Week of November 2, 2003

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Dear Parishioner,

Each year we register over 100 new households as parishioners at St. Noel. Alice Hinkel and I schedule a meeting to welcome all new members to our community personally. Over the years two characteristics have remained continuous as the primary reasons people choose to join St. Noel: the quality of our liturgies and the friendliness of our community. In other words the strength of our parish comes from the way we worship together and the way we respect and support one another.

After our registration meeting we invite new members to a larger session at which they can meet the rest of the staff and others who have recently joined St. Noel. This session is scheduled two times per year. We have long known that it would be easier for people to participate in this meeting if it were to take place after one of the Sunday liturgies, yet the constraints of our building did not permit this to happen. Now with our enlarged facility we have decided to hold the next New Parishioner Meeting after the 11:00 a.m. Mass on November 16th.

I would like to invite you to participate. The meeting lasts 1-1/2 hours and consists of food, introductions, information about our parish, and a time to discuss what St. Noel means to us. Our ability to orientate and welcome new members would be greatly enhanced if existing members would join us for this time together. I believe you would enjoy meeting some new parishioners and perhaps even hearing some new things about our parish.

Therefore, if you are able, please join us after the 11:00 a.m. liturgy on Sunday, November 16. Your presence there will demonstrate the value you place upon this parish and confirm the choice of our new parishioners to become a part St. Noel.

Fr. George Smiga

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE GIRM - The last article by Fr. J. Glenn Murray on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) is now available in the kiosk on blue colored paper. The article addresses the role of Eucharistic Ministers during the liturgy. As Fr. Murray correctly states the GIRM gives to Eucharistic Ministers a status within the liturgy which was not recognized in earlier General Instructions of the Roman Missal. In giving that recognition, however, the new GIRM also gives instructions which will require several changes to the way our Eucharistic Ministers serve at St. Noel.

Before the new GIRM there was less clarity to the roles of Eucharistic Ministers during the Communion Rite and local parishes were able to shape the service of these ministers according to local preferences. When a representative group of parishioners worked with me in 1995 to shape our Communion Rite we decided along with several other parishioners in our diocese to invite some Eucharistic Ministers to assist in the breaking of the Bread. We also decided that all of the ministers should receive after offering the Bread & Wine to the assembly. We felt that receiving after ministering to others would emphasize the hospitality of our community which we have always tried to make a focus of our shared life.

The new GIRM chooses to stress another aspect of the liturgy. As I have stated before, the GIRM emphasizes the role of the priest as standing in the place of Christ. In order to give expression to this theology, the GIRM directs that only a priest or deacon may break the Bread and that the Eucharistic Ministers should receive both communion and the vessels from the priest before they offer communion to the rest of the assembly. I have felt that our emphasis on hospitality has been a very positive contribution to our liturgy and were it possible I would desire to continue it. However, the GIRM is very clear on this aspect of the Rite. Therefore, both our staff and Pastoral Council have agreed with me that our celebration of Communion should reflect the particular theology which the GIRM adopts. The United States Bishops have petitioned Rome to allow Eucharistic Ministers to continue to assist in the pouring of the wine.
We intend to maintain this practice at St. Noel until a final answer from Rome is given.

In the next few weeks we will be working with the Eucharistic Ministers, ushers/greeters and sacristans to assure that these changes in our Communion Rite will occur smoothly and with dignity. There will be parish wide meetings at which you may ask any questions you may have about the GIRM and participate in a modeling of our new communion format. These will take place on Monday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. in the church. I would encourage you to attend either one of these sessions. I would especially ask all Eucharistic Ministers, ushers/greeters and sacristans to attend since your ministries will be directly affected.

The implementations of the new GIRM confirms the basic principals which have guided our liturgy here at St. Noel for years. Even though we will need to make some adjustments in the ways we celebrate, it provides
an opportunity to understand our liturgical tradition more clearly and recommit ourselves to the worship of God.
I hope you can attend one of our parish meetings on the GIRM, and I look forward to your questions and the opportunity to grow together.

Fr. George Smiga

LECTOR WORKBOOKS - All lectors are invited to pick up their new lector workbooks. These are available on the table in the Sacristy.

