Week of May 21, 2006

Weekly Readings

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

The DaVince Code which opens in theaters this weekend is truly a cultural phenomenon. Over 50 million copies of the book have been sold since it was published in 2003. It has been translated into 44 languages. The author of the book, Dan Brown, has by common consensus written a compelling story. What is problematic is that Mr. Brown also attempts to blur the imaginative aspects of his book. At its beginning he gives a list of “facts” which he implies are historically true. In reality his list is a mixture of historical facts, scholarly theories, and imaginative leaps that are far from certain. He skillfully weaves these together into a narrative which does not distinguish one from another. For example, when Mr. Brown asserts that there is not historical evidence for the claim that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, he is making a claim that historians and biblical scholars would support. A careful reading of the New Testament will affirm that the role of Mary Magdalene was not one of a repentive sinner but that of the first witness to the resurrection. However, when Mr. Brown goes on to claim that Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus and gave birth to a child, he has now moved to a claim which cannot be historically supported. When he adds to this claim the assertion that the Church has attempted to cover up this truth about Jesus and Mary Magdalene, we have left the arena of evidence and entered the land of imagination. As Mr. Brown has himself admitted, “Everybody loves a conspiracy.”

Some religious leaders are offended that Mr. Brown has written such a book. They are encouraging their churches to boycott the movie. This seems to me extreme. I trust that we are mature enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy. If we can see movies about extra-terrestrials and super heroes, we should be able to handle imaginative theories about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The important issue is that we do not take everything as true simply because Mr. Brown implies it is. If some of the claims made by Mr. Brown intrigue you and move you to educate yourself on their validity or invalidity that could be a positive development. There is always more to know. Since many young people will view the movie I would ask that parents help them understand that Mr. Brown's work does not give us an accurate reporting of the truth. This is something we should all keep in mind. When Dr. Joseph Kelley was here last year speaking about the book, his warning to us was, “Remember it's not history, it's a novel .” If you choose to see the Da Vince Code in the theaters, I ask you to please remember, “It's not history, it's a movie .”

Fr. George Smiga

PARISH REPAIRS – This week we will have workers in the church repairing the white west wall which was damaged by leakage during the winter. You can presently see the damage to the right of the ambry where the roof line turns and begins to parallel the floor. Scaffolding will be brought into the church because the entire wall must be repainted.

You may also have noticed that one of the outdoor poles on our driveway has fallen. This was due to deterioration resulting from the base of the pole being too low in the ground. A new pole is on order and will be installed in the next few weeks. At the same time the bases of the remaining poles will be elevated to avoid losing further poles in the future. Thank you for your continued financial stewardship which allows us to make these repairs in a timely fashion.

RADIO INTERVIEW - Fr. George was interviewed last week on WCPN Radio in relation to the installation of our new Bishop, Richard Lennon. If you missed the program and would like to hear it, it is available as a MP3 download on line. Go to WWW.wcpn.org and then download, Tuesday, 5-16-06.

FAITH AND ART IN THE HOLY LAND – The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood is holding an important exhibition this summer. Drawn from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the show will include artifacts of amazing archeological significance, including a section of one of the Dead Sea Scrolls which has previously never left Israel. The Cleveland Ecumenical Institute is holding a special two-evening course on June 7 th and 14 th in connection with this exhibition. Holger Klein, curator of Medieval Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Fr. George Smiga will both present lectures on the significance of the objects on display. Flyers for this course are now available in our kiosk.

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 Gayle Klements at 440-442-2744.

EASTER COLLECTION - A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to our Easter collection of $34,565.00!

RICE BOWLS - We would like to thank everyone who donated a total of $519.50 during Lent to the Rice Bowls (Catholic Relief Services).

BULLETIN BOARD - Coatroom area - We will be clearing off the bulletin board in the coatroom on Wednesday, May 31st.  If you have something on the board that you would like to retrieve, please do so.  New items can be put on the board beginning June 1st. Please limit the size to a 3 x 5 card or business card. Larger items may need to be removed since there is just a limited space.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER - Information is available in the kiosk (Social Justice Section) on the Domestic Violence Center and the services they provide.  Please share with whoever may be in need. 

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!   - If you forgot to pick up your baby bottle to fill with change to support Hanna's Home, bottles are still available in the narthex.

COOKS NEEDED!   A core team of seven people met this past week to make plans for launching our new “Meal Ministry.”  Now we need a few more cooks to prepare and deliver a meal when a St. Noel family has a need.   On the weekend of May 20 th and 21 st after all the Masses, there will be an opportunity for you to talk with a representative from the ministry, to ask any questions you may have, and to sign-up as a cook.  This is a wonderful way to put our faith into action and something in which all members of a family can participate.  Don't like to cook?  No problem.  The “Meal Ministry” will happily accept gift certificates for carry out orders at local restaurants!  Further questions can be directed to Margaret Neville at 440-942-3390.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On May 28 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 May 27 th & May 28th, 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 April we collected $ 575.00.Our expenses for April were:

We thank you for your support.

LOAVES AND LETTERS RETURNS – Ending Global Poverty is the urgent issue we will write our Congressional representatives and senators about on Wednesday evening June 14 th at 6:30 and the weekend of June 17 th /18 th after all Masses.  A motivational video, prayer and food/refreshments will be provided, as well as a fun segment for children to address the issue.  Look for more information in coming bulletins, and mark your calendars!

THE SPIRITUAL READING DISCUSSION GROUP will meet Wednesday, May 24 th to continue discussing Fr. Ronald Rolheiser's The Holy Longing. If you have read this book, please join us in the Resurrection Room at 7:30 p.m. For information about this or future meetings please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – Are you free periodically on Mondays for one hour between 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.? Vacation time is approaching and there will be times when someone will be unable to fulfill their commitment of one hour before the Blessed Sacrament. 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 440-946-0887for more information.

