Week of April 2, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

Of all the issues facing American society today, homelessness is one of the most troubling. It is a paradox that in an affluent country such as ours, there are still persons lacking the security of a place to live. The Gospel asks us to address this need through both charity and justice. “Project Hope for the Homeless,” the Lake County Ecumenical Shelter Network, does this by providing shelter for those without it and by working with residents to move toward permanent housing.

Some of you may recall that Project Hope actually got its start here in Willoughby Hills at the Methodist Church on Eddy road. Now Project Hope enjoys a permanent site in Painesville Township. From October 1, 2004 to September 31, 2005, Project Hope served 234 homeless men, women and children. Through the support services provided at Project Hope, 58% of the residents have transitioned to other programs or permanent housing.

Local churches have always been active in providing spiritual care and meals for the residents. Several of our own parishioners are committed volunteers with Project Hope. This past fall, our music ministry offered an evening of music for those staying at the shelter. Now we all have an opportunity to support this agency's work. We are pleased that this year “Project Hope” has chosen St. Noel Banquet Center as the site for its annual benefit dinner and silent auction. The date of this event will be April 28, 2006. (For details, please see the item which immediately follows my letter.) We hope that many of you will take advantage of this invitation to respond to Jesus' call to shelter the homeless, by supporting this event with your attendance and your prayers.

Fr. George Smiga

PROJECT HOPE ANNUAL DINNER- Project Hope for the Homeless is pleased to invite you to our 4 th annual dinner featuring good food, Christian fellowship, praise music, shelter guest testimonies and live and silent auction items. The dinner will be held Friday, April 28 th , 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Noel Parish Hall. Tickets are $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight! Reservations are requested by Friday, April 21 st . For tickets, call (440) 354-6417. If you are interested in assisting with the auction or have an item that you could donate for the auction please feel free to call fellow parishioner Marlene Cornachio (440)602-9074. Marlene serves as the Development Coordinator for Project Hope and is also on the board of trustees. She is in need of St. Noel parishioner volunteers who could assist her throughout the year with many of the needs for Project Hope.

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.

SIGNED LITURGY- This Sunday, April 2nd, the 11:00 a.m. Mass will be signed for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

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).

UNIVERSE BULLETIN - You will find subscription forms in the kiosk.

RICE BOWLS - When the bowls are filled with change they can be returned to the parish office.

LENTEN BAGS – Please place your filled Lenten bags in the right hand bin in the food pantry and clothing area. Thank you.

LENTEN DAILY MEDITATION booklets from the works of Henri J.M. Nouwen entitled, “Renewed for Life” are available in the church office for $1.00 each.

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 if you can help. 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.

WILLOUGHBY HILLS AUTO REPAIR (corner of Rt. 91 & Rt. 6) would like to offer St. Noel parishioners a coupon worth $5.00 off a St. Noel fish fry when you purchase an oil change, filter and lubrication during the Lenten Season. Please call for an appointment 440-585-1691. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers.

HOSPITALITY – We are in need of help at the 9:00 a.m. Mass to help set up and serve coffee and donuts. You will be scheduled once a month. If you can help, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ROME PRESENTATION - For anyone interested in accompanying the choir on the pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, there will be a presentation given by Peter Bahou, president of Peter's Way Choir Tours this Sunday, April 2, 2006 at 12:30 p.m. in the large hall. The presentation will include video and discussion. All are invited. Brochures including a detailed itinerary are available in the kiosk.

LOST IN THE MAIL - It has come to our attention that many parishioners did not receive the mailing sent on February 22 nd announcing and detailing the upcoming music ministry pilgrimage to Rome. This is an important and exciting opportunity for our community and we want you to know about it! If you did not receive the mailing, please stop in or call the office to make sure you receive the information. Thank you!

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 Resurrection Room on Wednesday, April 12th through May 17 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.

WE REMEMBER, WE CELEBRATE, WE BELIEVE – A retreat opportunity - Reflecting on and Praying with the Symbols of the Triduum; Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday , will take place on Wednesday, April 5 th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The retreat will be facilitated by our community. Please sign up on the kiosk. ($5.00 donation suggested for lunch). Eucharistic Adoration in the Nativity Room 9-10:00 a.m.

