Week of June 12, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

With the mild weather now upon us it might be time to bring to your attention some spring house keeping items concerning our church. I believe we should all be proud of our worship space here at St. Noel which we use week after week in the worship of God. It is a communal space and it takes a community to keep it in good condition. Two problems have caused me some concern and to solve them I need to address parents. If you have small children please do not allow them to stand on the book racks that are located beneath the seats of each of the chairs in the church. The racks are not constructed to bear the weight of children and some have broken already. Standing on the book racks will not only risk harm to your children but also necessitate the repair of our church furniture. The second issue concerns donuts. Serving donuts after every liturgy is an important part of our tradition at St. Noel. It is a warm gesture of hospitality and promotes fellowship within our community. I would, however, ask parents to see that their children do not carry donuts into the church area. We are regularly finding donut pieces in the aisles and beneath the pews. When these crumbs harden they become difficult to remove and increase the work of our maintenance staff. Social gathering after liturgy is to be encouraged in the church but please see that the donut eating is limited to the narthex.

I believe that all parishioners want to treat our church building with the respect it deserves. Your helpful response to the two issues I have brought to your attention would do just that. Allow me to thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Fr. George Smiga

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. or anyone interested in being an usher/greeter at the 9:00 a.m. Mass please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. 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.”)

THE ALHAMBRA – A Christian Organization dedicated to helping mentally challenged children will be at St. Noel this weekend. They will be accepting monetary donations outside after all the Masses. A portion of the funds collected here will help with our own special education efforts and the balance is used for other causes in our area. Please be as generous as you have in the past.

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE – This year as usual we are suspending Wednesday evening liturgies from June 15 th through August 31st . We will, however, continue to have our monthly Mass with the Anointing of the Sick on the second Wednesday of each month July 13th and August 10th.

HOSPITALITY – We are in need of help at the 11:00 a.m. Mass to serve coffee and donuts and help clean up. You will be scheduled once a month. If you can help, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

SOWERS OF JUSTICE – The Diocesan Commission on Social Action is offering a 5 week course this fall on Catholic Social Teaching.  The series will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning September 27 th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.  The topics will include the spirituality of justice and major themes of Catholic social teaching, moving from conversion to action, solidarity, building social justice involvement in the parish, and strategic planning.  If you are interested in attending please call Alice Hinkel at the parish office – 440-964-0887. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM - At 11 pm in a dark parking lot of a shopping center in Maryland, Patrick and seven other “chicken catchers” wait for a ride to an unknown destination to catch, by hand, 55,000 five pound chickens ready for slaughter.  They will work through the night and well into the next day.  Each will get $2.50 for catching 1,000 chickens.  One jokes that he must catch 2,000 chickens to be able to buy one chicken at the grocery store.  At the processing plant, Sheila will work 8 to 12 hours on the assembly line, standing in deep puddles of icy water, mud and chicken feces, while enduring the repetitive motion task of cleaning, cutting, or packaging chickens which race by on the conveyor belt. (Credible Signs of Christ Alive, J. Hogan)

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development sponsored the efforts of a Maryland faith-based organization in its efforts to force the national chicken processing chain to provide better working conditions and pay for the laborers.

In today's Gospel, Jesus looked out upon the crowds and “had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  He called his disciples and gave them authority to proclaim the good news.  He is still calling us as disciples to bring the good news to the helpless and leaderless.  Learn more about faith-based programs for change in the JustFaith curriculum.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL –Get ready for a Prayer Safari! Join us for a fun-packed week daily from 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (please note extended time) and the closing program on Friday evening, July 18-22. We will transform St. Noel Church into a safari adventure as we explore the Lord's Prayer, gathering in stations for Bible stories, crafts, fun games, delicious snacks, lively music and much more. After masses on June 18/19 and 25/26 sign up in the narthex for Kingdom of the Son ! Bring a friend!

ROSARY – Join us Tuesday, June 21st, from 7-7:45 p.m. in the chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP –Activities for the month of June are as follows : June 16 th - Bingo – June 23 rd - 12:00 p.m. meeting and social then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon consisting of Chicken á la King over biscuit, tossed salad and cheesecake with topping. The cost of the luncheon is $4.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payments is June 20 th . June 30th - we will be celebrating anniversaries and birthdays with cake and ice cream. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursday.

WHITEWATER RAFTING – All deposits are due ASAP. Please turn in your deposits to Anthony.

CAMP YAC – See you Monday, June 20 th at St. Noel.

STOCK OPTIONS - We're selling stock this weekend and next!! 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!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Plan on attending the awesome Father's Day Pancake Breakfast on June 19 th from 10:00am-1:00pm. Bring your dad for flapjacks and support youth ministry at St. Noel Church. The food is delicious and the price can't be beat. 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” throughout his pontificate, John Paul II continued to call out to teens and young adults, “Do not be afraid to follow Christ.” If in the depth of your heart you hear the call to priesthood, deaconate, or consecrated religious life, “do not be afraid” to follow God's call - - your vacation. 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.

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.

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – Heartland Hospice is looking for special people to participate in our volunteer program. Days and times are flexible – give as much or as little time as you choose. Areas of service range from friendly patient visits to office work, and training is provided. For more information, please call Margaret Mullen, Heartland Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 216-520-0765.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY OF MENTOR hosts a monthly grief support group. The next session is on Monday, June 20 th at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending please call Rita Demarchi at 440-942-0336.

MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSES IN CHILDREN presented by Susan Mikolic on Wednesday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. John Vianney Church Social

Center. This talk will cover symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, and medications for mental health illnesses that affect children, which include ADD, depression, bipolar, OCD and Aspergers Disorder. For more

information, call Barb at 440-256-3922.

THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME are holding an event where you can hear experts speak on Islam, communicate personally with Muslims, enjoy Arab dance and taste Middle Eastern pastries. What: Encountering Islam, When: July 9, 2005; 12:30-4:30 p.m., Where: Notre Dame Educational Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon. Call 440-279-1116 or hlkist@ndec.org to register. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Fliers are located in the kiosk.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Thursday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Noel in Resurrection Room #1.

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