Week of February 6, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday when we begin the season of Lent. The practices of Lent for Christians are based on the three traditional Jewish penitential practices of Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. Jesus' teaching on these practices in Mathew 6 can serve as a way to announce the Lenten opportunities which are provided this year at St. Noel.

PRAYER

“Whenever you pray do not heap up empty phrases,” (Matt 6:7). Striving as we do for genuine prayer you are invited to pray with us on

•  Ash Wednesday (February 9th) – Liturgy of the Word with distribution of ashes at Noon; Eucharist with distribution of ashes at 7:00 p.m.

•  the first Sunday of Lent at 11:00 a.m. when Thurman Buckley, Anthony Childs, Amber Pilarczyk, Nicole Thomas, who are seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church will be sent forth to the Diocesan celebration of The Rite of Election. At that ceremony they will join with other catechumens and candidates from our entire diocese, and Bishop Pilla will preside as the Church celebrates its choice of them for the Easter sacraments.

•  Wednesday, March 16th at 7:30 p.m. as we celebrate together the Sacrament of Penance.

•  every Friday of Lent—beginning this Friday February 11th at 7:30 p.m. —as we pray the Stations of the Cross.

•  any day when you wish to walk and pray the stations personally. The church is open all day from 7:00 a.m. until the last meeting ends (usually around 9:00 p.m.). Various booklets to use in praying the stations can be found in the kiosk. Making the stations on a regular basis during Lent is a wonderful Lenten practice. Remember that our stations are in the form of pavers located in our church floor. The stations begin in the area close to the Baptismal Font and continue around the church. The walking from one station to another imitates Christ's way of the cross and is itself a means of prayer within this devotion.

•  in praying this Lent it is particularly useful to read passages of the Scriptures – especially the Gospel of Matthew which is used in the lectionary this year. There are also a limited number of Lenten devotion booklets in the narthex. They were left over from our GIFT preparation for Lent and can be taken on a first come basis.

•  those who attended the GIFT session preparing for Lent are encouraged to use the materials in your Take Home Kit -- and to use your Lenten Journals.

ALMSGIVING

“When you give alms do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” (Matt 6:3). Giving is not about drawing attention to ourselves but about serving others. We invite you to undertake this kind of service

•  by collecting bags of items for Forbes House, (the Lake County women's shelter), Project Hope, (the Lake County homeless shelter), Birthright, and St. Augustine Hunger Center. Tags indicating the items needed for each agency can be found in the narthex. Please use a plastic garbage bag for your items, closing it with the yarn and tag provided. If you do not have your own plastic bags, please help yourself to the plastic bags which are also on the table.

•  This year we are making available Lenten “Rice Bowls.” Placing change into these bowls on a regular basis during Lent will help feed many in the third world countries and support projects promoting agricultural, nutritional, and educational programs to encourage self sufficiency. The rice bowls can be used by parents to encourage their children to become responsible in giving to those in need. When the bowls are filled they can be returned to the parish office.

FASTING

“When you fast do not look dismal…but put oil on your head and wash your face,” (Matt 6:16-17). The sacrifices of Lent are not to be seen as negative but positive, not gloomy but joyful. That is why we encourage not only fasting from food but doing things which promote education and community. You are therefore invited to join with us in the fasting of Lent

•  by abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, adult Catholics are also asked to fast--that is, limit their food to a simple full meal and two lesser meals.

•  by participating in our Parish GIFT Program. GIFT is an inter-generational opportunity for faith development for all parishioners. Our next session will be on Wednesday, March 2 nd at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5 th at 9:30 a.m., or Sunday, March 6 th at 12:30 p.m. These sessions will help us prepare as a parish for the celebration of Holy Thursday and the gift of the Eucharist. Our title for the session will be “Eucharistic Presence: Getting to the Real Truth.” A meal is included for each session and there will be age-appropriate activities for all participants. You can register for GIFT by filling out a blue registration form and placing it in the GIFT Box in the narthex.

•  finally by participating in our Lenten fish fries which begin this week and continue on each Friday of Lent (excluding Good Friday) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. These Fish Fries are an important fund raiser for our parish, and they are possible only through the generosity of parishioners willing to help with serving and clean up. Please sign-up on the kiosk to help.

As disciples of Jesus each one of us, of course, can develop our own Lenten practices. But these opportunities for prayer, almsgiving and fasting are ways to observe Lent together with our community.

May God bless you as we begin the journey of Lent together.

Fr. George Smiga

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS , LECTORS, AND SACRISTANS if you are able to help at the7:00 p.m. liturgy on Ash Wednesday, February 9th, please sign up on the bulletin board near the kitchenette. Lectors are also needed at the Noon service on Ash Wednesday.

SIGNED LITURGY- Today (Sunday) February 6th, April Kinder will be joining us to sign the 11:00 a.m. Mass for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

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.

BLESS THE CHILDREN : Domestic Violence Center recognizes February as Bless the Children Month . DVC operates two safe shelters for women and children, and the 24-hour HELP line, in Cuyahoga County, which answered 20,000 calls in 2003. Please help DVC create peace in the home by making a tax-deductible donation. Checks can be made payable to DVC, P.O.Box 5466, Cleveland, Ohio 44101 or for more information, call Linda Johanek 216-651-8484, Ext 301.

