Week of February 28, 2010

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Dear Parishioner,

This week I would like to bring you up to date concerning our Cluster Youth Ministry Program which is supported both by St. Noel and Divine Word parishes. For the last six months the programs for both middle school and high school youth have been guided by Michele Baetzold and Dotty Smitley serving as interim directors. They have done an excellent job in keeping our programs vibrant. Both Fr. Dave Woost and I would like to thank them for their dedication and generosity.

We have now begun a search for a full-time Youth Minister to begin serving our two parishes in July, 2010. I have included below the job announcement which has been posted on several local and national sites.

As resumes come in, they will be discussed by Fr. Dave and me and by a search committee composed of members from both our parishes. I feel that our position will be an attractive one to many candidates and that we will be positioned well to find a qualified person.

Please do your part to spread the news of this opening and keep our search in your prayers. The youth of our parishes are a tremendous gift to the church. We are committed to providing opportunities for education, service and interaction which will lead to their personal and spiritual growth.

Ad for Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Divine Word and St. Noel parishes are searching for a full-time coordinator of youth ministry to direct one youth ministry program for both parishes based upon the eight goals of comprehensive youth ministry. The ministry involves both middle and high school groups with regular meetings and retreat components. Required skills include: commitment to pastoral work with young people, communication and listening skills, and a sound understanding of Catholic theology and practice. Education requirements include: training in theology and catechetics with experience in youth ministry. The position begins 1 July 2010. Forward resumé to both Fr. Dave Woost, frdave@divinewordkirtland.org (Divine Word, 8100 Eagle Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094) and Fr. George Smiga, gsmiga@stnoel.org (St. Noel’s, 2676 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094) by 1 April 2010.

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOD’S BLESSING to Gregg and Amanda Schindley on the birth of their son, Griffin Anthony.

REMINDER – Eucharistic Adoration will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP will resume on Wednesday, March 17th at 9:30 a.m. in the Visitation Room.

TRAVEL TO ITALY WITH FR. GEORGE & JOE CISTONE - International Partners in Mission (IPM), through whom St. Noel has collaborated in supporting our El Salvador Partnership, is announcing a trip to Italy this spring (May 17-28). The title of the trip is: “Southern Italy, A Road Less Traveled: History, Caravaggio, and Social Justice.” The trip will be co-led by Mr. Joseph Cistone, the executive director of IPM, and Fr. George Smiga, pastor of St. Noel. The trip will visit Rome, Naples, Sicily, and the island of Malta. It will visit several unique ancient sites of Greek and Roman heritage, view several masterpieces by Caravaggio who painted extensively in Southern Italy, and interact with IPM partners who are working for social justice. Further details can be found on the flyers in the kiosk.

BAPTISM DAY – will be held on Sunday, March 14th from 12:15 – 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 (440-946-0887) for more information.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the church (after the fish fry).  On Friday, March 5th, stations will be led by Deacon Dave Nethery.

LENTEN DAYTIME RETREAT – On   Wednesday, March 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. we will have our parish retreat facilitated by parishioners. The topic is “Confronting Our Demons: Shedding New Light on Old Lenten Practices.” Sign up on Kiosk or call the parish office (440-946-0887) for more information. Suggested donation for expenses, including lunch is $6.00. 

SUNDAY RETREAT - Join us for “Transform Yourself in Lent – Be Reborn by Easter” on Sunday, February 28, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Led by Marianne Slattery, we will be challenged to transform our lives in Lent by making a 21-day commitment to change the habit of complaining, gossiping, or criticizing. A $6.00 donation is recommended to defray expenses (including lunch). Sign up on the kiosk or call the parish office (440-946-0887).

2010 LENTEN SPEAKER - LOOKING FOR A GRACE-FILLED LENT?  Come hear Sr. Mary McCormick (a member of St. Mary Seminary’s faculty) explain how God’s grace is a gift rather than something to be earned.  Key to our lives (and especially important to remember during this sacred season) is our response to the gift that God gives us. Remember, you’re on the guest list to God’s free invitation to grace.  Sr. Mary will be the presenter at our GIFT sessions on Sunday, March 7 (12:30-3:00 p.m.) or Wednesday, March 10 (6:00-8:30 p.m.).  Please register by completing a form and dropping it in the box in the narthex or call the parish office 440-946-1128 x18.  You can also register on line at stnoel.org.  Please accept this invitation!

