Week of July 24, 2005

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

The celebration of our Parish 25 th Anniversary will take place this year on Sunday, August 21 st . In preparation for this day we are holding a “Remembering Weekend” on August 6/7. After all the Masses that weekend, there will be pictures and mementos of St. Noel's history on display in the narthex. You will be invited to stay after Mass and participate in a “Parish History Search” finding from the display the answers to specific questions concerning St. Noel's history. Prizes will be awarded to those who succeed. In order to collect the material which will be used for the “Remembering Weekend” and also for the Parish Anniversary Celebration we are asking for your help. If you have photos, articles, or other memorabilia concerning St. Noel from over the last 25 years, could you lend it to us for a while? Place your name on the back of the item and drop it off at the parish office before August 3 rd . We will be sure to return it to you after the Parish Anniversary. Your assistance in this effort will truly add to the sense of history which we hope to celebrate.

Another effort for the 25 th Anniversary is a Parish History Book which will be completed by this fall. All parishioners have received a letter inviting them to be a personal or business sponsor for the book. Please consider if you would like to help underwrite this lasting testimony to our 25 years of parish life.

On August 21 st we will hold our central anniversary celebration which will take place on our parish grounds and Roemisch Field which is adjacent to our property. The day will begin with a softball game at 3:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. games will be held for all ages. There will be clowns and face painting for the children. At 5:30 p.m. we will have dinner. St. Noel will provide ribs and chicken and soft drinks. We are asking parishioners to bring salad, a side-dish or a desert to share. We tried this potluck approach last year at our parish picnic and the results were awesome. At 7:00 p.m. there will be musical entertainment by the band Synergy and the day will close with a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. followed by an ice cream social. Mark you calendars now! It will be a full and beautiful way to celebrate all that God has done for our community over the last 25 years.

Fr. George Smiga

AT HOME WITH THE WORD – We will be ordering At Home With The Word for 2006. If you ordered a book last year we will automatically reorder for 2006. (If you do not want a book please call the parish office at 440-946-0887). Also, anyone else who would like to order a book please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. All orders need to be in by August 1 st to receive the discounted price of $5.00. After August 1 st the price of the book will be more.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE- On July 31st 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 July 30 th and July 31st, 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 put the cookies in the Nativity Room (formerly the nursery) on the counter and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND – In June we collected $872.00. Our expenses for June were:

We thank you for your support.

HOSPICE NEWS - We are aware that many families in the parish who have dealt with the terminal illness of a loved one have benefited from the services of Hospice, an organization dedicated to the respectful and compassionate care of the dying.  Now we have an opportunity to give our input on the possibility of a hospice facility in our area.  The Catholic Churches of Lake and Geauga Counties are in dialogue with the Hospice of the Western Reserve regarding such a project.  Want to learn more about what this commitment would require of our churches and counties?  We need everyone's insight, questions and reflections.  There will be a focus meeting here in the Resurrection Room on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.  We hope to see you there.   

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE - Check out the “Legislative Hotline” news from the Catholic Commissions of our Dioceses which can be found on the Social Concerns section of the kiosk.  There are suggested actions for us to take on Darfur, CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) and affordable housing.  Copies of the “Legislative Hotline” are available too.  They can be found in the kiosk pockets.

  EL SALVADOR IN 2006 - We are planning a return trip to El Salvador in 2006 (July 18 thru the 26).  The current estimated cost is $1500 which includes travel, meals and housing.  Call Alice at 440-946-0887 if you are interested. 

FOR LIFE – Copies of this newsletter from the Diocesan Pro-Life office are available in the pockets of the Social Concerns Section of the kiosk.

WANT TO EXPLORE BECOMING A CATHOLIC?   Join us for our next RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Inquiry sessions on August 2 nd and August 30 th in Resurrection Room 1 & 2 at 7 p.m.  Please call Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887 to register if you have not attended before. 

AUGUST ANNIVERSARY SHOWER -  Next month we will be celebrating 25 years of God's blessings upon our community and indeed we have been abundantly blessed over the years.  In honor o f our anniversary our Social Concerns Commission is presenting us with an opportunity to BE a blessing for others.  The Diocesan Migration and Refugee office is in need of a number of items (linens, dishes, small appliances, etc.) for families who are currently arriving from Africa, Turkey and other parts of the world and setting up households.  On the weekend of July 30 & 31 you will be able to pick up a card in the Narthex labeled with a particular item that you can purchase and then return on August 20 or 21.   Along with the gift card you can also receive a prayer card for refugees and a flier explaining other ways to serve those coming to our country.  You may recall our past involvement with the refugee ministry when we actually sponsored families.  While we have not currently been assigned one particular family to help resettle, this remains an opportunity to live out the Gospel call to welcome the stranger by assisting a number of families.  We hope you will be able to participate in this August Anniversary Shower!  Questions?  Call the parish office at 440-946-0887. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM - In recent weeks there has been much reported by the media about the decisions our government leaders made as we entered the war in Iraq. Our first reading today shows the concern that a young leader has about the decisions he must make to govern his people.  Solomon begs God to give him “an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil” so that he might govern his people wisely.  His request pleased God because he had not asked for riches or long life for himself but instead had asked for “understanding to discern what is right.” Since the time of St. Augustine, the Church has struggled with understanding war in a Christian context.  In their pastoral letter on war and peace: The Challenge of Peace:   God's Promise and Our Response, 1983, the U. S. Catholic bishops noted that “peace is both a gift and a human work.”  They affirmed two Christian responses the just-war approach and nonviolence.  How these principals apply to concrete situations both politically and personally require discernment that must be guided by the Sprit.

