Week of December 8, 2003

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Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

The first phase of the formation of a new Pastoral Council is now completed. Nominations have been made for those who parishioners feel would be suited for this ministry. In the next few weeks those who have been nominated will be notified by mail that their name has been suggested. If you receive a letter I would ask you to consider prayerfully whether God is calling you to serve your parish in this manner.

Our Pastoral Council is not a political organization in which people are elected to lobby for particular interest groups. It is a spiritual council which moves forward by a collective discernment over what God is calling our parish to do. Since this process of discernment is not a commonly appreciated one, the very process by which the council is formed is directed by discernment. Those who are nominated will be invited to be a part of a 5 week process in which education, sharing and prayer are used to assist them in discovering whether they are being called to serve.

It is important for our entire parish to keep those nominated in our prayers. We believe that God directs our lives personally and as a community. In this valuable ministry for our parish, let us pray together that those who are nominated will be open to God's will; and that we will all be blest through their talents and generosity.

Fr. George Smiga

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – is a Holy Day of Obligation. Catholics are expected to participate in the Eucharist on this Feast of Mary. Masses for the Holy Day, Monday, December 8 are at Noon and 7:00 p.m.

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.

BULLETIN ARTICLES – for the weekends of December 20 & 21, December 27 & 28 and January 3 & 4 need to be in the office by Tuesday, December 16.

WE HELP SUDANESE REFUGEES - Recently we received a request from the Diocesan Migration and Refugee office to help with the cost of dental care of the 37 young Sudanese men who came to the Cleveland area as refugees over the past several years. These young men were orphaned by the civil wars in their homeland and had very poor nutrition and no dental care as children. Many are now employed at least part time but few have dental benefits. Even with the pro bono work done at the Dental School at Case Western Reserve University, their combined bill was $40,000.00. All but $12,000.00 of that has been covered by grants and donations, thus the appeal to parishes. Because of your generosity to our Social Concerns Fund we were able to send the office a check for $500.00. Thank You! Many people ask how is it that each month's report in the bulletin shows us spending more than we take in. We are able to do this because a large portion of our funds come in at the end of the year and help carry us through the leaner months. If you are making plans for year-end giving please be reminded that our Social Concerns Fund supports a number of efforts and that 100% of what you give goes directly to assisting those in need. As always we and those we serve are grateful for your generosity.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEMS – “A key test of a parish's “Catholicity” is its willingness to go beyond its boundaries to serve those in need and work for global justice and peace” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

ADVENT PREPARATION MUSIC – During the season of Advent, the music heard at the preparation of the gifts will be compositions borrowed from the Jewish tradition. As Christians, Advent is an especially appropriate time to celebrate our Jewish ancestry and express our unity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in our belief in God the Father. This unity is perhaps best expressed in our shared reverence of the Old Testament. This week, we will be praying one of the most beloved of psalms from this first “prayer book” of the Judaic tradition, Psalm 121 “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes.” Truly, as we anticipate the coming of Christ-at Christmas, when we meet face to face, and in the many ways we experience Christ's presence with us daily-we are reassured that the Lord is our help and our shield which neither slumbers nor sleeps.

HEALING MINISTRY - “Are any of you sick? You should ask for the presbyters of the Church. They in turn are to pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)

We do this through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick which will take place this Wednesday during our 6:45 p.m. liturgy. If you are coping with a serious physical, mental or emotional illness or dealing with the discomfort of aging come and receive this healing sacrament. Prayer teams are available after Mass to pray with you if you desire.

ANNUAL PARISH ADVENT CELEBRATION – Join us on Sunday, December 14 after the 11:00 Mass (about 12:15). Bring a friend or the whole family to the large

hall as we make “Rainbow Bean Soup!” We will layer the dry ingredients in holiday jars and include a jar in each of the Christmas Project food boxes. If you want to make a jar for your family, bring a quart jar and lid along! What a great way to warm someone's Christmas! Refreshments will be provided, and we will end around 1:30 with a Christmas Sing-along. See you then!

THE BENEFIT DINNER FOR ST. AUGUSTINE - was a huge success! Thanks to all of our donors and sponsors. We were able to give $20,158.00 to St. Augustine Hunger Center. Thank you!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES – in our Diocese strives to help those in need while always working toward a more just and compassionate society. As of this month, 28% of parishioners at St. Noel have helped Catholic Charities. In this time of Thanksgiving and Christmas, please remember the need to support the programs in our area that benefit parishes, children, families, elderly, the disable, and working poor. Please donate by December 31. For more information you can call 800-869-6525, ext. 1049 or visit www.cleveland.com/sites/hope .

