Week of March 11, 2007

Weekly Readings

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

Youth Ministry at St. Noel continues to make a difference in the lives of our teens. Our high school youth group, PRIME TIME, offers opportunities for spiritual enrichment throughout the year. Whether an evening of Film, Faith & Friends, a social with Divine Word Parish, our weekly youth group meetings and GIFT sessions, or a summer service trip to Washington, D.C. and Kentucky, every teen has a chance to be involved and deepen their relationship with Christ.

To help with these regular and special activities, PRIME TIME organizes a number of fund raisers during the year. Many of you enjoyed the delicious pancake breakfast last month that raised over $700.00. This spring as in the past, the youth group will sponsor an Easter ham sale, and I encourage you to participate. These spiral-sliced hams have been a great success because they are both economical ($4.75/lb) and delicious. In fact, we have provided more than 250 hams to satisfied families over the last four years! Chef Randy has worked with our supplier to ensure these hams are of the highest quality – fresh, never frozen, fully cooked and vacuum-sealed. You can pick them up right here at the parish during Holy Week.

To place your order, please call or e-mail Anthony (440-946-1128, ext 20 or acamino@stnoel.org ). Hams are available in half (7-9 lbs) and whole (14-16 lbs) sizes.

St. Noel is proud of our teens! Thanks for all you do to support PRIME TIME and all our youth ministry efforts.

Fr. George Smiga

P.S.

I am the featured speaker this week at the Jewish-Catholic Colloquium which will take place on Thursday, March 15 th at 7:00 p.m., at the Temple Shaarey Tikvah in Beachwood. The event is co-sponsored by the Anti- Defamation League and the Catholic Diocese. The topic is Preaching & Teaching Difficult Texts in the Bible . Rabbi Edward Bernstein will also speak. Flyers with directions are available on the kiosk.

P.P.S.

A new movie, Amazing Grace , is now in theaters in conjunction with the 200 th year anniversary of the writing of the hymn. The film is based on the life of the British anti-slavery pioneer, William Wilberforce and tells the story of how slavery was outlawed in England.

I saw the movie last week and believe it is an effective and inspiring movie for the entire family. Younger children might not be that interested in the story but the movie could certainly spur a fruitful discussion between older children and parents on how faith can motivate us to oppose evil in our world. I recommend this picture. You will learn something about history and something about yourself.

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 Lent 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.

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP – Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nativity Room. We will be discussing pages 1 thru 120 of Sue Monk Kidd's spiritual memoir, “When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions.” If you have not already received one, please contact Sharon Waltermire 440-286-4801 for a copy of the Discussion Guide we will be using at our meeting.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY : A new Bible study group for adult men and women is being formed. The group will meet at St. Noel twice a month on Thursday evenings 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The first study will be the Gospel of Luke. For further information contact Kathy Coolick at 440-655-5593.

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.

OUR GOD SAVES—COME TO UNDERSTAND how the Jewish people claimed God as their savior and how that same faith, passed down through the ages, is the basis of our belief that God continues to save us to this day. RABBI ROGER KLEIN of Temple-Tifereth Israel (a well-known and entertaining speaker!) will share with adults the meaning of the Exodus in the Jewish faith and how emphasis is placed on God as savior. JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT GIFT SESSION on either Wednesday, March 21 (6:00-8:30 p.m.) or Sunday, March 25 (12:30-3:00 p.m.) in the Banquet Center Large Hall. Children will embark on their own journey from slavery and oppression through the Red Sea to freedom and the Promised Land. Don't miss this exciting program designed to enrich our Lenten Season and lead us toward the Resurrection. Registration forms are available in the narthex.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S “ELIZABETH'S ROSES” – will be available in the narthex following all masses this weekend. 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 on the Elizabeth Ministry, visit the parish web site at www.stnoel.org , and click on “Caring Ministries”.

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.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSE BULLETIN – UB Sunday will be the weekend of March 18 th . Subscription envelopes will be available in the Kiosk next weekend for your taking.

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 .

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for March are as follows: – March 15 th – Reverse Raffle - 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. 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 – It's Film, Friends and Faith (F3) tonight. We'll start a little earlier (6:30pm) to leave time for discussion after the movie. See you tonight (Sunday) in the Teen Center from 6:30-8:30pm.

SUMMER SERVICE – All spots are filled for our Young Neighbors in Action trip to Washington DC the week of July 8-14. 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.

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.

NOEL MOVERS – the furniture bank is going strong! We are currently in need of good cribs and other baby items. Please call Anthony to donate any useable furniture (946-1128 x20)

CLARK BARS – The bars are back!! Thanks to all who have helped. To date, St. Noel has raised over $1200 for the Clark family. We're selling Clark bars to support Terry Clark, a junior at Wickliffe and our parishioner, who is battling Leukemia. Candy bars sell for $1.00. Please place your donation in the box near the candy bars and please pray for Terry and his family.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is March 14 th . We'll meet at 7:00pm and participate in the communal penance service. See you there!

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.

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.

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.

R.S.V.P. – “Religious Seeking Visionary People” – Come join the discussion if you are wondering what to do with your life. This reflection day will be offered on Saturday, March 24 th at the Ursuline Educational Center (Ursuline Sisters Motherhouse). Contact Sister Lenore Thomas, IHM at 216-696-6525, ext 3460 or e-mail: lthomas@dioceseofcleveland.org . to pre-register.

BOY SCOUTS PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Willoughby Hills Boy Scout Troop 562 is sponsoring a pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 25 th from 8:30 to 12:30 at the Willoughby Hills Community Center. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under free. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for adults and are available by calling Kim Van Sickler at 440-918-7719.

“ANGER: MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU, NOT AGAINST YOU” Anger, which happens for all of us, can be especially difficult during the separation and divorce process. It can be so intense at times, or so frequent that it feels like it takes over! Join Kathy Whan-Marko, PhD, for this presentation as she explores ways to use your anger to promote self healing and empowerment, rather than have it be a destructive emotion that destroys your peace of mind. We will be meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at St. Justin Martyr Church, 35781 Stevens Blvd., Eastlake, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. To register or for more information, kindly call Karen at 440-352-8282.

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