NOEL MOVERS – The moving business is booming!! Hundreds of people have received couches, beds, appliances and more. Did you know the Noel Movers are totally self-supported?? We're always looking for generous donors to help pay for fuel and maintenance. We're also looking for space to store furniture. Call Anthony if you can help.

YOUNG NEIGHBORS IN ACTION – Please pray for our group traveling to Chicago this week: Jason Bostick, Katie Caporossi, Kate DeFrank, Andrew Drockton, Melissa Gerhardt, Meghan Hope, Michele Federici, Katie Razzante, Chris Myers, Kevin Myers, Jason Schaner, Jessica Schaner, Becky Roman, and Megan Fraley. A special thanks to our chaperones: Karen Fraley, Tony Madore and Dana Barto!! The group will be working at a center for mentally handicapped adults, an inner-city community center and an inner-city church. We're looking forward to a great week! Thanks to all who supported the trip through our many fund-raisers during the year.

HURRY! HURRY! REGISTER NOW FOR GIFT and receive a canvas tote bag. Your promptness will help us prepare for the fall, and the first 100 households to register receive a gift to show our appreciation. Eight exciting sessions are planned for this year. Take advantage of the discount price by registering for all eight NOW! If you misplaced or did not receive a form in the mail, pick one up on the table in the narthex, Drop your completed form (and check made out to St. Noel Church) in the GIFT box on the table.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for July are as follows: July 28 th - we will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

THE CATHOLIC SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVAL known as the <FEST> is on Sunday August 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Center for Pastoral Leadership (Borromeo Seminary) in Wickliffe (28700 Euclid Ave). The day is free and a great way to celebrate our Catholic Faith. More information can be found at: www.TheFest.us or by calling 440-943-7662. See you at the <FEST>.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CORPORATION is seeking volunteers to serve on its board of directors. People with experience in marketing, public relations, advocacy, and fundraising would make a great fit for this position. For more information please contact Patrick Grace at 1-800-869-6525 ext 5750 or e-mail at: pgrace@dioceseofcleveland.org .

A WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED, SEPARATED AND WIDOWED - 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 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 be held on October 7 th , 8 th , and 9 th at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland. Call Frank at 440-473-0457 or Jan at 440-808-9879.

CATHOLIC UPDATE – entitled “Seven Secrets of Successful Stewards,” by Paul Wilkes, is now available in the kiosk.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION INFORMATION-

We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe – Our 25 th Anniversary –

•  The parish pictorial directories have arrived. If you participated in a photo session or submitted a photo, you are entitled to a pictorial directory at no charge. You may pick-up your pictorial directory on the benches in the hallway leading to the parish offices .The pictorial books are labeled with your name. Please be sure to pick-up the correct book.

•  The 25 th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 21 st is taking shape. Interested in lending a hand, contact the parish office at 440-946-0887.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY (20'S AND 30'S) -

On Sat. August 13, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, volunteer to help with a painting project at St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School on Superior Ave in Cleveland.    Painting experience helpful, but not necessary.  To register, please call Laura Whitkofski (home 216-228-9516) or e-mail to whitkofski@msn.com or pekelly@dioceseofcleveland.org.  This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office of the Diocese of Cleveland.  

CLASS OF 1960 ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL 45 th Class Reunion will be held on the weekend of October 14 th , 15 th , & 16 th . Classmates interested please contact Ron Erich at 440-944-1077 or Walter Zagar at 440-564-7277.

MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1965 REUNION – will celebrate its 40 th Reunion with a luncheon gathering at the Signature of Solon on Saturday, October 1, 2005. Classmates are encouraged to contact one of the following committee members to update their mailing information in order to receive complete details. Carol, 216-475-0365, Ginny at 330-995-8837 or Chris at 216-587-2786.

DISCOVER THE WARSZAWA MUSIC FESTIVAL! - Join other Clevelanders at a summer concert series as they experience the world's music performed live in a relaxed outdoor setting in the heart of the city. The shows occur at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings, in Slavic village at Dan Kane Park near East 65 th Street and Broadway Avenue (via 1-77 at the Fleet Ave. exit).

Sponsored by Pulaski Franciscan Community Development Corporation, 216-271-6630. See www.slavicvillage.org/Neighborhood/community_events.htm for complete concert schedule.

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE; Join the Cleveland Catholic Forum for Avenues of Grace, a Eucharistic Festival of Praise! Live praise music will be provided by Dr. Kebe & the Catholic Praise Revival on Saturday, August 20, 2005 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Wickliffe from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All are welcome to this free event. See www.clevelandcatholicforum.com for more information.

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.