Week of January 20, 2008

Weekly Readings

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

Lent is arriving early. Since the date of Easter is set according to the date of Passover, and since Passover is set by the lunar calendar, Easter is set early or late depending on the rising of the moon. This year it is about as early as it can be: March 23 rd . This means that we have just put away the manger and Lent will be here in two weeks. With Lent so early we will need to be on our toes lest we miss important opportunities. Even before we begin thinking about prayer, fasting and almsgiving, there are two important ways you can help our parish.

First, participate in our Mardi Gras Carnival. The event will take place on Saturday, February 2 nd from 6:30 to midnight. The cost is $35.00 per person. It will include a Louisiana Cuisine Dinner with music by Classic DJ Services. There will be door prizes and a 50/50/ raffle. Costumes are fun but optional. It might seem too early for Mardi Gras but our Social Justice Ministry depends upon the profits for its important work. So take a deep breath, switch into a Lenten mood and come on February 2 nd for a fun evening which will support the work of the Gospel.

The second way you can help is with our fish fries. These famous dinners are an important part of our annual budget. Last year we profited $21,482.16 from the six weeks of fish fries. Our fear this year is that, with the early date of Easter, half of the fish fries will be over before people realize it is Lent. So talk it up! Spread the word among your friends and co-workers that Lent is beginning and the fish fries are starting. We also, as always, will need your help to set-up, serve, and clean up. There will be a sign-up sheet on the kiosk beginning this weekend.

Good things are coming. But they are coming soon! Be alert and spread the word that fun and food will soon be here to mark a new season.

Fr. George Smiga

HELP OUR BANQUET CENTER - We are attempting to book more day-time and weekday events in our banquet center. If you know of, or work for a business which might consider a luncheon or seminar day, please contact Chef Randy (440-946-6635) with the person in your company who he should contact to present the opportunity of using the St. Noel Banquet Center. As always please continue to recommend us to your family and friends.

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES – Fridays of Lent (not Good Friday), from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for serving and cleanup. Sign-up sheets are on the kiosk. You will not receive a phone call – just come at the time you have signed up. Also, Randy needs volunteers who can help set up fish fries on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. If you can help, please call the hall office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

REMINDER – we are not serving the meal at St. Augustine Hunger Center on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

PRIME TIME - We are meeting tonight – seems like a long time! See you at 7:00pm in the Teen Center. The PRIME TIME Bowl is coming.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is this Tuesday, January 22 nd at 7:00pm – bring your bibles & pennies. Also, don't forget something for the PROJECT HOPE service project.

ALTAR SERVERS – We are need of servers at all liturgies. Adults are welcome to serve at Mass as well – you must be in at least the 4 th grade to serve. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk if interested in serving.

FURNITURE BANK – The Lake/Geauga Furniture Bank is in need of mattresses and box springs. To donate please call 440-946-3448 ext 40.

YOUNG NEIGHBORS IN ACTION – Since 1996, teens from St. Noel Church have served throughout the country with YNIA. This summer we're serving in Buffalo, NY during the week of July 20-26. Spots are being reserved - we have 3 remaining spots for teens - $100 will reserve your spot. Check the kiosk or contact Anthony for more info. This is a memorable experience – any 9-12 grade student is welcome.

PENNY JAR – Did you notice the large jar in the narthex?? Our middle school youth group has been reflecting on how each of us can make a difference by doing little things. Please feel free to place pennies (nothing else, please!) in the jar to symbolize the difference we could make if everyone did something. We've already filled it up twice!! Thanks for making a difference.

KALAHARI WATER PARK – The Middle School Youth Group is sponsoring a fun-filled trip to Kalahari on Saturday, Feb 16 th . Cost is $24/person + transportation (TBA). The trip is open to all parishioners. Sign up on the kiosk if interested – we have 45 spots available. Splish and splash at the best water park around!!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Bring your sweetheart for pancakes on Sunday, Feb 10 th from 10-1pm in the Banquet Center. Cost is only $5/adults & $2/kids. All proceeds benefit PRIME TIME, our awesome youth group! Mark your calendar today!!

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND – In December we collected $10,716.00. Our expenses for December were:

We thank you for your support.

2008 CALENDARS courtesy of DeJohn Funeral Home are available on the counter in the church office. Please help yourself.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for January are as follows: – January 24 th –Bingo- January 31 st - Reverse raffle and we will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Also, please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Fund . When is the last time you looked at who was the beneficiaries of your life insurance, IRA or other accounts? It's time to take a look, update if necessary. If your intention is to leave your IRA to someone other than your spouse the new rule in 2007 allows you to leave the funds to a non-spouse beneficiary who can now roll the proceeds into a qualified IRA. When updating beneficiaries, know that a charity like the St. Noel Endowment fund can be a beneficiary of all or part of your IRA.

