Week of March 16, 2008

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Dear Parishioner,

This week is Holy Week and I invite you to join us in celebrating the Sacred Triduum. The three days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are the most important celebration of the Church year.

On Holy Thursday, we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the evening before His death. Members of our community will have their feet washed, just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. The liturgy concludes with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to a place of reposition in the large hall.

Because Good Friday commemorates the day on which Jesus died, it is the only day of the year on which the Eucharist is not celebrated. On this day, we gather to reflect on the Passion of John, venerate the cross and receive communion that was consecrated the day before. 

The liturgy on Holy Saturday is the most solemn liturgy of the entire year. It is the premier Easter celebration. It begins in darkness with the lighting of the Easter fire. An extended selection of Scripture readings recounts the great events of salvation beginning from the creation of the world. The liturgy invites us to renew our Baptismal promises before we celebrate the First Eucharist of the Easter Season.

Our liturgies on Thursday and Friday will begin at 8:00 p.m. Saturday’s liturgy will begin at 9:00 p.m. Please also remember that the two Easter Sunday Liturgies at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. will be unusually crowded. Many people choose to join us only at Easter and Christmas. Please welcome them warmly but come early so that you can find a seat.

It is also important during this Holy Week to remember the teaching of the Catholic Church concerning the historical responsibility for Jesus’ death. Although one might gain the impression from the reading of the Passion this weekend and on Good Friday that Jewish people are to be blamed for Jesus’ crucifixion, our Church clearly teaches that such a conclusion is erroneous. The Romans under Pontius Pilate were historically responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion. Although Jewish temple authorities were likely involved in this process, Jesus’ death cannot be held against the Jewish people as a whole, either in Jesus’ time or ours.

Fr. George Smiga

HOLY THURSDAY ADORATION there will be a period of personal prayer time before the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening until 11:00 p.m. in the large hall. We encourage parishioners to sign up on the kiosk for one of these times.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, LECTORS, AND SACRISTANS, please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchenette if you are able to help with Holy Thursday or Easter Sunday liturgies.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – How about making a commitment this Lent to visit Jesus at Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays. Jesus waits for you to put aside your busy schedule and spend whatever quality time you can before the Blessed Sacrament. We all need to quiet ourselves in order to hear the promptings of Jesus. Come for an hour, a few minutes or whatever time you can spare – but COME. We have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES – No fish fry on Good Friday.

UNIVERSE BULLETIN –Subscription envelopes are in the kiosk.  

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES! – Join the Social Justice Ministry on Friday evening, April 4th to view the movie “Amazing Grace.”  Watch for more details next week.

PRAYER LIST UPDATING – We are aware of the valuable ministry provided by the community’s prayers for those whose names appear on our prayer list every week in this bulletin.  Because of the passing of time and also because of the large number of names which appear on the list, we have lost touch with the status of many people.  We are asking that you notify us by March 19th if you would like us to continue with putting your name (or the name of your friend or loved one) on the list.  As of the weekend of March 22nd & 23rd we will only be publishing those names received or renewed by March 19th.  Please know that we are willing to place a name on the list any time but feel it is important that we periodically update the list so we can truly pray for those most in need of our support.

IS THIS YOU?  Are you a baptized person formed in the ways of Christian living but not a Catholic?  Have you been worshipping with us on a regular basis for a while now?  Do you ever think about formalizing your relationship with the Catholic Church, but think the RCIA is too long and too involved for your needs?  Would you like to be participating in the sacraments of the Church?  If you have answered “yes” to all of the above, why not join us for a modified and shorter form of the RCIA beginning in April.  To learn more please contact Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887 or at ahinkel@stnoel.org.  

PARISH DAYTIME RETREAT – will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 10:00 am. until 2:00 p.m. Our theme for the day will be Easter People: Living in the Power of the Resurrection. It will be facilitated by our parishioners.  Suggested offering for lunch is $5.00.  There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS - We are a social organization for parents of children from birth through 6 years old in Lake, Geauga and Eastern Cuyahoga counties.  Our planned activities provide children and adults with opportunities to interact with each other on weekdays and weekends throughout the year.  Please visit www.WHECPTA.org for more information.

PRIME TIME - It’s our Passion Sunday prayer tonight at 7:00pm in the Teen Center.  Start off Holy Week the right way!

PENNY JAR – This is the final week for the penny jar.  Thanks to all who have contributed – we collected over 5 gallons of pennies!!  The group will roll the pennies next week and decide where to donate the money. Thanks for making a difference.

EASTER HAMS – You can pick up your hams on Tues or Wed (March 18-19) from 10-3pm and on Saturday, March 22nd from 10-12pm in the Banquet Center.  Thanks to all who supported this delicious fund raiser.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – Our next meeting is this Tuesday, March 18th at 7:00pm in the lower level.  Keep Friday night March 28th open for our first Movie Night!!  Bring your pennies…..we’re rolling on the 25th.