PEACE & JUSTICE DINNER – The Catholic Commission of Lake & Geauga proudly announces its 2006 Peace & Justice Award recipients to be recognized at the Commission's 16 th Annual Peace & Justice Dinner on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. there will be a social hour and silent auction, at 7:00 p.m. there will be dinner and the program at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, Founders Room, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. Keynote address by Mr. Jim Tobin, Director of Social Concerns for the Ohio Catholic Conference of Bishops, on: “Opening Doors, Changing Hearts: Catholic Leadership, the Common Good & Critical Issues Facing Ohio.” Dinner tickets are $30.00. Call the Catholic Commission for tickets at 440-24406037.

DARFUR POSTCARDS – The postcards to support stronger protection for the people of Defer can now be found in the pocket of the kiosk under the Social Justice section.  After completing the postcard, please mail it to:  Catholic Commission, P.O. Box 434, Akron, OH 44308.

AFFIRMING LIFE - The Pro Life Commission of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church sponsors an ad in the News Herald every year on the second Sunday of May to honor mothers.  The design of the ad can be found on the Social Justice section of the kiosk and in the pockets you can find forms to submit with $5 to have your name included in the ad or simply to make a donation to the ad.  Forms must be submitted by May 1, 2006.

IPM BENEFIT – I nternational P artners in M ission works across borders of faith and culture on behalf of children, women and youth to create partnerships that build justice, peace and hope.  Their annual benefit dinner and silent auction entitled “Namaste,” will be held Friday evening April 28 th beginning at 6 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. To purchase tickets please contact office@ipm-connections.org or call 216-932-4082 by April 21 st .

REFLECTIONS ON LAOS – Come and join us on April 6 th from 7-8:30 p.m. as Joe Daprano and Denise Bothe reflect on their recent experience in Laos. They are grateful for the prayers that helped them on their journey and would like to share pictures, stories, and reflections about health care in a developing country and Laos' culture. We will gather in the Resurrection Room.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – Are you free periodically on Mondays for one hour between 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.? There are times when someone is unable to fulfill their commitment of one hour before the Blessed Sacrament. So we are in need of some individuals who would be willing to fill in occasionally as a substitute for Eucharistic Adoration. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 for more information.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of April are as follows: – April 6th- Horse Races – April 13 th – NO MEETING – April 20 th – Noon – Socializing, and our meeting then at 12:30 p.m. will have our luncheon consisting of Swiss Steak, California vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, and strawberry shortcake. Tickets are $6.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is April 17 th . April 27 th - We will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend Senior Fellowship.

CALLING THOSE IN THEIR 20s and 30s : I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me… Did you know that Catholic Charities welcomes more than 175 families into the greater Cleveland area every year? We need young adults (19 – 39) like you who are gifted and capable of helping these families settle with the basics of life to have a chance to live the American dream. Consider joining with young adults who are determined to make a difference as we welcome strangers into our diocese. Contact Paul Kelly at 216.334.1261 x 28 or Pekelly@clevelandcatholiccharities.org to join an adventure that will change your life!

PRIME TIME - Planning meeting tonight – see you at 7:00pm.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – See you this Wednesday, April 5 th at 7:00pm. Bring your bibles.

ALTAR SERVERS – We are in need of servers at all our Liturgies. Both children (4 th grade and older) and adults are welcome to serve. Please call Anthony for more information. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to serve together!

WHITEWATER RAFTING – We're planning a rafting trip on the incredible New River in WV for this summer if we have enough interested people. Last summer, the trip was only $100. Sign the kiosk if you are interested. Adults & teens are welcome.

EASTER HAMS – PRIME TIME is again offering delicious, spiral-sliced hams for your Easter celebrations. You can support youth ministry at St. Noel Church and enjoy a mouth-watering ham of the highest quality. You can place your order by calling Anthony at 946-1128 x 20 or email at acamino@stnoel.org STOP

BY THE TABLE IN THE NARTHEX AND PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!! The price is the same as last year – only $4.75/lb.

CONGRATULATIONS – to Chris Myers on being trained as a Eucharistic Minister for the diocese. We look forward to Chris serving at the parish!

