Week of August 7, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

After a well-merited hiatus from rehearsals, our music ministry will resume its weekly practices on August 11 th . This provides an opportunity for me, as pastor, to highlight the role of the music ministry and to encourage parishioners to consider joining this important group in our parish.

The primary role of the St. Noel music ministry is to support and enhance the singing of the entire assembly. Although we are fortunate to have the ministry provide beautiful reflective pieces to which we can listen, the music ministry provides an invaluable service in assisting all of us to sing and pray. The music ministry currently numbers 80 singers and instrumentalists. Although this seems a large number, because the ministry services three liturgies each weekend, we are always in need of new members. You do not need to be a professional musician to participate in the music ministry (although we would welcome anyone who is). Any parishioner with a good voice and a willingness to learn is welcome to join the ministry. There is a definite pride I feel as pastor to see members of our community step forward to use the gifts that God has given them in worship and song. Our music director, Marc Weagraff, works regularly with those who volunteer to develop the skills that will truly enhance our liturgy. Moreover, participating in the music ministry can be fun. It is one way of meeting new people and developing personal musical skills in service of our community. Weekly practices are on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. A good amount of flexibility is possible both in the liturgy at which you choose to participate and the practices you are able to attend. If you are wondering whether your schedule will allow you to serve in the music ministry, I encourage you to talk to Marc and determine if your availability meets our needs. You can catch him after any weekend liturgy or contact him at the parish office (440-946-0887).

I would like to thank all those who are presently a part of our music ministry and ask the rest of the parish to consider whether God might be calling you to serve St. Noel through sharing your musical gifts.

Fr. George Smiga

P.S. As part of my academic commitment to teach at the Seminary, I will be away from August 6th to the 13 th to attend the yearly meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association in Collegeville Minnesota. Besides interacting with biblical scholars from across the country and attending lectures on a variety of scriptural topics, I will be participating in an on-going seminar discussing the relevance of the research on the historical Jesus to modern day Jewish-Christian dialogue. I also plan to visit Russ Connors who used to serve as a weekend presider here at St. Noel and is now teaching at St. Catherine's College in St. Paul Minnesota. During my absence, Fr. Tom Dragga will preside at our liturgies and our parish staff will be available to meet your pastoral needs.

Justin Ekin, who for two years has been attending Borromeo as a seminarian from St. Noel has decided not to continue in the seminary program. We wish Justin the best as he explores new directions in his life. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.

MARK YOUR 2006 CALENDAR TODAY!!! The 2006 Vacation Bible School program will be the week of July 17 th – 21 st . Watch the bulletin in the Spring for volunteer opportunities and registration dates.

HEALING MINISTRY – This Wednesday, we will again be celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as part of our 6:45 p.m. evening liturgy. For those dealing with a significant physical or emotional struggle, come and receive this beautiful Sacrament of Anointing. For those carrying burdens of hurt, anxiety, fear, disappointments or doubts be healed by His touch through the Eucharist. After the liturgy, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for individual needs.

MISSION COLLECTION – We want to thank you for your generosity in response to Chris Janezic's appeal for IPM. We collected $5,660.00.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for the month of August are as follows: August 4 th – Socializing; August 11 th , games of choice; August 18 th – 12:00 p.m. socializing, meeting; 12:30 p.m. Luncheon – menu is spaghetti with meatballs, sausage, garlic bread, salad, spumoni. For tickets call: Betty, 440-946-5255 (Please do NOT call after 9 p.m. The cost is $6 and the deadline for tickets and payment is August 15 th . August 25 th – anniversaries and birthdays, horse races. Bring something for the Food Bank. All meetings are held on Thursdays at 12:00 Noon in the small hall, everyone welcome.

HOSPICE- Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic is looking for special people to provide compassionate support to patients. We offer training, in-services, recognition, volunteer newsletters, camaraderie, and a sense of accomplishment for helping someone in need. The next training begins in September. For an interview, please call Ann Catanese at 216-636-8666.

HOSPICE MEETING – If you missed the focus meeting held here at St. Noel and would still like an opportunity to participate in the process of discerning a need for a hospice facility in our area, you can attend a similar meeting at Divine Word on August 9, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.

