Week of April 21st

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Dear Parishioner,

Happy Easter! On behalf of myself and our entire staff, I wish to extend to you our prayers for God's blessings during this joyful season. I would like to thank all of our liturgical ministers who made themselves available so that the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter could be celebrated so well. Without the dedication of our music ministry, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, sacristans, art & environment, and all those involved in the RCIA process, we would not be able to celebrate as a community the dying and rising of Jesus.

In a special way, I would like to welcome any visitors worshiping here for the first time this weekend. We invite you to come back. We invite you to journey with us as we seek to follow the way of Christ.

Please remember that our Sunday Mass schedule will change next weekend. Our new schedule will be 9 & 11 a.m. on Sunday. The 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass will remain the same. After consultation with parents, pre-school, nursery and Children's Liturgy of the Word will relocate to the 9:00 a.m. liturgy.

I know that this change in schedule will be less convenient than the four Masses we have been able to provide in the past. However, the fewer numbers of available priests warrants such a change.

This May there will be nine men ordained to serve our diocese as priests. Within the last year, however, we lost 18 priests through death, 7 through retirement, 3 through resignation. Moreover, 14 priests were placed on administrative leave resulting from charges of sexual abuse. We expect to ordain 3 new priests in 2004 and only 1 in 2005. Bishop Pilla has informed parishes with three priests to prepare to serve with two, and those with two priests to prepare to function with one.

In light of this situation the only wise course is for St. Noel to prepare to function regularly with the services of only one priest.

Wise future planning and your generous support for our Foundation for the "Future Building Project" has resulted in an enlarged church which will allow us to accommodate the parish in three weekend Masses rather than four.

Even though this change in the Mass schedule is being precipitated by the fewer number of priests, there are some real advantages reducing the number of weekend liturgies. Most importantly, our parish will be more united. Dividing our worshiping community three ways rather than four means that we will see more of each other.

Fewer Masses will also mean fuller Masses, which should greatly deepen the participation of our assemblies. It will also focus our liturgical ministries. More members of our music ministry will be available for a given Mass, allowing an increase in the type and effectiveness of the music which is offered. It will be easier for Eucharistic ministers, lectors, usher-greeters and sacristans to service a particular liturgy and to find substitutes when necessary. In short, now that our church building permits us to accommodate the parish in fewer liturgies, it makes excellent sense that we do so.

I know that I will be able to count on your co-operation as we adjust to this new weekly schedule for worship.

Fr. George Smiga

A PRAYERFUL TOUR OF ST. NOEL CHURCH -

THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW OF THE LORD'S BAPTISM

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt. 3:17)
This stained glass work is a rendering of Jesus humbly receiving the ministry of John the Baptist. Previously located by our former baptismal font, it has been repositioned to be in closer proximity to our new font. Like the circular window above our main doors, this original piece was designed and crafted by brothers, Dan and Don Boncela.

"Servant Lord, may our ministry like yours be empowered by the affirmation of the Father and the energy of the Holy Spirit, that we might always serve others in righteousness and truth."

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" - We will not be meeting today (Sunday). Hope to see you next Sunday at 12:15 p.m.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE - On April 27th our volunteers will be serving the meal at St. Augustine Hunger Center. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk if you are able to lend a hand. After all the Masses on April 26th & April 27th, we will be collecting for our Social Concerns fund. Also, if anyone would like to bake cookies please bring the cookies with you when you come to volunteer at the Hunger Center or they can be dropped off at church before Mass on Saturday. Please place the cookies on the counter in the nursery and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND - In March we collected $600.00. Our expenses for March were:

We thank you for your support.

PARENTS! - Many families have enjoyed the spiritual help offered in the booklet, Together In Christ. The Spring issue is now available in the kiosk. This booklet contains messages of hope for you and your family as you come together for a few minutes each day to share stores and scripture. Specifically this issue focuses on communication in marriages and families. Help yourself to this booklet and the opportunity it creates for you and your family to pray together.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES - As Christians, we are called to continue the work of Jesus in a world full of challenges to the family. Through Catholic Charities, we have an opportunity to minister to thousands of people in the eight counties of the Diocese. Eighty-six cents of every dollar you donate to the 2003 Annual Appeal will go directly to help others in our community. This is four cents more efficient than in 2002! Your early pledge of support is important; the Catholic Charities weekends are quickly approaching--go on line to: www.clevelandcatholiccharities.org to learn more, or call 800-869-6525.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for April are as follows: 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.

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, May 3rd 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!

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 - Jim and Mary Lou Beers next week, April 27th don't miss it! No meeting tonight(Sunday).

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!

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. Catholic Family Day is scheduled for June 6, 2003. Tickets for this event are only $15.50/person and must be purchased in advance. 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.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - We're serving at the food bank on Monday, May 5th. We leave St. Noel at 5:30 p.m. Please call Anthony to volunteer. Would you like to volunteer on a more regular basis? Sign-up on the kiosk to join our Food Bank group!!

THE SOUNDS OF MO-TOWN - 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 BISHOP ANTHONY M. PILLA PROGRAM IN ITALIAN AMERICAN STUDIES AND THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC STUDIES AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY - will sponsor a celebration called "Saint Joseph's Table". This year we are holding this celebration on the feast of Saint Joseph, the Worker, on May 1st. The celebration will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st in the Conference Room of the D.J. Lombardo Student Center. The celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 216-397-4558.

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