Week of May 16, 2004

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

Spring is a time of many celebrations, weddings, Confirmations, and First Communions. Each marks a significant step in the lives of the people we love. Graduations also happen this time of the year. They are not only reasons for families to celebrate but also for parish communities. This year 70 young people who belong to St. Noel will graduate from high school. Next fall many will be leaving their homes for college. As those we love mature we must be willing to let go of them so that they can grow in new settings and with new relationships. Graduations then are celebrations of joy which are tinged with a note of sadness. This makes the celebration of graduation even more important. Not only do we wish to joyfully acknowledge what these young people have accomplished but we wish to assure them of our continued love and support even as our relationship with them changes.

That is why this week we have sent invitations to our graduating seniors to join us on Sunday, June 13 for the 11:00 a.m. Mass and for a brunch afterwards in our parish hall. I know this is a busy time of the year, but I hope many seniors will be able to join us for this occasion at which our parish can acknowledge this important event in their lives. It is not by chance that parents are also invited to join in the liturgy and brunch. For their lives will also change as their children move on to new challenges. As a parish community we stand at least partially in a parental role. Sending these graduates to colleges throughout the country or into the workforce we hope that they will take with them the values we cherish and begin to bring God's love to others as adult Christians.

Graduates, if you remain in town I encourage you to stay active at St. Noel. If you are going away to college, we want you to return to St. Noel as you come home for breaks and vacation and stay in touch with the parish by checking our website           ( www.stnoel.org ) from time to time. Parents, we also support you as you face these transitions in your families, reminding you that St. Noel will be there for you to offer understanding and support.

To live is to change and to live well is to change often. As our high school seniors and their parents face the positive change of graduation may you know that we celebrate with you and will be there for you.

.

                  Fr. George Smiga

SIGNED LITURGY- On Sunday, June 6 Mary Smith will be joining us to sign the 11:00 a.m. Mass for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

OUTDOOR CHAPEL – is in need of clean-up and repairs. You can help at your own pace and according to your own schedule. If you are able to assist in preparing the Chapel for summer use, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEMS – “Our social ministry must be anchored in prayer, where we uncover the depths of God's call to seek justice and pursue peace . . . In serving those in need, we serve the Lord. In seeking justice and peace, we witness to the reign of God in our midst. In prayer we find the reasons, the strength, and the call to follow Jesus in the ways of charity, justice, and peace” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

WATCH FOR THE EL SALVADOR CRAFT SALE – following Masses on Sunday, June 6 . We still have a few items left for sale---crosses, plaques, jewelry and even a hammock! Most items are in a $5-$15 price range. Profits from the sale of these items will help support the St. Noel Delegation to El Salvador this summer.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – Get ready for the VBS of Champions! Join us for a fun-packed week daily from 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., July 19-23 as we all become part of God's team in action! We will learn about our victory through Jesus Christ as we follow Paul's adventures. After Masses on May 15/16 and 22/23 sign up in the narthex for a week with champions.

THE BEAUTIFUL BELL ARRANGEMENTS you have heard throughout the Triduum were possible due to the loan of an octave of bells from St. Felicitas Church and other equipment from St. Lucy Church. If you enjoy this music and are interested in helping St. Noel purchase our own new octave of bells call Marc at 440-946-0887. Thank you and thank you St. Felicitas and St. Lucy for your generosity.

GARDENER'S ALERT – For the sixth year, St. Augustine and St. Noel will be planting an urban garden on a plot of land on W. 15 th Street behind Walsh Hall, owned by St. Augustine. The food grown in this garden will be used to support the St. Augustine Hunger Center, where many needy people are able to receive a meal on a daily basis. The garden is a joint project of our two parishes as a part of the Church in the City Initiative. We will be planting seeds on Saturday, May 22 at 9:00 a.m. and seedlings on Saturday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m. The planting will happen on both days, rain or shine. If you need directions or have questions, call the parish office at 440-946-0887. The gardening has been a wonderful experience for all those who have participated. Why not choose to be a part of it? See you in the garden!

