Week of April 14th

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Dear Parishioner,

This week is Holy Week and I invite you to join us in celebrating the Sacred Triduum. The three days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are the most important celebration of the Church year.

On Holy Thursday, we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper on the evening before His death. Members of our community will have their feet washed, just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. The liturgy concludes with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to a place of reposition in the large hall.

Because Good Friday commemorates the day on which Jesus dies, it is the only day of the year on which the Eucharist cannot be celebrated. On this day, we gather to reflect on the Passion of John, venerate the cross and receive communion that was consecrated the day before.

The liturgy on Holy Saturday is the most solemn liturgy of the entire year. It is the premiere Easter celebration. It begins in darkness with the lighting of the Easter fire. An extended selection of Scripture readings recount the great events of salvation beginning from the creation of the world. The liturgy focuses on the initiation of adults into our Church. This Saturday, Jeff Suszynski and Rob Woolnough will be baptized and Theresa Moir, Brett Ramming, and Matthew Renfro will be welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church

Our new church space will provide a dramatic new setting for our worship. The new baptismal font will allow us to celebrate baptisms through full immersion which is the method recommended by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Those of you who have never witnessed baptism in this way will be struck by the fullness of the sign it imparts. I invite you to come and celebrate it with us.

Our liturgies on Thursday, and Friday will begin at 8:00 p.m. Because the Easter Vigil on Saturday cannot begin until sundown, it will begin at 9:00 p.m. Please consider joining us for one or all of these central actions of our parish life. I extend a special invitation to any of you who have never shared in the Triduum before. Our best access to the Easter mystery is to pray the Triduum in our parish community.

It is also important during this Holy Week to remember the teaching of the Catholic Church concerning the historical responsibility for Jesus' death. Although one might gain the impression from the reading of the Passion this weekend and on Good Friday, that Jewish people are to be blamed for Jesus' crucifixion, our Church clearly teaches that such a conclusion is erroneous. Certain Jewish leaders, together with the Roman authorities, were involved in sending Jesus to the Cross. This action, however, cannot be held against the Jewish people as a whole, either in Jesus' time or our day.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE HOLY FAMILY

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Mt. 1:20-21)

Our carving of the Holy Family, located in the north nave of the church, was done by artist, Joseph Turkaly. It is a reminder to us to seek and follow the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in our various roles within the Christian family. As Catholics, we believe the family is the domestic church and the primary place that we are called to share the Gospel of life and love with one another. Many couples who marry at St. Noel choose to pray before the Holy Family, seeking guidance, wisdom and strength as they begin their life together.

"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, be with all families as we embrace the joys and struggles of our lives. In our efforts to serve and support one another, may we reflect the same love and sacrifice that you shared in your home in Nazareth."

EUCHARIST MINISTERS AND SACRISTANS - Please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchenette if you are able to help with Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday liturgies.

HOLY THURSDAY ADORATION - There will be a period of personal prayer time before the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening until 11:00 p.m. in the large hall. We encourage parishioners to sign up on the kiosk for one of these times.

HOSPITALITY - Beginning the weekend of April 26th and 27th, our Masses on Sunday will be 9 and 11. We are in need of help for coffee and donuts after both of these Masses. Volunteers for the 9:00 a.m. Mass need to set up and serve and volunteers for the 11:00 a.m. Mass need to serve and clean up afterwards. If you
feel you can help with this ministry, please call the parish office (440-946-0887).

"LET THERE BE PEACE" - Our prayer and reflection group will continue to meet from 1:15 to 2:00 p.m. in the nursery for the remaining Sundays of Lent. There will be no gathering on Easter and after Easter we will move our time to 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. because of the Mass schedule change. The group invites you to continue to add the names of people in the armed services to the list on the kiosk so that we might pray for their protection and guidance as we continue to pray for a quick conclusion to the war in Iraq.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for April are as follows: April 17th - NO MEETING. April 24th - Social meeting, we will celebrate birthdays & anniversaries. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, April 15th in the nursery as we pray the rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING - St. Noel Stephen Ministry will begin training new Stephen ministers in the Fall. The ministry continues to grow and we need new people to help us better serve the parish and the wider community. Are you interested in being a part of this vibrant ministry? Would you enjoy bringing the healing presence of Christ to others? Call Anthony (440-946-1128) with questions and look for an information evening in the early summer.