PARISH DAYTIME RETREAT – will be held on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. Our parishioner, Sharon Waltermire will be speaking on “The Attitude of Gratitude.”- A continental brunch will be served at 9:30 a.m. Suggested offering for lunch and brunch is $7.00. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Please join us on Saturday, February 9 th at 8:00 a.m. in the Banquet Center/small hall for a morning of prayer and fellowship. Our guest speaker this month is St. Noel's parishioner, Patty DeJohn who is a family counselor. Her program will focus on Empowering Our Spirit. As always coffee will be ready at the door to greet you and a delicious breakfast buffet will follow the program. A suggested $5.00 donation will be accepted at the door. Please sign-up on the kiosk by February 5 th . Thank You – Any questions call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

CARING FOR CREATION – Welcome 2008 with us as we prepare for life changing resolutions. Join the Beyond Just Faith group on Sunday, January 20, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Plan on sharing a potluck supper and your ideas, as we flesh out our topic Resolved: Reduce , Reuse, Recycle . Please sign-up on kiosk. Bring your own place setting!

POPE'S LETTER – Copies of Pope Benedict's letter for the celebration of the World Day of Peace can be found in the Social Justice section of the kiosk.

MUJER Y COMUNIDAD – A detailed year-end report of the activities and future plans of our partners in El Salvador, Mujer y Comunidad (Women and Community) can be found in the Social Justice section of the kiosk. Mujer y Comunidad will need our financial support ($4500) yet in 2008 and then the women hope to move toward sustainability in 2009. Please help yourself to a copy of the report and most especially, keep the women in your prayers!

ST. NOEL BANQUET CENTER – Great dates are still available in the Banquet Center for 2008. April 19 th & 26 th are open as well as May 3 rd & 24 th and June 7th. Most Fridays throughout the year are also open. If you or you know of someone who is planning an event of any kind please call the Banquet Center office at 440-946-6635. We are willing to make a deal.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “Day by Day through Lent: Fasting from Our clutter,” by Susan K. Rowland is now available on the kiosk.

YOUNG ADULT FAITH FORMATION LENTEN SERIES –The meetings will be held here at St. Noel on Monday evenings beginning February 4th from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Young Adult Faith Formation encourages men and women in their 20's & 30's to deepen their faith and build friendships within the Catholic Church by offering 6-weeks of prayer and discussion. An optional dinner at 6:00 p.m. is offered. Register by January 21 st . For more information, contact Margaret Vogel, at 216-334-1261 X 28; mjvogel@clevelandcatholiccharities.org .

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY (20's and 30's)

Young Adults are invited to volunteer with the Cleveland Foodbank on Saturday, January 26th from 8-Noon.  We'll be sorting or repacking food in their warehouse.  To register, please call Laura (216-228-9516) or e-mail to 2006yaic@gmail.com or mjvogel@clevelandcatholiccharities.org .  This event is sponsored by the Catholic Charities Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office in the Diocese of Cleveland.

COUNCIL ON AGING - Check the kiosk for the latest news from the Lake County Council on Aging.

ALL SAINTS SCHOOL , a Catholic day school located on the beautiful grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, is hosting an Open House for new students on Wednesday, January 30th, from 9:00 - 11:00 am and Sunday, February 17th, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm.  The school offers Preschool, Elementary and Junior High education.  Please call the school office at (440) 943-1395 or visit www.allsaintssjv.org for more information.

NOTRE DAME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE will take place on Sunday, February 3, 2008 from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, Ohio. For more information please call 440-279-1129.

ST. WILLIAM PARISH at 351 East 260 TH Street in Euclid is sponsoring an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door. Adults-$6; Children-$3; children under 3 no charge. Bring this bulletin announcement in before 9:30 a.m. and get $1 off per adult. For more information please call:

216-261-8703 or 216-571-6234.

THEOLOGY ON TAP is a quarterly program hosted by The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation's Associate Board. The next program is scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2008 at The Corner Alley, 402 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. The guest speaker will be Jeff Stutzman, Catechetical Media Consultant and Webmaster in the Office of Catechetical Services for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Happy hour begins at 6:30 p.m. the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $3 (includes complimentary appetizers and cash bar). For more information please call 216-696-6525, ext. 1049 or ccappotto@dioceseofcleveland.org .

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

BACK TO TOP

If you have questions concerning any information contained on the Saint Noel Parish Web site, contact us.

Our staff will answer your questions or forward you to the appropriate individual or group.