRM does not mandate any specific posture for either of these parts of the liturgy. He does, however, encourage parishes to adapt the “Orans” position during the Lord's Prayer. In this stance, those praying the Our Father stand with arms raised and palms open. This is an ancient position of openness and surrender to God and is the same position that the priest uses during the Eucharist Prayer. I encourage you to read Fr. Murray's explanation of this gesture for it is one you may encounter in more and more Catholic assemblies. However, after consultation with our staff and Pastoral Council, we are suggesting that we continue to hold hands with each other during the Lord's Prayer. This is for two reasons. First, the gesture of holding hands began in the earliest days of our St. Noel Community and is reflective of the unity and hospitality which has long been a part of our parish. Secondly, it is a practice which has gained almost universal acceptance within our assembly. Fr. Murray believes that holding hands might be redundant at this point of the liturgy, but the history of this gesture to our community has led us to continue its use at least for the time being. Fr. Murray has many valid reasons in suggesting the “Orans” position. In the upcoming years we may, as we have done in the past, begin a dialogue within our parish to consider whether changes should be made in the way we pray the Lord's Prayer and other parts of our worship. However, until that process is undertaken, we feel it is best to continue with our usual practice of holding hands.

Regarding the Sign of Peace, Fr. Murray correctly reminds us that this gesture is not to be understood as saying “hello” to each other but rather “a fusion of souls and the expulsion of all resentment from wrongs.” Therefore, it is a ritual act of the entire community and we need not feel that the sign must be given to everyone around us. By offering a kiss, an embrace. a hand shake or a bow to those in our vicinity we express our unity with and forgiveness towards all. Saying “the peace of the lord be with you” and having another responding “Amen,” reminds us that we are not simply expressing our love to family and friends but actually expressing our commitment to spread unity and peace to our world. You may choose whichever gesture you feel appropriate for the Sign of Peace, but I encourage you to use the verbal exchange described above and remember the universal significance of this important part of our worship.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY - to Katie Hope and family on the death of Katie's father, Charles M.Ottman, Jr. Please keep the family in your prayers.

HEALING MINISTRY – Please join us this Wednesday evening at our 6:45 p.m. liturgy for Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. You need not carry heavy burdens or suffer alone, our community is here to support you and pray for you. After Mass, prayer teams are available to pray with you if you desire.

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 – Interested in joining the formation/discernment process for our next Commission? Call Alice 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).

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.

RCIA INQUIRY – We meet this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Nativity Room (Formerly the Nursery).

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 (formerly 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 (formerly 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 1 st and 3 rd Saturday mornings of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room (formerly the nursery) and the 2 nd and 4 th Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level Meeting Room B.

Our next meeting will be this Thursday evening, October 9 th . 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 6 th . If you have any 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. “The Journey through Loss and Disappointment” will be our theme and our presenters will be from our own bereavement ministry. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for October are: October 9 th – Auction – October 16 – Luncheon consisting of breaded pork chop with Lyonnaise potatoes, salad, vegetable, rolls & butter and peach pie. Cost is $6.00 per person. October 23 – Bingo – October 30 th – Games of Choice, we will celebrate birthdays & anniversaries – cider and donuts will be served. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is Tuesday, October 7 th at 7:00pm. It's parent's night so bring your parents and your bible.

PRIME TIME – Awesome guest speaker tonight – be there at 7:30pm.

NOEL MOVERS – We are currently in need of twin beds, kitchen tables & chairs and any furniture in good condition. 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 (440-946-1128 x20).

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

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 24 th beginning at 6:30pm. To purchase tickets, please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 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 15 th . Please call Anthony (440-946-1128) or Chris Bartolotta (440-943-1690) 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 (440-946-1128 x20). We need the bread on Friday, October 24 th .

CONFIRMATION – All students in the 5 th grade and above are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. (This is a separate preparation process from those candidates in 2 nd grade; those preparing for First Communion and Confirmation together do not have to register again.) To register for preparation, please call Anthony Camino (440-946-1128 x20) or Marianne Slattery (440-946-1128 x21). The deadline for registration is Sunday October 26 th , and our informational meeting is Sunday, November 2 nd 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 4 th grade. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk if you are interested in being a server. Our next training session is scheduled for October 22 nd & October 29 th at 7:00pm.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, October 6 th . Please meet at the church at 5:30pm. We're always looking for new people to serve – sign up on the kiosk!

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 11 th 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.

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 Orientation is scheduled for: 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 the following event (free and open to the public): 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.

URSULINE COLLEGE –will be hosting two events: Ursuline College Nursing Career Day will be on October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Ursuline College Day of Exploration a program for students, teachers, parents and guidance counselors will be on October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information on either of these events please call 1-888-URSULINE or visit the web site at www.ursuline.edu.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN -– The parent support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, October 12, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the library of the Administration Center at St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor, Ohio.

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