SAINT NOEL NEWBORN GUILD: The SNNG provides hand-made baby blankets, booties, hats, etc for the under-served community of Northeast Ohio. Since our inception in September 2003, we have donated over 100 hand-made items to Touching Little Lives and Faith, Hope and Charity Stitches – two organizations that distribute these much needed items throughout our community. If you can crochet, knit, or sew and would like to join our group to help our tiniest Ohioans, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for the month of May are as follows: - May 20 -Luncheon consisting of Chicken a' la King on biscuits, green beans, and cherry pie. The cost is $5.00 per person for tickets or information. May 27 – Social meeting, we will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

ROSARY- Join us Tuesday, May 18, from 7-7:45 p.m. in the Chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

PRIME TIME – See you tonight at 7:30pm. Please return your Camp YAC counselor forms ASAP.

BABY BOTTLES – Over 50 baby bottles were taken off the table during Lent to support Alternaterm. We're still missing 20 bottles, and the organization reuses them for other fundraisers. Please return the bottles to the church office even if they are empty. Thank you.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is Tuesday, May 18 th at 7:00pm in the small hall. Bring your Bibles and your parents. They're invited!!

CAMP YAC – Our annual junior high camp is scheduled for the week of June 14 th . This is a great chance to involve your 6-8 th grade student in a great week of fun, service and spiritual activities. Pick up a brochure in the kiosk.

CAMP COUNSELORS – Camp YAC (Youth Acting for Christ) is in need of high school counselors. The camp is the week of June 14 th and will be a great time. Service hours are available. Pick up an application in the kiosk or download one at the PRIME TIME page!!  Applications are due May 16 th.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – The awesome Father's Day Pancake Breakfast is back this year!! Plan on enjoying a great meal on Sunday, June 20 th from 10:00-1:00pm . Mark your calendar now and support youth ministry at St. Noel.

NOEL MOVERS – Please do not drop items off near the truck. All drop-offs (and pick-ups) must be scheduled by calling Anthony (946-1128 x20).

STOCK OPTIONS - the market can be a rough ride!! Why not purchase stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!! On the weekends of June 12-13 and June 19-20, stop at the table in the narthex and invest in the youth of our parish who are traveling to Detroit this summer to perform community service and learn about their faith. Stockholders will receive a stock certificate and an invitation to our service report once we return. Sure it's a fundraiser, but this stock will pay big dividends! Shares sell for $10. Thanks for your support!

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Noel in the Resurrection Room #1.

THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE AT CHRIST THE KING CHURCH is requesting that you please continue to save your Trash to Cash Items YEAR AROUND . These include Tops grocery receipts, Campbell's Prego, Swanson, and Franco American labels along with General Mills 10 Cent Box Tops and Tyson A+1-2-3 panels. Saving these items still helps support Christ the King Church, its Youth Programs, and other Ministries. Thank you so much for your generous support of this fundraiser.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Here are some numbers you can call: Catholic Charities Services of Lake County 440-352-6191 ; Domestic Violence Hotline 440-953 - 8255 ; Shelter – Forbes House 440-357-1018 ; Shelter-Women Safe (Geauga County) 440-285-2222 ; Legal Aide 440-352-0338 and Western Reserve Counseling 440-352-8954 .

ST. PAUL SCHOOL – EUCLID – All former students, alumni, and families are invited to a Mass of celebrating and thanking God for our rich history of ninety-four years in Catholic education as we approach the final closing of our school. The celebration will take place on Sunday, May 23 at Noon. A continental breakfast and fellowship will follow at the gym immediately after the Mass. All are cordially invited to attend.

GIVE A GIFT OF LOVE FOR A BETTER WORLD – YOUTH EXCHANGE SERVICE (YES), a non-profit US designated exchange program founded in 1974, needs Catholic Host Families to host international high school students during the 2004-2005 school year. For more information please see the kiosk or contact YOUTH EXCHANGE SERVICE (YES) at 17 Harbor Light, Newport Coast, CA 92657 or phone 800-848-2121.