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 1 st and 3 rd Saturday mornings of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Visitation Room and the 2 nd and 4 th Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitation Room. (Our next meeting will be Thursday evening, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. For further information call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for the month of December - December 11 – horse racing – we will also celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. December 18 – luncheon – 11:30 a.m. – happy time/pizza & cheese tray- lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. It will consist of prime rib, baked potato w/sour cream, green beans Almandine, salad, rolls, butter and Spumoni ice cream. Cost is $12.00 per person and the deadline for ticket and payment is December 15. Please remember to bring food for the food bank to this meeting. December 25 - NO MEETING – Merry Christmas. Next meeting will be on Thursday, January 8, 2004. Everyone is welcome to attend the fellowship meeting on Thursdays.

ROSARY – Join us Tuesday, December 16, 2003 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 – tonight is our Advent prayer service.  It all begins at 7:30pm.  All 9-12 grade students are welcome!!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is this Tuesday, December 16 th in the large hall.  We'll be wrapping presents!!

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

CHRISTMAS PROJECT – It's not too late to sponsor a family!  Please call Anthony to learn more about sponsoring a family or to volunteer to help with the project.  Also, you can bring in your turkey donations anytime.  The project donates a turkey to every family so we need a lot of birds!  PRIME TIME will be collecting money this weekend after all Masses.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT SHOPPING – We're meeting at the K-Mart on Vine St. at 8:30am on Sunday, December 14 th .  Be on time and be ready to shop!! 

PRESENT WRAPPING – all gifts from the Christmas Project will be wrapped on Tuesday, December 16 th .  Come to the church between 9:30-11:00am or from 7:00-8:30pm to help out.  We have all the paper, bows, etc.  Bring any shirt boxes and tape you need.  Thanks!

CHRISTMAS PROJECT SETUP – ever wonder how all those baskets get organized?? It all happens Friday, December 19 th at 10:00am.  Our awesome group sets up all the food and gift baskets for delivery the next day.  Are you free the 19 th during the day?  Please come to the Church to help out.  Call Anthony for more info.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES – Our first session for older children will be December 10 th at 7:00pm.  Please be on time and bring your first communion/baptism memories.

ADULT CONFIRMATION – Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place at St. John Vianney Church beginning Monday, January 5, 2004.  The sessions consist of six consecutive Monday evenings and run from 7:30 – 9:00pm.  Please call Anthony if you are interested in learning more about Confirmation.

EMPTY BOWLS REPORT – We had a wonderful event with over 110 people!  St. James Lunch Program received $1100 to support their ministry.  Thanks to all who contributed to Empty Bowls.  Unfortunately, one of our artists, a parishioner, is missing 4 silk scarves from her display.  These scarves were not for sale or donation.  If anyone picked up a silk scarf from the art show, please return it to the church.  The $25 left on top of her display does not cover the cost of even one scarf.  The artist would greatly appreciate having those scarves back.  Thanks!

ENTERTAINMENT 2004 BOOKS : are available in the church office. Cost of the book is $30.00. All proceeds benefit mentally handicapped children. Also, Lake Catholic High School students are selling Entertainment Books 2004. The cost is $30.00. For more information please call Lake Catholic at 440-951-0077.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN – The parent's support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, December 14, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the library of the Administration Center at St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor, Ohio.

EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN AMERICA – The Institute of Catholic Studies at John Carroll University will be offering an Adult Education program on the history of the Church in the United States. The non-credit course, “Understanding the Catholic Church in America Today,” will be taught by Fr. John Leahy, Ph.D on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. from January 28-March 3. For more information, or to register for the course, please call the Office of Continuing Education at 216-397-3008.

SAINT NICHOLAS AND HIS FRIENDS – Looking for a special way to prepare for Christmas? Make plans to join Saint Nicholas and his friends on December 13 for an evening of song, music, story, family and fun in the spirit of [THE FEST]. The evening will start with Mass at 7:00 p.m. followed by the music of national recording artist ELI and the [THE FEST] band. The event will be held at Holy Family Parish (Parma). Donations and non-perishable food items will be collected for St. Malachi Hunger Center. For more information or directions, go on line to www.a-full-life.com or call 440-943-7660.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH – is proud to present its Second Annual “Choral Sounds of Christmas” concert on Sunday, December 21 at 3:30 p.m. in the church. For more information please call 440-257-8888.

CATHOLIC SINGLES – SESA is having its annual Christmas dance to support the Retirement Fund for the Religious of the Cleveland diocese on Saturday, December 20, 2003. The cost is $20.00 for members and $22.00 for non-members. This event will be held at the Highland Heights Community Center located at 5827 Highland Rd in Highland Heights from 7:30-11:30 p.m. The cost includes a fully catered buffet dinner and dress is business casual or better (no jeans). Tickets will be available at the door. For more information call 216-556-3662.

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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