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS – We all need a concerned, caring friend at difficult times in our lives. A Stephen Minister can listen and care for you or for someone you know who is going through a tough time. Call Anthony if you think a trained, confidential Stephen Minister could be helpful to you.

MUSIC MINISTRY CD'S – The St. Noel Music Ministry CD entitled How Can We Keep From Singing? featuring the choir, chamber singers and hand bell choir are available in the church office. Proceeds benefit the music ministry pilgrimage fund.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL - We are currently booking the parish hall for the remainder of 2006 and all of 2007. Remember parishioners or their immediate family receive a 10% discount for evening weddings and a 5% discount for any other events held at St. Noel Parish Hall. We are now offering a $5.00 discount to anyone during the months of November, December, January, February and March for any weddings of 150 people or more on any Fridays or Saturdays during these months, when using our sit-down, family style, or buffet menus. Please remember to recommend St. Noel Parish Hall when you or a friend or even the company you work for are planning an event throughout the year. Please call the office at 440-946-6635 for availability.

ATTENTION ALL GOLFERS – St. Noel Golf League will have a short meeting for new, old and substitute golfers at St. Noel Church in the Nativity Room at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 6, 2006. The first tee time will be at 4:05 p.m. at St. Dennis Golf Course in Chardon, Ohio. Practice rounds are on Thursday, April 20 th & 27 th ; league play will start on Thursday, May 4, 2006 and continue to September 8, 2006. Dues will be $50.00 for full time members and due May 4, 2006, subs will pay per play. For further information contact John Grzincic at 440-585-4727.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS- An 8-week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are separated or divorced will begin on Tuesday, April 4 th , at St. Justin Martyr Church, 35781 Stevens Blvd., Eastlake, from 7-9:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Catholic parishes in Lake and Geauga counties, the program offers direction, support, and the tools for coping with this life-changing experience in a confidential setting with trained facilitators. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Bishop Pilla will celebrate the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration this year at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, July 30, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Registrations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years ( married in 1956 ). Deadline for registration is June 16, 2006 . Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 to register or you can register on line at: www.clevelandcatholiccharities.org/mfm .

LOCAL CELEBRATION OF BISHOP PILLA'S 25 TH ANNIVERSARY! You are invited to participate in a Mass of Thanksgiving to mark the Silver Jubilee of Bishop Pilla's ministry in the Diocese on Monday, August 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church in Chardon. Everyone is welcome. Bishop Pilla will preside and the Auxiliary Bishops of Cleveland and the clergy of our area will be concelebrants. Come and enjoy special music, procession, preaching and a public reception featuring a buffet of nationality desserts. This will be a very special and historic occasion. Please plan to attend.

IT'S IN THE MAIL . . . Catholics across the Diocese of Cleveland are now receiving a self-contained booklet with a mosaic-style cover in their mailboxes. It is “A Report to the Community from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland 2005.” This review is designed to acquaint everyone with the extensive temporal, spiritual educational and charitable contributions made by the people of the Diocese. It also includes a more detailed financial overview of the Diocese and a section which looks to the future through the Vibrant Parish Life II program. Your attention to this document is appreciated.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “God Is Love” this is Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical in condensed form and it is available in the kiosk.

THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC STUDIES and the Department of Musical Arts presents a concert of sacred music “At the Name of Jesus” featuring the Schola Cantorum of John Carroll University, the combined choir of JCU, and the Borromeo and St. Mary's Seminary Chorus with Cynthia Caporella, Director of Choral and Liturgical Music, John Carroll University, Saturday, April 8 th at 8:00 p.m. in the St. Francis Chapel at John Carroll University. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information please call 216-397-4558.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN - The parent support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, April 9 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 .

AN OPEN HOUSE will be held at Beaumont School for prospective students and parents on Wednesday, April 5 th from 7-8:30 p.m. Please call the Admissions Office at 216-321-2954, for further information.

BEAUMONT SCHOOL will be holding two sports activities: A Basketball Spring League and Back to Basics Girls Basketball Camp. For information please call 216-321-2954 X 230 or e-mail khansen@beaumontdschhol.org .

TAIZE PRAYER – Taize prayer will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 460 East 321 st St. For further information please call 440-943-2133. All are welcome

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