REMINDER : there will be no Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, May 29th, Memorial Day.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS - - Get ready for an island adventure! Join us for a fun-packed week daily from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (with the closing program on Friday evening) July 17 th - 21 st . We will transform St. Noel Church into a tropical island as we discover the treasure of God's love. We will gather in stations for Bible stories, crafts, fun games, delicious snacks, lively music and much more. After Masses on June 3 rd /4th and 10th/11 th sign up in the narthex for Son Treasure Island! Bring a friend!

PINE CONES – Have you been collecting pine cones for a rainy day or do you have a surplus in your yard? We could use some for an activity at our last GIFT session (May 31 and June 4). Please put the cones in a bag and leave them in the office reception area.

HYBRID CARS – Do you drive a hybrid car that you would like to show and tell us about!? At our last GIFT program (May 31 and June 4) we will display some of these environment-friendly cars. All you have to do is park it in the parking lot and be willing to explain to anyone who asks why you chose the car and what's great about it. Please call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 x 21 for more information.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of May are as follows: – May 25 th Bingo - we will also 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.

PRIME TIME - The Toronto group meets tonight at 7:00pm.  YNIA rules!  Sign up for GIFT!

STOCK OPTIONS - the market can be a rough ride!! Why not purchase stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!!   Coming soon, you can invest in the youth of our parish who are traveling to Toronto 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!

CAMP YAC – Our awesome junior high camp is back again for the 10 th year!!  We're teaming up with Divine Word to offer an incredible week of fun and new experiences.  Brochures are available in the kiosk, and the week in scheduled for June 26-June30, 2006.  All current 6-8 graders are welcome!!

SENIOR BRUNCH – Attention all graduating seniors…..CONGRATULATIONS!!  We want to celebrate your achievement by inviting you and your parents to brunch after the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, June 11 th .  If you did not receive an invitation in the mail, please call Anthony or Marianne at the Church office.

FOOD FAST – Hey high school students!!  Wanna make difference and do something that you'll remember for a lifetime??  How about fasting for 30 hours, raising money to help world hunger, and meeting some new people?  The food fast is scheduled for June 21 st at Divine Word Parish.  Sign up on the kiosk is interested.

NOEL MOVERS – The movers have been going strong, but our truck is dying!  After learning our faithful truck needed $2500 worth of repairs, we've decided to drive it as long as we can and actively look for a replacement.  If anyone can help locate and/or purchase a new box van for the Noel Movers please call Anthony.  To date, the movers have picked up donated furniture from over 800 families and delivered items to hundreds of people in need. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Local manufacturer and distributor of high performance roofing and flooring solutions is looking to hire several skilled professionals. The positions that are being considered are: Architect, Cost Accountant, Engineer, Graphic Designer, Quality Control, and Legal. For more information, please contact Karl Sooy or Jay Hebert at 216-641-7500 and visit www.garlandco.com

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 BANQUET CENTER - We are currently booking the Banquet Center for the remainder of 2006 and all of 2007. Remember parishioners or their immediate family receives a 10% discount for evening weddings and a 5% discount for any other events held at St. Noel Banquet Center. 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 Banquet Center 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.

ST. NOEL MEN'S SOFTBALL – Any men at least 30 years old are invited to join the team (which plays Monday and Wednesday evenings) by calling Keith Coolick at 440-655-2885 – PLAY BALL!

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS – An 8-week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are recently separated or divorced will begin on Wednesday, June 14 th , at St. Bede Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, 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.

YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING – is an international exchange student program. They are looking to place high school students in homes for the 2006-2007 school year. Hosts can be a family with children, empty nesters or a single parent. YFU provides support to the host and exchange student. If you are interested and want more information about this great opportunity call Ann Hoffman, NE Ohio rep. at 740-969-9806; toll free 800-872-0200 , ext 215, or Barbara Painter at 440-585-1034.

REGINA High SCHOOL CAMP 2006 - Join the fun! Regina High School is sponsoring the following camps for summer 2006: drama, Camp Jam (music instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals), and scrap booking, basketball and volleyball. Call Regina at 216-382-2110 Ext 249 or email piovarcy@reginahigh.com for more information.

THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST – Any child who received their First Holy Communion this year is invited to join in a diocesan Corpus Christi celebration with Bishop Richard Lennon on Saturday evening, June 17th at 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. John Cathedral . There will be a procession of the children, pictures with the Bishop, and free parking in our Rockwell Avenue garage. No reservations are necessary; simply arrive at 4:15 p.m. dressed in your communion outfits.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING? - In a world filled with so many choices and opportunities, how do you decide what to do with your life? Ever wonder where your life is headed? Looking for meaning and purpose? If you are a single Catholic looking for direction and purpose in your life, join other women and men from across the Diocese of Cleveland for the “Where Are You Going?” Retreat on Saturday, June 17 th at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. This day-long program, conducted by religious sisters and brothers, along with diocesan priests and deacons, will help you come to a better understanding of God's vision and plan for your life. For more information or to register, contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 800-869-6525 or 216-696-6525 x 3490 or www.churchvocations.com .

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME PRAYER LINE - The Sisters of Notre Dame have begun a Prayer Line ministry. We will dedicate time to receive calls and pray for your intentions. Sisters will receive your calls from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Although there is no sister on the line during weekends and holidays, you may still phone us and leave your request on our answering service. This request will also be remembered in prayer. Our sisters in Assisted Living look forward to praying for your needs and requests. Our prayer line telephone number is 440-279-1163.

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