Week of February 18, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

Next Sunday is Stewardship Sunday at St. Noel. But you do not need to bring your check book. Many people associate the word Stewardship with money. It does apply to finances because without monetary support our parish could not function. But stewardship is also about time and talent. For it is equally true that unless our parishioners give of their time and talent we would be unable to respond to our call to promote the Gospel. Just as God has entrusted each person with some financial resources, God has given to each of us certain talents and the time to use them. Talents and time are not given to us only for our own use. They are intended to serve our families, our society, and our church community. In this sense stewardship is an expectation of all who follow Christ. It is important for me as pastor to ask every parishioner, “Is there any part of your time and talent that you are able and willing to give back to God through your involvement at St. Noel.?”

Fortunately for us, many people have said yes to this stewardship call. We literally have hundreds of parishioners who give of their time and talent. But if we are to continue to grow as a community there are always more opportunities to serve. Our staff has located nine areas where we find ourselves in need of more time and talent. We have listed these needs on the insert today in your bulletin. Each opportunity briefly describes the ministry, the gifts of time and talent required, and the person facilitating the effort. I am asking you in the upcoming week to pray over these parish needs and to ask yourself whether you would be able to respond with your time and talent. Even if you answer that a particular ministry is not your gift, I am asking you to consider whether you know someone whose gift would match one of these needs. If you recognize ability in someone else in our community which could apply to one of these areas, please consider asking that person to think about it. For example, our music ministry is in need of sopranos and basses. If you sit next to someone at Mass with a wonderful voice, tell them you recognize their gift and ask them to help our community by sharing it in the music ministry. I have recognized over the years how effective it is when we affirm others in their gifts and support them in discerning the possibility of giving back to our community.

After all the Masses next weekend we will hold a Stewardship Open House in the Banquet Center. Representatives for the nine ministries which are listed in today's insert will be present to further explain the need and answer any questions. I invite all of you to stay after Liturgy next week for The Stewardship Open House where special refreshments will be served and you can learn more about our stewardship needs for time and talent whether that will be for your own discernment or to encourage discernment in someone you know.

Fr. George Smiga

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DRIVE – will begin the weekend of March 3 rd and 4 th . You will be receiving information in the next week.

ASH WEDNESDAY – February 21 st - There will be a Liturgy of the Word with ashes at Noon and Liturgy with ashes at 7:00 p.m. Adult Catholics are asked to abstain from meat and also to fast – limiting their food to a simple full meal and two lesser meals.

RIDE NEEDED – We have a blind parishioner who lives in Bishop Park Apts. in Willoughby Hills who would like a ride to church.  If you might be able to provide a ride for him please call or email Alice at 440-946-0887,  ahinkel@stnoel.org .

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On February 25 th 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 February 24 th & February 25 th , we will be collecting for our Social Justice 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 JUSTICE FUND – In January we collected $1,296.11. Our expenses for January were:

We thank you for your support.

WEDDING MUSIC – NEW DATE - We will have an Evening of Wedding Music on Monday, February 19 th at 7:00 p.m. in the church. This workshop is for engaged couples who will be getting married this year, and will feature over an hour of music appropriate for liturgy, as well as a chance to hear parish soloists and instrumentalists. To better assist you in making choices, you are strongly encouraged to bring a tape recorder and tape the sessions. See you there!

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 if you can help. 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.

“MARCH FOR MEALS” ON SATURDAY, MARCH 10 TO BENEFIT NUTRITION PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY – Help us provide nutritious meals for elderly adults in Lake County! Join us for the Council on Aging Foundation's Second Annual “March for Meals” on Saturday, March 10 th from 8-10 a.m. inside Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. This indoor walk will raise funds for home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meals for older adults in our community. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for children under 12. Registration includes a t-shirt (for adult participants registered by February 28 th ), refreshments, entertainment and more! Call 440-205-8111 X 247 for details.

BAPTISM DAY will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents who are planning to present a child for Baptism in the next six months, or already have done so and have not previously attended such a day, are expected to attend. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY – All families are invited to join us for a “family-friendly” look at next weekend's Gospel. Plan to attend either the 9:00 or 11:00 Mass on Sunday, February 25 th and join us in the Banquet Center/small hall from 10:15-11:00 (between Masses). Along with other families we will explore and share the Sunday Gospel. Reservations are not necessary. Just grab a donut and come on in!!

BEREAVEMENT SERIES – Our Bereavement Ministry invites anyone (participants need not be parishioners) who is coping with the loss of a family member or friend to attend a series of evenings designed to support and assist people in their grieving. The series will be held in the Lower Level, April 3 rd through May 8 th and each evening will include some time for prayer. These sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887. Fliers are available in the kiosk.

