Week of October 19, 2003

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

On Friday, October 24 th our youth group is sponsoring an exciting event called Empty Bowls. Begun in 1990 by an art instructor in a Michigan high school, Empty Bowls seeks to raise money to fight hunger locally by inviting people to a simple meal of soup and bread and offering them a bowl to take home, as a reminder of those who go without food each day.

The concept is a wonderful way for artists to use their talents and work for justice, and Empty Bowls events happen throughout the country. Thanks to the initiative of Chris Bartolotta, PRIME TIME is bringing Empty Bowls to our area for the first time. The art departments at Lake Catholic , Mentor High, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Hawken, Gilmour Academy , Mentor Shore Junior High and the Willoughby Fine Arts Association have committed to make bowls for the dinner on October 24 th . Chef Randy is preparing two soups – one vegetarian and one meat – and numerous St. Noel parishioners are baking bread to serve with the meal. A special thanks goes out to Kristen Ekin, Katie Troha, Meghan Hope, Casey Reed, Matt Bartolotta, and Mary Mahoney for organizing the event.

Tickets for the dinner are available after Mass this weekend. The suggested donation is $10/ticket. At the dinner, members of PRIME TIME will offer a brief presentation on hunger and all will have an opportunity to view the various works of art on display as part of our parish art show (you can also view the artwork after the Masses next weekend).

I encourage you to attend the Empty Bowls dinner and especially extend an invitation for families to attend together as the evening will provide a concrete experience to aid in the understanding of hunger both locally and globally. It is important for our parish to gather around these issues not only to raise money, but more importantly, to raise awareness and to respond to the gospel call to promote justice in our world.

The cost should not be a factor; the group will appreciate any offering and will appreciate your presence even more. The evening begins at 6:30pm and should be completed by 8:00pm . Please stop by the table in the narthex and pick-up your tickets to Empty Bowls.

Anthony Camino

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GIRM – The eighth article by Fr. J. Glenn Murray is now available in the kiosk on pink colored paper. In this article Fr. Murray outlines the approach to receiving the Body & Blood of the Lord. The United States Bishops have directed that we receive Communion standing and by showing reverence with a bow of the head. We have long emphasized standing for Communion here at St. Noel as we come forward in the Communion procession. The bowing of the head, however, will be new. Beginning then on the weekend of November 15 th /16 th we will be asking everyone who comes to receive either the consecrated Bread or Wine to come to a stop before the minister and then simply bow his or her head. The minister will then say “Body/Blood of Christ” and the response will be “Amen.” Please remember that the movement in procession is itself a sign of reverence and holding your hands crossed with palms up as you process is a reminder of who you are about to receive. The bow of the head then should serve as the concluding gesture of preparation to receive the Body & Blood of Christ.

Fr. Murray also directs us that the entire assembly remain standing throughout the Communion Rite. There is a good reason behind this directive. By standing we physically show our unity with those who are in procession and as Fr. Murray correctly states “unity of posture and gesture” is strongly affirmed in the GIRM. In 1995 when we revised our Communion Rite here at St. Noel, I strongly suggested to the parishioners who were a part of that process that our entire assembly remain standing as long as Communion continues. It was, however, the overwhelming consensus of that group that since we have been standing from the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer, continuing to stand through Communion might prove difficult for the elderly and infirm. Even though we would certainly advise anyone to sit if they found difficulty in standing that would cause our community to become divided by having some standing and others sitting during Communion. Both our staff and Pastoral Council therefore, carefully examined whether it was better to stand in unity with those who receive or sit together in light of the difficulty of standing for the elderly and infirm. It was a difficult decision to make but it was agreed that at least for the time being we retain our practice of sitting during the Communion Rite. As I have said earlier, the process of implementing the GIRM will last for several years. We may well decide to revise this decision of Communion posture in the years ahead.

Even though we plan to sit during the Communion Rite we should not feel exempted from the clear directive that we remain united with those who are processing to receive the Eucharist. Here we must again remind ourselves of the importance of joining together in song. Raising our voices together in the Communion song both before we leave and after we return to our seats is a fundamental action that displays our unity in Christ. As the GIRM clearly states, the time for personal thanksgiving and petition is after the last person has received Communion. The Communion song ends and then the entire assembly sits in silence. Both Fr. Tom and I will be working to provide a significant silent pause after Communion. Please use this time for your personal prayers. However, as long as the Communion procession is taking place, I encourage you to raise your voice with us in 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 22 nd .

