Week of January 23, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

It is difficult to believe but Lent begins on February 9 th . It is our custom to herald the beginning of this holy season

with a festive celebration of Mardi Gras. Since Lent begins on a Wednesday the day before was called Mardi Gras which in French means “Fat Tuesday” – the last day of eating and celebration before the fasting of Lent begins. We are holding our Mardi Gras celebration on the Saturday before Lent – February 5 th . It promises to be an exciting evening of music, costumes and good food. The menu is one of Louisiana Cuisine. The costumes are optional but a great deal of fun both for those who wear them and for those who only come to appreciate their creativity. The music will be provided by Larry from Classic DJ Services. The evening will include side boards and a contest for the best costume. Proceeds from the dance will be used to support our Social Concerns Fund.

The Mardi Gras Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday evening, February 5 th from 6:30 p.m. until Midnight. The cost is $35.00 per person. A cash bar will be available.

Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling our parish hall 440-946-6635 or by stopping by at the table in the narthex. We have sold out in the past so please don't wait until the last minute.

I have begun to work on my costume. See you there -- if you can recognize me!

Fr. George Smiga

LIFT HIGH THE CROSS OF CHRIST! – You may have noticed that the mammoth cross which was built by our parishioners and once stood in the area now occupied by our parish offices, has been relocated in the south-east corner of our parking lot. Thanks are due to Eugene DiFranco of our parish who poured the cement foundation and erected this piece of St. Noel's history.

SURVEY RESULTS – results from the survey taken last week before all the Masses are available on the ivory sheets either in the kiosk or on the table in the narthex. Please pick up one after Mass. The survey was organized by the St. Noel Parish Pastoral Council in an effort to gauge awareness of the issues surrounding the priest shortage in our diocese. Next weekend another brief survey will be taken before the Masses to evaluate your preferences for the possible options of dealing with the shortages.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to wash the altar linens. If you are interested, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. You will be scheduled once every two months.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE- On January 30th our volunteers will be serving the meal at the St. Augustine Hunger Center. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk if you are able to lend a hand. After all the Masses on January 29th and January 30th, we will be collecting for our Social Concerns fund. Also, if anyone would like to bake cookies please bring the cookies with you when you come to volunteer at the Hunger Center or they can be dropped off at church before Mass on Saturday. Please put the cookies in the Nativity Room (formerly the nursery) on the counter and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND – In December we collected $12,105.00. Our expenses were:

We thank you for your support.

RESPECT LIFE – As we begin a new year let us resolve to support and respect life at every stage.  We can begin by heeding the words of our Bishops and the Holy Father regarding the dignity and worth of human life, which are recalled in a brochure entitled, “Made In His Image.”    Please pick up a copy of this brochure which can be found in the pocket of the Social Concerns section of the kiosk. 

PEACE MESSAGE - Copies of Pope John Paul II's message of January 1, 2005 for the celebration of World Peace Day can be found in the pockets below the Social Concerns Section of the kiosk. 

ANNUAL FAMILY ITALIAN DINNER will be Friday, January 28 th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cost will be $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6-12 and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be sold at the door. Volunteers are needed to help serve and clear the tables, and a sign-up sheet is on the kiosk.

CELEBRATING THE LOVE OF GOD – A daytime retreat on February 2, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. will be facilitated by Marc Weagraff and Fran Armbruster. For more information call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Our winter warm-up breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 12 th , from 8-10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Our presenter will be Sister Elizabeth Troha who will lift our spirits and involve us in a “Meditation in Motion” through the art of Tai Chi. Please wear comfortable clothing and tied shoes. As always, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time of prayer together. The suggested donation is $3.50. 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.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for January are as follows: January 27th – Games, your choice. We will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

PRIME TIME – No meeting tonight – it's GIFT!!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next meeting is this Tuesday, January 25 th at 7:00pm. Bring your bibles!

