Week of February 24th

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Dear Parishioner,

Savatas, Savas, Abbas, Imas, and Tinoks! (or grandparents, parents, and children) join us for a Seder Meal on Sunday, March 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. in the large hall. Bring the whole family or "adopt" a family as we come together to experience the Passover as it has been celebrated throughout the centuries. Because Jesus was Jewish, we as followers of Jesus, have a special interest in the Jewish Passover. This was a meal which Jesus celebrated many times in his lifetime.

The Jewish Passover also shares several connections with our Eucharist. Both celebrate an exodus, which is a delivery from bondage to freedom. The Jewish Passover reminds us of the Jewish people's delivery from slavery in Egypt. The Eucharist celebrates delivery by Jesus from the bonds of death and sin. Both the Passover and Eucharist are ritual meals which remember and represent an event of the past. Jewish people feel that through the Passover they participate in the exodus of their ancestors. We believe that through the Eucharist we participate in Jesus' saving death and resurrection. Finally, both meals celebrate the hope for the ultimate liberation of all humankind from all forms of bondage.

For all these reasons, sharing a Seder meal can be a valuable experience. So, please join us on March 23rd. We will gather for the ritual food and ceremony of the Seder followed by a meal of roasted chicken, potatoes, vegetable, and shortcake. To register for this event please sign up on the kiosk or call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 by Wednesday, March 19th. Please note that there are many purchases and arrangements that need to be made ahead of time. We will be unable to accept any reservations after March 19th. The cost for the meal is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE CHURCH

I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." (Ps.122:1)

First and foremost the Church is the people of God. Yet, the Church needs a church building in which to gather in order to give praise and worship to God. Simplicity is a hallmark of our church and makes it a dignified space wonderfully suited to sacred celebrations. The sunlight which pours into the church during daylight hours, the visibility of nature through our numerous windows, the beautiful stone work found in our walls, altar and baptismal font all reflect God's creation and compliment the clean, crisp lines of the basic architecture. On occasion some have asked why we have so few statues in our church. In the document, "Built of Living Stones," the American Bishops have encouraged restraint in the number and prominence of sacred images so that the assembly can center its attention on the liturgical actions. Hence, the focal point of our worship space is the altar around which we gather to celebrate God's gift to us of the Eucharist. Here at St. Noel the Church, the people of God, truly have a place, made holy by God's presence with us and by our prayer, to gather and give glory to God.

"God of all that is, we your Church thank you for this holy place, our spiritual home. May our worship always give you honor and glory."

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, LECTORS AND SACRISTANS - If you are able to help at 7:00 p.m. liturgy on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, please sign up on the kiosk.

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES - Fridays of Lent (not Good Friday), from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for serving and clean-up. Sign up on the kiosk if you can help.

LENTEN PRAYER BOOKLETS, by Joseph Creedon, entitled "From Ashes to Alleluia: Daily Gospel Reflections and Prayers," and "Together In Christ: The Lenten Edition," can be found on the table in the hall lobby.

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - Our peace prayer and reflection group continues to meet from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday afternoon in the nursery and welcomes anyone who would like to join us! Those who have been attending find our prayer and discussion to be encouraging and supportive. You are also invited to visit the Social Concerns section of the kiosk to read the materials on peace posted there. Please feel free to take a copy of Pope John Paul II's message on the World Day of Peace observed this past January 1st available in the pocket of the kiosk.

INTERFAITH CALL TO PRAY FOR PEACE - On Sunday evening March 2, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. the churches of Painesville and the Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga Counties would like to invite you to a prayer service for Peace at Painesville United Methodist Church which is located on the square in Painesville. The service will be followed by a candlelight walk to the gazebo and conclude there with prayer at 7:30 p.m.

CURIOUS ABOUT CATHOLICISM (OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS)? Do you have questions about, or an interest in the Catholic faith? If so, please plan to join us on Thursday evening, March 6, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the nursery when we will begin a new inquiry group for RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns please feel free to call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128, X 21 or Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887.

SEEDS OF LITERACY PROJECT - Thank you to the sixteen St. Noel parishioners who have answered our call to tutor children and adults at St. Augustine Parish Learning Center. The response has been gratifying, not only for the children and adults whom we are helping, but also for the tutors themselves as they take on the responsibility of this important ministry. They have already made an impact on the lives of their students. This project is part of the St. Noel/St. Augustine Partnership. Now we have another challenge for someone who is willing to help. We need to find a tutor to continue "home-schooling" for Daniel, a nine-year old boy with lack of stability in his life. He is a loving child, and is taking well to the extra attention and instruction he is getting from his "home schooling" at St. Augustine Learning Center. His current tutor must leave and we will need someone to continue where his current tutor has left off. It is not necessary to be a teacher and it is possible that two people can do the job if they would like to share the responsibility. The commitment would be for the rest of this school year. To sign up as a tutor or to receive more information, please call our parish office at 440-946-0887. Brochures are available on the kiosk.