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE – Millions of Americans are reading the book The Purpose Driven Life to help them “find meaning and purpose” in their life. Our purpose comes when we embrace the vision that God has for each of us. If you are a single Catholic looking for the purpose and the vision of God in your life, attend the “Where Are You Going” Retreat on June 18-19, 2004. The overnight retreat is put together by a team of diocesan priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers. For more information or to register, call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 800-869-6525 or 216-696-6525 ext 3490 or www.churchvocations.com .

THE LAKE COUNTY CHURCH NETWORK is seeking several individuals who would like to serve the Lord by working in our office to help find assistance for families in need, Office hours are 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We will provide training. We ask volunteers to commit to at least 2 days or more a month, 4 hours each day. For more information please call Mentor Plains United Methodist Church 440-946-1193 and leave a message for the Lake County Church Network. Our fax number is 440-946-3771 or you can reach us by email: lccn@NCWEB.COM .

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED, SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – Men and women of all ages are encouraged to attend a weekend designed for those who wish to let go of the painful past and create a more peace-filled future. Presented by people who have “been there” and offer their support. The next Beginning Experience Weekend will beheld on June 11, 12, & 13 at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland. Please call 440-546-9191 or 330-706-1512 for the information on this weekend of hope and healing or reach us at: www.beginningexperience.org.

CLEVELAND RIGHT TO LIFE would like to invite you to their 7 th Annual Choose Life Luncheon entitled “A Passion for Life,” a fundraiser to benefit their educational programs that promote pro-life issues in schools across Ohio. This year's luncheon will feature Kerri Caviezel, with an anticipated appearance by husband, Jim Caviezel, who starred as Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.” The luncheon will be on June 2 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. All ticket information is available by calling Molly Smith at 216-661-3000 or online at: www.clevelandrighttolife.org.

SESA'S MEMORIAL WEEKEND PICNIC AND OUTDOOR MASS will be on Sunday, May 30 at Coulby Park from 1-6:00 p.m. the cost is $7.00 per person, feel free to bring a friend. Please call the information line at 216-556-3662 with any questions.

URSULINE COLLEGE'S Frontier Day Camp for children with learning disabilities has received a financial gift. This gift will provide minority girls and boys with financial assistance to attend the five-week program. The camp provides fun and outdoor activities for children ages 6-12 with learning disabilities. Children with IEPs designating a specific learning disability as the primary problem, qualify to attend Frontier Camp.

The camp will be held June 21-July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Early bird sessions will be held 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. for children of working parents. The cost is $735.00 and financial aid is available. For additional information about financial assistance or to register, call 440-648-8156 or gpolster@ursuline.edu .

Visit the website at frontierdaycamp.tripod.com.

JESUIT RETREAT HOUSE , 5829 State Road, Cleveland will hold a Marian Day of Prayer on May 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with Fr. Clem Metzger, SJ. This day will provide an opportunity to reflect on Mary, the Mother of God. The cost of the day is $22. For information or to register please call 440-884-9300 or you can register on line at: www.jrh-cleveland.org.

FEST 2004 – Battle of the bands . Do you have what it takes to perform at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame? We're calling all Christian bands as we search for the best of the best and choose 6 Christian rock bands from the greater Cleveland area to have just that opportunity. At this year's FEST 2004, the growing and exciting Catholic Family Festival, you … along with 12,000 others … can “EXPECT A MIRACLE!” on August 8, 2004. For more information please call the FEST office at 440-943-7662 or fest@a-full-life.com or check out updates on the web at www.a-full-life.com.

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

BACK TO TOP

If you have questions concerning any information contained on the Saint Noel Parish Web site, contact us.

Our staff will answer your questions or forward you to the appropriate individual or group.