SERVER TRAINING – new altar servers will continue training on Sunday, March 30th at 10:15am (after Mass) in the Church.

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 Nativity Room, on Wednesday evenings March 26, 2008 through April 30, 2008 with one exception: The fourth week of the series will be held on Thursday evening, April 17th same time, same place. 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.

PROJECT HOPE ANNUAL DINNER - Project Hope for the Homeless cordially invites you to attend its fundraising dinner and auction on Friday, April 11, 2008 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the St. Noel Banquet Center. Tickets are $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight! Reservations are requested by Friday, March 28th. For tickets or auction donations, call 440-354-6417.

MUJER Y COMUNIDAD – Check out the Social Justice section of the kiosk for our latest letter and pictures from our partners in El Salvador!  A robbery of $700 worth of materials and products occurred in early February but in spite of this set back there are many encouraging signs for Mujer y Comunidad. Recently they have begun taking their products to a Saturday market in San Salvador and their dance troop has been performing at cultural events.  With the help of a retired CEO from the Gap they are working on quality control, marketing and increasing their productivity.  Mujer y Comunidad is becoming better known and several months ago was invited to participate in a fair trade event at the United States Embassy in San Salvador.    The women are working to become self-sustaining in 2009.  They continue to ask for our prayers and their letter on the kiosk expresses their gratitude for all the ways in which we have been able to support them. 

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for March are as follows: March 20th – Holy Thursday- NO MEETING – March 27th Bingo, 50/50 Drawing, cake and ice cream; 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.

BE GREEN – PASS IT ON – Don’t know what to do with old tools, musical instruments, jewelry, household goods and many other items?  Our “Caring for God’s Creation” group has a limited supply of a resource entitled Pass It On, from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District which lists many places to donate such items. Copies are available on the table in the narthex.  Please help yourself.

PRAY FOR PEACE – March 19th will mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war.  This date falls in the middle of Holy Week so as we reflect on the suffering of Jesus, let us pray for all who are suffering as a result of this war.  You might also like to read what our bishops have been saying about the war by going to www.usccb.org.  Click on social issues from the side menu and scroll down to Iraq.  You will find statements, prayer resources, and other links. 

EL SALVADOR TRIP – International Partners in Mission is planning an immersion experience in El Salvador for educators this coming summer from July 25 to August 3.  Check out the flier on the kiosk or contact Meagan Chuckran at mchuckran@ipmconnect.org or telephone 216-932-4082.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY (20's & 30’s) -Young Adults are invited to volunteer with the Catholic Worker House on Saturday, March 29, from 8:30 - 12:30. Prepare, serve lunch and visit with the guests in the neighborhood on the Near West Side. You'll join other young adults from around the diocese. This event is sponsored by Catholic Charities through the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office. To register, please call Laura (216-228-9516) or e-mail to 2006yaic@gmail.com or mjvogel@clevelandcatholiccharities.org.

BUILDING BETTER MARRIAGES – Discover the Third Option-The Third Option is a 14 session program where couples learn to make their marriage work. Learning from couples who have overcome marital difficulties, participants discover new ways to handle old problems.

For more information or to register for the Third Option Program Starting: March 25, 2008 7-9:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church in Painesville in the Old Convent contact Bill Glover at 440-670-5554. The Third Option Program for married couples is supported by the Diocesan Department for Marriage and Family Ministry.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Bishop Lennon will celebrate the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration this year at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1958). Deadline for registration is June 15, 2008. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 to register.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS, an eight week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are divorced or separated will begin Tuesday, April 1, at St. Bede the Venerable, 9114 Lake Shore Blvd., Mentor, from 7-9:00 p.m.  Sessions are designed to offer direction, support, and the tools for coping with this life-changing experience. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755.

 ST. NOEL MEN’S SOFTBALL begins a new season this May, young men at least 30 years old please call Keith Coolick at (440) 655-2885 if you are interested in joining the team.

 THE WILLOUGHBY HILLS LIONS CLUB will be holding an all you can eat pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 8:30 am until 1:30 p.m.The breakfast will be held at the Willoughby Hills Community Center. Adults/$5 pre-sale & $6 at the door. Children 6-12 years old $3. Children 5 & under: Free.  

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in Willoughby Is holding a bereavement session on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the church meeting room.  The program will be on “Christian Symbols Used in Funeral Liturgies.” For more information please call Pat at 440-954-9087. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF LITERACY. Become a tutor!Session 1 Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 am-1:00 pmSession 2 Saturday, May 3rd   from 9:00 am-1:00 pmFor more information please call Julie at 216-661-7950. 

2008 AQUINAS LECTURE IN PHILOSOPHY  - Borromeo Seminary and the Institute of Catholic Studies at John Carroll University proudly present the Aquinas Lecture in Philosophy, with The Rev. Joseph Koterski, S.J. speaking on “Sapientia et Doctrina: Benedict XVI’s Summons to Philosophers” on Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. For more information please call Chad Engelland at 440-943-7600.

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