Week of May 29, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

This year there will be fifty-nine young people of our parish graduating from high school. Events such as graduations clearly mark the passage of time. I can join with parents and other members of our community in saying it seems it was only yesterday that these young men and women were learning to walk or receiving their First Communion. Now they are moving on with life, many of them leaving home for the first time.

Graduations are worth celebrating. That is why we have sent invitations to our graduating seniors to join us on Sunday, June 12 th for the 11:00 a.m. Mass and for a brunch afterwards in our parish hall. I know this is a busy time of the year, but I hope many seniors will be able to join us for this occasion at which our parish can acknowledge this important event in their lives. Parents are invited to join us at the brunch for they deserve affirmation in their role of guiding their children to this stage of life and support as they themselves face the transition which graduation brings.

Graduates, if you remain in town, I encourage you to stay active at St. Noel. If you are going away to college, we want you to return to St. Noel as you come home for breaks and vacation and stay in touch with the parish by checking our web site from time to time. You are still a part of St. Noel's community and we always want you to feel at home here.

God blesses us in so many ways. May the passage of time, which graduation highlights, remind us of God's continual presence and love at every stage of our lives.

Fr. George Smiga

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS – You should have received an invitation to our annual Senior Brunch scheduled for Sunday, June 12 th . We do not want to miss any graduating seniors from the parish. If you did not receive an invitation, we want you to be there!! Please call Anthony (946-1128). All who received an invitation should send in the reply card ASAP – thanks!

USHERS/GREETERS are needed at the 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Masses . Anyone interested in being an usher/greeter at the 5:00 p.m. Mass please call Jim Klements at 440-442-2744. Anyone interested in being an usher/greeter at the 9:00 a.m. Mass please call Jim Krause at 216-261-6376. The new schedule starts July 1 st . You would be scheduled once a month. (The pay is not much but the extra benefits are “heavenly”.)

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM – “If you weave enough bad things into the fibers of a person's life,” said 15 year old Maria about life in Harlem, “sickness, filth, old mattresses and other junk thrown in the streets and other ugly ruined things, and ruined people, a prison here, sewage there, drug dealers here, the homeless people over there, then give us the very worst schools anyone could think of, hospitals that keep you waiting for ten hours, police that don't show up when someone's dying, take the train that's underneath the street in the good neighborhoods and put it up above where it shuts out the sun, you can guess that life will not be very nice and children will not have much sense of being glad of who they are.” (Amazing Grace by J. Kozol)

To speak out for those with no one to speak for them and to see as the poor and powerless do, is acting with a “preferential option for the poor.” In the pastoral letter, Economic Justice for All: Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy , 1986, The U.S. bishops called for the implementation of economic rights for the poor by making economic decisions more accountable to the common good.

Learn more about “walking with the poor” by examining the JustFaith curriculum which begins its new series this September. More details in coming weeks.

RCIA INQUIRY TO BEGIN - Do you have a sense that the Catholic Church is a faith community you would like to join?  Are you a non-baptized person or a Christian of another tradition who has questions about the Catholic faith?  If so please consider gathering with us this summer on the first Tuesdays of the month (June 7, July 5, and August 2) from 7 – 8:30 for our inquiry sessions in the Resurrection Room.  Bring your questions, concerns and the story of your own faith journey.  If you would like to talk to someone about the R ite of C hristian I nitiation of A dults before that time please feel free to call Alice Hinkel or Marianne Slattery at 440-946-0887. 

GOD IS NOT A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRATE – Join us as we study Jim Wallis' book, God's Politics : Why the Right Gets It Wrong and Why the Left Doesn't Get It , on Monday nights in June at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., beginning June 6 th , in the Nativity Room. God's politics offers a clarion call to make both our religious communities and our government more accountable to key values of the prophetic religious tradition – that is, make them pro-justice, pro-peace, pro-environment, pro-equality, pro-consistent ethic of life, and pro-family. Don't miss this opportunity to read and to discuss why Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said “Jim Wallis is compelling, provocative, and inspirational, with the kind of faith that can move mountains and can certainly move people and communities.” Please call Rose Fini of our Social Concerns Commission if you plan to attend at 440-376-7295 or e-mail her at rosalina725@hotmail.com . Please purchase or borrow the book and read the first six chapters for the first meeting.

PLANTED IN THE GARDEN OF GOD: BLOSSOMING, BLOOMING, AND BEARING FRUIT – has been rescheduled for Wednesday June 1 ST . We will offer this daytime retreat opportunity in the Resurrection Room from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. including lunch (a donation of $5.00 will help cover the cost of lunch.) Fran Armbruster will lead the day. If you have any questions, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend.

PLANT A ROW FOR THE HUNGRY - Please consider planting extra vegetables in your garden this year to donate to the St. Augustine Hunger Center. Cabbage, collards, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and lettuce would be appreciated. Please bring your bounty to St. Noel on Fridays before 5:00 pm. during the harvest season. Call the parish office for questions at 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – meets every Thursday at Noon in the small hall. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursday.

NOEL MOVERS – Baby cribs, mattress and box springs (any size), dressers as well as any furniture in good condition. We do not pick up clothes, knick knacks or items needing repair. Please call Anthony if you can help.

WHITEWATER RAFTING – Please turn in your deposits to Anthony. Spots still remain. The trip will be June 29-July1st. We'll travel on the 29 th and camp on the grounds of North American River Runners. We'll raft all day on June 30 th and head home July 1 st . Total cost is only $100/person which includes all fees and all meals. The trip is open to all parishioners!! Minimum age is 12. Sign up on the kiosk. Call Anthony with questions.

