St. Noel Church -- Weekly Bulletins

Weekly Bulletins

Week of March 17th

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Dear Parishioner,

I am happy to announce that through the exceptional efforts of Jance Construction this will be our last weekend for Mass in our hall. Beginning next weekend, March 22-23, our weekend Masses will take place in the church. Not every aspect of the church renovation will be completed by next weekend. The new altar and baptismal font will be in place. The Church pews will be re-installed together with new flexible seating. The entire ceiling has been cleaned and all interior walls repainted. The new slate floor will be usable--although the baseboards and some adjustments to individual tiles will still need to be completed. I expect the new glass area between the church and narthex to be finished. A new sound system should also be operational. In short, the church space will be usable for our worship--allowing Randy and his staff to hold the upcoming events which are scheduled in the hall. For the next few weeks construction workers will continue to complete the new chapel, vessel sacristy, and music storage area. Also, the new stations of the cross will be installed and carpeting will be laid on the choir risers. The coffee serving stations in the narthex are not yet finished and we will use tables as we have done in the past until they are completed. As these aspects of the church are finished, work will continue on the new wing of offices and meeting rooms. We now project the new wing to be completed by July.

Remember that as we return to the church space our weekend Mass schedule will remain the same (5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 8,10 & 12 on Sundays). It is not until the weekend after Easter (April 26/27) that we will change to 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. Before Mass next weekend I will review with you the communion procedure for the new space. It will be similar to the procedure we have used previously. The communion ministers will be placed in the same arrangement we have been using in the hall. If you are a liturgical minister scheduled within the next few weeks, I ask you to come early so that you can review your locations in the new church space.

Next weekend should be an exciting weekend for us all. I am very pleased with the appearance of our renovated and enlarged worship space and hope you will be as well. It is always an adjustment to adapt to a new space and so we will all need to be flexible and patient as we work out unexpected issues in the weeks ahead. Thank you for the wonderful co-operation we experienced during our liturgies in the hall. Thank you for the support which has been so manifest during our entire building project. I look forward to sharing with you the first results of this tremendous parish effort when we gather to worship in the church next weekend.

Fr. George Smiga

LENTEN LITURGICAL MUSIC: The Lenten season is often seen as a time to simplify. We do this in our meals by fasting and in our daily lives by concentrating on payer instead of the trappings of our busy lifestyles. We also do this in our liturgy through the use of music. For the first five weeks of Lent, the music prayed at the preparation of the gifts will be Gregorian chant as prescribed in the Liber Usualis for that Sunday of the liturgical year. In some cases the chant has been adapted with modern harmonies to make it more palatable to our modern ear. The chant will be sung in its original Latin with the translation provided in the bulletin. Our hope is that this beautiful music dating back to the early years of our Church will heighten our worship experience during our Lenten journey. The translation for this weekend is: I will meditate on your commandments which I have loved exceedingly; and I will lift up my hands to your commands which I have loved.

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE BAPTISMAL FONT

"Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life." (Rm.6:3-4)

Water is the key symbol of baptism and the focal point of the font. In these waters the believer dies to sin and is reborn to new life in Christ, becoming a member of the Christian community empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission of Jesus. This dying and rising is best exemplified when a person can truly be immersed in the waters of baptism. Our new font will allow for full immersion of both children and adults. The rite of baptism, the first of the sacraments of initiation, requires a prominent place for celebration. Because the rites of initiation of the Church begin with baptism and are completed by the reception of the Eucharist, the baptismal font and its location reflect the Christian's journey through the waters of baptism to the altar. This integral relationship between the baptismal font and the altar are demonstrated in our worship space by the location of each and by the fact that both have been carved from the same material, Indiana limestone, by the same artist, Norbert Koehn. The cruciform shape of our font reminds us that it is symbolic of both tomb and womb. The power of baptismal faith is the power of the triumphant cross. Baptism joins the believer to Christ and sets us on the path to a life that will never end, the "eighth day" of eternity where Christ's reign of peace and justice is celebrated.

"God of all goodness, thank you for bathing us in the lifegiving waters of baptism. Grant us now the will and the courage to live a life worthy of our calling."

Lenten Prayer Booklets are available in the hall lobby to guide our personal prayer for Lent-one per family.

REMINDER - Lenten Bags and tags available on table in the lobby. Filled bags can be returned to the church coatroom area.

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. Also, Randy needs volunteers who can help set-up fish fries on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. If you can help please call the hall office and let them know.

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - The St. Noel "Let There Be Peace" prayer and reflection group offers the following invitation: if you know of parishioners or have family members who are serving our country in the Armed Services please add their name to the list posted on the kiosk so that all who see it can pray for their safety and quick return. 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. All are welcome.

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 beginning March 19, 2003. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887 by Monday, March 17, 2003. More information and fliers are available in the kiosk.

