Week of August 20, 2006

Weekly Readings

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

As you know Bishop Anthony Pilla has retired after serving as our Bishop for 25 years. In an effort to mark this important milestone in our history, celebrations have been scheduled in all the regions of the diocese. It is Bishop Pilla's personal request that these celebrations be composed of all the people of the diocese not simply priests and vowed religious. The Anniversary Mass for our region of Lake-Geauga will take place on Monday evening, August 28 th at St. Mary in Chardon at 7:00 p.m. A stand-up reception with the Bishop will take place afterwards. Twenty-five tickets for the celebration have been provided to St. Noel. We are very interested in finding 25 parishioners who wish to represent the parish for the occasion. If you are willing to participate in this important event please stop into the parish office after Mass this weekend or call (440-946-0887) this week.   Tickets are accessible on a first come basis. We are grateful for the 25 people who will be willing to represent us.

Also in connection with the anniversary, an impressive coffee table book documenting the ministry of Bishop Pilla has been produced. Copies of this volume are available in the narthex this weekend. A free-will offering is requested. It will be donated to the charity of Bishop Pilla's choice.

A significant part of our lives has occurred under the leadership of Bishop Pilla. It is appropriate to celebrate how God has blessed us through him.

.  

                                           Fr. George Smiga

CLUSTERING NEWS

IS THIS JUST THE FIRST STEP TO CLOSING PARISHES? No. Clustering is a method to help avoid closing or merging parishes through a relationship that will allow each parish to maintain its own identity, canonical status, and financial accountability. Given the experience of other dioceses, many clusters continue for years with each parish sustaining its own identity. In other cases, mergers, consolidation, or closing are chosen as the only way to sustain a lasting church presence with a critical number of people, ministry, and finances. Cluster partners will work together to plan for future staffing and configuring of our parishes for the next 5-10 years. Each cluster parish retains its own members, but works out ways of sharing programs, ministries, and using resources wisely to best meet the needs of the cluster area. We need to form relationships and plans for providing sacramental ministries that will support parishes, priests, deacons, and ministers for years to come. Developing contingency plans on how to handle sacramental needs when fewer priests are available is the main function of the clustering process.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Matthew and Marcia Kish on the birth of their daughter, Madelyn Grace.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – there will be no Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, September 4, 2006 because of the Labor Day Holiday.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG - Your generous contributions came to $2,176.88!!  Hannah's Home and the young women they serve are most grateful!  A letter from Hannah's Home is on the kiosk.

REMINDER – The 8:45 a.m. Liturgy on Tuesday, August 22nd will be in the Outdoor Chapel (weather permitting).

REMINDER – We will not be serving the meal at St. Augustine Hunger Center next Sunday, August 27 th .

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND - After all the Masses on August 26 th and August 27th, we will be collecting for our Social Justice fund.

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND - In July we collected $2,517.00. Our expenses for July were:

Utilities                                           $   394.47

Rent                                                 1,005.00

St. Augustine Meal                               424.45

Donation to Woman Kind                       300.00

Food Pantry                                           61.80

                                     Total           $2,185.80

FLOOD ASSISTANCE -Wayne, Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties have been damaged with recent flooding. Many homes are damaged and numerous people have suffered unexpected hardships. If you wish to help those in the diocese affected, monetary donations are now being accepted. Please indicate that you wish your donation to go to local flood victims. Donations can be sent to : Catholic Charities Health and Human Services Attention: Christine Horne 7911 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102

BAPTISM DAY – will be held on Sunday, September 17 th from 12:15-3:30 p.m. Parents who are planning to present a child for Baptism in the next six months, or already have done so and have not previously attended such a day, are expected to attend. Please call Karen Myers at 440-974-8116 or Carol Silvi at 440-354-2425.

CLOTHING ITEMS – We have been finding bags of clothing left outside by the office, church and hall doors. We ask that you do not leave these items outside if the building is locked – animals get into them and then they are all over. When the building is open, please bring these items into the clothing bins which is located in the room marked “Food and Clothing Drop Off” in the hallway to the right of the narthex. Thank you.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS – Mark your calendars – there will be an evening of reflection for all liturgical ministers on Tuesday evening, September 12, 2006. Please save the date! More information will be mailed to you in several weeks.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY – is planning a field trip to Crown Point Ecology Center (they grow organic foods) in Bath, Ohio on Saturday, September 23, 2006. If interested please call Mary McKown at 440-449-1257.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY beginning Tuesday, September 12 th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the Book of Acts. For more information call Rosanne at 440-946-6318.

