Week of January 1, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary The Mother of God. There is however a secondary theme to the day for it is also possible to celebrate today a special mass for peace. As we begin the new year, peace should be on our minds. We should be aware of how many parts of our world are experiencing the horrors of war, of how many families are being torn apart by the reality of domestic violence, of how much crime in our nation is encouraged by poverty and the inability to find proper employment. So much of our world is not at peace. We who follow Christ are charged to work and pray so that the promise of peace may someday be fulfilled.

In this sense today's feast of Mary clearly compliments the desire for peace. Of all those in our world, mothers certainly stand foremost in the yearning for peace. They who have given life to their children desire to build a future in which their children may grow and develop free from violence and injustice. Mary is the mother of the Savior who is God. She among all women stands as one who promotes the establishment of God's kingdom. As we begin this new year, let us ask the Mother of the Prince of Peace to guide and motivate us so that we might work to bring peace to our hearts and peace to our world.

Fr. George Smiga

HOLY HOUR FOR PEACE - Our “Let There Be Peace” prayer and reflection group will be leading us in a Holy Hour for Peace on Sunday, January 1, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to celebrating the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God, January 1 st is also the World Day of Peace. Our prayer will center on the Rosary for Peace. We will gather in the Eucharistic Chapel behind the main altar. At the beginning of this new year, please consider joining us for this opportunity to intercede for our world that “peace on earth and good will to all peoples” may prevail over violence.

POPE'S PEACE MESSAGE – Following in the custom of John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI has issued a message to the Church commemorating the World Day of Peace, celebrated on January 1 st of each year. Copies of his message can be found in the kiosk.

CATHOLIC UPDATE – entitled “What All Catholics Should Know About Eastern Catholic Churches,” by Phyllis Zagano, is now available in the kiosk.

THE GIFT GIVING CONTINUES – The Generations In Faith Together program is our education and development program for everyone. Our next session is titled “A Gospel Valentine.” You'll make some new friends, share a meal, then learn about the combined roles of charity and justice in our lives. You'll also be introduced to some of the many Social Justice groups already active in the parish. The learning is done on an age-appropriate level, for children through adults. You can attend either session held Wednesday, January 18 th at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday the 22 nd at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children and seniors, with a $24.00 household limit. If you have not already registered, forms are available at the GIFT table in the narthex, or click the GIFT links to register. Bring a friend!

MONTHLY RETREAT – The next retreat facilitated by Fran Armbruster will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room.

The theme will be “Storing Up Treasures in Heaven.” (A $5.00 donation is suggested for lunch). Eucharistic Adoration will be in the Nativity Room from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please sign up for the retreat on the kiosk in the narthex. For more information, please call Fran Armbruster 440-729-3976).

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP will not meet on Tuesday, December 20 th or 27 th . We will resume on Tuesday, January 2 nd , 2006. For information, please call Anthony – 440-946-1128.

LOW INCOME SENIORS-HOME REPAIRS – The Lake Communities Development Corporation is working with Salvation Army and United Way to offer low income senior or low income disabled homeowners with minor home emergency repairs. Please check the “Social Justice” section of the kiosk for qualification guidelines

and further information.

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY? – The terms of our current Social Justice Ministry members will soon conclude. We are inviting those who currently serve, as well as any other interested parishioners, to come to two evenings of formation and orientation scheduled for Wednesday nights, January 25 th and February 1 st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is our hope that these evenings will help attendees discern whether or not this ministry is God's call for them at this time. Please call Alice at 440-946-0887 if you have questions or would like to register for these evenings. Please keep all of our social justice ministries and those who come to this process in your prayers.

EL SALVADOR ENCOUNTER – Plans continue for our trip to El Salvador scheduled for July 18 th though 26 th , 2006. Fr. George will be joining us as we encounter the courageous and faith-filled people of this beautiful country. We will be visiting the sites of the martyrs (Jesuits, Bishop Romero and the Church Women), hearing the stories of the families of those who were “disappeared” during the Civil War, worshiping at one of the parishes staffed by our Diocesan Mission team, interacting with the children at the Community of Oscar A. Romero, and visiting our partnership of Women in Community for several days in Zaragoza, El Salvador. The current estimated cost is $1,500. An informational meeting will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday morning, January 8, 2006 as our deadline for sign up is February 1, 2006. You may want to sign up prior to that date as the maximum number of people we can accommodate is fifteen and a number of people have already registered. Please call Alice at 440-946-0887 to register.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM – In a large Middle Eastern city a mother watched her son die at the hands of government executioners. The trial had been speedy and the guilty verdict immediate but the mother knew her son was innocent. Mary, whose feast as Mother of God we celebrate today, was, at once, the mother of the victim and the mother of the executed “criminal.” The pain was immense no matter what the label. As the U. S. recently marked the 1,000 th execution since the 1977 reinstatement of the death penalty, U. S. Catholic bishops urge that we move from “a culture of death” to a “culture of life.” The bishops do not seek “to diminish in any way the evil and harm caused by people who commit horrible murders” but “no act, not even an execution, can bring back a loved one or heal terrible wounds.” The bishops urge Catholics to join in a “Catholic campaign to end the use of the death penalty.” We are asked to participate by praying for victims and their loved ones, praying for those awaiting execution and their families, by learning more about Catholic teaching on the criminal justice system, and by becoming an advocate of public policies that better protect society from violence. For more information go to http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/deathpenalty/ .

