Week of October 26, 2003

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Dear Parishioner,

Two upcoming occasions draw our attention to eternal life. Next weekend, at all of our parish liturgies we will celebrate the Feast of All Souls. This is a yearly feast on which we join with fellow Catholics throughout the world to remember those who have died. Our faith
tells us that death does not end our relationships with those we love. Rather, all of us, living and dead, are united in Christ and destined for eternal joy.

In a special way we will remember next weekend all who have been buried from our parish during the last year: Bernadette Woll, Steven Sferry, Mary Hine, Jonathan Gornik, Carl Bacon, Jennie Vaccariello, Eugene Hine, Erma Myernik, Santina Modica, Ida Cipollari, Elaine Apicella, Michael Cirino, Lorraine Petrella, Robert Harvan, Halina Radziwon, Earl Krocker, Mary Donnelly, Jeanine Hine and Irene Westlake.

If you would like any deceased members of your family to be remembered at our liturgies, we ask that you place
their names on the special envelope, which was included in your last quarterly mailing (additional envelopes are in the kiosk). No monetary offering is required. These envelopes will be brought forward during the gift procession.

The second event I would like to mention this weekend is an upcoming series sponsored by the Adult Enrichment Committee. I will be presenting two evenings on the Church's understanding of eternal life and the Eucharist. On Wednesday, October 29th the topic will be "Life After Death." This presentation will reflect upon the Biblical development of the belief in eternal life and what meaning it can have for us today. On Wednesday, November 5, my topic will be "The Eucharistic Promise of the Kingdom." This talk will attempt to explain how the Eucharist which we share together not only gives us the strength to live the upcoming week but also connects us to eternity. It is my hope that understanding this connection will deepen our regular participation in the Eucharist. Both presentations will be at 7:30 in the small hall.

As nature gives way to winter, the brilliant color of the trees reminds us that there is something beyond dying. This season then is a fitting time to pray for those who have passed from this life and reflect upon the mystery of eternal life.

Fr. George Smiga

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GIRM – The ninth article by Fr. J. Glenn Murray on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) is now available in the kiosk on ivory colored paper. The emphasis in this article is the importance of receiving the consecrated Wine together with the Bread when you come to Communion. The GIRM states that "Holy Communion has a fuller sign when it is distributed under both kinds." A meal is not simply eating but drinking as well. The words of Jesus could not be more direct. He not only says "take and eat" but also "take and drink." Even though intinction (dipping the Bread into the Wine and then consuming both together) is permitted by the Church, the fullest sign of the Eucharist is to drink directly from the cup.

Here at St. Noel we have both understood and followed these directives in the GIRM for many years. We invite all to receive from the cup at every liturgy. There are still many parishes who offer Communion only in the form of bread. As the GIRM clearly indicates this is reducing the power of the sacramental sign. It is our tradition here at St. Noel to celebrate our liturgies with the fullest signs possible. That is why we celebrate most Sacraments (Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation and First Eucharist) at the parish liturgies. For the assembly which is present, it is the sign of the larger Church of which the sacraments are an expression. That is why we baptize by placing the one to be baptized into the font rather than simply pouring water over his or her head. The fuller the sign, the clearer the sacrament.

Fr. Murray correctly states that numerous studies have shown that when the cup is wiped after each person receives (as we do here at St. Noel) there is minimal possibility of passing germs. Therefore, refraining from receiving from the cup due to health concerns is unwarranted.

We follow the command of Jesus at every liturgy so that you have the opportunity to "take and drink." If it is not your present practice to receive from the cup, I would suggest that this would be an appropriate time to consider doing so.

Fr. George Smiga

FREE BRICKS!! During the construction of our new building part of the brick walkway to the out door chapel was replaced with a cement walk. As a result we have many high quality street bricks which we no long need. Anyone who would like to take them can follow the new cement walk which begins from the new parking lot at the North end of the new office wing. Follow the path up the steps, pass the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. As you approach the part of the path which goes down to the outdoor chapel you will see a pile of bricks on your left. Take as many as you wish. PLEASE do not walk on any areas which have been seeded and covered with straw. Please stay on the cement path.

