Week of September 26, 2004

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Dear Parishioner,

Every person's faith journey is unique. Each one of us has a story of how our faith began and developed. The faith journey of many people includes a period where they cease to be involved with a church community. There are many reasons why someone might stop practicing their Catholic faith. Some people may have never experienced the power of Christ in a personal relationship or the presence of active relationships with other members of a parish. Some may have been hurt by the actions of a priest, or other members of the Church. Some disagree with a teaching of the Church and feel that this disqualifies them from belonging. Some find themselves in a marriage the Church does not recognize and are unaware of how this could be rectified. Others may have just moved into a new area and have not yet taken the time to locate a faith community.

Regardless of the above reasons, there are ways for people to begin their relationship with the Church anew. The chief means through which such renewal takes place is us. We who treasure our relationship with the Church and our connection to our parish are the best agents to invite others to join us. I believe that there are many people who would respond positively to a personal invitation to “Come & See” what a great community we have at St. Noel. In the upcoming weeks there will be a number of opportunities when you can raise the issue of church involvement to people you know.

All the parishes of Lake and Geauga counties have been working together to invite inactive Catholics back to church on the weekends of October 30 th /31 st . We are calling the weekend “Welcome Weekend” and I am asking you to invite people you know to come to church with you that weekend. You can ask neighbors, friends, or members of your family to worship with you at one of our weekend liturgies. Members of our staff and the Welcome Home Ministry will be available after all the Masses to greet them and answer their questions. On the next Saturday, November 6 th , the parishes of Lake and Geauga counties will be holding a “Come and See” event in our parish hall from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bishop Gries will be the keynote speaker and both resources and information will be available to assist people to renew their relationship with the Catholic Church. Finally our own parish Welcome Home Ministry will hold our regular “Welcome Home” series for three Tuesdays, November 9 th , 16 th and 23 rd , where those who are open to re-establishing their connection to the Church can find support in a personal, confidential setting.

Fr. George Smiga

“WELCOME WEEKEND” Inactive Catholics & Reasons Why #1 – Some people did not experience the power or presence of God in Catholicism, or did not find the liturgies engaging. They learned about Christ as children, but had not developed a relationship with Him. They went through the motions week after week, year after year. What we can do ! Demonstrate by our words, actions, and friendship that Jesus Christ is alive in us. The vibrancy of our lives is evidence that the Catholic Church is a place to befriend the Lord and each other! “Welcome Weekend” is coming.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY to Slavica Cindric and family on the death of Slavic's brother Golobic Franc; to JoAnne Reda on the death of JoAnne's mother, Rachel Reda; and to Ray and Maggi Prendergast on the death of their sister-in-law, Rosemary Prendergast. Please keep these families in your prayers.

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.

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.

PICTURE DIRECTORY – If you have not signed up to have your picture taken, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 as soon as possible.

SACRISTANS –Help! We are in need of sacristans for the Saturday evening 5:00 p.m. Mass. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you are able to help, or for answers to any questions you may have.

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 the parish office at 440-946-0887.

HOSTESSES NEEDED! – We are very pleased that Linda Rini has agreed to coordinate this year's Advent Tea which will be on Sunday, December 5th. We need 30-32 hostesses to make this annual tea a prayerful and hospitable event. If any woman in the parish is interested in being a hostess please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

St. Augustine Fund Raiser Dinner will again be held this year in the large hall on Thursday , November 18, 2004, beginning at 5:30PM.  Tickets are $13 per person and we will have a Silent Auction, a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping as well as benefit a very worthwhile cause.  Every parish family will receive an invitation in early October with more details but be sure to save that date!

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.

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.

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.   

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST – Men of all ages are encouraged to attend for a time of fellowship, fun, food and song. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 2 nd from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at St. Noel. We generally meet on the first Saturday of the month. Parishioner and friend, Guy Thellian will be sharing. A continental breakfast will be served.

CHANGING SEASONS-CHANGING LIVES – Please join us for a walking retreat on Sunday, October, 17, 2004 at Penitentiary Glen, in the Lake Metroparks. The retreat provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on changes in our lives, during this changing autumn season. We will pray, reflect, walk, eat lunch (provided) and share fellowship. We will meet at Penitentiary Glen picnic shelter and begin at 12:30 p.m. A sign up sheet is on the kiosk in the narthex.

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 Fran at 440-729-3976.

PRESCHOOL has begun. 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”. Politics in this election year and beyond should be about an old idea with new power-the common good. How can “we” all of us, especially the weak and vulnerable, be better off in the years ahead? How can we pursue greater justice and peace? Using our voic es and votes we should strive to defend all life, advance justice, pursue peace and find a place at the table for All God's children.

“FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP : A Catholic Voter's Call to Responsibility” – Join us on Tuesday, October 19 th at 7:00 p.m. to gather practical help in forming your voting decisions. Tom Allio, Director of the Diocesan Social Action Office will be our guest speaker. In addition, other information will be available to help form decisions.

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 will be studying the Gospel of John. 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.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for September are as follows: – 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 need of beds, dressers, loveseats, 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.

SERVER TRAINING – Training begins this Wednesday at 7:30pm in the Church.

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 today (Sunday) after the 11:00 Mass 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.

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!

“I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME,” a healing weekend retreat for women suffering after abortion. Located in a private peaceful setting, this retreat offers reconciliation, hope and new life for the wounded heart. Come and experience the tender mercies of the Lord through the sacraments, scripture and prayer. Sponsored by Bethesda The House of Mercy and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The weekend begins with dinner on Friday, October 15 and ends with Sunday Liturgy on October 17. For retreat application, please call: 440-777-3141 or 1-800-482-4100.

CATHOLIC UPDATE –entitled ”Eucharist Food for Mission,” from Pope John Paul II's 2004 Message Eucharist and Mission.

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.

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED, SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND will be held on October 8, 9 & 10, at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Call Irene at 330-706-1512 or Joan at 216-671-0077 for the information on this weekend of hope and healing.

2004 NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE - Women and men in their 20's and 30's, single and married are invited to the 2004 National Young Adult Conference on October 15 th -17 th at John Carroll University. For details check out

www.ohioyoungadultministry.com or call Mark Delsander at 216-334-1261 x 25.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL PRESENTS “SHOUT ” a very popular Cleveland Show Band playing hits from the Mo-Town era. The date is Saturday, November 13, 2004. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. A Pasta Buffet will be served from 6:30-7:30 p.m. the buffet includes assorted vegetables & cheese and red and white pizza. A cash bar will be available from 6:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the hall at 440-946-6635.

SCHOOL NEWS – Notre Dame Elementary School is having tours of there school the first Monday of every month. For more information or to schedule a tour please call 440-279-1129. Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is having open house on Tuesday, October 12th from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and Sunday November 7th from 1-4:00 p.m. for more information please call 216-481-8414. Lake Catholic High School is having a Chinese Auction on October 19 th . For more information or tickets please call 440-951-0077. Beaumont School is offering and introductory Latin class for 6 th & 7 th Graders. For more information please call 216-321-2854. Also Beaumont is having its open house on Sunday, October 10 th from Noon until 3:00 p.m. For more information please call 216-321-2954 ext. 226.

CAREGIVERS – Please see the kiosk for two fliers about programs that may be of interest to you.

ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOUR HEART FOR IT IS THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE .” Proverbs 4:23. Won't you help Alternaterm Pregnancy Services guard the hearts of women and babies? Join us for LIFEWALK 2004, on Saturday, October 9, at Euclid Creek Reservation. A couple hours of your time is all it takes to save babies and impact women for eternity. For more information please call Anthony Camino at 440-946-1128 x 20.

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