SUMMER SERVICE TRIP – Are you interested in making a difference this summer? Young Neighbors in Action is open to any 9-12 grade students, and we're heading to Chicago the week of July 24-30. Your deposit of $50 will reserve a spot this summer, and only a couple spots remain. Call Anthony with questions (946-1128 x20)

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Our annual PRIME TIME Valentine's Day Pancake Breakfast is Sunday, February 13 th from 10:00am-1pm in the hall. All proceeds benefit St. Noel Youth Ministry. Bring your sweetheart for flapjacks!!

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of mattress and box springs (any size) and an electric stove as well as any furniture in good condition. We do not pick up clothes, knick knacks or items needing repair. Please call Anthony if you can help.

TAIZE PRAYER will be held Thursday February 3, 2005 7 P.M. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 460 East 321 St. Taize prayer services are held the first Thursday of the month from September thru May. For further information please call 440-943-2133. All are welcome.

THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS ARE HOLDING OPEN HOUSES: Gilmour Academy Admissions Open House Sunday, February 13 th Middle and Upper School programs begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.; lower School programs run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call 440-473-8050 for more information. All Saints Preschool will be holding their open house on Wednesday. February 2 nd from 9-11:00 a.m., they are located on the campus of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe for more information please call 440-943-1395. All Saints Elementary School would like to invite you to their open house on Wednesday, February 2 nd from 9-11:00 a.m. they are located on the campus of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe (Willoughby/Eastlake busing) for more information please call 440-943-1395. Notre Dame Elementary School (13000 Auburn Road in Chardon) would like to invite you to attend their open house on Sunday, February 6 th from 1-3:00 p.m. Please call 440-279-1129 for more information.

MUSIC DIRECTOR - The Church of St. Mary in Chardon is seeking to fill the position of Music Director of their Traditional Celebration Choir who sings at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Pay commensurate with experience. Please contact Joe at 440-729-7642 or Leslie at 440-285-9867 or 440-227-2024.

ST. MARY CHURCH IN CHARDON – is offering three different bible study series this winter starting in late January or early February. The three series are: “Breaking Free', Believing God,” and an in-depth look at the Book of Hebrews. Cost for each series is $20.00. For more details, times, and dates or to register call Kate at 440-286-5562 or Pam at 440-285-4898.

SEEDS OF LITERACY – Have you always wanted to give back to your community but weren't sure how? Well here is your opportunity! Seeds of Literacy, a non-profit organization, is in need of volunteer tutors. Seeds provides adults in Cuyahoga County with basic education and G.E.D. preparation free of charge. But we need your help! By donating just a little of your time and expertise, you can help someone learn the skills they need to compete and advance in society. Become a tutor and help someone down the path to success! Call 216-631-4302.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL BOOKINGS FOR 2005 & 2006 – We are currently taking deposits to reserve the large and small halls for anyone that may have a need for our services during 2005 & 2006. We can accommodate any groups of 50-475. Parishioners who are planning weddings for themselves or a son or daughter will receive a 10% discount. Parishioners will also receive a 5% discount for any other functions scheduled in the hall for an immediate family member or themselves. Please call the hall office at 440-946-6635 to check availability. The hall office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WORLD WIDE MARRIAGE DAY CELEBRATION!! - All married couples are cordially invited to participate in Marriage Day Celebration Mass at Our Lady of Good Council (4423 Pearl Rd), 2:00 p.m. on February 6 th . A reception in the Marian Lounge will follow .

IT'S IN THE MAIL – Catholics across the Diocese of Cleveland will soon be receiving a large envelope at home from the Office of Bishop Anthony Pilla, “A Report to the Community from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland 2004” is an initial effort to better acquaint everyone with the extensive temporal, spiritual, educational and charitable contributions made by the people of the Diocese. This annual report also includes a financial overview. Your attention to this document is appreciated.

EUCHARIST AND OUR LADY – On Saturday, February 19 th , at 1:00 p.m., the Life in the Eucharist team from St. Justin Martyr will present a reflection on Mary and her journey from Bethlehem to Calvary in Lambur Hall. Fr. Paul Bernier of Blessed Sacrament Parish will offer his insights on this journey. During this Year of the Eucharist 2005, this will be an afternoon you won't soon forget. Please pre-register by calling 440-946-1177 before Wednesday, February 16 th , and bring a friend.

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