Week of August 19, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

Thank you to all those who made our summer Vacation Bible School Program a great success. The program took place during the week of July 16-20 and we used Gospel Light's VBS program. During the week over 140 children traveled to a space station where they learned about the force of God's love. Each day kids visited various areas such as Bible Story Time (where Dr. Franfrankovitchky and friends shared scripture) and Interest Builders (where the Spacey Sisters helped kids decode the daily message of God's love). At the snack station everyone made (and tasted) out- of- this- world delights and at crafts they created keepsakes including a secret agent ID badge. Everyday the VBS kids saw skits and practiced music. They worked off some energy at recess. Our mission project this year involved kids helping kids as they earned money for “Feed the Children,” an outreach program that provides food for African children. All the kids earned money during the week to contribute to this effort.

In keeping with the “space mission” theme children and volunteers took a field trip Wednesday afternoon to NASA. Everyone had a great time and learned a lot about our national space program. On Friday evening we gathered on the lawn for a meal. Later we shared highlights of the week, watched a performance of the closing musical and played games outside.

Vacation Bible School is one of the most exciting ministerial efforts of our year, and it would not be possible without the cooperation of over 95 volunteers, which included a large number of parents, grandparents, and the 46 youth volunteers listed below:

Fr. George Smiga

REFLECTIONS ON PEACE – Someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough……And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at the table in the Kingdom of God. Luke 13:23-24, 29.

Am I taking the opportunity now to develop the strength to enter by the narrow gate? What do I need to do to become more inclusive of others and see all as children of God? How does this influence my attitude toward our foreign policy and what is happening in the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan?

MORNING PRAYER FOR PEACE - Here at St. Noel we will be launching this diocesan wide effort to pray, fast and act for peace with morning prayer on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. We hope many of you will be able to join us on Saturday and for this important effort to bring the peace of Christ into our families, our communities and our world. Also booklets to guide us through these 40 days are available on the table in the narthex.

THE ST. NOEL CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: THE RENAISSANCE RINGERS in concert on Sunday, August 19 th at 5:30 p.m. The Renaissance Ringers are one of the country's foremost handbell choirs. If you have never heard a professional-level handbell choir before, you will be amazed by the beautiful and intricate music being performed at this concert! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be accepted to benefit the St. Noel Social Justice Ministry Fund.

THE ST. NOEL PARISH PICNIC – is next Sunday (August 26, 2007 at Campbell Park, beginning at 2:00 p.m.). Families with last names beginning A-M are asked to bring appetizers and families N-Z please bring desserts to share with the group. Flyers with additional information are available in the narthex. Contact the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you have any questions.

SAVE THE DATE - St. Augustine Hunger Center Benefit Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2007, here at St. Noel. Watch the bulletin for further details.

SOMETIMES WE LOSE THINGS! The parish staff would like for you to know that once in a while your voice mail message or electronic submission doesn't

come though completely. Maybe we can't understand a key part in the name or phone number left. Just recently someone sent a message through our web site but no name or message appeared with it. If you have tried to contact us and we didn't respond, please try again. We really are not ignoring you!!

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION has made a difference in the lives of many people who spend one hour before the Blessed Sacrament on Mondays between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. In our busy schedules, one hour of quiet prayer is a real blessing for those participating. If you would you like to sign up for a specific hour or become a substitute when someone can't make their hour, call the parish office at 440-946-0887. If you're not able to make a commitment, please stop in anytime during Eucharistic Adoration and you will be richly blessed as you share quality time with our God.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- After all the Masses on August 25 th & August 26 th will be collecting for our Social Justice fund.

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND – In July we collected $1,266.00. Our expenses for July were:

We thank you for your support.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY- AN INVITATION   While our current members have another twelve months to serve out their commitment in our Social Justice Ministry, we thought fall would be a good time to see if there are any other parishioners who would like to join us!  We meet next on September 5, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. in the Resurrection Room.  We plan to take part of our meeting time that night to incorporate any additional parishioners who want to become part of the group.  Please call Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887 if you are interested.

ATTENTION FAMILIES OF CHILDREN ENTERING SECOND GRADE THIS FALL– Plan to attend a Confirmation/Communion information meeting following the 11:00 Mass on either Sunday, September 9 th or 16 th . A detailed letter has been mailed, but if you did not receive one please call 440-946-1128 X 21 to register your child.

WATCH YOUR MAILBOX! Arriving this week will be the 2007-2008 GIFT registration packet, which includes a session summary booklet, registration form and the popular GIFT reminder magnet. Every registered household will receive a special gift.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for August are as follows: – August 23 rd – Speaker from the Cleveland Clinic-Topic: Medication. August 30 th – Games - we will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Also, please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

BLOOD DRIVE – Thanks to all who supported the drive last month! Our next blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, September 23 rd from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Those who donated in July are welcome to donate again. The American Red Cross is grateful for the effort of St. Noel Church and looks forward to 4-5 blood drives during 2007-2008. Sign-up will be available in September. We are also in need of volunteers to work the welcome table at the blood drive. Please call Anthony (440-946-1128 X 20) if you can help.

