Week of November 16, 2003

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Dear Parishioner,

Each year as the holidays approach, we at St. Noel engage in a large Christmas project of providing food and gifts for those who are in financial need. Last year, we were able to assist over 100 families, mostly in the city of Cleveland. This year, we will also provide support to families connected to Birthright and Forbes House of Lake County (which serves families coping with domestic violence).

Our Youth Ministry co-ordinates this Christmas project, and we will be coming to you in early December to ask for financial support. At this time, however, I ask you to consider becoming personally involved in the project. You and your family, for instance, could choose to sponsor a family. This allows you to shop, wrap and, if you would like, deliver Christmas gifts to a specific family who has asked for assistance. Such an effort allows for personal contact between people. It could be an excellent way for parents and children to serve together as part of the preparation for Confirmation and First Communion.

I am also asking you to consider donating a turkey. Many stores provide certificates for turkeys during the holiday season. If you receive extra ones, it would be a real help to us if you could redeem the certificate and bring the turkey to us. We have made room in our parish hall to store the turkeys until Christmas.

As you are aware, many families are struggling in the present economy. This makes our generosity even more valuable.

If you have any questions regarding the Christmas project or would like to help, please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 X 20.

Fr. George Smiga

PARISH HOUSEKEEPING - DONUTS AND WINTER SNOW - There are two housekeeping items on which we need your co-operation. On a more frequent basis we are finding that donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate are being brought into church after our weekend Masses. Food of this kind can stain the upholstery and create difficult maintenance problems. Please limit the eating of donuts and coffee and hot chocolate to the narthex area. We ask parents to talk with their children to help us in keeping food and drink in the narthex.

Each winter our landscaping suffers from the need to use salt and other chemicals to melt snow and ice in the parking lot. As usual we have installed plastic barriers to protect the shrubbery. When the snow begins to fall, the walkway between the small parking lot at the end of the new wing and the church entrance will be closed for use. We are asking that you walk through the parking lot in order to enter church. This will not only provide you with a plowed, salted and safe surface on which to walk but also significantly preserve the landscaping in front of our buildings.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, SACRISTANS, SERVERS, AND LECTORS - A sign-up sheet for The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Monday, December 8) is on the bulletin board by the kitchenette. Please sign up if you can help.

REMINDER - The 6th meeting of the Bereavement series will meet on Wednesday, November 19 rather than Thursday, November 20.

AT HOME WITH THE WORD - ADVENT PRAYER BOOK - Advent will soon be here and with it the beginning of a new liturgical year. Three items are now available in the narthex, Rejoice in the Lord Always, by Fr. John T. Catoir - Advent Meditations on Joy. At Home With The Word contains the liturgical readings with commentary for the weekend liturgies and also the readings of the day for next year. The Word Among Us contains daily meditations for Advent. We invite each family to please pick up one each.

SACRISTANS - HELP!!! We are in need of sacristans for the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you can help, or for answers to any questions you may have.

REMINDER - All items for the bulletin for the weekend of November 29/30 need to be in the office by Tuesday, November 18.

BUY-ONCE-GIVE-TWICE - We want to thank all who participated in any way in the boutique last weekend. We are grateful for all who supported so many of our vendors by shopping and we want to especially thank those who gave up part of their weekend to work at the boutique. Because of everyone's generosity a number of justice oriented groups benefited. We also hope that "Buy-Once-Give Twice" was an educational opportunity for young and old as to the many organizations from around the globe that work to provide an equitable wage for workers and a just product for the consumer.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEMS - "Parishes need to promote a revived sense of political responsibility calling Catholics to be informed and active citizens, participating in the debate over the values and vision that guide our communities and nation" (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

THE ST. NOEL WEB SITE - (www.stnoel.org) has been up and running for two years. Many volunteers helped with the original design and implementation. We are pleased with the growth of the web site and the many positive comments we have received over the past two years. As we approach our anniversary we are interested in making the stnoel.org as informative and easy to use for all parishioners; so we need your help! We are looking for volunteers that have web site skills that are willing to keep the St. Noel web site up to date and would be able to maintain the site on a consistent basis. Currently we have a core team of 3 people that have been serving over the past two years to maintain the site and a group of 3 or 4 individuals that provide valuable content and pictures for the web site. If you are interested in this new and exciting ministry, please contact the parish office at 440-946-0887 and we will schedule a meeting with those that are interested.