BAPTISM DAY - will be held on March 30, 2003 from 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parents who are planning to present a child for Baptism in the next six months, or already have done so and have not previously attended such a day, are expected to attend. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

PRESCHOOLERS AND ALL PRESCHOOL PARENTS - Sunday Preschool will resume March 30, 2003 during the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

PRESCHOOL STAFF - Schedules for the remainder of the school year can be picked up in the preschool office. Preschool will resume Sunday, March 30, 2003.

SEEDS OF LITERACY PROJECT - 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.

SCRIPTURE STUDY - continues with Fr. Bob Marrone on the Eucharist. Join us on Mondays, March 17, and 24 in the basement of Willoughby Hills City Hall from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Commentaries will be available at each session (the cost is $5.00 for a commentary).

A FAMILY DAY OF REFLECTION - Families and their school-aged children are encouraged to slow the pace and take time together during this season of Lent. We will share in activities designed to help us pray and grow together, improve family communication, and reconcile ourselves with one another. Join us on Sunday, April 6 (beginning with the 10:00 a.m. Mass and concluding with a meal served at 5:00 p.m.) as we share food, fellowship and conversation with our own and other families. Fliers and registration information are available in the kiosk.

PARISH SEDER MEAL - On Sunday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m. join us for the traditional ritual of the Passover meal led by Rabbi Fred Eisenberg of Temple Israel. You may make your own seder plate or borrow one of ours. Bring the whole family for an evening of tradition, good food, and fellowship. A sign-up sheet is on the kiosk or call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21 to register.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for the month of March are as follows: March 20th -luncheon consisting of Cavatelli, meatballs and sausage, salad and Tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $6.00 per person. March 27th steal-a-gift, socializing, birthday and anniversary celebrations, we will be serving cookies. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior fellowship on Thursdays.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, March 18th from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the nursery as we pray the rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

PRIME TIME - See you tonight (Sunday) at 7:30 p.m. "What's in your wallet?"

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

GORDON FOOD SERVICE - Fliers are available in the kiosk - Please support our youth ministry. You can check it out online 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. And at $4.75 per pound (no increase from last year), they're the best value in town!! Last year, over 130 people enjoyed these hams, and we hope to increase that number this year. See the kiosk for details. Call 440-946-6635 (the hall) or 440-946-1128 X 20 (Anthony) to place your order.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Our delicious breakfasts are back!! Join us on Sunday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m. until Noon for a delicious meal of pancakes, sausage, french toast and potatoes. All proceeds benefit PRIME TIME and our summer service trip to Toronto. The price is still the same: Adults - $5.00, Children - $2.00.

FOOD FAST - Each year members of PRIME TIME fast and raise money to aid relief efforts around the world. You can pick up a permission slip and sponsor form in the kiosk. ALSO, if you would like to support the Food Fast with a donation of juice, please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 Ext 20).

NOEL MOVERS - The moving ministry is in need of dressers, beds, and any other furniture items in good condition. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 X 20) if you can help.

THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - A divorce recovery group will take place 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.

HEAP - CUYAHOGA COUNTY - Energy assistance, including HEAP, Emergency HEAP and Weatherization assistance, is available to eligible young families as well as seniors, homeowners and renters alike. For example, a family of four with an income no more than $27,150 qualifies. A senior couple with an income no more than $17,910 also qualifies. Call the Community Service department at 216-443-7050. This winter's filing deadline is March 31,2003.

SPRING INTO ART! - Art Space Studio Program for children and adults offered by the Ursuline Sisters, 2600 Lander Road, Pepper Pike. Spring session opens March 18th. For information please call 440-449-1200 Ext 285 or see the flier on the kiosk.

URSULINE COLLEGE - The Rev. Donald Cozzens, Ph.D will lead the Ursuline College Lenten Retreat. Fr. Cozzens is an author and associate professor of religious studies at John Carroll University. Admission is $12.00 per person and reservations are due by Thursday, April 3, 2003. Please call 440-646-8375 to make your reservations, space is limited.

CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF THE WESTERN RESERVE - is holding a Day of Recollection on April 2, 2003 at St. John Vianney Church in Mentor. Cost is $15.00/members and $20.00/non-members. To make reservations or for more information please call 440-974-1643.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING - Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP - This group, designed to support families and friends of those with mental illness, meets once a month at St. John Vianney usually the last Wednesday of the month--7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information call 440-255-0600.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Heartland Hospice is looking for special people to participate in their Volunteer Program. Days and times are flexible. For more information please call the volunteer coordinator at 216-520-0765.

MEN SEEKING LIGHT-LENT SCRIPTURE STUDY - Pizza, Sunday Readings, The Holy Spirit and YOU are the key ingredients for Men Seeking Light. Join this group of Catholic men for lunch and inspiration on the Tuesdays of Lent (March 18,25; April 1,8,15) from noon until 1:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center (behind St.John's Cathedral). For more information please call Fr. Bob Steck 440-943-7660 or call ed@en.com.

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

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