Week of September 19, 2004

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Dear Parishioner,

It is with joy that I am able to share with you this weekend that David Nethery of our parish has been accepted into the preparation program to become a permanent deacon in our diocese and in our community. David and his wife Toni joined St. Noel in 1993. David was part of the RCIA process and was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1998. Dave has served St. Noel in many ministries. He is both a Eucharistic Minister and sacristan. He was a part of our Vibrant Parish Life Coordinating Committee and is presently serving on our Pastoral Council.

The preparation program for deacons lasts four years.

Dave is clear in his insistence that these years are a time of mutual discernment both on his part and on that of the diocese to determine whether it is the ministry of the deaconate to which God is calling him. He is also very clear that it has been the people of St. Noel and their faith which have led him to take this important step towards diaconal ministry.

I am excited that if it is God's will to have Dave enter the deaconate, we will have the presence of diaconal ministry at St. Noel. The office of the deacon is an ancient ministry of the Church reaching back to the times of the earliest Christians. The role of a deacon is characterized by service to the community. Liturgically the deacon reads the Gospel and can preach. He is able to officiate at baptisms and weddings. The presence of a deacon in our parish can be of immense value as there are fewer priests to assist us at St. Noel.

Although the deacon cannot preside at the Eucharist, absolve from sins, or anoint the sick, the gift of the deaconate will allow us as a parish to have a fuller display of the ministries of our Church.

Since most permanent deacons are married, the wife of a deacon is closely involved in diaconal ministry. Both David and Toni were interviewed extensively before being accepted into the formation program. Toni will attend the regular classes together with Dave and form an essential part of the diaconal community of our diocese. The sacrament of marriage is prior to the deaconate. The commitment and growth of marriage must be respected and fostered when diaconal ministry is undertaken.

As you can see Dave and Toni have begun an important journey of discernment. Over the next four years they will need our prayers and support. I will be introducing them at the liturgies this weekend. Be sure to extend to them your congratulations and love in the narthex after Mass.

Fr. George Smiga

LECTOR WORKBOOKS – All lectors are invited to pick up their new lector workbooks. These are available on the counter in the sacristy (next to the Visitation Room).

SIGNED LITURGY- On Sunday, October 3 rd , Mary Smith will be joining us to sign the 11:00 a.m. Mass for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

PRAYER SERVICE FOR PEACE - On Saturday morning, September 25, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., our “Let There Be Peace” prayer and reflection group will be leading a prayer service at the Gazebo in WES Park in downtown Willoughby.  Please join us for this opportunity to prayer with the broader community for peace in our families, our communities and our world. 

RESPECT FOR LIFE SUNDAY – October 3 rd is Respect Life Sunday. Lake County's 12 th annual Life Chain will take place at the intersection of route 20 and route 306 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 p.m. that day. Please consider being a “Link for Life” by standing in silent witness with hundreds of others for just one hour.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST – As you prepare to vote this fall you may be interested in checking out the voting records of various candidates. Here are two web sites where that information can be found:   

www.networklobby.org A Catholic Social Justice Lobby.

www.vote-smart.org A nonpartisan citizen's organization.

www.responsiblecitizenship.org A Catholic Campaign for Civic Dialogue .

HOSPITALITY – We are in need of help at the 9:00 a.m. Mass to set up and serve coffee and donuts. You will be scheduled once a month. If you can help, please call Gayle Klements at 440-442-2744.

HELP NEEDED! Project Hope for the Homeless needs volunteers for its ministry to our area's homeless population. Give Ron Kozma, Director of Volunteers a call at 440-354-6417 to explore how you can become involved in restoring hope to the homeless.

Blanket Sunday will take place on the weekend of September 25 th and 26 th . Your cash or check donation will allow St. Vincent DePaul Society of our diocese to purchase new items in bulk for reduced prices to serve families, children, elderly, homeless and other needy individuals in our metropolitan area. Or if you prefer, when you come to Mass that weekend, you may bring new or like-new blankets, sheets, pillowcases, towels and washcloths to church with you. On the same weekend, we collect slightly worn men's, women's, and children's winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves in good, clean condition. These items will be distributed to individuals in the area of the St. Augustine Hunger Center.