PARISH RETREAT - will be held on Wednesday, September 6th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.   The retreat theme will be “How I spent My Summer Vacation: A sharing of Transfiguration Moments.” The retreat will be facilitated by members of the St. Noel community. Sign up is on the kiosk.   (A $5.00 donation is suggested for the lunch). Eucharistic Adoration will be at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room.

FOOD PANTRY DRIVE - Summer has been a very, very busy time for our food pantry.  Unfortunately a record number of families (over 40) have needed our assistance the past few months.  Needless to say, our supplies have dwindled and so we are coming to you for help.  Any and all non perishable foods are welcome but as always we have a particular need for soap ( hand/body, laundry, dish washing) and paper products.  We will be making a specific effort to collect these items on the weekend of September 9 & 10 but if you choose to bring them beforehand just place them in the bin in the food pantry area (same as the clothing drop off area off the narthex).  Our clients have been very blessed by your generosity in the past and we look forward to your help on September 9 & 10.  Please keep our workers and those we serve in your prayers!

THE SAINT NOEL CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS “A Summer Celebration” featuring the St. Noel Chamber Singers. The concert will be held on Sunday, September 10 at 4:00 PM at St. Noel Church. Music will include the magnificent Five Mystical Songs by R. Vaughan Williams (with Marc Weagraff as baritone soloist) as well as pieces by Haydn, Tallis and others. The concert is free of charge. A free-will offering will be taken to support the Music Ministry Pilgrimage Fund. Don't miss this chance to hear some extraordinary music! Mark your calendars now. ALSO - watch the bulletin for more exciting things to come from the St. Noel Concert Series this fall.

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP DATE CHANGE-  Because of the Liturgical Ministers Retreat on September 12th the SRG meeting on September 12th is cancelled and we will meet on Tuesday, August 29th, at 7:30 pm in the Nativity Room to discuss Everyday Simplicity by Robert Wicks. 

BEREAVEMENT SERIES – Our Bereavement Ministry invites anyone (participants need not be parishioners) who is coping with the loss of a family member or friend to attend a series of evenings designed to support and assist people in their grieving. The series will be held in the Resurrection Room on Thursday, September 21st through October 26th; and each evening will include some time for prayer. These sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887. Fliers are available in the kiosk.

JOIN US FOR A PILGRIMAGE to the Shrine of the North American Martyrs (St. Noel was one of them!)

in Midland, Ontario. We will leave early Friday morning, October 6th and return Saturday night, October 7. The cost for the trip will be $191.00 per person (thank you, Endowment Fund!!) and includes meals, (including dinner at Scully's Crabshack), transportation, lodging, admissions, and a boat ride on the Georgian Bay. We will also stop at the Duty Free Store on the way home. Flyers with detailed information and registration forms are in the kiosk. We have extended the deadline for the $75.00 deposit to Monday, August 21 st .

FIRST COMMUNION – All families who plan to present their children for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in April, 2007 are asked to begin the process by attending a Family Information and Interview Gathering. You may join us on either Sunday, August 27 th or September 10 th in the Banquet Center/Large Hall at 12:15 p.m. (following the 11:00 a.m. Mass). From Saturday, August 5 th through Sunday, August 20 th 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.

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.

PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS –Beginning this fall we will offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at two times on Sundays. This program is based on the Montessori approach to learning and helps children understand the historical events of Jesus’ life, His preaching, and components of the liturgy. Beginning Sunday, September 17th, children ages 3, 4, and 5 years may attend Good Shepherd at either 8:45-10:15 or 10:45-12:15. While these times allow parents to attend either the 9:00 or 11:00 Mass, please notice that the session is one and a half hours long. Children should be available for the full time. If you did not receive a registration form in the mail, you may register in the parish office or call 440-946-1128 x 21.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP -The activities for the month of August are as follows: August 24 th - Noon–socializing/meeting; then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon of strip steak, red potatoes, vegetables, mixed salad, and mixed berry pie. Tickets are $6.00 for members and $8.00 for guests. Deadline for tickets and payment is August 21 st .     August 31 st – Bingo - We will also 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.

