Week of March 4, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

By now you are probably all aware that our clustering partner is Divine Word Parish in Kirtland. This is the partnership that we requested when we submitted our proposal to the diocese, so we are pleased that Bishop Lennon affirmed our choice.

Clustering is an opportunity for parish communities to share their gifts and to collaborate in ministry. Perhaps there is a ministry that neither Divine Word nor we can support alone, but together we may be able to put it into effect. One parish may have a ministry that the other does not, but could offer this ministry to parishioners in both communities. Not only will we plan for the future and the declining number of priests that will be available for ministry in the diocese, but clustering will also allow us to be better stewards of our time and talent resources, ensuring that the vibrant life of both parishes is sustained.

It is also important to point out that clustering will mean different things for different clusters. We are blessed to have two very active communities that we anticipate will be viable for years to come. This may not be the case in all parts of the diocese and so some clusters may be facing the possibility of their parishes being reconfigured.

On the weekend of March 10 th and 11 th , our Parish Pastoral Council will be sponsoring a “Clustering Q & A” gathering after each of the masses. Coffee and donuts will be served in the Banquet Center and members of the Pastoral Council will be on hand after each mass to answer any questions concerning clustering that you may have. We hope you are able to stop in and spend a little time learning about this important stage in our parish's development, especially if you have questions or concerns.

We will soon be advised by the diocese of the next steps to be taken in developing our relationship with Divine Word. The first of these steps will be the formation of a clustering committee to be comprised of representatives from both parishes that will discuss how our parishes might begin to work together. Be assured that we will continue to keep you informed as this process unfolds. Clustering is a positive development and one in which we can work with the community of Divine Word to move forward in carrying out the mission of Jesus. In the meantime let us pray for ourselves and our diocese, trusting that God's Spirit of wisdom is guiding us in this time of transition.

Fr. George Smiga

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME – Beginning this year, day light savings time will begin on the second Sunday in March, (March 11). Remember to put your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday evening.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES – Just a reminder, please remember to return your Catholic Charities envelopes by March 19 th even if you are unable to contribute at this time – just mark your envelope with a -0-. By doing this, you will eliminate a follow up call.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday of at 7:30 p.m. in the church (after the fish fry)

LENTEN BAGS – We will again this Lent be collecting bags of items for Forbes House, Project Hope, Birthright, St. Augustine Hunger Center and Women's Re-Entry Network (WREN). Tags indicating the items needed for each agency can be found in the narthex, along with plastic garbage bags to put your items in. Once the bags are filled, use the tags with the yarn to close the bags. Filled bags can be returned to the clothing and food drop-off area in the right-hand bins.

LENTEN RICE BOWLS are available in the narthex. By 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. When the bowls are filled, they can be returned to the parish office.

The Word Among Us – copies are available on the table in the narthex.

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.

PARISH RETREAT - will be held on Wednesday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The retreat theme will be “”Thy Kingdom Come,” Lenten reflections on the kingdom of God and our role in bringing it about. The retreat will be facilitated by Marilyn Wright, Fran Armbruster, and Sharon Waltermire. Sign up is on the kiosk. (A $5.00 donation is suggested for the lunch). Eucharistic Adoration will be at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room.

“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.

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.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S “ELIZABETH'S ROSES” – will be available in the narthex following all masses on the weekend of March 10 th and 11 th , 2007. Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented and, if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information visit the Elizabeth Ministry.

FIRST RECONCILIATION will be a service designed for children and their parents. All children (even those who have received the sacrament other times) are welcome to join us on Monday, March 12 th , at 6:30 p.m. in church.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN - The parents support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, March 11 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 .

COUNSELING ASSISTANCE FUND – The Church is committed to helping those who have been harmed as a result of sexual abuse by representatives of the Church. According to mental health professionals, counseling is a vital component of the healing process for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The Church recognizes, however, that there are people who are reluctant to contact us for help. This new Counseling Assistance Fund can help these individuals. If you would like more information, please go to the website at www.counselingassistancefund.org .

UPDATE FROM EL SALVADOR - As we have mentioned in the past, Mujer y Comunidad, our El Salvador partnership group, was robbed twice in December forcing them to close their small sewing business for a time. A number of the women went to work picking coffee beans until recently when Mujer y Comunidad was able to find a new and safer location and reopen their business. The women are very grateful for our financial help and prayer support which has enabled them to return to the work they love. Sadly, crime is on the rise in El Salvador, so Muyer y Comunidad now employs a night time security guard to insure the security of their building. On a positive note, the new location is larger and will allow for a work room and space for teaching sewing to their students, a small room for sales of their products, a small office and a small room for a clinic which will be opened in March to serve the health needs of the women. Let us continue to pray for our partnership as God continues to enrich us all through our relationship.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for March are as follows: – March 8 th Game of Your Choice – March 22 nd - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon Menu: Cavatelli w/sausage and meatballs, salad, bread sticks and ice cream. Cost is $6.00 per person. For more information or tickets please call Marianne at 440-943-6822 Deadline for tickets and payment is March 19 th . March 29 th Horse Races, Danish Pastries 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 – Great job last week. See you tonight (Sunday) in the Teen Center from 7-8:30 p.m. Spend some time with God!

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – This is the final weekend for collecting items to send to our troops in Iraq. Thanks to all who supported this project – your generosity is deeply appreciated. All items will be dropped off at the USO site in Mentor this week. Hopefully, they will arrive in Iraq before Easter. Pray for peace!

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).

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.

CATHOLIC UPDATE – entitled “Biblical Jerusalem City of Tears City of Hope” by Donald Senior, C.P. is now available in the kiosk.

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 .

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. Deadline for applications is March 30, 2007.

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.

All SAINTS OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY SCHOOL in Wickliffe, which serves children in Preschool and Kindergarten thru the Eighth Grade, is currently accepting registrations for the 2007-2008 school year. Please call the school office at (440) 943-1395 to schedule an appointment.

“NUN RUN” - Are you interested? Are you discerning a Religious Vocation? If so, join us on Saturday, March 10 th ! Single, Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 40 “something” are invited to visit four local religious communities. The day will begin at 10:00 am at Sisters of Notre Dame, 3556 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland Oh 44111 and conclude at approximately 4:00. Lunch will be provided. To register, please contact Sister Lenore Thomas, IHM at 216-696-6525, or 800-869-6526 ext. 3460, or e-mail: lthomas@dioceseofcleveland.org.

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