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

NEWS FROM EL SALVADOR – We have a report from “Women and Community – Mujer y Comunidad”, our partnership with the women in El Salvador who are operating a small business to help sustain themselves and their families. The report is in a pocket in the Social Concerns section of the kiosk on gold paper. Please take a copy. As you will see they are engaged in many activities to help improve the quality of their lives.

AUGUST ANNIVERSARY SHOWER - You may still pick up gift cards at the table in the narthex this weekend if you did not have an opportunity to do so last weekend. Your items should be brought to church on the weekend of our Anniversary Celebration, August 20 th & 21 st .

JUSTFAITH - The twenty-four JustFaith participants from last year would like to extend an invitation to you to consider being a part of our second year of JustFaith. This thirty week program is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Learning and formation in Catholic Social Teaching takes place through prayer, reading, discussion, videos, guest speakers and field trips. The actual JustFaith course will begin on Sunday, September 18 th and continue through Sunday, May 7 th . We will gather on these Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Meet our facilitators for this year, Kathy Benda and Marilyn Wright, when you attend one of the information and registration meetings which will be held on Saturday, August 27 th at 6:15 pm; Sunday August 28 th at 12:15 pm and Thursday, September 1 st at 7:30 pm.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE – Catholic Charities Services of Lake County is seeking volunteers to serve as Volunteer Visitors for the Lake County Probate Court. As a volunteer, you will spend time with individuals who have had a guardian appointed and act as an extra set of “eyes and ears” for the Court. Full training will be provided. An informational meeting is being held at St. Noel's on Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. Please plan to attend to learn how your time can make a difference. If you have any questions, please call Sally DeLong at Catholic Charities (440) 352-6191.

FIRST COMMUNION – All families who plan to present their children for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in April, 2006 are asked to begin the process by attending a Family Information and Interview Gathering. You may join us on either Sunday, August 28 or September 11 in the large hall at 12:15 (following the 11:00 Mass). From Saturday, August 6 through Sunday, August 21, there will be a table in the Narthex where your family can sign up for one of these gatherings. Parents and the child preparing for these sacraments (generally second graders) should plan to attend together. The whole family is welcome; however, babysitting for younger children will be available if you prefer. If you have any questions, please call Marianne at 440-946-1128 x21.

Children who are older than second grade and have received first communion but have not yet been confirmed, please watch in late summer or early fall for information regarding the sacrament of confirmation.

PRESCHOOL PARENTS – If you did not receive a mailing recently with registration information, please call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 x 21. Our traditional Preschool program and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program will begin September 18 th .

YOUNG NEIGHBORS IN ACTION – We had a wonderful trip to Chicago last week! Thanks to our awesome chaperones: Karen Fraley, Tony Madore and Dana Barto!! Please plan on attending our presentation in the fall. We'll share the week with you, tell some stories and answer any questions. Our teens can accomplish great things.

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.

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.

THE CATHOLIC SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVAL known as the <FEST> is 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. Flyers are available in the kiosk and on the table in the Narthex. See you at the <FEST>.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY - On Saturday, August 13 th from 9 a.m. to Noon, volunteer to help with a painting project at St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School on Superior Ave in Cleveland. To register, please call Laura Whitkofski (216)228-9516 or e-mail to whitkofski@msn.com , or pekelly@dioceseofcleveland.org .

2005 OHIO YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE - Women and men in their 20's and 30's, single and married are invited to the Conference on Saturday, October 15 th at Baldwin-Wallace College. For details check out www.ohioyoungadultministry.com or call Mark Delsander at 216 334-1261 x 25.

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 a 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.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION INFORMATION-

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

•  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.

•  Remembering Weekend – August 6 th & 7 th . After all Masses this weekend, there will be pictures and mementos of St. Noel's history on display in the narthex. Stay after Mass a few minutes and walk through the early history of St. Noel. There will be a parish history search in which you can locate the answers to specific questions concerning St. Noel history.

•  Anniversary Celebration – August 21 st . Please refer to the back of the August calendar.

•  Commemorative History Book of St . Noel Church - All parishioners have received a letter inviting them to be a personal or business sponsor for the book. Please complete the form you received and return in the addressed envelope provided. Any questions on the history book, contact Chris Roach at (440)356-1124.

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