NOEL MOVERS – The Movers are working with the Lake County Church Network to help victims of the flood.   Your donations of furniture are a big help.    Please call Anthony to arrange pickup. You can help the Noel Movers with a financial gift next weekend after the Masses.   We'll be accepting donations to keep the Movers on the road!   Thanks!

WHEELS FOR THE WORLD – will be collecting wheel chairs, walkers, canes, and crutches on Saturday, August 26 th form 9-3pm at the Willoughby Hills Friends Church.   Please bring items directly to the Friends Church.   All wheel chairs are gladly accepted regardless of condition.   No other medical equipment is accepted – bed rails, toilets, medicine, etc.

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 receive 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.

RETROUVAILLE – Help for troubled marriages.   Retrouvaille is a program which helps couples to rediscover each other in a new and positive way. A Retrouvaille weekend will be held on September 8 th through September 10 th at the Hilton Hotel in Beachwood. A registration fee of $50 is required to confirm a reservation. For more information call Al and Diane Miskinis at 330-665-3506 or 1-800-470-2230. You may also learn about Retrouvaille on the world wide web at www.helpourmarriage.com .

ST. WILLIAM PARISH IN EUCLID – is hosting a special 60 th Anniversary Family Reunion Picnic on the parish grounds. Priests assigned to the parish currently and from the past years will concelebrate a special Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the church. The picnic begins immediately after Mass. All former parishioners are invited to attend. For further information please call 216-731-1515.

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 the 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 6 th , 7 th , and 8 th at St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland. Call Carol at 330-416-8911, Frank 216-289-1497 or Claire 330-676-1955 in the evenings for the information on this weekend of hope and healing.

REGINA HIGH SCHOOL is presenting a student directed play: Alice in Wonderland in Regina's air conditioned auditorium! Friday and Saturday, August 25 th & 26 th at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, August 27 th at 6:00 p.m.   Tickets are $5 for students and $6 for adults. For additional information please call 216-382-2110.

THE SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC OF AKRON are holding two information sessions about their Associates Discernment Process on Tuesday, September 5 th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 23 rd at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Elms motherhouse, 1230 W. Market St., Akron, Ohio. Interested persons would attend just one of these sessions. Dominican Associates are lay women and men who are drawn to the Dominican spirit and commit themselves to living out the Dominican mission in their daily lives in partnership with the Dominican sisters. For information, or to register for either of these sessions, contact Anita Davidson at 614-416-1054 or at

dominican.associates@juno.com .

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER ONCE A WEEK TO SAVE A BABY'S LIFE? Birthright, a Pro-Life Pregnancy Service, is in URGENT NEED OF VOLUNTEERS .   Please consider volunteering at the Birthright Office located at 960 East 185 th Street, Cleveland. Please call Fran Zeglen at 216-486-2800 for additional information and to arrange for your training

ALL CATHOLICS-YOUNG ADULTS AGES 18-24 are invited to a dynamic presentation by Fr. Eric Orzech, Parochial Vicar of St. Therese on Pope John Paul II's positive teaching on sexuality and marriage, and what it means to the average Catholic, celibate, single, or married. The program will be presented on Saturday, September 9, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, Garfield Heights. Check out the kiosk for more information and directions. You can also call Eric Kennerk at 216-221-3472 or www.stroseyag.com .

OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL YOUTH GROUP is sponsoring a rummage sale today, Sunday, August

20 th at their community center, 29850 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.   The youth group is on a mission to serve and care for the poor, hungry, and homeless of our community and around the world.

THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME invite you to the 44 th Annual Barbecue/Boutique on Sunday, September 17 th & 24 th from Noon to 5:00 p.m.   Enjoy barbecued chicken or RIBS, Patterson's Dutch apple pie, beverages. Select sisters' handmade items in the Boutique.   Tickets are available at the door: $9/chicken, $12/ribs. Held at Notre Dame Educational Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH-south of Mayfield Road (Rt. 322). Rain or shine.

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.