Week of June 4, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

Over the last two years our Parish Pastoral Council has tried to make our community aware of the growing shortage of priests in our diocese. We have also shared with you how Bishop Pilla introduced a response to the problem by calling on all parishes to establish clustering groups which will plan future strategies together. Recently, our new Bishop, Richard Lennon, has given his support to Bishop Pilla's approach and emphasized the wisdom of clustering.

As I reported to you earlier this year all parishes in our diocese are to submit their first and second choices for clustering partners to the bishop (by October 1 st ). The diocese will then approve one of these and then ask for parishes to give feed back and make adjustments. By April 30, 2007 all parishes will be established within a particular cluster.

Once our clustering proposals for St. Noel are determined and reviewed by all involved parties we will announce them and send them on to the bishop.

Throughout the summer the Pastoral Council will continue to inform our parish on the proper understanding of clustering. Many incorrect ideas concerning clustering continue to be disseminated. We want you to know what clustering really is. A cluster is a group of parishes committed to a long-term relationship of collaboration to provide pastoral care for their communities. Clustering does not mean that one parish will necessarily close or that two or more parishes will merge into a single entity. Most parishes will maintain their own identities and their own staffs. This is certainly the expectation of what will happen to St. Noel in whatever cluster we participate. The goal of every cluster is to allow a more efficient use of resources and a greater ability to meet the needs of the communities involved.

In order to provide the most accurate information about the need for clustering and the manner in which clusters will operate, the Pastoral Council is preparing a weekly paragraph to be inserted in the bulletin for the next few months. It will be entitled “Clustering News.”

I encourage you to read this section of the bulletin from week to week so that you will have an accurate understanding of what clustering is, and what it is not, and why we need it. Then, as we present our proposal for clustering partners to the bishop, our community will be well informed. Let us pray that the Spirit of God will continue to guide our diocese as we face this new phase in the life our Church.

Fr. George Smiga

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE – From June 21st through August 30 th there will be no evening 6:45 p.m. Mass . We will, however, continue to have our monthly Mass with the Anointing of the Sick on the second Wednesday of each month July 12th and August 9th.

SIGNED LITURGY- This Sunday, June 4 th 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.

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.

NEW MEMBERS DONATE TREE - A “thank you” goes out to those received into the Catholic faith at this year's Easter Vigil, for the Dogwood tree they purchased and had planted outside the windows of the Eucharistic Chapel.  Like the tree, our neophytes (new members) are a sign of hope and of new life in Christ!  May they and we and all that celebrate God's creation, flourish! 

LOAVES AND LETTERS RETURNS – Ending Global Poverty is the urgent issue we will write our Congressional representatives and senators about on Wednesday evening, June 14th at 6:30 p.m. and the weekend of June 17th /18th 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. 

In Order to keep the promises we have made to the world's poorest people, the U.S. should be providing an additional $5 billion a year in poverty-focused development assistance, to the world's poorest countries.  As people of faith let's together encourage our government to keep its promises to the world's hungry and poor.  Join us for loaves and letters!

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 440-946-0887 for more information.

BE A GOOD STEWARD-“PASS IT ON!” Our planet is a gift to us from God and as such we are called to take good care of it! All creation reflects God's glory and as Christians we want to preserve Earth's beauty and goodness for future generations. Our Social Justice Ministry is offering us an important opportunity to be good stewards of Earth. On the weekend of June 24 th and 25 th they will be sponsoring a “Pass-It-On: event. Do you have books, sporting goods, electronics, CD/DVD's, jewelry, tools or small appliances that you no longer need, but would be useful to someone else and are in good working order ? Don't put them in the landfill; pass them on! Bring them to St. Noel's lower level between 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 th or between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., on Sunday, June 25 th . While you are there, look over what others have brought and take what you need, without cost! Items not picked up will be taken to appropriate charitable organizations. PLEASE NOTE: 1) We can only accept items during the times and dates noted above. 2) We cannot accept clothes (put these in the clothing bin by the food pantry), collectables, knick-knacks, dishes or glassware. Call the parish office at 440-946-0887 with any questions you may have.

COMING ATTRACTION – SAVE THE DATE on Saturday, September 23, 2006, our Social Justice Ministry is planning a field trip to “Crown Point Ecological Center.” Watch for details in the coming months as plans unfold.

