Week of October 12, 2003

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

It is time to celebrate! Over the last 2 years we as a parish community have secured pledges for 2.6 million dollars and have both expanded our church and built a new educational administrative wing. I hope you are as pleased as I am with the results of this effort. The successful completion of this project should be seen as a true accomplishment for our community. It could not have been done without the enthusiasm and hard work from hundreds of parishioners.

This Friday, October 17th Bishop Pilla will be with us to lead us in Evening Prayer and the dedication and blessing of our new building. We will begin with prayer in the church at 7:00 p.m. A reception and open house will follow in the narthex and new wing. I hope that if you are able, you will join us on Friday to give thanks to God for the generosity of our community and to spend some time in celebration with our Bishop and with one another.

Fr. George Smiga

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GIRM – The next two handouts prepared by Fr. J. Glenn Murray to guide us on the implementation on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) are now available in the kiosk on lilac colored paper. They discuss the meaning of the Breaking of the Bread and of The Reception of Holy Communion.

These sections of the GIRM confirm practices which have been a part of our Communion Rite here at St. Noel for years. The GIRM tells us that “the meaning of the sign demands that the material for the Eucharist celebration truly have the appearance of food.” When our parish met to discuss the shape of our Communion Rite in 1995, it was precisely for this reason that we decided to use bread rather than the traditional host at our parish Eucharist. Bread gives “the appearance of food” and allows the breaking of the bread to be a more visible part of our worship.

The GIRM notes that {the breaking of the Bread} is “not simply functional.” Rather, it shows our unity as a people who share the Lord’s Supper by eating food broken from one loaf. As I noted a few weeks ago, the GIRM adopts a theology which sees the priest as acting in the person of Christ. For this reason the New Instruction now limits the Breaking of the Bread only to the priest. Therefore, when we implement the new Rite, this Advent, our Eucharistic Ministers will no longer assist in the Breaking of the Bread.

Another clear emphasis in the GIRM is found in its treatment of Communion itself. Here, as Fr. Murray states, “we receive Communion in procession and in song.” The importance of processing to the altar is why we adopted our present procedure for Communion in 1995, beginning from the sides with the entire assembly processing down the center aisle. The new GIRM confirms the validity of our approach. You will also recognize that the emphasis in our parish to join in song during Communion is also strongly affirmed in the GIRM which tells us that the function of the Communion song is to express outwardly the communicants’ union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices and to highlight the communitarian character of the Communion procession.

The implementation of the GIRM, then, provides me with another opportunity to stress what I have stressed in the past. Communion time is not primarily for private prayer but rather a time of Communion with Christ and, each other. We show this by joining in one procession to the altar and by raising our voices in one song.

Fr. George Smiga

REMINDER – COLLECTION ENVELOPES – Please remember to put your first name, last name, and street address on your weekly collection envelopes. This information is necessary in order to make sure your contribution is posted to the correct record and it also saves time for our counters.

HOSPITALITY-COFFEE/DONUTS – There will be a meeting for all coffee/donut servers on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the lower level of the new wing. We will discuss our new spaces for coffee/donuts on the weekends. Bring your ideas, suggestions, and frustrations so that we can brainstorm. See you on the 22nd.

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.

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMISSION – Interested in joining the formation/discernment process for our next Commission? Call Alice at 440-946-0887. We begin this Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.

COMING SOON! The “Buy-Once-Give-Twice Boutique” is scheduled for the weekend of November 8 & 9. See the back of the October calendar for details. More information in coming bulletins as well. See you there.

“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 Jan and Mel at 440-944-3034. (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!

“THE BOOK OF ACTS” scripture study continues on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. with Fr. Larry Tosco presenting. Consider joining us in the small hall as we learn more about this dramatic book of the early Church.
If you missed the first presentation, we have it on audio tape. Call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21 to borrow a copy.

“LIFE AFTER DEATH” is the first of a two-part Adult Enrichment series to be held on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the small hall. The second part. “THE EUCHARISTIC PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM”, will be held on November 5 at 7:30 p.m. Discover the Church’s reflections on heaven, hell and purgatory; and the scriptural understanding of God’s Kingdom, Both sessions will be presented by Fr. George.

SOMETHING NEW FROM THE ADULT ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE …On the first Wednesday of the month in November and December, we will offer two retreat opportunities for spiritual reflections, prayer, community building, and inner healing. The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the small hall, include lunch and end at 2:00 p.m.
On November 5 we will explore the topic of “Holiness” and on December 3, the content of the day will help us prepare for Advent. Fran Armbruster will facilitate these reflections and a suggested donation of $5.00 will help cover the cost of lunch. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, please call the parish office 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 (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.

“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 (formerly the nursery) and the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level Meeting Room B.
(Our next meeting will be Saturday morning, October 18, at 10:00 a.m. after the Women’s Prayer Breakfast). For further information 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 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 30th – 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.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, October 21 in the Chapel as we pray the rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus,

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is Tuesday, October 21st. Bring your bible.

PRIME TIME – Learn about Hospice and opportunities for service tonight at 7:30pm. Get ready for Empty Bowls.

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 (946-1128 x20).

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. You can purchase tickets after Mass or 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.

CANDIDATES NIGHT – The Willoughby Hills political races will have a dramatic impact on our city. St. Noel Church, Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church and the League of Women Voters are sponsoring a candidate’s night on Monday, October 27th beginning at 7:00pm in the large hall. This well-attended event offers citizens an opportunity to hear prepared comments from the candidates, responses to these statements as well as a period to ask questions. All residents of Willoughby Hills should attend. The League of Women Voters will moderate the evening.

SPAGHETTI DINNER – Divine Word Parish is hosting a spaghetti dinner to raise money for our upcoming trip to the National Catholic Youth Convention in Houston. 15 teens from both parishes are attending the convention. Please call Divine Word (256-1412) for tickets.

THEOLOGY ON TAP – Join the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation’s Associate Board for the autumn installment of Theology on Tap. The program will be held at Ursuline College in the Pilla Learning Center, 2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike on Monday, October 27. Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, VSC, is the featured speaker. Drink specials and complimentary appetizers begin at 6:30 p.m. the program will begin promptly at 7:340 p.m. Reservations are encouraged—please contact Melanie Shakarian at 216-696-6525 X 1049, mshakarian@dioceseofcleveland.org, or visit www.cdcf.org.

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.

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.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH – the group meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Rectory to share hospitality and faith discussions. Three distinctly different religions- Buddhism, Hinduism and Baha’I will be explored during a 6-week period, beginning October 14.
These discussions are free and open to everyone. Mark your calendars now and broaden your knowledge about other religious practices. We promise you a hot cup of coffee and a friendly reception as well. Please call Danni Hubbard at the Holy Cross Rectory (216-486-0850) if you plan to attend or have questions.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE & GEAUGA COUNTIES - join Judge Colleen Falkowski, Lake County Domestic Relations Court as she explores the legal aspects of divorce, on Thursday, November 13 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church Parish Life Center. The program will include an introduction to divorce and dissolution in the State of Ohio, including parenting issues and child support. For further information or to register, please call Karen at 440-352-8282.

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

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