Week of May 23, 2004

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Dear Parishioner,

It is with gratefulness and sadness that I announce the decision of Alica & Paula Garbo to step down from leadership in our pre-school program. For 23 years they have generously and faithfully provided a quality pre-school program for St. Noel during one of our weekend liturgies. So many families of our parish are richer because of Alica's and Paula's ministry to our children in their early years. Our parish owes them our sincere thanks.

As they step down from leadership, it is appropriate that we celebrate the blessings which have come to us through the pre-school program. Therefore, I am inviting the entire parish to celebrate 23 years of pre-school after the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 6 in the large hall. Alica and Paula agreed to this celebration only if it was clear that the celebration was not about them but about all those who have made pre-school possible. (They have specifically asked for people not to bring gifts.) It was easy for me to honor their request. Although their contribution was invaluable, one of the great gifts of pre-school has been the way in which so many in our community contribute to its success. So please join us on June 6 th for a celebration of what we have been able to accomplish together.

As pastor, it is my sincere intention to assure that pre-school continues. This will be a challenge without Alica's and Paula's leadership. But I have confidence in the gifts of our community. Therefore, on Tuesday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. I am inviting any parishioner who has an interest to join me along with Marianne Slattery in discussing how we can make pre-school happen this fall. It will be an evening of brainstorming and discernment. My hope is that by working together we might find a way to allow the gift of pre-school to continue for future generations of our children.

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                  Fr. George Smiga

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE – Each year during the summer, our attendance at the 6:45 p.m. Mass on Wednesdays drops dramatically. Therefore, as last year, we are suspending Wednesday evening liturgies from June 16 th through August 25 th . We will, however, continue to have our monthly Mass with the Anointing of the Sick on the second Wednesday of each month July 14th and August 11th.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR wish to thank everyone at St. Noel for the hospitality shown to them and for the generous amount of $2,320.31 which was collected on the weekend of May 8/9.

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 CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE On May 30 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 29 th and May 30 th , we will be collecting for our Social Concerns 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 place the cookies on the counter in the Nativity Room and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND – In April we collected $827.00. Our expenses were:

“LET THERE BE PEACE: – This past Monday our “Let There Be Peace” prayer and reflection group met with Rep. LaTourette to share with him the Holy Father's letter of January 1, 2004 which was entitled, An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace . (Available in the kiosk.) We also drew on Fr. George's homily from last Sunday during the course of our conversation with the congressman. We emphasized the human experience that violence only begets more violence and that war can so easily morally corrupt those who participate in it. We urged the congressman to seek other means of resolving conflict such as educating for peace, educating ourselves regarding other cultures, strengthening the role of the United Nations, exploring the causes of terrorism and embracing forgiveness. All of these points and more can be found in the Holy Father's letter which is in the kiosk. We invite all who would like to pray for peace to gather with us on Sundays in the Visitation room from 12:15-1:00 p.m.

HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE NEWS – In the spirit of Vibrant Parish Life our Health Care Task Force has expanded its membership by including Divine Word and Holy Angels parishes. We will continue to invite other –parishes in the Lake/Geauga district to join us. With the guidance of the Catholic Social Action office we recently met with Bishop Pilla to seek his counsel as to how we might best address the needs of the 44 million people in this country who are uninsured. The Bishop offered several helpful suggestions and promised to work with us as we address this important life issue. Our next meeting will be May 27 th at 7:30 p.m. in the Nativity room. Please feel free to join us as we try to follow the example of Jesus who always had a special concern for the sick

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 22/23 sign up in the narthex for a week with champions.

HANDBELLS – We're getting there! We have raised $2,500.00 toward the $4,500.00 needed to purchase our own third octave of handbells and necessary accessories (tables, pads, etc.) for the music ministry. As you're listening to the bells this weekend, please consider if you might like to contribute toward the rest of our need. You can make your donation as a memorial if you like. It soon will be time to return our borrowed bells, so please contact Marc at 440-946-0887 if you would like to help St. Noel purchase our own third octave of handbells, Thank you for your generosity and again thank you to the communities of St. Lucy and St. Felicitas for allowing us to use their equipment.

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 seedlings on Saturday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m. The planting will happen 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 440-946-0887.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for the month of May are as follows: - 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.

PRIME TIME – We're meeting at Jim & Mary Lou Beers' house at 7:00pm for pizza and a chance to meet some incredible people. Check your email for directions or call Anthony.

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.

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 from www.stnoel.org . Go to the PRIME TIME page!! Applications are due ASAP

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!

THE WAY HOME – a moving portrayal of how Americans faced with difficult circumstances learn to come together and tear down the walls that divide them. Narrated by Glenn Close, this program airs Sunday, May23rd at 10pm on Hallmark Channel. See www.faithandvalues.com and/or www.thewayhome.tv for more info.

POP-A-SHOT CHAMPION -Check out St. Noel's own Jay Kletecka on the kiosk. After appearing on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show, Jay proved he is the master of the Pop-A-Shot. Great job, Jay!

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 .

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS—ONE DAY—THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. If you are a single Catholic searching in your life to understanding “What you should be doing” and “How God is calling you to use your life,” then make plans to attend the upcoming “Where Are You Going? Retreat on June 18-19, 2004. The twenty-four hour retreat, conducted by priests, deacons, and religious from our diocese, will give you the tools and insights needed to find your place—God's call—for your life. 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 .

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.

NOTRE DAME SKILLS LAB located in Regina High School is offering summer classes in Math, and study skills for students in grades 1-8. A study skill class for high school students along with remedial high school credit classes is also being offered. Private, individualized tutoring is available in all subjects, for all ages. Call 216-291-2273 for further information.

CATHOLIC SENIOR CELEBRATION – All are invited to attend a special liturgy for the twenty-third annual Catholic Senior Celebration for the Older Adult on Wednesday, May 26, 2004. This annual event will be held at the following parishes starting with a 1:45 p.m. musical prelude: St. Agnes – Our Lady of Fatima in Cleveland, St. Basil The Great in Brecksville, St. Stephen Church in West Salem, Church of St. Peter in Lorain, St. Bede the Venerable in Mentor and St. Nicholas Byzantine in Lorain. For more information please call 216-334-2974 or email

biknestrick@dioceseofcleveland.org.

REGINA HIGH SCHOOL in South Euclid will be offering two summer camp experiences for girls, grades 4 through 8, Science Camp 2004 and a Drama Camp. For more information including dates and cost, please call 216-382-2110 ext 246 or email: rhsguidance@reginahigh.com.

VOLLEYBALL CAMP AT WILLOWICK MANRY PARK, 30100 Arnold Dr. (off of 305 th Street) Monday, June 14 to Thursday, June 17 Grades 4-6 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon and Grades 7-8 from1-4:00 p.m. Sign up at Manry Park of call 440-516-3011 to register.

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