WOMEN & COMMUNITY - Thanks to the help of a delegation from St. Louis parish in Cleveland Heights and the donations of several parishioners we were recently able to send one suitcase of material and another with a sewing machine to our partnership in Zaragoza, El Salvador.  You may recall that the mission of this group is multifaceted:  1) operating a small sewing business, 2) training young girls and women in sewing and embroidery, 3) educating parents about ways to improve the diets of their children through the use of soy, 4) preserving the native culture of their region of El Salvador.  Women and Community is also affiliated with the local parish, St. Maria del Pilar. 

JUSTFAITH UPDATE :  Our JustFaith group is approximately half way through its 30 week course and we've had many interesting discussions and learned much through our reading, videos and guest speakers.  We especially wanted to share with you what we have learned about an organization called ESOP, East Side Organizing Project.  Located in the Union-Miles area, ESOP is funded in part by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and empowers people to organize and speak to any injustices they may be experiencing.  Much of their work has been in the area of predatory lending.  Want to know more about ESOP?  Check out www.ESOP-Cleveland.org . or call 216-429-0757.  More information can also be found on the kiosk.   

THE MINISTRY FAIR will be held on the weekend of February 26 th & 27th after all the Masses. If your ministry has not been contacted please call Fran Armbruster at 440-729-3976. There will be a workshop for help with your ministry display on Thursday, February 10 th from 3:00-9:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room. Come anytime. We will have supplies, ideas, and creative people. Bring what you have and we'll work with you.

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 Joyce Rodriguez at 440-286-3060.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for February are as follows: February 10 th – Horseracing; February 17 th -Noon - meeting, socializing, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have a breakfast brunch consisting of scrambled eggs, ham, French toast, hash browns, cheese blintzes, muffins and Danish. Cost is $5.00 per person. Deadline for tickets is February 14 th . February 24 th – Games of 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.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, February 15th from 7-7:45 p.m. in the Chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

FATHER JOE MCNULTY HONORED – On Friday, March 4, 2005, St. Augustine Health Campus will honor Fr. Joe McNulty for his years of dedication to the sick, elderly, poor and disabled of the greater Cleveland Community at the 8 th Annual Top ‘O the Towers Benefit Night at Brennan's Party Center. The event will be held from 6-9:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45.00 per person. For information please contact the Development Office at 216-939-7602, fax: 216-634-7483 or e-mail: st.augustine@st.augustinemanor.org

PRIME TIME – It's the PRIME TIME Bowl!! No meeting tonight

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next meeting is this Tuesday, February 8 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), appliances 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.

LECTORS NEEDED – Hey teens!! Get involved in the Mass and become a lector. We are looking for interested high school teens to serve as lectors at our weekend liturgies. Proclaiming the scriptures is a tremendous privilege! You will receive training and all the support you need. Call Anthony if you are interested.

CONFIRMATION – any 7-12 grade student interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation must call Anthony to register. Sessions begin February 13 th and you must pre-register.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, February 7 th . The new facility is beautiful! Please call Anthony if you would like to serve (946-1128x 20).

CDEM – Our next offering of the CDEM for engaged couples is Thursday, February 10 th at 7:00pm.

EASTER HAMS – PRIME TIME is again offering delicious, spiral-sliced hams for your Easter celebrations. You can support youth ministry at St. Noel Church and enjoy a mouth-watering ham of the highest quality. You can place your order after Valentines Day

LOCKS OF LOVE – Did you see the recent photo in the News Herald of Brittany, Lindsey & Christina Shrefler? These three awesome sisters recently donated their hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit agency providing hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Check it out on the kiosk or the Feb 1 issue of the paper. Great job, girls!!

WHITEWATER RAFTING – We're planning a rafting trip on the incredible New River in WV for late June of 2005. Call Anthony for details and keep watching for more info!!

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN- The parent support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, February 13 th 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 .

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 .

THE SLOVENIAN CULTURAL GARDEN ASSOCIATION is sponsoring a pre-Lenten dinner on Tuesday, February 8 th from 5-8:00 p.m. in the new St. Mary's parish hall, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland. They will be serving a selection of sausage dinners that will include Slovenian home fries, sauerkraut, coffee and desert. Cost is $12.00 a person. For tickets or information please call St. Mary at 216-761-7740. Tickets will also be available at the door.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “In the Desert with Jesus: Biblical Themes of Lent,” by Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M., is now available in the kiosk.

THE TRUST 100 FIVE STAR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION for high school seniors is available in the parish office. Applications need to be turned in to DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home by April 1, 2005.

ST. PASCHAL BAYLON PARISH , 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights will conduct a six-week workshop on handling grief, beginning Wednesday, February 16, 2005. The workshop will be held for six consecutive weeks, on each Wednesday, in the rectory parlor, from 6-8:00 p.m. Please contact the rectory at 440-442-3410, for any additional information. The workshop is free and open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a significant person in their life.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS are still available from Lake County Right to Life. Please call 440-255-5257 for more information.

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – Divorced, separated and widowed men and women of all ages are encouraged to attend a weekend designed for those who wish to let go of the painful past and create a more peace-filled future. Presented by people who have “been there” and offer their support. The next Beginning Experience Weekend will be held on February 11 th , 12 th and 13 th at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland. Call 440-473-0457 or 216-671-0077 for the information on this weekend of hope and healing. Or visit us on the web at:

www.beginningexperiencxe.org .

ST. JOHN VIANNEY in Mentor is sponsoring Ceili lessons: come and learn the popular steps of Irish Dancing. The class will be offered on Friday, February 4 th from 8-10:00 p.m. The class will be held in the Robert Kline Social Center. For more information or reservations call 440-944-9030 or 440-209-0966.

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