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP will be meeting Wednesday, June 28 th , from 7:30 -9:00 p.m. to discuss “Hope Against Darkness” by Fr. Richard Rohr. The book describes living a Franciscan spirituality in an anxious world. All are welcome to read and discuss the book. For further information call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

GIFT VOLUNTEER – Hopefully you received an invitation to our Appreciation Dinner—but just in case we made a clerical error . . . please join us Wednesday evening, June 21 st at 6:00 p.m. in the large hall of our Banquet Center. We want to take this opportunity to thank you and celebrate a great year of GIFT. Please call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 x 21 to RSVP.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 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 /4 th and 10 th /11 th sign up in the narthex for Son Treasure Island! Bring a friend!

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of June are as follows: June 8 th – Choice of Games – bring your favorites! – June 15 th – Bingo – June 22 nd - Noon – Socializing, and our meeting; then at 12:30 p.m. will have our luncheon consisting of a half baked chicken, tossed salad, pasta, rolls, butter and cake. Tickets are $6.00 for members and $8.00 for guests. Deadline for tickets and payment is June 19 th . June 29 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

WHITEWATER RAFTING – The dates are set for July 25-27!! The trip will be fabulous, and all are welcome to signup on the kiosk. Space is limited.

PRIME TIME - Are you doing the Famine? Headin' to Swings-n-Things? Serving at Camp YAC?? We've got plenty of summertime opportunities for you – check your e-mail and call Anthony to keep connected. Sign ups are on the kiosk. 

PURCHASE STOCK - Why not buy stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!! On the weekends of June 17-18 & 24-25, 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 is scheduled for June 26-June30, 2006. All current 6-8 graders are welcome!!

CAMP YAC COUNSELORS – we're looking for quality high school students to serve as counselors during Camp YAC – June 26-30, 2006. Make a difference in the lives of some 6-8 graders! Sign-up on the kiosk.

FOOD FAST – Hey high school students!! Wanna make a 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 if interested.

NOEL MOVERS – The movers have been going strong, but our truck is dying! After learning our faithful truck needed $2,500 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

CHAPERONES NEEDED – for the YNIA trip to Toronto – July 9-16, 2006. Spend a week with some fabulous teens serving others and deepening their faith in Christ. Please call Anthony (946-1128) to learn more!

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.

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.

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.

OVER 100 – There are over 100 women and men in the Diocese of Cleveland who are in formation for priesthood and consecrated religious life. For some, this might be a surprising fact. The truth be told, in every generation God calls women and men to serve the needs of the Church. You may be the one called, to join the group of 100+, who will be the next generation of priests and religious sisters and brothers that will use your life to witness to the message of the Gospel. Need to check out if God is calling you? The Diocesan Vocation Office is sponsoring the “Where Are You Going? Retreat on Saturday, June 17 th at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The “Where Are You Going?” retreat is open to single, Catholic women and men. For more information or to register, contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 800-869-6526 or 216-696-6525 x 3490 or www.churchvocations.com

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “Preparing for Marriage: 10 Tools for the Journey.” by William Urbine is now available in the kiosk.

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, June 11th 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 .

HOLY REDEEMER FESTIVAL 15712 Kipling Ave in Collinwood (Cleveland) will celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony with food and games from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 th and from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 th , Bishop Pevec will also celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday followed by a procession.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY OF MENTOR hosts a monthly grief support group; the next session is on Monday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested, please call Rita Demarchi at 440-942-0336 for required phone registration.

JOURNEY FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: A Day of Prayer and Reflection for Survivors of Abuse- This event will be offered on Sunday, June 11th from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Mount St. Augustine, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine motherhouse, 5232 Broadview Road, in Richfield. This program is designed for men and women who have survived any type of abuse-physical, sexual, or emotional. There is no cost for this event and a light supper is included. Please call Leanne Mahovlic, the Office for Women in Church and Society, at 216-696-6525, ext 3070, for confidential registration by Tuesday, June 6, 2006.

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER: Stress Reduction for Family and Friends – A workshop for caregivers to learn how to better care for themselves while caring for their loved ones is being offered on Saturday, June 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Bridget of Kildare Church, 5620 Hauserman Road, Parma. Please call Terese Hardman, in the Marriage and Family Office at 216-334-2978, to register.

BENEDICTINE HIGH SCHOOL 2900 Martin Luther King Drive, Cleveland is offering their 2006 Summer Camps. Please check out the kiosk for their programs, dates, times, cost, and location. For more information or to register: Call 216-421-2080, ext 330.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH 6850 Mayfield Road in Gates Mills invites you to their family festival from Thursday, June 8 th – Sunday, June 11 th . For more information please call 440-461-0066 or log on to www.stfrancisgm.org .

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