BEREAVEMENT SERIES – Our Bereavement Ministry invites anyone (participants need not be parishioners) who is coping with the loss of a family member or friend to attend a series of evenings designed to support and assist people in their grieving. The series will be held in the nursery, October 7 th through November 11 th ; and each evening will include some time for prayer. These sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887. Fliers are available in the kiosk.

PICTURE DIRECTORY – This is the last weekend for picture signups after the Masses. We will begin actually photographing families on Tuesday, September 21 st . We ask that you please stop in the Nativity Room this weekend and sign up for a date and time, or to call the office during the week. We would like to have as many families represented in our directory as possible. Every household which participates will receive a free Parish directory and a free 8 x 10 portrait of the pose you choose for the directory. All registered parishioners will have their name and address included in the directory. We will include published phone numbers and not include unlisted numbers. If you wish to omit a published phone number or include an unlisted number in the directory please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Our first breakfast of the year will be on Saturday, September 25 th , from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Our presenter will be our parishioner, Chris Bartolotta who will draw our attention to the theme of “Living Your Life in Tune to Your Values.” As always, we will also enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time of prayer together. The suggested donation is $3.50. 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 ST. NOEL BENEFIT CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: An Operatic Matinee featuring arias, duets and ensembles from the wonderful world of opera (and a little musical theater, too!). This concert of exceptional music will be on Sunday, October 24 th at 4:00 p.m. at St. Noel and will feature the talents of Virginia Bruozis, soprano; Joanne Uniatowski, mezzo-soprano; Joseph Camino, tenor; and Marc Weagraff, baritone. The concert is free of charge. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit “Women and Community” of Zaragoza, El Salvador, a group with whom St. Noel has a relationship through International Partners in Mission. After the concert, meet the artists at the Appetizer Encore featuring delicious appetizers from Chef Randy. Tickets for the after-concert event are $10/person or $20/family and can be purchased at the door, after Mass on the weekends of October 9th/10th, October 16th/17 th and October 23rd/24th, or in advance by calling 440-946-0887.

FLU SHOT CLINIC - The Visiting Nurses Association returns again this year to conduct a flu shot clinic in our small hall on Thursday, October 7, 2004 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The cost per immunization is $19.00; the pneumonia immunization is $25.00.  The clinic takes cash only.  Medicare B beneficiaries with a valid Medicare Card will have services billed to Medicare.   

GIFT – You will be receiving a gift from St. Noel in the mail this week. Watch for it as it prepares you for an exciting new opportunity this fall. Details will follow.

REMINDER - Family Scripture Study, Sunday, September 26 th from 10:15-11:00 a.m. in the small hall. All families are welcome.

EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD STORY – Stories change us. Stories convert us. Share the power of stories Jesus told in the “Parables of Jesus,” our next scripture study series. We will gather in the small hall at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, September 28, October 12 and November 2. Dr. George Matejka will start us off, followed by Sr. Therese Duggan of St. Mary Seminary, and Fr. George will lead the concluding discussion. Study guides are available for $10 each. You may purchase one any evening of the lectures, or you may get one ahead of time by calling Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 x 21.

THE BELOVED OF GOD-A retreat opportunity to discover how we are filled with the presence of God. As part of the beauty of creation, we are mirrors of this presence in life and in the world. The focus and reflection of the day are based on the person, life and writings of Henry Nowen. We will begin on Wednesday, October 6 th at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. The day will be led by Fran Armbruster, and include lunch. 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.

JOIN THE EL SALVADOR DELEGATION on Thursday evening, September 23 rd in the small hall at 7:30 p.m. Learn about the people we met, the places we saw and the strength and character of a people. We will have pictures to show, stories to tell, good food and fellowship to share. You will have an opportunity to speak directly with the people from our parish who visited El Salvador and ask them questions.

PSR – Regular classes begin this Monday, September 20 th at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Parents are invited to attend an information meeting at 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. in the church.

PRESCHOOL begins September 19 th during the 9:00 Mass. If you missed the open registration, you may pick up a form in the parish office or call 440-946-1128 x 21. Our preschool program is interactive and designed to help children, ages 3-5 years, grow and develop in faith through the Sunday Gospels.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP – Every four years our Bishops issue a document entitled “Faithful Citizenship” which addresses the Catholic perspective on the elections and public policy. Here is this week's quote from that document: “All believers are called to faithful citizenship to become informed, active and responsible participants in the political process”. ”. As we review the political landscape, the most important challenges we face are not simply political, economic or technological, but ethical, moral and spiritual. We face fundamental questions of life and death, war and peace, who moves ahead and who is left behind. We must ask ourselves what kind of nation do we want to be? What kind of world do we want to shape?