ST. AUGUSTINE FUND RAISER DINNER - will again be held this year in the large hall on Thursday, November 20, 2003, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.00 per person and again we will have a Silent Auction, a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping as well as benefit a very worthwhile cause. Be sure to save the date!

MEDICAL INFORMATION ACT - As of April 14, 2003, the Federal Law entitled the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act went into effect. This law seeks to safeguard the privacy of individuals regarding health care matters. In the past, most hospitals and health care institutions would contact a patient's parish when they were admitted. Unfortunately, hospitals are no longer able to provide this service. If you would like us to be present to you when you or someone in your family is hospitalized, it is now necessary for you to give us a call to notify us of your situation. In that way we hope to be able to meet your spiritual need for prayer, pastoral visit, and the sacraments.

"THE BOOK OF ACTS" - scripture study continues on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. with Fr. Larry Tosco presenting. Consider joining us in the small hall as we learn more about this dramatic book of the early Church. If you missed the first presentation, we have it on audio tape. Call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21 to borrow a copy.

ADVENT AFTERNOON OF REFLECTION - Join us on Sunday afternoon, November 30 at 12:15 for lunch, personal reflection, and small group discussion. The day will focus on the connection between personal choices and peace in our daily lives and how our ordinary choices affect the level of peace in our lives and in our world. Our pastoral associate, Anthony Camino, will lead us in the day. Lunch will be served at 12:15 and the day will conclude at 4:00 p.m. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested to cover the cost of lunch. Please sign up on the kiosk to register or call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21 if you have any questions.

MORE DAYTIME RETREATS … Our first "daytime retreat" was a great success and enriching opportunity for those who attended. Please consider joining us on Wednesday, December 3 as we prepare a place for Jesus in our hearts and lives during this busy time of the year. The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the small hall, include lunch and end at 2:00 p.m. Fran Armbruster will facilitate this Advent Journey and a suggested donation of $5.00 will help cover the cost of lunch. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

HELP PLANT THE SEEDS OF LITERACY - You can tutor a child who needs assistance with schoolwork or help an adult to earn his or her GED. Volunteers from St. Noel are needed again this year to tutor children and adults at St. Augustine Church's Learning Center in Cleveland. The Learning Center project is part of the on-going partnership between St. Noel and St. Augustine parishes. Training is available if needed, and materials for teaching are on hand. There are morning sessions; however, at this time the need is greater for early evening. Thirteen children are waiting to be helped. If interested, call our parish office, or dial directly to Bob Duda, project leader at St. Augustine. His phone number is 216-781-5330 X 29.

"JOURNEY TO JOY" - a support group for persons being treated for depression and/or family members will be meeting the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Visitation Room and the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitation Room. (Our next meeting will be Thursday evening, November 20 at 7:00 p,m. For further information call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - Activities for November are: November 20th - happy time/appetizers & punch - 12:15 p.m. luncheon consisting of: turkey w/stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, rolls & butter, pumpkin pie. The cost is $12.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is November 17th. Please remember to bring your food donations for the food bank to this meeting. November 27th -Thanksgiving Day we will not be meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

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

PRIME TIME - No meeting tonight. Pray for our group going to Houston.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP - Our next session is this Tuesday, November 18th in the lower level - do not go to the large hall. We start at 7:30pm - Bring your bible.