ADULT ENRICHMENT BIBLE STUDY - In three Mondays, March 10, 17, and 24, Fr. Marrone will explore the scriptural and historical basis for the Eucharist as well as provide the theological foundations to its structure. The sessions entitled "Liturgy as Symbolic, Enacted and Transformational" will meet in the basement of Willoughby Hills City Hall from 7:30-9:00 p.m., and all sessions will include time for the presentation of information as well as any questions people may have about the topic. A commentary will be available on March 10 for anyone interested in pursuing a study of the information between presentations. This resource will help those who want to meditate and reflect daily on suggested readings that pertain to the Eucharist. Please consider joining us as we come to understand more deeply the roots and ritual of the meal we share every week.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST - Need a time for fellowship and prayer? The prayer breakfasts are going great! Join us at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st in the nursery for a delicious breakfast, quality conversation and time for prayer. These mornings are open to all men of the parish and your friends--so treat yourself to a well-deserved break!

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for the month of February are as follows:
February 27th - Games and socializing. We will celebrate birthdays and please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior fellowship on Thursdays.

PRIME TIME - We're meeting at St. John Vianney at 7:00 p.m. tonight (Sunday.)

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is this Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. Get ready to bury the Alleluia!

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - Our volunteers are serving at the Food Bank on Monday, March 3rd. We leave the church at 5:30 p.m. and return at 8:45 p.m. Would you like to volunteer? Please call Anthony if you can help (440-946-1128 X 20).

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES - We're meeting March 6th at 7:00 p.m. BRING YOUR SPONSOR!! You need an adult with you so if your sponsor can't make it, bring a parent along!

GORDON FOOD SERVICE - GFS offers a fabulous fund raising opportunity for youth groups and St. Noel Youth Ministry is jumping on board! Next weekend, 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.) Check out the flyer on the kiosk or on line (www.stnoel.org). You can also visit GFS at www.gfsmarketplace.com.

EASTER HAMS - It's not too early to start thinking about purchasing your spiral-sliced ham through PRIME TIME, our awesome high school youth group! These delicious hams are fully cooked and vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness. Last year, over 130 people enjoyed these hams, and we hope to increase that number this year. You can place your order in March!

THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - A divorce recovery group will take place on March 18th through May 6, 2003. Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel, Concord. Contact Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 to register or for more information.

URSULINE COLLEGE AND CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE - will be sponsoring an art show at Cuyahoga Community College Gallery East, 4250 Richmond Hts., and a morning workshop at Ursuline College 2250 Lander Road, Pepper Pike. The opening reception will be on March 6th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information on Finding me/knowing me: teens speak out in images and words, call the Gallery East at 216-987-2473 or Ursuline College at 440-646-8382.

PRAYER WALK FOR PEACE - Every Wednesday, those who would like to participate in a Prayer Walk for Peace are invited to gather in front of the Cathedral from 7:00-7:15 p.m. with your candle or lantern. The group will then walk to Public Square to join other church groups for a brief prayer vigil for peace at 7:30 p.m. For details please call 440-331-8325.

WE'RE HIRING FUN PEOPLE - Celebrate an "Around The World" summer! Camping programs of the Diocese of Cleveland (CYO, Camp Happiness, Camp Agape) are looking to fill camp counselor and auxiliary staff positions at various sites around the Cleveland area. Please see the kiosk for more information or call 440-585-7736.

PUT A LITTLE MAGIC IN YOUR SUMMER - Come have an "Around The World" summer with an ACA accredited CYO day camp program. Day camps are for children ages 5 through 12. Children 12 through 15 can enroll in the Explorer Program. Please see the kiosk for more information or for a brochure call 440-585-7736 X 26.

LOST AND FOUND - Randy found a pair of gloves at the spaghetti dinner. If you lost a pair call him at 440-946-6635.

CATHOLIC UPDATE - entitled " Examen of Consciousness Finding God in All Things:"
A popular Method of Prayer from St. Ignatius and His followers, by Phyllis Zagano, is now available in the kiosk.

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL IN CHARDON - will be hosting their annual Winter Carnival on Sunday, March 2nd from 1:00-5:00 p.m. For more information please call 440-286-3590.

THE BEAUMONT MOTHER'S GUILD - cordially invite you to our 2003 Mardi Gras Dinner on Sunday, March 2nd, 4:00 p.m. at St. Noel's Party Center. Proceeds to benefit Beaumont School Library. For information or to make reservations, please call 440-442-6728.

CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AT URSULINE COLLEGE - Frontier Day Camp for children ages 6-12 years with learning disabilities will be held on June 23rd through July 25, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Early bird sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for children of working parents. Cost is $700.00 for five weeks. Financial aid is available. For more information please call Gary Polster at 440-646-8150 or email at gpolster@ursuline.edu.

PROJECT HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS - is pleased to invite you to our 10th Anniversary Dinner featuring a silent auction and music by the Circle of Friends Gospel Quartet. The dinner will be held Saturday, March 22, 2003, 6:30 p.m. at the Kirtlander Party Center, 9270 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland. Tickets are $50.00 per person. Reservations are requested by Friday, March 7th. For tickets, call 440-354-6417.

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