PRIME TIME - We have 2 exciting events already in September! Box City and CropWalk. Check the kiosk for more information. Box City applications are due August 28 th and can be downloaded from the website: www.stnoel.org . Go to the PRIME TIME page. If you haven't tried PRIME TIME, now's the time to start!! The group is open to all 9-12 grade students.

CLAMBAKE – The incredible PRIME TIME clambake is set for October 7 th . Chef Randy and friends will again present the best bake around – mark your calendars now!!

COMPUTER RECYCLING – Many people call the furniture bank looking to donate used computers. The best option is to recycle your old units. They are professionally “cleaned” and then refurbished for distribution. Unusable components are recycled. Cuyahoga County is sponsoring Computer Recycling Month in August. For more info, go to: http://www.cuyahogaswd.org/residents/comprec.asp . Some communities offer year-round recycling.

Check out: http://www.parkworks.org/recycle/recyclespecialcomputers.htm Lake County Residents are not as fortunate. Usually one day in the spring is set aside for computer donations. Go to: http://lake.osu.edu/environmental-education-recycling or contact a county commissioner at: http://www.lakecountyohio.org/commweb to express your views.

CHEF RANDY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!! St. Noel Banquet Center is currently booking the large and small halls for the remainder of 2007 and also for 2008 & 2009. There are still dates available for any size function between 50 and 400 people later this year. Whether it is an anniversary, baby or wedding shower, fund raiser, wedding or a Christmas party for family or a business, St. Noel Banquet Center will not leave you disappointed. Please remember to continue recommending the Banquet Center to your family and friends. To check availability please call us at 440-946-6635 or visit us at stnoelbanquetcenter.com.

BROKEN ROSARY? – One of our parishioners is adept at fixing broken rosaries. If you have a rosary that needs repair please call the parish office at (440-946-0887).

NEW MARY BOOK BY LOCAL AUTHOR – The Catholic Companion to Mary, a 176-page book by Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich, presents the Mother of God as a flesh-and-blood woman, a Jewish mother who had faith in the face of mystery and suffering, and as our mother who is concerned about us. It includes the story of Mary's life based on Scripture, what the Church teaches about her, her appearances on earth, and Marian prayers. Please consult the flyer on the kiosk or order by sending a check for $10.00 made out to Sisters of Notre Dame to Sr. Kathleen at 4237 Bluestone Road, South Euclid, Ohio 44121, or contact her at 216-381-9105 orkglavich@ndec.org .

CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY Annual Red Wagon Luncheon & Boutique will be held on September 5, 2007, at LaCentre (25777 Detroit Road, Westlake). Doors open at 9:30 a.m. . ALSO at this year's luncheon, the 2007 Red Wagon Award will be presented to the Rev. Ralph Wiatrowski, Christ Child Society Spiritual Advisor for over twenty years. The Society is grateful that we have the opportunity to acknowledge all of the contributions Fr. Ralph has made, thank him for his years of service, and offer our congratulations and best wishes as he begins this new stage in his career. Tickets are $40/person. For reservations or information, contact Shirley at 440-582-5598

FARMER'S MARKET – The Cleveland Foodbank, along with the western Lake County Food Pantries, is sponsoring a free Farmer's Market for those who meet the income eligibility guidelines established by the government. (Guidelines available in the parish office.)  The market will be held on the following Thursdays: August 23,  September 27, and October 25 from 2p.m. to 4p.m. at St. John Vianney Church,7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor.  Volunteers are needed to help with the market.  Please call the parish office if you would like more information or are able to volunteer.

JOIN YOUNG ADULTS from around the Diocese to bid farewell to the beautiful lakeside oasis of the St. Joseph Christian Life Center. On Sunday, September 2 nd. A ll ages are invited to join in a celebration of the life and love that has been provided at the Center – 18485 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 44119. For more information please call 216-531-7370 or please e-mail voice.ministries@gmail.com .

HOSPICE OF THE CLEVELAND CLINIC – is in need of volunteers. Brighten someone's day. Bring comfort and relief to those who need it most. Training is offered once a month. Please call Ann at 216-636-8666 for more information.

WILLOUGHBY JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB (WJWC) is hosting their annual membership event at Cork's Wine Bar in historic downtown Willoughby on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. For more information call Diane at 440-338-1916

NOTRE DAME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S Anniversary Celebration - Calling all alumni, former teachers and families of Notre Dame Elementary School. This coming September, Notre Dame Elementary School will be celebrating its 50 th Anniversary! Plans are already underway for this Golden Anniversary Year. For more information please contact the school at 440-279-1127.

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