Week of May 18, 2008

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Dear Parishioner,

As you know Divine Word Parish and St. Noel have been searching for an experienced youth minister to establish and guide a joint youth ministry program between our two parishes. This week I am pleased to announce that after a nation-wide search we have found one in David Napoli.

David grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York. In 2004 he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. He served for three years as a Youth Minister and Director of Religious Education in St. Paul parish in Greensburg, PA. He then developed a youth ministry program for a cluster of three parishes in the Boston area. For the last year David has been a pre-theology student, discerning whether God was calling him to the priesthood. He has determined that his vocation is to serve the Church not as a priest but as a youth minister.

He is excited about relocating to Cleveland and making this part of the country his home.  He will begin working for us July 1st. He will be in contact with Anthony Camino and with those working in youth ministry at Divine Word to understand what has been happening already in our youth ministry programs and to build upon it. Our cluster search committee was very impressed with David at his interview. He demonstrated a solid knowledge of our faith, impressive experience in youth ministry and an excitement about serving the Church.

The Coordinator of Youth Ministry is only one part of the joint efforts our cluster will be presenting to Bishop Lennon this fall. We have developed four proposals to strengthen our ministries together. We would like to present those to you for your feedback. Therefore, we have scheduled a “Cluster Commencement” for parishioners of both our parishes at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11th in our Banquet Center. Please mark your calendars to join us to hear more about the joint youth ministry program and the other efforts we are planning together.

Several weeks ago when I announced that Anthony Camino and Marc Weagraff would be leaving our staff, I expressed my belief that God would provide quality people to fill the vacancies they leave behind. I also noted that we were willing to wait, if necessary, until the right person came along. I can now testify that God has been faithful. With David Napoli as our Coordinator of our Youth Ministry and Richard Gullion as our Director of Music Ministries I believe we are well positioned to carry on the ministries which have been such an important part of our parish life. (I am particularly grateful that God acted so quickly - providing excellent candidates in a matter of weeks.) Let us rejoice together in God’s goodness to us.

Fr. George Smiga

TWIST AT THE BANQUET CENTER – will take place on May 24th for the show band Twist. They play a variety of Mo-town favorites and oldies from the past. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A pasta buffet will be served and a cash bar will be available. The cost is $25.00 per person. The evening concludes at 11:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the Banquet Center at 440-946-6635.

PRAYERS AND CONGRATULATIONS for our parishioners Joseph Craig and Yvette Makovits who were confirmed on May 10, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

HOSPITALITY – We are in need of help to set up and serve coffee and donuts at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening and at the 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Masses on Sunday. You would only be scheduled once a month. If you can help please call Joann Fioretti at 440-461-5217.

CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED communion for the first time this year are invited to the Cathedral for a special blessing from Bishop Lennon. On Saturday, May 24th at 4:30 p.m. the Bishop will celebrate Mass with children who have received First Holy Communion since last Easter. Children are invited to wear their Communion or Sunday outfits as they will participate in a procession with Bishop Lennon.

VIRTUS TRAINING – On Wednesday, June 25th, Virtus Training, a program to protect God’s children, will be offered from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in our Banquet Center/small hall. We are providing this opportunity in conjunction with Divine Word Parish. Anyone who requires certification or recertification for their job is invited to attend. This program, however, is especially valuable for parents, grandparents and anyone who interacts with children. It emphasizes ways to recognize the warning signs of abuse and how to discuss the reality of sexual abuse with their children in a practical and supportive manner.  Please call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21 to register.

LOAVES AND LETTERS: June 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us as we participate in Bread for the World’s 2008 Offering of Letters.  The focus this year is The Global Poverty Act. We will share a light supper of salad and rolls, learn from a brief video and then write letters to our U.S. Senators and Representatives urging them to support legislation that will cut in half the number of people who are hungry and those who are living on less than $1per day.  Learn more at www.bread.org .

CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION – Thinking about your garden and all the delicious and nutritious produce to grace our tables in the coming months?  Join us on Sunday June 1, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the small hall for a potluck supper and discussion on sustainable gardening and foods that are good for us and for the planet! Our discussion will be led by a master gardener.  As always please bring your own place settings so we don’t need to use disposables and remember you can join us for the prayer and program at 6:15 p.m. if you can’t make the potluck. 

BREAD FOR THE WORLD MEETING – On Thursday evening May 29th at 6:30 p.m. there will be a meeting in the Resurrection Room for all those from Northeast Ohio who might be interested in beginning a Bread for the World chapter in our area.  Larry Hollar of the BFW staff will share with us what would be entailed in this effort. All are welcome! 

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP – Save the date!  On Thursday evening, May 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. in our small hall, we will be hosting a forum on Faithful Citizenship, the document written by our Bishops which addresses the forming of our consciences for faithful citizenship and our call to political responsibility.  Speakers will be from St. Mary Seminary and our Diocesan Social Action office.  Registration is important to insure adequate materials for all in attendance.  You may register by calling 888-620-5280 or email axcoplan@clevelandcatholiccharities.org .  See you there!

