Week of June 18, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

Who said, “Every person has a right to adequate health care. This right flows from the sanctity of human life and the dignity that belongs to all human persons, who are made in the image of God,”? If you guessed our Catholic Bishops, you are right!

Since the year 2000 our Health Care Task Force has been gathering to study, educate and advocate for the uninsured and underinsured. On Sunday, June 25, 2006 from 12:30 p.m. (refreshments at 12:15 p.m.) to 2:30 p.m., the task force is inviting all of us concerned about our Christian call to assist and advocate for those in need to attend a workshop in the Resurrection Room. The title of this workshop is “Health Care: the Call to Solidarity.”

The format will include insights from Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching that demonstrate the connection between this issue and our faith; a time for participants to share their stories; some historical background on health care access as well as the state of health care access in America today; a presentation of several proposals, one at the state and one at the national level that hope to address the health care needs of the uninsured and underinsured; discussion and feedback on the material presented; possible action steps we might take; and of course, prayer and refreshments!

We are all familiar with the numerous occasions on which Jesus tended to the needs of the sick. As His followers and as a parish we frequently visit and pray for those who are ill. Now we have an opportunity to learn how we might be in even greater solidarity with those who do not have access to adequate health care. Please seriously consider joining our Health Care Task Force for “Health Care: a Call to Solidarity.”

Fr. George Smiga

CLUSTERING NEWS

CAN'T WE GET PRIESTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES? Unfortunately, there are not a significant number of priests from other countries available for service in the Cleveland Diocese. Compared to other countries, and even other areas of the United States, our Diocese is “priest rich.” In 2004, the United States had 1,524 Catholics per priest. World wide there were 2,748 Catholics per priest. So, let's all pray for and encourage priestly vocations.

BULLETIN ARTICLES – for the weekends of July 1 st /2 nd and July 8 th /9 th need to be in the parish office by Tuesday, June 27 th .

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE – From June 21st through August 30 th there will be no Wednesday 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.

HELP!! We are in need of 2 ushers for the Saturday evening 5:00 Mass.  We welcome men and women and you would be scheduled once a month.  If you might be interested, please call Jim Klements (440-442-2744) for further details.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On June 25th 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 June 24th & June 25th, 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 May we collected

$835.00. Our expenses for May were:

We thank you for your support.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of Lake and Geauga Counties provides an opportunity for Christians to put their faith and love into action by building affordable housing. You can be a part of this effort. Social Justice Ministry is organizing a crew of volunteers on July 8, from 9 am to 3 pm. No building experience is necessary!!! You must be at least 16 years old and bring a lunch. Directions will be provided.  Sign up on the kiosk or call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

EL SALVADOR DELEGATION  -  On July 18 th our delegation (Vic DeMarco from Resurrection parish; Anne DiFranco, Jim DiFranco, Alice Hinkel, Chris Janezic, Umberto Ritossa, Fr. George Smiga, Mel and Jan Troha, all from St. Noel) leaves for our eight day journey to El Salvador.  We will be visiting many sites and groups to learn from the El Salvadoran people about their lives, their history and their faith which carried them through the civil war and continues to support them today in their struggles.  We are especially looking forward to spending time with “Mujer y Comunidad,” the women of Zaragoza with whom we are partnering to assist them in their establishment of a small sewing business.  While in the town of Zaragoza, we will be staying at COAR, the Community of Oscar A. Romero, which is an orphanage begun by Fr. Ken Myers of Cleveland during the civil war.   As we visit the martyrdom sites of Bishop Romero, the four Church women, and the six Jesuits, please know that we will remember the intentions of all in our community.  On Sunday, July 23 rd , we will be worshipping at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Fr. Rob Reidy of our Diocese and the people of Chiltuipan. We ask that you pray for us during our journey that we might know God's protection and that we might be open to the Spirit's wisdom and truth as we encounter the people of this beautiful but beleaguered country.  (See the next item for ways you can participate in our pilgrimage.)

NEEDS IN EL SALVADOR – While only nine of us are able to travel to El Salvador this summer, there are a number of ways for any and all parishioners to participate in our experience.  Each of us will be able to take one suitcase with various items needed by COAR, the parish clinic in Chiltuipan, and by Mujer y Comunidad.  We will be collecting the following items in the Narthex on the weekend of July 1st and 2nd :   nonprescription drugs like Tylenol and antacids, vitamins, anti-itch cream, low-dose Aspirin, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, magic markers, pens, pencils, glue, infant and toddler clothing, vegetable garden seeds.  Call Alice at 440-946-0887 if you have any questions.  Please remember that the most important thing for us to take with us is your prayers for our delegation and for the people of El Salvador!