STOP SWEATSHOPS – Learn about a worker-owned Women's Sewing Cooperative in Nicaragua that is creating an alternative to: sweatshop-made products.” Two of the Nicaraguan women will share the inspirational story of their factory on Tuesday, September 21 st , 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. For more information contact the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) by visiting www.irtfcleveland.org or calling 216-961-0003.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP –Join us for a fresh new season with the Ladies Bible Study and Fellowship. You are invited to join this group of ladies in a weekly study of the Word. We follow nationally known authors with study guides that lead us through a variety of spiritual journeys. You need not be experienced in study—just willing to share and grow! We meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the basement meeting rooms. Complimentary childcare is available in the nursery. For more information please contact Anthony Camino at 44-946-1128 x 20.

ROSARY -Join us Tuesday, September 21 st 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 September are as follows: – September 23rd - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon consisting of spare ribs, cole slaw, baked beans and cake. The cost is $6.00 per person. September 30 th – we will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of beds, dressers, loveseats, stoves, refrigerators and all useable furniture. Please call Anthony (946-1128) if you have an item to donate. All items must be in working condition; no repairs can be made on furniture items.

CLAMBAKE – the PRIME TIME Clambake is today (Sunday) from 12:00-2:30pm!! A limited number of tickets are available at the door. Come and enjoy a delicious clambake!!

SERVER TRAINING – On September 29 th and October 6 th we will train altar servers from 7:30-8:30pm in the Church. Servers must be in the 4 th grade or older and adults are encouraged to participate. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk if interested.

ADULT CONFIRMATION – please call Anthony (946-1128) if you are interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2005. If you are a Catholic adult and have not participated in the Sacrament of Confirmation, preparation begins on September 20 th . Please call Anthony for more information.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – registration forms are available in the kiosk. The group is open to all 7-8 th grade students. Get your form today and be a part of the JHYG!! Our first session is Tuesday, September 28 th from 7:00-8:30pm

PRIME TIME – Welcome back!! We've made some changes in the group and have added some awesome adults to the CORE! We're planning the first session for Sunday, October 3 rd from 7:30-9:00pm in the Teen Center. PRIME TIME is open to all 9-12 grade students!!

YOUNG NEIGHBORS IN ACTION – Our service trip to Detroit was a huge success!! Stop in the large hall after the 11:00 Mass on September 26 th and hear about the trip. We'll have a power point presentation, stories and pictures. Teens interested in serving in the summer of 2005 should also attend. See you on the 26 th .

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Tuesday, October 5 th . We leave the Church at 5:30pm and return around 8:30pm. Please call Anthony (946-1128) if you would like to join our dedicated group!

CDEM – a reminder to those preparing for marriage…the CDEM is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22 nd at 7:00pm.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2005 are available in the church office.Cost of the book is $25.00 until December 1 st , then $30.00 after that date. All proceeds benefits mentally handicapped children. Also, Lake Catholic High School students are selling Entertainment Books 2005. The cost is $25.00 per book until December 1. After that date, the cost is $30.00. For more information please the school at 440-951-0077.

On Sat. September 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. you can help St. Aloysius Parish (10932 St. Clair Ave.) in their food distribution program.  Tasks include cleaning and re-packaging large quantity items such as potatoes and onions.  Food items are then sorted and boxed for pick-up that morning.  To register, please call Laura Whitkofski (home 216-228-9516) or e-mail to whitkofski@msn.com or meepena@dioceseofcleveland.org.  This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office of the Diocese of Cleveland

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY – is sponsoring two lectures. The first lecture is by the Very Rev. Dominic Vincent Monti, O.F.M., The Lecture, “Francis of Assisi: Poverty, the Key to the Reign of God” will take place on Wednesday, September 22 nd at 7:30 p.m. The second lecture is by Professor Philip Jenkins on September 23 rd at 7:30 p.m. The lecture will be on “Anti-Catholicism: Is it the Last Acceptable Prejudice?” Both of the above lectures will take place in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center, Conference Room. For more information on either of these lectures please call 216-397-4558.

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