PRIME TIME - Our annual Palm Sunday prayer is tonight at 7:30 p.m. Start off Holy Week the right way-come to PRIME TIME!!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is Tuesday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. Bring your Bibles.
GORDON FOOD SERVICE -Keep using your Fun Funds Cards! Thanks for your support!

EASTER HAMS - Pick up is available this week Monday-Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 a.m. until Noon.

NOEL MOVERS - We are in need of beds washers, dressers, and any furniture in good condition. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 X 20) if you can help.

SIX FLAGS TICKETS - Once again, Six Flags has a great promotional price for tickets. The Christian Youth Festival is scheduled for May 17, 2003 and Catholic Family Day is scheduled for June 6, 2003. Tickets for both these events are only $15.50/person and must be purchased in advance. Orders for May 17th must be postmarked by April 17th. Orders for June 6th must be postmarked by May 2nd. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 x 20) if interested in purchasing tickets. See the kiosk for details.

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS - The inaugural season is here, and group tickets are only $7/person. These are box seats within 17 rows of the field! If anyone is interested in organizing a group outing, please call Anthony (440-946-1128 x 20).

CAMP YAC - Our awesome Junior High Camp is the week of June 16th. With exciting activities each day, this is a great week for current 6-8 grade students. Brochures will be available soon-mark the week now!

CAMP COUNSELORS - Camp YAC (Youth Acting for Christ) is in need of high school counselors. The camp is the week of June 16th and will be a great time. Service hours are available. Pick up an application in the kiosk or download one from www.stnoel.org. We are looking for 7-10 good counselors. Applications are due May 5th.

COMPUTER RECYCLING - Don't throw out those old computers--they're toxic to the environment. Cuyahoga County has a computer round-up scheduled for May 7th. Check their website - www.cuyahogaswd.org/business/guide computers.shtml--for details.

ADOPTION INFORMATION - Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby.

THE SOUNDS OF MOTOWN - are coming to St. Noel Parish Hall, Saturday, May 24th from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Shout, a live show-band will entertain you as you dance the night away under the stars. Assorted gourmet pizzas and other snacks will be served, and a cash bar will be available. If you have never attended an event at St. Noel Parish Hall, this is one you do not want to miss. Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Bishop Pilla will celebrate the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration this year at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, July 27, 2003. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1953). Deadline for registration is June 13, 2003. Please call the parish office (440-946-0887) to register.

FOR CATHOLICS WHO ARE DIVORCED OR LEGALLY SEPARATED - A self-help reflection and affirmation program called Divorce and Beyond will be held at St. Paschal Baylon, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, beginning Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. For more information or to join please call 440-442-3410, ext 106.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED CATHOLICS OF LAKE AND GEAUGA COUNTIES - are invited by the Catholic Churches of Lake & Geauga counties - to an Evening of Reflection, Reconciliation, and Healing on Thursday, April 24, 2003, at St. Mary Magdalene Church Activity Center - Multipurpose Room, Willowick, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Join Fr. Patrick Henry as he facilitates this special evening devoted to those who are suffering from the hurt, confusion, and loneliness of separation and divorce. For more information, please call Karen Jubeck, 440-352-8282.

ST. NOEL MEN'S SOFTBALL - Any man over age 29 interested in playing softball on Monday and Wednesday evenings should call 440-943-1805.

SAINT NOEL GOLF LEAGUE - Saint Noel golf league has openings for men and women for the 2003 season. The league meets every Thursday, starting April 24th, at St. Denis Golf Course. All interested in playing call 440-951-3359 for information and starting time.

THE INSTITUTE OF HUMANITIES AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY AND THE WILLIAM AND MARY MCNULTY IRISH STUDIES ENDOWMENT - is sponsoring a lecture on "The Catholic Church & Revolutionary Violence in Ireland: 19th and 20th Century Comparisons" by Fr. Oliver Rafferty, S.J. This lecture will be held Tuesday evening, April 22nd at 7:30 p.m. in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center Conference Room at John Carroll University. This lecture is free and open to the public. For more information please call, 216-397-4780.

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