Week of October 10, 2004

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Dear Parishioner,

My primary responsibility as pastor is to care for the spiritual welfare of our parish. This, however, is not my only responsibility. I am also charged with the administration of our parish finances and properties. I do this in consultation with our parish finance council. As you know, each year we provide you with a financial report of the parish as part of the “Report on Parish Life: Ministry and Stewardship” which you receive in the mail. You will still be receiving this annual report in November, but I am preempting its publication in order to inform you of a significant financial development.

As you know our financial year runs from July to June. In the year ending June of 2004 we experienced a negative cash flow of $25,469. This caused us to draw on the limited savings which we have to cover such shortfalls. Moreover, it has become clear that unless we can change our financial situation, an even greater deficit will occur in 2005.

Our shortfall mirrors the reality in many parishes of our diocese. The financial difficulties of many parishes have led our Bishop to ask all parishes to institute some kind of stewardship effort in their communities either this fall or next spring. Let me also add that the deficit does not apply to our building fund. The pledges which so many of you so generously made are being honored, and we expect to pay off the new construction in the next few years as the remainder of the pledges come in.

The cause of our situation is known to every household. Over the last few years the cost of medical benefits has risen dramatically. While utilities and insurance costs have also escalated, our weekly collections have not. St. Noel has never accumulated or sought to accumulate a large savings reserve. We have always felt it appropriate to gauge the level of our services upon your generosity. Therefore, the present situation is one we must face together.

Our finance council has been working faithfully to chart a course to reverse the direction of our cash flow. While most of our costs are fixed, we are carefully working our way through our expenditures and identifying areas where we can cut back. We know, however, that we cannot rectify our financial situation without an increase in your generosity. We have enlisted the services of Kearns & Associates, who directed our capital campaign, to assist us in developing a Parish Stewardship Appeal in order to increase our regular Sunday offertory collection. Beginning next week there will be inserts in our bulletin through which we will be inviting you to review your current level of financial support. You will be receiving in the mail a full explanation of our present financial situation and a projection for 2004-2005 fiscal year. Both myself and representatives of the finance council will address you before the liturgies in the upcoming weeks.

I am convinced that through wise financial advice and your generosity we can turn our present financial situation around without diminishing our work of the gospel. As a demonstration of our commitment to continue and deepen our ministerial work, I direct you to read with care the letter below from Alice Hinkel concerning an exciting new relationship between St. Noel and a Catholic parish in El Salvador.

Fr. George Smiga

Dear Parishioner,

We are very pleased today to announce a new partnership which our Social Concerns Commission is launching on our behalf as a parish. We have long enjoyed the mutual blessing of our partnership with St. Augustine. In discerning their work for this year our Social Concerns Commission felt it important to look for a similar relationship that would take us beyond our borders. The perfect opportunity arose when our parish delegation traveled to El Salvador this past summer and met a group of 17 women engaged in developing the capabilities of women to better the quality of life for themselves and their families. This introduction was facilitated by International Partners in Mission who serve as the “matchmakers” for forming direct partnerships between groups in the United States and groups in developing countries in need of support, materially educationally and spiritually.

“Women and Community” of Maria del Pilar. (the local Catholic parish in Zaragoza, El Salvador), needs $3,500.00 this year and the next two years as seed money to establish a small sewing business and to provide vocational training for girls and younger women. These seamstresses are making embroidered table- cloths and purses as well as clothing. The mission of “Women and Community,” as their name implies, goes beyond making a living wage for themselves. They also have a concern for fostering human rights, preserving their native culture, educating El Salvadorans about their country's history, and educating parents about ways to increase protein in the diets of their children through the use of soy.

How can you help? Obviously through your prayers and monetary support. The latter can happen in one of three ways: 1) Direct contributions which will be collected in the narthex the next three weekends, 2) Making a freewill offering at the benefit concert Marc Weagraff is planning for Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 4:00 p.m., 3) Purchasing a ticket to the “Appetizer Encore” reception which follows the concert - $10.00 per person, $20.00 maximum for families.

Henri Nouwen in his book, Compassion , reminds us that generosity and service, while certainly about our desire to help improve the lives of others, is at a deeper level an expression of our search for God. Whenever we move beyond the confines of our own lives and open our hearts to the struggle of others, we are bound to be blessed, I urge you not to miss this opportunity to receive such a blessing through participating in our commitment to “Women and Community” of Maria del Pilar. Our Social Concerns Commission will continue to keep us apprised of their work.