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG –bottles are still available on the table in the narthex.

THE TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP GROUP has finished their weekly meetings until next fall. Please watch the bulletin in August for the start up date and time for the Bible Study Meetings to resume.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for May are as follows: -– May 22nd - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon menu: Chicken á la King, salad, ice cream w/strawberry topping. Cost is $6.00. Please call Catherine at 440-449-9059 for tickets and information. Deadline for tickets and payment is May 19th. May 29th – Happy Birthdays, Anniversaries and Games of your Choice.  Also, please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

THE MINISTRY FOR THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES PRESENTS: “Forgiving, Healing and Moving On” on Thursday, May 29th, at St. Mary Church, 401 North Street, Chardon, Ohio 7-9:00 p.m.  A painful separation or divorce can often leave you filled with blame and bitterness. One of the first steps to healing is forgiveness. Join Deacon Ed McCarthy as he explores the powers of forgiveness and the many ways it leads to healing, allowing you to move on. To register or for more information, kindly call Karen at 440-352-8282.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS – an 8-week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are divorced or separated will begin Tuesday, June 10th and conclude on August 5th, at St. Noel Church, 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, from 7-9:00 p.m.  Sessions are designed to offer direction, support, and the tools for coping with this life-changing experience. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755. There is no charge for this program.

DAY OF CARING – The United Way of Lake County has gathered a number of volunteers willing to take on a one-day project for people in need or organizations with limited resources.  This Day of Caring is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2008.  Check the kiosk for further information and application forms. 

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Bishop Lennon will celebrate the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration this year at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1958). Deadline for registration is June 15, 2008. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 to register

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING” -  As Christ calls each of us to participate in the mission of the Church, The Diocesan Vocation Office invites single, Catholic women and men (ages 18-40) to join local Sisters, Brothers, Deacons, and Priests to our annual “Where Are You Going?” Retreat on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. This day-long retreat (8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) is intended for young adults who may be considering the possibility to serve the Lord as a Consecrated Religious, Deacon, or Priest. We will conclude with the vigil Mass for Sunday. There is no cost, but reservations are required. Please contact Mary Avenoso at 800-869-6525 or 216-696-6525 ext 3490 or email mavenoso@dioceseofcleveland.org  no later than Monday, June 2, 2008.

BRING THE WORLD TO YOUR FAMILY—WITHOUT LEAVING HOME! – By hosting an AFS high school exchange student, you can add an international branch to your family tree. AFS Intercultural Programs USA has been a leader in the field of student exchange for 60 years; we rely, however, on families that express an interest in volunteering to welcome these students into their hearts, homes and communities for the year. Host families and students receive the support of a network of community-based AFS volunteers throughout the students’ year or semester of attending school in America. These remarkable young men and women will arrive in early August, eager to learn about America. For more information about hosting, please contact parishioner, Sandy Caporossi at 440-953-0840.

“ADULT FAITH MATTERS” – Copies of the adult formation newsletter for the Lake and Geauga District can be found in a pocket on the kiosk.  Take a copy and learn of all the activities happening at our neighboring parishes!

URSULINE COLLEGE invites you to attend an information night on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Strawbridge Parlor, 2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike. The Master of Arts in Ministry Programs offers a focus on ministry for church and marketplace which develops academic competence, spiritual maturity and practical skills. Classes are in a flexible format designed for students with full-time commitments, and meet most diocesan certification requirements. Fall classes begin August 20, 2008. Please call the Graduate Ministry Office at 440-646-8195 for more information. Scholarships are available.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH is pleased to announce its Spring Concert with the St. Francis Choir, a program of classical and contemporary music. Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., the program will take place at the church, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills two buildings east of Hillcrest Hospital. A free-will offering will be taken at the door.

THE CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION invites everyone to a concert featuring members of the Cleveland Orchestra on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.  A free will offering will be taken and a reception will follow the program. The program will take place at the church, 32001 Cannon Road, Solon, Ohio. For more information please contact Meg Matuska at 440-248-0980 ext 25.

A SPECIAL PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA, LOURDES AND SANDIAGO DECAMPESTELLA – is planned for November 3, 2008 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions at Lourdes. The trip is being hosted by Fr. Rich Evans (Holy Family Parish in Parma) and Fr. Ed Smith (St. Christine Parish in Euclid.) For information and cost please call 440-842-5533 or 216-261-1410

ITALY PILGRIMAGE - celebrate your faith by joining Catholic Social Service and Fr. Jan Sullivan on an inspiring Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy! The tour departs on November 2, 2008. For more information and cost please call Merry Ralston at 614-857-1254 or email

malston@colscss.org.

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