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.

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BLANKET SUNDAY! Last weekend's St. Vincent de Paul Society Blanket Sunday collection continued our parish's "warm" tradition of caring. The collection totaled 84 blankets, 50 sets of sheets, 12 sets of towels, miscellaneous items and $1,438.00 in cash donations. This collection "covers" many needs and many needy families, and children. Elderly, and the homeless will receive essential items for the winter months through the diocesan network of hunger centers, shelters, community agencies and the SVDP charitable network in our own metropolitan area. A sincere thank you to all parishioners who assisted through their donations and prayers.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEMS - "A parish cannot really proclaim the Gospel if its message is not reflected in its own community life. The biblical call to charity, justice, and peace claims not only each believer, but also each community where believers gather for worship, formation, and pastoral care" (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS - Do you have a little extra room in your shopping cart to pick up some items for the food pantry? If so we could use the following: hand dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, tooth paste, canned meat products, jelly or jam. Of course we will not turn away any non-perishable items you are able to provide. Remember that the food pantry is now located in the hallway to the new wing. You may drop off your donations there. Thank you for your generosity to those in need,

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 4th. See the Social Concerns section of the kiosk for more details.

"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 8th and 9th 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.

HELP NEEDED! Our Buy-Once-Give Twice Boutique is just a few weeks away - November 8 and 9 before and after our Masses in the small hall. We, of course, need shoppers but we also need workers. Please check the sign-up sheet on the kiosk and see if you might be able to lend a hand! Thank you for any and all the ways that you can support the boutique.

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. Join us on November 1st to be refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit, and also to learn about the Annual and Traditional "Navy/Armed Forces SABBATH Day" as presented by our parishioner, ; Retired Navy Commander Ken Bollam."

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. Be sure to save the date!

SOMETHING NEW FROM THE ADULT ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE …On the first Wednesday of the month in November and December, we will offer two retreat opportunities during the day 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 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, November 1 at 9:00 a.m. 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 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.

THE NEW PLAYROOM - is in need of the following items: a small bookshelf, a child's play table, and a playhouse and play kitchen. If you would like to donate any of these items, please call the parish office at 946-0887. We are also in need of volunteers at the 9:00 a.m. Mass,

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is Tuesday, November 4st. Bring your bible.

PRIME TIME - Thanks for your help with Empty Bowls, See you tonight at 7:30 p.m.

EMPTY BOWLS ART SHOW - Stop by the Resurrection Room (our former offices) to view the works of 10 artists from the parish on display after Mass. The Art Show is part of the Empty Bowls dinner that happened on Friday. Come and enjoy the many gifts of our parishioners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OPEN HOUSE - Lake Catholic High School will have their open house for prospective students on Wednesday, November 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for more information, please call 440-951-0077 X 234.
Also, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School will be having their open house for prospective students on Sunday, November 2, 2003 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. For more information please call 440-286-6226.

NATIONAL PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY - Today (Sunday) we celebrate National Priesthood Sunday. It is a special day set aside to reflect on and celebrate the gift of priesthood in the life of the Church. Take some time today to remember the very generous and faithful priests who have served our parish and been a part of your life. If you would like to send a priest serving in the Diocese of Cleveland a note of appreciation and support, go on line to: www.a-full-life.com. A special prayer has been prepared to offer support and encouragement for those who are ordained to serve the Church. If you would like some of these free prayer cards, please call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 216-696-6525 X 3490.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled "Advent Waiting in Joyful Hope," by Julie Irwin Zimmerman, is now available in the kiosk.

URSULINE COLLEGE - registration for Ursuline's Master of Arts in Ministry Program has begun. This thirteen year old program prepares persons for futures in parish and pastoral ministry, youth ministry, religious education, chaplaincy, and ministry with older adults, to name only a few. For more information, please call 440-646-8195 or visit www.ursuline.edu.

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