Alice Hinkel

INACTIVE CATHOLICS & REASONS WHY #3 – Some people have been kept from full communion with the Church because of a marriage outside the Church. Many times misunderstanding about the Church's view of marriage, or information about the annulment process causes the person to feel disenfranchised. What we can do! Be sensitive and encourage them to come to church. Vatican ll defined Christ's presence at Mass: in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in the person of the priest, and in the community. With this understanding all Catholics are welcome and can find among us, strength for their journey! “WELCOME WEEKEND” is coming!

“WELCOME” WISDOM & GOSPEL RESPONSE

This week's Gospel story of the ten lepers reminds us that gratitude is so important. God has given us the gift of faith. Respond to the Gospel challenge! Show gratitude by being people of welcome, reconciliation and understanding to those who have stopped practicing their faith. Reach out and assure them of their place in the Church. Invite and accompany anyone (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers) who has been distant from the Catholic Community for any reason to:

“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

THE FOLLOWING MASSES WILL BE CANCELLED:

Tuesday, October 26 th – There is a Priest Convocation.

Wednesday, November 17 th – Cancelled because of our GIFT Program that evening.

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).

HEALING MINISTRY – “Are any of you sick? You should ask for the presbyters of the Church. They in turn are to pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14) We do this through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick which will take place this Wednesday evening during our 6:45 p.m. liturgy. If you are coping with a serious physical, mental or emotional illness or dealing with the discomfort of aging—come and receive the healing sacrament. Prayer teams are available after Mass to pray with you if you desire.

GIFT – Registration for GIFT continues in the narthex through the month of October.

“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.

PICTURE DIRECTORY – One, Two, Three…Smile! You can be part of St. Noel's 25 th Anniversary Parish Portrait Directory. Stop by the office after Mass this weekend or contact the office this week to schedule a time. Remember, you will receive an 8 x 10 portrait and picture directory at no charge.

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 Gayle Klements at 440-442-2744.

ROLLING TO OVERCOME POVERTY BUS TOUR – The Diocesan Social Action Office invites you to hear Rev. Jim Wallis, national convener of Call to Renewal and editor of Sojourners Magazine. Rev. Wallis is traveling through the heartland of America to promote the message that overcoming poverty is both a religious and electoral issue. He will speak on Thursday, October 14th, at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave, Cleveland; Worship Service – 6:30 p.m., followed by hospitality. On Friday, October 15 th , Rev. Wallis will speak at a Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m., First Congregational Church, 292 E. Market Street, Akron. For more information or reservations for breakfast, call 330-535-2787/888-620-5280.

“A JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS: RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE.” On Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the small hall, come hear the remarkable personal story of Page McKean Zyromski. She is the author of seven Catholic books and a contributing editor of Catechist Magazine . She will speak about her struggle to forgive and advocate against the death penalty for the individual convicted of raping and murdering her great-aunt in 1977.

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 Karen Fraley at 946-1605 if you have questions.

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”. A Catholic moral framework does not easily fit the ideologies of “right “ or “left” nor the platforms of any party. We urge fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliations or mere self-interest. We hope that voters will examine the position of candidates on the full range of issues, as well as their personal integrity, philosophy and performance.

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.

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.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, October 19 th 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 October are as follows: October 14 th – Horse Races – October 21st - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon consisting of Breaded Pork Chops, Red Skin Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad and Cake. Cost is $6.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is October 17th. October 28th – we will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry 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.

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 this 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 – feeling stressed??? It happens to all of us; find out how to deal with it! De-Stress tonight from 7:30-9:00pm in the Teen Center!! PRIME TIME is for you!

HAYRIDE – yee haw!! 9-12 graders … round up a permission slip and join the fun on Sunday, October 24 th beginning at 6:00pm at Patterson Fruit Farms. Dinner is included! All permission slips are due by October 20 th .

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.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY - On Sat. October 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.  The actual work is contingent upon what's happening with projects in progress.  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.  

ST. JOHN VIANNEY of Mentor hosts a monthly grief support group. The next meeting is on Monday, October 11 th at 7:00 p.m. Please call Rita Demarachi for more information at 440-942-0336.

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