Week of February 3rd

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

On the weekend of November 16th-17th, 2002 a survey was taken prior to all Masses in order to assess current attitudes of our faith community regarding various aspects of parish life at St. Noel. The survey consisted of 19 questions covering 5 topics: Liturgical and Sacramental Life of the Parish, Faith Formation, Outreach/Social Justice, Welcoming Spirit and Administrative Functions. The purpose of this self assessment survey was to establish an internal view of the strengths (or weaknesses) of our parish as seen by its members in order to position ourselves to participate in subsequent phases of the Vibrant Parish Life initiative underway in the diocese. As I have explained before, the Vibrant Parish Life initiative contemplates a future where the overall impact of parish activities is enhanced through partnership with other parishes. In this way what individual parishes are unable to do on their own can be accomplished together.

Our Vibrant Parish Life committee was very gratified by the response to the survey. A total of 743 parishioners completed the survey and the results were overwhelmingly positive. For virtually all of the questions the most frequently offered rating was a 5 indicating high quality and thus a high degree of satisfaction with that particular activity. Given the breadth of activities covered by the survey, the consistently high response of the parish would indicate we have been blessed with many diverse strengths. We have much to be thankful for, including the high commitment and call to service from so many parishioners that makes this possible. The Vibrant Parish Life committee will reflect on these things as we move into the next phase of the Vibrant Parish Life initiative and seek opportunities for partnership with other parishes.

For anyone interested in the full results of the survey they will be posted in the hall lobby and in the coffee area next weekend. Please take a moment to review the results. Also, should you have further feedback to offer the committee regarding the survey or the Vibrant Parish Life initiative please fill out a card with your comments and place it in the envelope posted next to the survey results.

Thank you for your participation in this effort for our diocese to plan for the future.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

CIRCULAR STAINED GLASS WINDOW

They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining, twelve baskets full. (Mt.14:20)

The large circular stained glass window above the entrance of the church proper depicts one of the most familiar stories of the Scriptures, the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This original work was designed and crafted by brothers, Dan and Don Boncela.

"Lavish God, open our eyes to recognize the abundance of your blessings, and open our hearts to always share those blessings with others."

FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE STATEMENT- PLEASE NOTE - The statements that were sent in January have a section at the top which lists your yearly contribution for 2002 for income tax purposes. This information will also appear on the February and March statements.

SEEDS OF LITERACY PROJECT - We have been very pleased with the response to our call to tutor children and adults at St. Augustine Parish Learning Center. So far thirteen parishioners have committed themselves to participate on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. There is now a need for help during the morning hours from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Resource material is available to help an adult successfully complete the GED course and move on to a better life. Children are in need of math and reading help. This project is part of the St. Noel/St. Augustine Partnership. Your help in this important ministry could really make a difference in the life of another person. Ride sharing is available if wanted. To sign up as a tutor or to receive more information, please call our parish office (440-946-0887). Brochures are available in the kiosk in the narthex.

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - Imagine that a peaceful resolution exists for our country and for our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Pray that we may be led by God in this current world crisis, for we cannot resolve it peacefully without God. Educate yourself about the options available to us that will lead our world toward freedom and away from fear. Join our Peace Prayer and Reflection group on Sunday, at 1:15 p.m. in the nursery. Pray daily at Noon (or when it suits your schedule) for the peace we all desire in our world and in our hearts. Strength lies in the diversity of those addressing the need for peace, and so we would like to share a possible website for your consideration: www.paxchristiusa.org.

PARISH ITALIAN FAMILY DINNER - On Friday evening, February 7th we will hold our Parish Family Italian Dinner from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The meal is meant to provide good food and a time for us as a parish to come together socially. Tickets which can be purchased at the door, are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (ages 6-12). The menu includes two kinds of pasta, sausage, meatballs, salad, bread sticks, beverage and dessert. We will need members of the parish to volunteer to serve food and to clean up afterwards. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Our next gathering will be on Saturday morning, February 15, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In the Fall we focused on the past contributions of women in the parish and at this gathering we will focus on the gifts that we women are bringing to the church at the present time. Alice Hinkel will facilitate our discussion. Please consider joining us for this time of sharing in food, friendship and faith. Signing up on the kiosk will help us in our planning and preparation for the morning. Also, we encourage you to bring your favorite mug to help us reduce the use of Styrofoam.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - meets every Thursday at Noon in the hall. Everyone is welcome to attend the St. Noel Fellowship on Thursdays.

PRIME TIME - Pray for all on retreat! No meeting tonight--see you next week at 7:30 p.m.!!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is Tuesday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m. Bring your Bibles.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES - Our next session is this Thursday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m. Bring your journals.