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.

SAY “YES TO CHILDREN” – On November 4, 2003 there will be an important ballot issue (Issue 6) to help the children of Lake County . This renewal issue will not increase taxes but will maintain service to children in foster care; educate parents on good parenting and family life skills; and provide a permanent placement for children through the foster to adopt program. Catholic Charities supports passage of this levy and we encourage you to support it as well, by exercising your right and responsibility to vote on November 4 th . See the Social Concerns section of the kiosk for more details.

SOCIAL CONCERNS / ST. AUGUSTINE – On October 26 th 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 October 25 th and October 26 th , 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 (formerly called the nursery) and mark them St. Augustine .

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND – In September we collected $565.00. Our expenses for September were:

St. Augustine meal $ 439.42

Rent 875.00

Utilities 270.00

Total $1,584.42

We thank you for your support.

“ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT” – This year's Advent Tea will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. , in the parish hall. Sign-up for the tea will be on the weekend of November 8 th and 9 th in the narthex after the 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. , Masses and before the 11:00 a.m. Mass. The cost of the tea is $10.00 and payment must accompany your registration. We are looking forward to this wonderful event and hope that many women from the parish will be able to attend.

BUY-ONCE-GIVE-TWICE – This unique opportunity to support artisans from developing countries, local producers of environment-friendly products and organizations such as Womankind and the Heifer Project will be happening the weekend of November 8 th and 9 th . We hope that all of you will come to shop and that some of your will be willing to work at the boutique. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk for those of you who can lend a hand. Thank you for your support!

“ 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).

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 F ellowship, F aith sharing, F un and F ood. Why not start the month out right? Join us on November 1st to be refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit.

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 ACT S” 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 reflection, 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.

“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 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.

ST. NOEL CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS : Fantje na Vasi Slovenian Men's Choir on November 2, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Please come and enjoy an evening of beautiful music featuring this very distinguished group. Fantje na Vasi has preformed throughout the United States and Canada and in 1996 performed a concert tour of Slovenia , Austria , and Italy . The Fantje have also represented Slovenians in multi-cultural events at New York 's Lincoln Center and the Palace Theater in Cleveland . This evening of exceptional music will be FREE. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Crossroads, a nonprofit, community based Mental Health/Alcohol/Drug Addiction agency specializing in services for children adolescents and their families in the Lake County area. Crossroads provides a full array of services including counseling, prevention programs, school-based interventions, early childhood services, outreach programs, psychiatric services, community support services, partial hospitalization, Early Head Start, and therapeutic foster and respite home care. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to hear a night of amazing music and support a very worthy cause. See you there!

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for October are: 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.

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 this Tuesday, October 21 st . “You Gotta Have Friends!” Bring your bible.

PRIME TIME – Check out the meeting tonight at 7:30pm .

EMPTY BOWLS JUSTICE DINNER – Buy your tickets after Mass

EMPTY BOWLS ART SHOW – Plan on stopping by the small hall after Mass on the weekend of October 25-26 to view some of the work of our talented artists.

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 (946-1128 x20) or Marianne Slattery (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. Training is scheduled for October 22 nd & October 29 th 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 27 th 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.

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Welcomes Barb Myers and Dawn Danaher as they train to serve as Stephen Ministers in our parish. We thank God for their gifts and look forward to their commissioning into the Stephen Ministry .

CHRISTMAS PROJECT - it's not too early to think about participating in this annual service opportunity. Start saving “food-basket” sized boxes and call Anthony (946-1128) if you have access to other useful items which might be donated. Sign-up for service will begin in November.

CONGRATULATIONS – to Jackie Golden on being named Player of the Week in the News Herald on Saturday, October 4 th . Jackie stars on the tennis team at Willoughby South. Also to Brian Myers as a 2003 winner of the Jack Heinen Scholarship awarded to the 15 top high school and college students in the Heinen's company. Brian is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati . And finally to Samantha Pawlak on leading the Ohio Athletic Conference with 100 saves in 8 games for the women's soccer team. Samantha is a first year student at Heidelberg college. Great job!!

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.

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.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, October 21 st at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road , Willoughby .

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