CAMP YAC – Our junior high summer camp is scheduled for the week of June 20-24. The camp is open to current 6-8 grade students and is a great time. Registration forms are in the kiosk.

STOCK OPTIONS - The market can be a rough ride!! Why not purchase stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!! On the weekends of June 11-12 and June 18-19, stop at the table in the narthex and invest in the youth of our parish who are traveling to Chicago this summer to perform community service and learn about their faith. Stockholders will receive a stock certificate and an invitation to our service report once we return. Sure it's a fundraiser, but this stock will pay big dividends! Shares sell for $10. Thanks for your support!

BISHIOP ANTHONY PILLA – will preside at a special Eucharistic Liturgy including the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on Sunday, July 3 rd , at the 12:15 p.m. Mass in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. The Bishop will be joined in administering this prayer and Sacrament of Healing by our Auxiliary Bishops and the priests of the Cathedral. All those who are elderly, chronically or critically ill (including those preparing for serious surgery) are welcomed to be anointed at this Mass. You must be of the age and use of reason to receive this sacrament. Please arrive at the Cathedral before Noon and follow the instructions of the ushers. Free parking is available in the Rockwell Avenue Cathedral Plaza Garage.

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” “Do not be afraid to witness to the hope that dwells in you … Jesus Christ.” These powerful words of Pope John Paul II remind us that now more than ever, we are in need of women and men who are willing to witness to Christ. Our Church needs young adults who are willing to serve as priests and as consecrated religious sisters and brothers. Interested? Ever consider it for yourself? The Diocesan Vocation Office is sponsoring the “Where Are You Going? Retreat on Saturday, June 18 th , at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The staff of priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers will help you come to a better understanding of how you can use your life to witness for Christ in the Church. The day-long retreat is open to single, Catholic women and men. For more information, contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 800-869-6525 or 216-696-6525 ext. 3490 or www.churchvocations.com .

LAKE/GEAUGA DISTRICT FOR THE SEPARATED and DIVORCED is offering a program called Finding Balance in Life. Bonnie Gulko, MS, RD, LD, will present an evening devoted to nutrition for the mind, body and soul. This lively interactive session will explore the misconceptions about nutrition and how to make positive changes that will help you find balance in your life. Join us on Thursday, June 16 th at Holy Angels Church, 18205 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, from 7-9:00 p.m. To register or for further information, call Karen at 440-352-8282.

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – Divorced, separated and widowed men and women of all ages are encouraged to attend a weekend designed for those who wish to let go of the painful past and create a more peace-filled future. Presented by people who have “been there” and offer their support. The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Weekend will be held on June 10 th , 11 th , & 12 th , at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland. Call Carole (330-416-8911) or Frank (440-473-0457) and Joan (216-671-0077) for the information on this weekend of hope and healing. Or reach us at: www.beginningexerience.org.

CATHOLIC RECOVERY FOR DIVORCED & SEPARATED – The experience of separation and divorce are among life's most difficult and painful experiences. Many find that they are in need of direction and support as they attempt to heal and restore balance to their life. The Catholic parishes in Lake and Geauga counties have developed an 8-week support group that is conducted by trained facilitators who understand what you are experiencing and want to help you on your journey to recover. Join us beginning Thursday, June 23 rd , at Immaculate Conception Church, 2846 Hubbard Rd., Madison, from 7-9:00 p.m. We will meet every Thursday for 8 weeks, concluding August 11 th . Sessions provide a caring, confidential atmosphere and are designed to help you deal with the pain of the past, grow through your separation/divorce, and begin to build a new life. To register or for further information, kindly call Catholic Charities at 800-242-9755 or 440-352-6191.

“ANGELS HAVE WHEELS” – All Medicare recipients should now be aware that they may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare, if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders, and have difficulty walking or propelling a manual wheelchair. For information on Medicare eligibility contact Gregory at 1-800-810-2877.

WILLOUGHBY HILLS SENIOR CENTER (located in the new Willoughby Hills Community Center) is offering a variety of activities for seniors. Please check out the flier on the kiosk.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI in Gates Mills invites you to attend their annual festival from Thursday, June 9 th through Sunday June 12 th . There will be rides, homemade ethnic food and much more. For more information please call 440-461-0066.

CALLING ALL ST. PAUL (EUCLID) ALUMNI AND FRIENDS - You are invited to come to St. Paul Church, (Euclid) Annual Alumni Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2005 at Noon. The enjoyment will continue at our Annual Parish Picnic from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Parish Center (East 200 th & St. Clair Ave.) Come and celebrate the Mass and then walk down the street to the Parish Center, and enjoy food, games, raffles, and music.

SUMMER KICK OFF CELEBRATION (FEST) – Join us for the best summer kick off in town! Bring your family and your friends to Geauga Lake on Saturday, June 4, 2005. Hawk Nelson, the punk-rock band will be the main attraction (along with all the rides.) Check out the last of our Real Music Christian Talent Search semi-finals kick off the summer with fun, music and sun – it doesn't get any better! It's only $17.95 after 5:00 p.m. --$2 less with a Mountain Dew or Sierra Mist can. After that, everything is free, rides, Real Music with 8 live bands, and the Hawk Nelson concert! Spend the whole day for just $2 more. The last Real Music semi-final starts at 6:30 p.m. and Hawk Nelson kicks off at 9:00 p.m. For more information, contact the FEST office at 440-943-7662 or visit us at fest@a-full-life.com .

CATHOLIC UPDATE – entitled “My Vision for the Church,” by Pope Benedict XVI, is now available in the kiosk.

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