CLEVELAND FOODBANK - We're volunteering on Monday, December 1st. Please call Anthony if you're interested in serving.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS - is looking for volunteers at the Festival of Trees on November 20-22, 2003. Volunteers can assist children with making crafts, help children choose special gifts, greet guests and much more. Teens and adults are invited to volunteer! Please call Karen Adinaro at 440-350-0202 or the BB/BS office at 440-352-2526.

MOTHER TERESA - Author and photo-journalist Linda Schaefer is visiting St. Noel on Monday, November 24th as part of a national book-signing tour and presentation on Mother Teresa. Linda spent 3 months with Mother Teresa in India and was the last journalist to spend time with her before she died. Her beautiful book, Come and See, will be available for signing and purchase. The evening begins at 7:30pm in the large hall - see the kiosk for details.

NOEL MOVERS - We are in need of all size mattresses and box springs. Please call Anthony if you can help.

ENTERTAINMENT 2004 BOOKS: are available in the church office. Cost of the book is $25.00 until December 1st, after that date cost will be $30. All proceeds benefit mentally handicapped children. Also, Lake Catholic High School students are selling Entertainment Books 2004. The cost is $25.00 per book until December 1st. After that date the cost is $30.00. For more information please call Lake Catholic at 440-951-0077.

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

ETHICAL LAND USE - The St. Joan of Arc Environmental Justice Committee, with co-sponsorship by the Catholic Commission of Lake/Geauga invites you to attend an upcoming parish series on three current local environmental issues: Land Use, Brownfields, and Industrial Pollution. Learn more about Catholic teaching on the environment and community development, while finding out how to support positive local responses to these issues! This series is free and open to the public.
Thursday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. "Ethical Land Use-What do we do when the suburbs have no workers and the cities have no jobs? Or the best fertile soils is no industrial land?", by David Beach, Eco-City Cleveland. The series will be held at St. Joan of Arc Church, 496 E.Washington Street, Chagrin Falls. Other scheduled dates include: January 20, 2004 "Brownfields-What do we do when the company moves?" March 16, 2004 "Community Health & Industrial Pollution-How do you handle local polluting corporations?" For more information please contact Denny Guritza at 440-247-0674 or visit: www.buildingcommonground.org.

OPEN HOUSE - You are invited to attend Walsh Jesuit High School's open house on Tuesday, November 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m Walsh Jesuit is located at 4550 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. For more information please call 800-686-4694.

THE LAKE GEAUGA DISTRICT PRESENTS - "Wholeness begets Holiness", an evening of reflection, reconciliation, and healing for those who are separated or divorced. Join Deacon Tom Senn for this spiritual experience of sharing, support, healing, and reconciliation on Thursday, December 4th from 7-9:00 p.m. at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. To register or for further information, please call Karen Jubeck at 440-352-8282.

THE NEXT BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND - (this is a weekend for divorced, separated and widowed men and women of all ages) will be held on February 13,14 & 15 at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland, Ohio Call 440-546-9192 or 330-607-1512 for information.

BORROMEO SEMINARY - has helped college men for fifty years find their path to a full and meaningful life. Borromeo students are enrolled at John Carroll University while living at the seminary. It's a great opportunity to mature as a man of faith and learning. Borromeo will be hosting a 'Come and See' Weekend on November 21-22, 2003. It's a great way for a high school junior/senior or college students to meet our students and learn more about the Borromeo program. To register for the 'Come and See' Weekend or for additional information, please call Father Bob Stec at 440-943-7660 or called@a-full-life.com. Log on to our updated web site at: www.a-full-life.com.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL PRESENTS A HOLIDAY SHOW- featuring Shout & "Legends of Soul" Show Band. It's your last chance this year to hear this amazing band. They will be performing here on Saturday, December 13, from 8:00 until midnight. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. We will be serving assorted gourmet pizzas, a vegetable and cheese display followed by a make-your-own-ice-cream sundae bar. A cash bar will be available. This event would be a great idea for your holiday office party. Tickets are $20.00 per person, and can be purchased by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635.

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