Week of January 8, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

One of the most central aspects of our Catholic tradition is the prominence we place on the Eucharist. This extends not only to the Eucharistic action which we celebrate at every Mass, but also the Eucharistic presence of Christ in the elements of bread and wine. The practice of reserving part of the bread consecrated at Mass began early in the Church's history. Although its primary purpose is to assure access for the sick and home-bound to the Eucharist, it also provides the opportunity for Catholics to pray before Christ who we believe is present to us in the reserved bread.

A group of interested parishioners is exploring the possibility of scheduling a regular time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Since the expansion of our church, the chapel behind the altar provides a fitting place where such prayer can take place.

Every week a group of parishioners gathers on Friday for vocal petitionary prayer in our chapel. The new effort we are exploring would follow a different format. The adoration would be silent, although materials for quiet reflection would be provided. As an initial format, we would like to schedule a period from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Monday with parishioners committing to cover a specific hour every week. We would like to schedule at least three parishioners every hour.

In our busy schedules an hour of quiet prayer every week could be a real blessing for those participating. Moreover, this ministry of prayer would certainly profit our entire parish. It would serve as a visible witness that Christ remains present to us in the gift of the Eucharist.

Next weekend there will be volunteers in the narthex after all Masses to explain the particulars of our approach to Eucharistic Adoration and to encourage your commitment to an hour each week before the Blessed Sacrament. Please consider whether this opportunity is one in which you would like to participate.

Fr. George Smiga

POPE'S PEACE MESSAGE – Following 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.

EPIPHANY CONCERT of holiday music presented by our music ministry Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends to close the Christmas season with a glorious, joyful sound.

HEALING MINISTRY – Please join us this Wednesday evening at our 6:45 p.m. liturgy for Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. You need not carry heavy burdens or suffer alone; our community is here to support you and pray for you. After Mass, prayer teams are available to pray with you if you desire.

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 maximum cost of $24.00 per household.. 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!

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 – Our information meeting for our summer trip to El Salvador will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Resurrection Room on Sunday, January 8 th . Please join us and learn more about this wonderful opportunity!

PRIME TIME – Our next session is tonight (Sunday) at 7:00pm in the Teen Center. Start 2006 off in a good way – come to PRIME TIME!!

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!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – It's not too late to register for GIFT. Our next session is part of GIFT – see you there!

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 & Adrianna 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 12 – Bingo; January 19 – Luncheon – Menu is Chicken A La King on a biscuit, mixed vegetables, and peach pie.Cost is $5.00 per person.; January 26 – Birthdays and anniversaries. Please bring something for the food bank.

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.

“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 .

Call Barbara Grants at 216-228-0869 or Pat Firem at 440-223-6964.

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.

LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST RETREAT (L.I.T.E.) St. Paschal Baylon Church, Tuesday, January 17 th , Thursday, January 19 th ( 7:00-9:30 p.m. ) and Saturday, January 21 ( 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ) – (Including liturgy, breakfast, lunch and dinner) Registration required – please call 440-442-3410. Free will offering.

St. Stanislaus Parish is interested in starting an alumni chapter of all people who graduated from St. Stanislaus Grade School. Please contact the St. Stan's rectory at 216-341-9091 or email ststans@ameritech.net . Our first alumni event will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

LOST – Dark blue man's cashmere topcoat . The coat was hanging in the coatroom of the Church during the holidays. Someone accidently picked up the wrong coat. There is a blue coat still hanging in the coatroom. Please return the lost coat to the church office. Thank you.

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