WOMANKIND - Maternal and Prenatal Care Center is facing some critical funding challenges this year and needs your help. Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated. For further information about making a donation or other ways to help please contact us at: 5400 Transportation Blvd., Suite 10, Garfield Heights, OH 44125 or call us at: 216-662-1865.

LOAVES AND LETTERS – If you missed Wednesday's gathering please join us in the Resurrection Room after Mass to write your letter to fight hunger, poverty and aids.

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), collectibles, knick-knacks, dishes or glassware. Call the parish office at 440-946-0887 with any questions you may have.

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP will be meeting Wednesday, June 28 th , from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Nativity Room 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.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of June are as follows: – June 22 nd - Noon – Socializing, and our meeting; then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon consisting of a 1/2 roasted 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. 

PURCHASE STOCK - Stop by the table after Mass to purchase stock in the youth of our parish!! All proceeds benefit our summer service trip to Toronto. 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 – This is the final weekend!! 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-June 30, 2006. All current 6-8 graders are welcome!!

NOEL MOVERS – The movers have purchased a truck!! It's a 2002 GMC with a working radio (a step up from the pervious truck!!). If you can help finance this purchase, please call Anthony. We could use the help. To date, the movers have picked up donated furniture from over 900 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 (440-946-1128 x 20) 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.

IF YOU'RE TRAVELING – you'll want to use the free service that provides Catholics with nationwide Mass times and church locations-----simply call 410-676-6000.

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.

ST. ANTHONY ADULT DAY CENTER in Wickliffe, Ohio (located at the Center for Pastoral Leadership) Provides a structured daytime program for older adults who need daytime supervision, yet do not require 24-hour nursing care. Transportation available throughout most of Lake and Eastern Cuyahoga County. Contact Beth Knowles at 440-943-7800 for a tour or more information.

OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL is hosting their 16th Annual Parish Festival on June 23 rd , 24 th and 25 th . Please see the flier on our kiosk for further information.

SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – The Sisters of Notre Dame invite women ages 18-40 to participate in a five-day program of summer services with the Sisters. Experiences include working with children; providing remedial instruction and Bible classes for Latino children in a rural camp; and assisting with migrant ministry. The volunteers will live in a Notre Dame community so they can share prayer, meals and reflections on the experience with the sisters. Free will donations accepted. Volunteer opportunities are available in Cleveland, July 30 th -Aug 4 th ; Los Angeles, Aug 6 th -11 th ; Northern Kentucky, July 23 rd -28 th ; and Toledo, July 16 th -21 st . For more information please call Sr. Kathleen Hine at 440-279-1194.

YOUR ROLE IN IMMIGRATION – Recent developments in our country's immigration laws and border patrol have drawn national attention to issues of immigration. What part do Catholic Americans have who live far from the borders? Come to a workshop being sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The presenter, Anna Alicia Chavez, is an adjunct faculty member of MACC (Mexican American Cultural Center), a Catholic Institute for Multicultural Pastoral Training and Leadership will be hosted at the Notre Dame Educational Center on July 8 th (Diversity Day); 1:30-4:30 p.m. For more information or to register please call 440-279-1116 or hlkist@ndec.org . This program is free and open to the public.

2 ND ANNUAL JOSEPH M. FOLEY, M.D. LECTURE will be held on Thursday, July 6 th , at 6:00 p.m. The lecture will be on “Concerning Health Care Justice” presented by Professor Edmund Pellegrino, M.D. The lecture will take place at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. For information or reservations please call Charlotte at 216-363-2674.

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY will host the Relay for Life on June 23-24 at the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Football field on 13000 Auburn Rd in Chardon. Cancer survivors are invited to a free dinner sponsored by Outback Steakhouse at 6:45 p.m. after the Opening Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Please call Sr. Patricia Pasek at 440-286-7101 x 1170 to register. Also Luminaries may be purchased for the Friday evening ceremony for a $10 donation to honor a cancer survivor, to support someone undergoing cancer therapy, or in memory of someone who has died from cancer. Please call Sr. Mary Margaret Joseph at 440-286-7101 x 2158 for more information.

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