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 JUSTICE GEMS - "We need to be a Church that helps believers recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread and those without bread" (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

SAY "YES TO CHILDREN" - The Board of the Catholic Commission of Lake & Geauga have recently passed a resolution endorsing both the 0.7 mill renewal property tax levy for Children's Services in Lake County and the 0.7 mill replacement property tax levy for Children's Services in Geauga County. These ballot issues will help sustain vital Children's Services programs for many poor and vulnerable children in our communities, while supporting some of the quality youth services provided through Catholic Charities of Lake & Geauga. But, no matter how you decide please express your"Faithful Citizenship" by voting on these and other decisions in Lake & Geauga Counties on Tuesday, November 4th. Fore more information on this or other issues affecting the poor call the Catholic Commission of Lake & Geauga at 440-585-7745.

"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 next weekend - 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.

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!

"LIFE AFTER DEATH" - The second part. of the two part Adult Enrichment series "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. This session will also 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 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.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S "ELIZABETH'S ROSES" - will be available in the narthex following all Masses on the weekend of November 8-9, 2003. Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, visit the "Caring Ministries."

"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 Thursday evening November 13th at 7:00 p.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 November are: November 6th - Speaker from Just Natural Health Foods - November 13th - horse racing. We are going to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at this meeting. November 20th - happy time/appetizers & punch - 12:15 p.m. luncheon consisting of: turkey w/stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, rolls & butter, pumpkin pie. The cost is $12.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is November 17th. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank to this meeting. November 27th -Thanksgiving Day we will not be meeting. 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 440-946-0887 We are also in need of volunteers at the 9:00 a.m. Mass,

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is this Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00pm in the large hall. Please drop off and pick up under the large hall canopy. Bring your bible.

PRIME TIME - The following teens will represent St. Noel at the National Catholic Youth Convention in Houston on Nov. 13-16: Katie Troha, Casey Reed, Matt Bartolotta, Katie DeFrank, Kim Henderson, Kristen Ekin and Sarah Wright. Please pray for our teens! PRIME TIME meets tonight at 7:30pm in the teen center.

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.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - We are serving at the Cleveland Food Bank on Monday, November 3rd. We leave the church at 5:30pm. Please call Anthony if you are interested in serving.

EMPTY BOWLS - Thanks to all for a wonderful, successful event! We raised over $1000 for the St. James Lunch Program, learned more about hunger and enjoyed the artistic talents of our parishioners.

SERVERS - We welcome nine new servers to assist at liturgy: Diana Yohe, Kyle Wilcox, Jill Lipold, Jessica Lipold, Stephanie Bower, Mike Mills, Ryan Mills, Carmella Boggess and Megan Bryant. Thank you for your gifts!

ST. NOEL MOVERS - are in need of beds and washing machines. If you can help call Anthony at 440-946-1128 X 20.

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 - Villa Angels/St. Joseph High School will have their open house for prospective students on Tuesday, November 11th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for more information, please call 216-481-8414 X 252.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY - at St. Gabriel in Mentor will be hosting an informative talk on US/International Infant Adoption and Foster Care, on November 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the community room. Please join the Elizabeth Ministry in welcoming David Goode-Cross from the Bellefaire.JCB. For more information please call 440-953-3867.

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

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN - The parent's support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, November 9, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the library of the Administration Center at St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor.

TAIZE PRAYER - will be held Thursday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene in Willowick. For more information please call 440-943-2133.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL PRESENTS A HOLIDAY SHOW- featuring Shout & "Legends of Soul" Show Band. It's your last chance this year to hear this amazing band. They will be performing here on Saturday, December 13, from 8:00 until midnight. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. We will be serving assorted gourmet pizzas, a vegetable and cheese display followed by a make-your-own-ice-cream sundae bar. A cash bar will be available. This event would be a great idea for your holiday office party. Tickets are $20.00 per person, and can be purchased by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED IF YOU ARE BEING CALLED TO BE A PRIEST? - Want some good information to help you consider priesthood and make a good decision for your life? If you said 'yes' to these questions, make plans to attend an overnight retreat at St.Mary Seminary on Friday and Saturday, November 7-8, 2003. This time of prayer and reflection will help you understand God's call to priesthood. For more information, please contact Father Bob Stec at 440-943-7660, called@a-full-life.com,or go online to www.a-full-life.com.

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