PRIME TIME – Our next session is Sunday, January 8 th at 7:00pm in the Teen Center. See you in 2006!!

ALTAR SERVERS – We are in need of servers at all our Liturgies. Both children (4 th grade and older) and adults are welcome to serve. Please call Anthony for more information. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to serve together!

CHRISTMAS PROJECT – Thanks to all who made the project a success this year. We served 106 families with gifts and food!! Please pray that 2006 brings an end to poverty and more opportunities for those struggling to better their lives.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is this Wednesday, January 4 th at 7:00pm. See you next year!!

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, January 9 th . Please call Anthony if you are interested in serving (946-1128 x20).

YNIA – Our summer trip is scheduled for July 9-15 in Toronto, Canada. 4 spots remain for teens. Your $50 deposit will reserve your place on the trip. Call Anthony for more info.

NOEL MOVERS – We are currently in need of appliances, mattresses and dressers. Please call Anthony to donate.

CDEM – Our next offering of the CDEM is Thursday, January 26 th at 7:00pm in the conference room.

STEPHEN MINISTRY CANDIDATES – We would like to welcome the following seven parishioners into the training for Stephen Ministry: Marion & Mira Kosem, Candice Minello, Mary Rupnow, Ed & Adriana Mascha, and Joe Ei. Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they prepare to be the listening presence of Christ to those in need.

MUSIC MINISTRY CD'S – The St. Noel Music Ministry CD entitled How Can We Keep From Singing? features the choir, chamber singers and hand bell choir are available in the church office. Proceeds benefit the music ministry pilgrimage fund.

MARK YOUR 2006 CALENDAR TODAY!!! The 2006 Vacation Bible School program will be the week of July 17-21. Watch the bulletin in the Spring for volunteer opportunities and registration dates.

ST. AUGUSTINE RAFFLE CALENDARS( 365 chances to win) Calendars are available in the church office, Mondays through Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays after Mass.

PARISH HISTORY BOOK – The 25 th Anniversary Parish Commemorative Book will be published in both a soft bound and hard-bound edition. The soft bound edition will be mailed to each parish household. The hard bound edition will include a foil-stamped cover and is included with a cornerstone sponsorship. Sponsorship cards are available in the kiosk. For further information, contact Chris Roach at 440-356-1124.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of January are as follows: January 5 - Reverse Raffle; January 12 – Bingo; January 19 – Luncheon – Menu is Chicken A La King on a biscuit, mixed vegetables, and peach pie. Please call Marianne Ferrito (440-943-6822) to make reservations; January 26 – Birthdays and anniversaries. Please bring something for the food bank.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2006 – are available in the church office. The cost is $30. All proceeds benefit Mentally Handicapped Children. Books are also available from Lake County Right To Life (440-255-5257).

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL – We are taking reservations for any dates in 2006 and 2007. Select dates will fill up quickly. You can check availability by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635. Also mark your calendars for March 18 th , 2006, Shout will be back at St. Noel Parish Hall.

LAKE GEAUGA DISTRICT CARES FOR THE SEPARATED/DIVORCED – “What Catholics Need to Know about Divorce and Remarriage in the Church” – January 25, 2006 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Join Lynette Tait and Karen Roman as they discuss this topic.

URSULINE COLLEGE invites you to participate in their Master of Arts in Ministry Program. Classes begin January 19, 2006. If you would like more information, please call 440-646-8195. Scholarships are available.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES – Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Placement/Scholarship tests Saturday, January 7 th . All will begin at 8:00 a.m.

“PILGRIMS OF HOPE,” This January 2006 marks the 25 th anniversary of the installation of Bishop Pilla. To mark this Silver Jubilee, a coffee table book called “Pilgrims of Hope” has been published. You may order the book at www.dioceseofcleveland.org , or there are order forms available in the kiosk. All proceeds go to an educational foundation established by the Bishop.

WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED, SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE weekend will be held on February 10 th , 11 th and 12 th at St. Joseph Christian Life Center. Please call Carol (330-416-8911) or Jan (440-808-9879) for more information.

STAMPS – Please save your used stamps for the Maryknoll Sisters for their missionary work. Cut the stamps from the envelopes using scissors. Leave a ¼” margin on all four sides. Place the stamps in the box on top of the coat room racks. Thank you for your assistance.

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY: PILGRIMAGE TO ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES OF WOMEN OFFICEHOLDERS IN THE EARLY CHURCH – Rome-Ostia-Assisi will take place March 30 th through April 8 th .

RETROUVAILLE weekend will be held on January 13 th through the 15 th at the Hilton Hotel in Beachwood. A registration fee of $50 is required to confirm a reservation. For more information, call Al and Diane Miskinis at 330-665-3506. You may also learn about Retrouvaille on the world-wide-web at www.helpourmarriage.com.

AUDITION NOTICE – OHIO BOYCHOIR – Auditions are now being held for the Ohio Boychoir 2005-2006 season. Membership is open to boys ages third grade through voice change for the concert choir and to boys ages 7 & 8 for the training choir. No previous choral experience necessary. Rehearsals are held weekly in Parma. Contact Music Director Jon Simsic (216-556-2222) for more information or visit us at www.ohioboychoir.org .

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