Week of March 18, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

This coming Monday, March 19, 2007 marks a tragic event, the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. In light of this, our “Let There Be Peace On Earth” prayer and reflection group is asking us to renew our efforts to pray for our leaders and those serving in Iraq.

In addition to prayer, Catholic Social Teaching challenges all Catholics to participate in important decisions that shape the world in which we live. The U.S. bishops have written, “In Catholic tradition responsible citizenship is a virtue, participation in the political process is a moral obligation.” One way to fulfill this obligation is by contacting government leaders to express your views after praying and reflecting on the moral issues at stake. Several items are available in the Social Justice section of the kiosk to assist us in our prayers and actions with regard to the war:

•  a sign-up sheet for names of those currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Middle East, as well as veterans of these conflicts

•  a prayer card entitled Prayers in a Time of War

(Buff in color)

- contact information for the President and legislators on back of above card  

•  an information sheet entitled “Hill Notes,” February, 2007 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops–(Buff in color)

Along with fasting and almsgiving, prayer is one of the primary disciplines recommended to us in the Lenten season. What better way to exercise that discipline than to pray, reflect and act on behalf of the peace to which Christ calls us.

Fr. George Smiga

REMINDER – There will be no 6:45 p.m. Liturgy on Wednesday, March 21 st . Plan to attend the GIFT Program that evening or on Sunday, March 25 th .

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.

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

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 Banquet Center/large hall. We encourage parishioners to sign up on the kiosk for one of these times.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Please join our Social Justice Ministry on Friday evening, March 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. as we prayer the Stations of the Cross for peace and justice.

LOAVES, LETTERS & MORE – The U.S. Bishops in their 2001 document entitled, “Global Climate Change,” state: “At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, not about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family.” St. Noel is offering two opportunities for education and action on these matters: On Friday, April 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., the Social Justice Ministry is hosting the next in our Loaves and Letters events.

Come share a simple meal, and then learn a bit about this issue, from the perspective of our Bishops. We conclude with a chance to take action by writing a letter (or 3!) to our federal representatives on pending legislation. Topics and writing resources will be prepared for all ages. Remember, The Food is Free, a Letter is Your Fee .

The second opportunity will be on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.; The Beyond Just Faith group is showing the Academy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth . This Earth Day event will be a good opportunity to learn more about our impact on the planet which has been entrusted to our care by God.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On March 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 March 24 th & March 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 February we collected $557.50. Our expenses for February were:

We thank you for your support.

PROJECT HOPE ANNUAL DINNER – Project Hope for the Homeless cordially invites you to attend Eagle's Wings Fundraising Dinner and Auction on Friday, April 27, 2007 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the St. Noel Banquet Center.  Tickets are $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight!  Reservations are requested by Friday, April 13 th .  For tickets or auction donations call 440-354-6417.

REMINDER - Lenten Bags can be returned to the clothing and food drop-off area in the right hand bins.

Lenten Rice Bowls can be returned to the parish office.

PRESENCE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: In our Lives and In the Eucharist. Join us for this daytime retreat opportunity as we reflect on the Eucharistic presence of the Good Shepherd and how we are fed in the meal of the Good Shepherd. On Wednesday, April 4 th we will gather in the Resurrection Room at 10:00 a.m. The day will conclude at 2:00 p.m. and include lunch. A guest presenter, Laura Parran of Holy Rosary Church, will lead our reflections and discussion. Pleas sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. A donation of $5.00 will help cover the cost of lunch. If you have any questions, please call Fran Armbruster at 440-625-1228.

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.

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 the parish office at 440-946-0887.

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.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSE BULLETIN – UB Sunday is this weekend. Subscription envelopes are available in the Kiosk for your taking.

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 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- 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.

EASTER HAMS – PRIME TIME is again offering delicious, spiral-sliced hams for your Easter celebrations. We continue to work with Chef Randy to provide hams of the highest quality. Why not support youth ministry at St. Noel Church and enjoy a mouth-watering ham? You can place your order by calling or emailing Anthony (946-1128 x20 acamino@stnoel.org ).

PRIME TIME – This is the perfect night to check out PRIME TIME. We've got a great social night planned beginning at 7:00pm in the Teen Center. Meet some of your peers and get started in PRIME TIME! Don't forget about GIFT this week!!

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 – GIFT is this week!! 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 .

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.

WILLOUGHBY HILLS LIONS CLUB - is sponsoring a pancake breakfast this Sunday, March 18 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.

“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.

ST. NOEL GOLF LEAGUE – will hold a short meeting in the Nativity Room for new and present members on April 12, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. The league meets at St. Dennis Golf Course every Thursday from April 19 th through September 7 th . Starting time is 4:00 p.m. until 4:58 p.m. Dues will be $50.00. If you have any questions call John Grzincic at 440-585-4727.

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 29, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1957). Deadline for registration is June 15, 2007. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 to register.

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