Week of March 23, 2008

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Dear Parishioner,

Christ is risen, Alleluia! The center of our faith rests on the conviction that our God is opposed to evil and through the death and resurrection of Christ has begun the establishment of the Kingdom.  Today, we celebrate Christ’s victory over death and claim the hope that it leads to a final victory in which the world will share. In this Easter greeting, I wish to express my thankfulness for all the members of our community whose faith and commitment contributes to our shared life as the Body of Christ in the world. I would also like to thank all of our liturgical ministers who made themselves available so that the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter could be celebrated so well. I invite those visiting this weekend to join us on a regular basis to worship our God and celebrate God’s love.

Let me also repeat here my letter of two weeks ago concerning the date of Easter. Many parishioners missed it because of the snow storm. Few of us realize how early Easter is this year.

Easter takes place every year on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox (which is March 20th). This year Easter is March 23rd. How early is that? The last time Easter was March 23rd was in 1913. Therefore, unless you are over 95 years old you have never experienced Easter this early before. And none of us will ever experience it this early again. That is because the next time it will fall on March 23rd will be in 2228 (220 years from now).  None of us alive will ever experience Easter earlier than this year.

 But you ask, “Why does the date of Easter vary in the first place?”  This question leads us back to a debate in the early Church. The first disciples knew that Jesus was crucified just before the Jewish Passover and rose from the dead after three days. Early Jewish Christians around Palestine began to celebrate Easter immediately after Passover. Thus in the Eastern Church Easter could fall on any day of the week. Gentile Christians knowing that Jesus rose on the day after the Jewish Sabbath began to celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after Passover. Thus in the Western Church, Easter was always on a Sunday; but from year to year it fell on different dates. Confusion reigned with Christians celebrating their most important feast on a variety of dates each year.

 The Emperor, Constantine, was determined to put an end to this confusion. Therefore in the year 325 he charged the Council of Nicea (the same council which composed the Nicene Creed that we recite on Sunday) to arrive at a uniform date for Easter. The council arrived at our present formula. It was a compromise. It accepted the Sunday observance of the Western Churches, but still tied the date to the principles of the Jewish calendar which were followed in the east and organized time according to the cycle of the moon. 

Thus behind the varying date of Easter lies a significant spiritual and historical connection to Judaism. The multiple dates of Easter should remind us that Jesus was a Jew who celebrated Passover and who based His teaching of a loving and saving God upon the faith of Israel. It was this same God of Israel who raised Jesus from the dead on Easter morning (on whenever the particular date of that event occurred).

Fr. George Smiga

REMINDER - There will not be a 6:45 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, March 26th.

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES! – Join the Social Justice Ministry on Friday evening, April 4th to view the movie “Amazing Grace,” at 7:00 p.m. in the Banquet Center/large hall. This movie chronicles the story of William Wilberforce, a British abolitionist. Wilberforce was very much influenced by the author of the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” John Newton. Please join us for an inspirational evening.

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.

BAPTISM DAY – will be held on Sunday, April 20th, 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 Kristen Gerber at 440-684-9882 or Sue Ramming at 440-975-2775.

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 - The leaders will meet on the 30th at 7:00pm in the Teen Center.

ROLLING PENNIES – We’re rolling at 7:00pm in the lower level on Tuesday the 25th.  Anyone is welcome to join the middle school youth group – we’ve got 6 gallons to roll!!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – the middle school youth group is sponsoring a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 20th from 10-1pm.  Mark you calendar!!

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – Don’t forget about the movie discussion gathering this Friday, March 28th.  We’re meeting at 7:30pm at the Kucmanic’s house.  Bring a snack to share.  Permission slips were emailed – call Anthony for info.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING – New servers are meeting on Sunday, March 30th at 10:15am (after the 9:00 Mass).  Meet 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.

Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Board… One of the biggest worries for parents of young children, is the tragedy of simultaneous deaths, where both parents die or become severely disabled leaving the children without a named Guardian or Trustee.  Executing a Willcan alleviate some of this worry by addressing these issues.  Speak franklyWith family member, particularly the individual(s) whom you wish to servein your stead.  Communicating your wishes will help prevent any futurefamily disagreements or misunderstandings.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for March are as follows: 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.

MARILYN KANE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Any senior in high school who graduated from All Saints Elementary is eligible to apply for a $1000 scholarship in memory of Marilyn Kane, a long-time teacher at All Saints and member of St. Noel.  Forms are available in the church office. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2008.

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.

AN EASTER INVITATION –  If you or someone you know feel separated from, or forgotten by the Catholic Church, if you have questions about the Catholic faith, or if you are in need of a welcoming Christian community, one of our parish staff members would be happy to speak with you. Simply complete the tear-out section of the Easter program, which you will receive at Mass, and place it in the collection basket or the box in the narthex and we will be in touch!

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. ST.

NOEL GOLF LEAGUE - will have a meeting on April 3, 2008 in the Nativity Room at 7:00 p.m. for new and existing members, The league meets at St. Dennis Golf Course on Thursdays May 4th through September 4th with starting times between 4:00 and 4:52 p.m. Dues are $50.00. If interested please call John Grzincic for further information at 440-585-4727. 

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.  

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES – From the Cleveland Ecumenical Institute for Religious Studies

• Dr. Stephen Post and Cathy Lewis are offering a one-day workshop on Dr. Post’s book When Good Things Happen to Good People; the Case for Altruism on March 29th, at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pilla Center. A perfect antidote to bad weather and depression! Cost: $40.Those interested in Scripture studies will appreciate a look into the Book of Judges. This is a four-part series on Monday nights; April 7th to 28th from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dr. George Matejka will lead this intriguing study into the life and times of the biblical judges and their influence on Old Testament Theology. Cost $60.Dr. Joan Campbell will speak about her recent trip to Cuba as a member of a delegation from Trinity Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and she will illuminate the plight of Christians living in minority status in difficult places, such as Iran, Iraq, China and the Middle East. This is an evening presentation at Plymouth Church on April 10th, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $20.A one-day workshop for women, focused on three mystics is being led by Associate Pastor of Forest Hill Church, Clover Beal, and the Dean of the Graduate School at Ursuline College, Dr. Alison Benders. This workshop is nearly full, but a few more participants may be accepted. It’s being held at Forest Hill Church on April 12th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a cost of $40.Finally, make your reservations now for an exciting trip to Italy this fall, from October 3rd through October 12th. Dr George Matejka can take no more than 15 travelers on this exploration of the Scriptures, Art, History and Social Justice as they play out in the sites of this wonderful country. Cost $3,900.
• How to Register: Send your name, address, phone, email, check made out to CEIRS, and the name of the course (s) to The Cleveland

Ecumenical Institute, 2747 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106. For more information, call Pam Kestner at 216-291-1367.

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