EARTH FRIENDLY LAWNCARE - On Saturday, February 24, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a workshop sponsored by the Sisters of Charity and the Commission on Catholic Community Action on “New Alternatives in Lawn Care,” at River's Edge Conference Center, 3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland.  Fee is $5.00 and includes continental breakfast and lunch.  You must register by February 10, 2007.  For more information call Sr. Evelyn at 216-252-0440.

STEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOTS – Get to know the vast variety of ministries offered here at St. Noel through the experiences of people directly involved! Hear their personal stories of why they got involved, how they feel they've made a difference and what keeps them motivated. These inspirational stories of good stewardship are sure to ignite the fire under all of us. Coming soon to www.stnoel.org !

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for February are as follows: – February 22 nd –Bingo 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.

PRIME TIME – No meeting tonight. Come to GIFT. Our service project for the troops in Iraq is next week (Feb 25 th ) in the Teen Center from 7-8:30pm.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is Feb 28 th at 7:00pm. All 6-8 grade students are welcome.

CONFIRMATION – Those in 6-12 th grade interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation need to call Anthony (946-1128) to register for preparation. Sessions begin the 1 st Sunday of Lent (Feb 25 th ) and all candidates must pre-register. Confirmation is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2007 with Bishop Roger Gries, OSB.

SUMMER SERVICE – There are 2 service opportunities this summer. One spot remains for our Young Neighbors in Action trip to Washington DC the week of July 8-14. We can reserve more, if needed. Three spots (boys) remain for our service trip to rural Kentucky the week of June 30 th . These are unique opportunities for high school teens to live and learn about their Catholic faith. Call Anthony for more information (946-1128 x20).

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Do you or someone you know need the caring presence of Christ during a difficult time? Stephen Ministers are trained, compassionate listeners ready to spend time with you. Please call Anthony to learn how a Stephen Minister could benefit you.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – PRIME TIME, our awesome youth group, is collecting items and making care packages to send to our troops in Iraq. You can place needed items in the box in the narthex this month and during the first week of March. Men's deodorant and shaving cream (travel size) are the most needed items. Check out: http://www.usocleveland.org/ for a complete list or pick up a flyer in the kiosk.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, March 5 th . Please call/email Anthony if interested in serving. We start at the Food Bank at 6:00pm or leave from the Church at 5:35pm.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – looking for a change in your life? Perhaps God is calling you to a full-time faith-based community where you can use your gifts. “Response 2007” is a comprehensive guide to faith-based volunteer opportunities in the United States and abroad. Please call Anthony (946-1128) for a copy of this directory.

SHOUT BAND AND PASTA BUFFET - Tickets are now being sold for the Mo-town Show at St. Noel on March 10 th from 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. Cash bar available. Tickets are only $20.00 per person and are going fast. Please call and reserve a ticket at 440-946-NOEL (6635). If you have never had the pleasure of eating at St. Noel or have never been entertained by Shout before, do yourself a favor and plan on attending this event.

ST. NOEL BANQUET CENTER FISH FRY OFFER FROM WILLOUGHBY HILLS AUTO REPAIR –

Any purchase of $50.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 1 fish fry ticket.

Any purchase of $125.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 2 fish fry tickets.

Any purchase of $400.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 4 fish fry tickets.

Begins February 19 th till March 30 th .

URSULINE COLLEGE will be hosting an information night on the Master of Arts in Ministry graduate program on Monday, February 19 th , at 7:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room at St. Noel Church. If you would like to learn more about this program which develops academic competence, spiritual maturity and practical skills for Ministry, please join us. For more information, contact JoAnn Grillo at 440-646-8195.

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, 2007.

THE MARILYN T. KANE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – for any high school senior that graduated from All Saints Elementary School in Wickliffe, Ohio and will be starting at an accredited four-year university in the fall. The applications are available in the parish office.

TETELESTAI: It is a musical experience, biblically centered and true to the scripture of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Based on the Gospels of Luke and John, your will experience God's message of love (A good way to celebrate Lent and prepare for Easter.) Performances are on February 22 and 23, at 8:00 p.m. and February 24 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 401 North Street, and Chardon.

THINK SPRING-THINK SUMMER-THINK SOFTBALL- Softball fanatics considering formation of a ST. Noel adult COED SOFTBALL TEAM. Please see the kiosk for more details and sign up or call Ken Bollam at 440-639-8896 for more information.

COUPLE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP - Thursdays, March 8, 15, and 22, 2007. at Chagrin North VII, 35040 Chardon Road, Suite 202, 7-8:30 p.m. This workshop is for engaged couples, married couples, or two people who are seeking to enhance their relationship. To register please call Carol Ann Killoran, at 440-946-2384. Early registration discount register by February 26 th 12:00 Noon.

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