Week of October 3, 2004

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

You should have received a number of important items from St. Noel in the mail this week. Every parishioner should have received an invitation to participate in a revolutionary new approach to faith formation which we will be piloting here at St. Noel this year. It is called GIFT which means “Generations in Faith Together.”

There will be three opportunities for us to gather as a parish this year and prepare for the important celebrations of Christmas, Lent, and Holy Thursday. The details of the program are to be found in the brochure you have received and I will be giving the rational for GIFT at the Masses this weekend. GIFT volunteers will be in the narthex to answer your questions and to accept your registration for the first GIFT session which will be happening the week of November 14 th .

You should have also received in the mail an excerpt from the United States Bishop Conference Document “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility.” With the presidential election this fall, this is an extremely important year for Catholics to become politically involved. “Faithful Citizenship” calls us as Catholics to make our political choices on the basis of moral principles and the pursuit of the common good. Please review the excerpt which has been mailed to you in order to prayerfully discern how your vote should support our moral values.

As the bishops state, it is not the role of the Church to instruct Catholics on which candidates should be elected but rather on the moral principles which should inform our vote. This is appropriate because no candidate fully represents all the values of our faith tradition. For example, neither of the two major presidential candidates adequately reflects the Catholic viewpoint on all moral issues. Therefore, every Catholic must pray and examine each candidate on the full range of issues concerning human life, family life, social justice, and global solidarity. The role of the Church is to inform the consciences of believers, not to promote particular candidates.

Because of this stance, St. Noel will never provide you with literature endorsing a candidate. Choosing a candidate is your role, not that of the parish. Nor will we place material of any kind on your windshield while you are in our parking lot. If you were to find such material on your cars after Mass, please understand that it has

been done without our knowledge or approval.

I also invite you to 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.

We are blessed to be living in our country where we can freely elect our leaders. Please inform yourself of the issues in the upcoming election and exercise your right and duty to vote.

Fr. George Smiga

INACTIVE CATHOLICS & REASONS WHY #2 – Some people are in conflict with the teachings of the Church … matters of faith and morality. Our beliefs are founded on the words and witness Jesus Christ left with His apostles. Catholic truth will always find a home in a heart of one who is sincerely searching for the truth. What we can do! Work on understanding the faith. Be able to give a reason for the faith that is within us … so that we can comfortably reveal our deepest convictions about life as easily as sharing friendship with one who has become inactive. “ Welcome Weekend” is coming.

“WELCOME” WISDOM & GOSPEL RESPONSE

This week's Gospel speaks of faith being like a mustard seed, the tiniest amount of faith can be cultivated into a large amount of faith. Over two-thirds of Catholics in the United States are inactive! Respond to the Gospel challenge! Provide a rich soil of hospitality and reconciliation for the seed of faith to grow. Invite anyone who has been distant from the Catholic Community for any reason … invite and accompany inactive family members, co-workers, friends or neighbors to attend:

“Welcome Weekend” October 30-31

St. Noel Church All are welcome!!

Sat. 5:00 p.m., Sun 9:00 or 11:00 a.m.

“Come & See” Event Saturday November 6

Lake-Geauga District/Diocese of Cleveland

St. Noel Parish Hall 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Keynote: Bishop Roger Gries

“Welcome & Support to All”

“Welcome Home” Series November 9, 16, 23

St. Noel Church Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 p.m.

“The Church Listens” “… Continues to Listen”

“Where Do We Go from Here?”

(440)946-0887

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).

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BLANKET SUNDAY! Last weekend's St. Vincent de Paul Society Blanket Sunday collection continued our parish's “warm” tradition of caring. The collection totaled 58 blankets, 27 sets of sheets, 45 sets of towels, 1 miscellaneous item, and $1,537.00 in cash donations. This collection “covers” many needs and many needy families, and children. Elderly and the homeless will receive essential items for the winter months through the diocesan network of hunger centers, shelters, community agencies and the SVDP charitable network in our own metropolitan area. A sincere thank you to all parishioners who assisted through their donations and prayers.

SIGNED LITURGY- This 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 some 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.

Interested in peace and justice issues? Check these web sites:

www.vatican.va - messages from the Holy Father

www.catholic-action.org - diocesan social action office.

www.paxchristiusa.org

www.eriebenedictines.org

www.networklobby.org

PICTURE DIRECTORY – Our Parish Photo Directory will only be complete with ALL of us in it! Please contact the parish office (440-946-0887) to schedule a photo session time or stop in the office after Mass to schedule. Remember, there is no monetary cost to you, just a few minutes of your time. In addition to being part of the directory, you will receive a complimentary 8x10 photograph.

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 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening 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. Your phone call is important even if you have been a hostess in the past as last year's list of hostesses was inadvertently discarded.

BOOK DRIVE - The Social Concerns Committee is collecting gently used or new books for babies, children, and teens (no tapes, videos, or adult books, please!). The books will be donated to literacy programs run by Catholic Charities in Cleveland. The aim of the program is to promote reading in the daycare/school setting, and to send books home to encourage families to read together. Bring books to St. Noel coat room after Mass Oct. 16/17 and 23/24. Call the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you have questions.

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.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!   The Visiting Nurses Association flu shot clinic scheduled for Thursday October 7, 2004 has been moved to Thursday October 28, 2004 – 12:30pm to 2:30pm in the small hall.  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.

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.

PARABLES OF JESUS - Our scripture study series continues on Tuesday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the small hall. Sr. Therese Duggan of St. Mary Seminary will focus on parables found in Matthew. You may borrow tapes from the first session and purchase study guides by calling 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.

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.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays. They meet at Noon in the small hall.

NOEL MOVERS – We are in 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.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – we had a great first meeting!! The group is open to all 7-8 th grade students, and you are still welcome to join the group. Call Anthony for information. Our next session is Tuesday, October 12 th at 7:00pm in the large hall. Don't forget to bring your bibles and some teen/kids books to donate.

PRIME TIME – Welcome back!! Our first session is tonight from 7:30-9:00pm in the Teen Center!! Are you ready??

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!

SERVER TRAINING - Our second session is this Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm in the Church.

“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.

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. 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.

THEOLOGY ON TAP! Join us for the next installment of Theology on Tap which will be on Monday, October 25, 2004 at the Improv at the Powerhouse, 2000 Sycamore Street, on the west bank of Cleveland's Flats District. The fall installment of Theology on Tap will feature, Fr. George Smiga. Father George's discussion will start at 7:30 p.m. and will be on “Is Mel Gibson's ‘Passion' Anti-Semitic?” Complimentary appetizers & cash bar begin at 6:30 p.m. There is no admission fee; a free will offering is encouraged. Early reservations are suggested—seating is limited! Please RSVP to Laura Alduk at 216-696-6525. X 1049 or

lalduk@dioceseofcleveland.org.

GIVING A COUPLE hours of your time is a small thing, but it can save a life. It's the final week before Alternaterm's LIFEWALK 2004, and we need you! Walk with us this Saturday, October 9th, at 10:00 a.m. at Euclid Creek Reservation. It's not too late to collect pledges and come make a difference. For more information please call Anthony Camino at 440-946-1128 x 20.

ST. ANSELM PRESCHOOL is holding open registration. Please check the kiosk for fliers with all the information concerning the preschool.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO GO TO COLLEGE OR THINKING ABOUT IT? Brush High School is hosting a college fair on Wednesday, October 6 th from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be over 140 colleges and universities represented. All area high school students and families are invited to attend.

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