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP will meet on Tuesday, March 2nd from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the St. Noel Banquet Center Large Hall. It's time for "March MADness." How can middle schoolers “Make A Difference” in the world? Come with your game face on and let's find out!

PRIME TIME NEWS –Thanks to all adults and teens who helped to make the potluck dinner a huge success. It was an awesome night and we are so thankful that so many of our families attended. Hopefully, parents and teens will benefit from the time spent together!

High school teens please clear your schedules for the weekend of March 12th-14th. Join us and teens from four parishes on a weekend away from our hectic schedules. We will learn to Survive, make new friends and improve our faith life at a mountain lodge in PA. Invite a friend and enjoy an awesome weekend!

POST CARD CAMPAIGN for immigration reform is underway from the United States Bishops.  Post cards and information (green sheets) about immigration reform can be found on the table in the narthex. Please return your post cards to the box provided. More details are can be found in Fr. George’s letter from last week which is available on our website, www.stnoel.org.

FRESH-PICKED VEGGIES AND FRUIT! COMING SOON!  St. Noel is entering into a relationship with Geauga Family Farms. These ten farmers have formed a CSA – Community Supported Agriculture. Beginning this Spring, fresh, organic produce will be delivered to St. Noel on Saturday afternoons for pick-up. From tender greens to sweet corn, to strawberries, peaches and tomatoes, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will be available to subscribers for 20 weeks. Look and listen for more information and the chance to sign up in the middle of March. Scripture and our Catholic tradition remind us of the importance of caring for all of God’s creation.  By using our purchasing power in this way we support local farmers, lessen the environmental impact of fossil fuels used in transporting produce and chemical pesticides, and eat foods more healthy for our bodies.  Come to the table of plenty!

ITEMS FOR WREN – For his Eagle Scout project our parishioner Matt Jarkewicz is collecting shampoo, tooth paste, deodorant and lotion for the Women’s Re-Entry Network during Lent.  This organization assists women in their transition from incarceration to home, family and job.  The box for your donations can be found on the table in the Narthex.  Thank you!

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES – Fridays of Lent (not Good Friday), from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $11 per person and $5 for children from 6-12). Volunteers are needed for serving and cleanup beginning at 4 p.m. 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 Banquet Center office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

CATHOLIC UPDATE is available in the kiosk. It discusses the issues surrounding “Evolution and the Catholic Church”.

Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Board…  There are no small gifts in the eyes of our Lord.  A bequest of any size is the ultimate expression of stewardship and appreciation for all you have been given.  Please consider a bequest to the St. Noel Endowment Fund in your Will.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – All meetings are held on Thursdays at 12:00 noon in the St. Noel Banquet Center Small Hall. Activities are: March 4, bingo; March 11, reverse raffle; March 18, 12 noon, socializing, meeting then at 12:30 we will have a luncheon of cavatelli w/meat balls and sausage, garlic bread, salad, and spumoni for dessert. For ticket information please call the parish office (440-946-0887). The cost for the luncheon is $6. The deadline for tickets & payment is March 15. On March 25, we’ll celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Please remember to bring something for the Food Pantry.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS is a 12 week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are divorced or separated. The series will begin on Thursday, March 11th at St. Gabriel Church. Please contact Catholic Charities for more information (440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755).

DIVINE WORD ST. PAT BENEFIT DINNER:

Divine Word will hold a traditional St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Dinner on Saturday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m. in Hanson Hall for the benefit of Joseph House, a Community of Welcome. Please contact 440-256-1412 for more information and tickets.

HILLCREST JOB SEARCHERS: SUPPORT GROUP Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, approximately 90 minutes long. Our next meeting is Wednesday March 3rd at St. Paschal Baylon Parish (5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights-enter in back next to church) at 7:30pm.  Call Gail at 440-442-2854 or Kay at 440-473-7936 or email: spb_employment_gp@sbcglobal.net.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL CHINESE AUCTION will be held on Saturday, March 13. Tickets are on sale for a fun, casual, adult-only evening. Please call 440-975-9571 for more information.

A HIDDEN WHOLENESS: THE ZEN PHOTOGRAPHY OF THOMAS MERTON will be shown at Florence O’Donnell Wasmet Gallery of Ursuline College beginning on February 27. Check www.ursuline.edu/wasmer for more information.

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