NOEL MOVERS - We are currently looking for beds and dressers, but will pick up any furniture item in good condition. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 ext 20) to donate or to learn about how you can help in the Noel Movers Ministry.

GORDON FOOD SERVICE - GFS offers a fabulous fund raising opportunity for youth groups and St. Noel Youth Ministry is jumping on board! On the weekend of March 1st-2nd, you will have the chance to sign up and receive a Fun Funds shopping card for GFS. A portion of your purchase will come directly back to the St. Noel youth, and you will receive great coupons each month. Gordon Food Service is located on Mentor Ave, just West of Rt. 306 (next to Little Mountain Ltd.) Please watch the bulletin for more details and get behind this great way to support our youth!

CDEM - The next date is this Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the basement.

SUMMER SERVICE TRIP - Attention teens, many have signed up for our summer service trip to Toronto --it's going to be fabulous!! The trip is scheduled for June 22nd - June 28th and a $50.00 deposit reserves your spot. Our organizational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the nursery. This meeting is mandatory for all who want to attend the trip. We will discuss dates, fund raising, chaperones, etc. Parent(s) need to attend this meeting as well. See you February 19th.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - The February issue of the Catholic Update is in the kiosk and is entitled "Creating A Place For Peace," and offers reflections for each day of Lent. Please help yourself to a copy of the Catholic Update containing this very timely and important theme.

"MARKED" - will be held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership (Borromeo) on February 22, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This day will include liturgy with Fr. Neil Walters, a concert featuring Who Do You Say I Am and a keynote address from Matt Smith of MTV'S Real World New Orleans Fame and Lifeteen. Advance tickets are $5/person or $11/person with lunch included. Lunches must be ordered before 2/12/03. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10/person (lunch not included). All ages are welcome. For tickets and additional information you may contact Gregg Costanzo at 216-289-0770 ext. 26 or gregg@stfelicitas.com.

THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - will be holding an information session on the financial and legal issues surrounding divorce. Join Domestic Relations Judge, Colleen Falkowski and Pastoral Minister, Gail Roussey as they share their expertise with us. The program will include an introduction to the legal aspects of divorce and dissolution in the State of Ohio, including custody, child support and visitation, along with some tips on how to approach financial planning and other financial and legal implications of divorce such as changing your will and life insurance. Join us at St. Gabriel, Concord Township, on Thursday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. To register or for more information call Karen Jubeck at 440-352-8282.

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED/SEPARATED AND WIDOWED - men and women of all ages are encouraged to attend a weekend designed for those who wish to let go of the painful past and create a more peace-filled future. Presented by people who have "been there" and offer their support. The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND will be held on February 14th at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Call Joyce (440-546-9192 or Loren 330-920-0943 for the information on this weekend of hope and healing.

THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - will be attending the 5:00 p.m. Mass at Divine Word Church in Kirtland on February 8th, and will gather for fellowship afterwards. For more information, please contact Eileen Hauser (440-974-8769.)

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PRESCHOOL - New for the 2003-2004 school year: our current Pre-K program will be expanding to a full day program. We invite you to visit the classrooms during our Preschool Visitation week of February 24th through February 28th. Please call the school at 440-585-0800 during the hours of 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. to schedule a visit. In addition, please join us on February 20th at 7:00 p.m. for a Preschool Information Night.

ALL SAINTS SCHOOL - Please check out the new brochure in the kiosk. Registration and school tours are available February 6th from 12:00-1:30 p.m. You can view everything on line at: www.allsaints@leeca.org.

THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC STUDIES AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY - will sponsor a lecture by Professor Jean Elshtain from the University of Chicago Divinity School, entitled "The Citizen-Pilgrim: St. Augustine and Political Identity." The lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 6th in St. Francis Chapel. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 216-397-4558.

HOLY CROSS CHURCH - In keeping with the spirit of Vibrant Parish Life, a brochure of Lenten events taking place at Holy Cross Parish is posted on our kiosk. Please take a look at the workshops and activities that are listed and see if any of them would be of interest to you.

St. Mary Magdalene Church - Taize Prayer will be held Thursday, February 6th, 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene, 460 East 321st Street, Willowick. For more information please call 440-943-2133. All are welcome.

CATHOLIC SINGLES ASSOCIATION - will have a general meeting at St. Mary Magdalene, at the Parish Center, East 321st & Vine Street in Willowick, Rm 104 at 7:00 p.m. on February 9th. For more information, please call Karen at 216-731-7962 or Eleanore at 440-944-1068, or reach us on the web at: http://community.cleveland.com/cc/csa.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN - The parents support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, February 9th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library of the Administration Center of St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor, Ohio.

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

BACK TO TOP

If you have questions concerning any information contained on the Saint Noel Parish Web site, contact us. Our staff will answer your questions or forward you to the appropriate individual or group.