Week of August 26, 2007

Weekly Readings

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

Our plans for the 2007-2008 GIFT season are well underway. Hopefully, you have received a packet in the mail that includes a booklet describing each session, its objectives, format and menu. We are very excited about the topics and speakers for this year. The mailing includes a registration form for your household. You may register for the entire year at a discounted cost, or you may sign up for whichever sessions you want to attend. Everyone who registers by the first GIFT session in September will receive a special gift.

Also enclosed in the mailing is a volunteer form. As you know, it takes many people to make this popular program happen. Please take the time to fill out this form and help wherever you can. You may also volunteer for specific areas of need as they arise. On our new GIFT bulletin board (just outside the old sacristy and across from the rest rooms) we will highlight specific sessions and opportunities to volunteer.

In an effort to meet the requests of all parishioners, we will offer some GIFT series on Wednesdays and Fridays. Others will be Wednesdays and Sundays so be very careful when you mark your calendar. If transportation is an issue for anyone please call the parish office. We have people who really want to give you a ride! And speaking of help … our Endowment Committee has set funds aside to help participants who may find the registration fee a burden at this time. Just call the parish office for details.

Once you complete your registration form, drop it off in the GIFT box in the narthex or at the receptionist's desk. I truly believe that spending a few hours each month to grow in community and deepen our faith is time well spent. I look forward to seeing you at GIFT.

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?

“PRAY FOR PEACE” SIGNS – Yard signs which say, “Pray for Peace and Nonviolence” are available for $5.00 from the Catholic Commission.  Call 330-535-2787 to order.

THE ST. NOEL PARISH PICNIC – is today (Sunday) August 26, 2007 at Campbell Park, beginning at 1:00 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.

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.

HELP!   We are looking for someone who would be willing to volunteer on Monday evenings in the church office.  Please call the office (440-946-0887) if you might be interested we will go over the details with you.

BLANKET SUNDAY COMING SOON – The weekend of October 13 th & 14 th marks the Twentieth Annual Blanket Sunday Collection to aid the needy.

BAPTISM DAY – will be held on Sunday, September 23 rd 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 the parish office at 440-946-0887.

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 Lower Level on Thursday evenings from October 4, 2007 through November 8, 2007 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.

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.

LOAVES & LETTERS – Plan on attending our next “Loaves and Letters” gathering on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Resurrection Room.  We will be writing letters in keeping with our 40 days of praying, fasting and acting on behalf of peace.  More details in future bulletins.

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.

GET OUT OF THE SHOWER -   Have you been keeping your singing all to yourself?  Why not share your talents with the community of St. Noel by joining our music ministry?  Our choir is about to start preparing our repertoire for Christmas so this is the perfect time to join us in singing our praises to God .  The choir is open to anyone who loves to sing and can carry a tune.  We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00.

Members attend the weekend liturgy of their choice so you can maintain a flexible weekend schedule.  We will have our "season opener" wine and cheese rehearsal on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7:00.  If you are interested in becoming a part of this very special ministry, please call Marc at 440-946-0887.

Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Board … New rules for the coming tax year will require diligent recordkeeping. Keep those charitable contribution receipts!

As of January of 2007, you will only be able to deduct charitable contributions of any amount if you have a receipt, bank record or letter showing the date and amount of the gift.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for August are as follows: – 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 8-1pm. 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 (946-1128 x20) 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!!

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.

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 .

50thANNIVERSARY OF NOTRE DAME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Please join us for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Notre Dame Elementary School on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop Roger Gries, O.S.B. at 2:00 p.m. followed by a Golden Jubilee Reception and School Open House. Please respond by September 1, 2007, by calling (440) 279-1127 or e-mailing the school - jmaras@ndec.org. We look forward to celebrating with you !

ST. JUDE FRATERNITY OF THE SECULAR FRANCISCANS will sponsor a one day retreat on September 15, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The topic will be “The Most Blessed Sacrament”. The Retreat Master will be Fr. Paul Bernier, SSS. The cost is $15.00. For more information please see the flier on the kiosk or to register please call 440-442-4426 or 440-423-0691.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED -- “Is Happiness Possible after Divorce? You Can't Walk on Water if You Don't Get Out of the Boat!” The answer is “YES!” Join Fr. Steve Dohner, MA PhD, on Tuesday, September 18 th from 7:00-9:00 pm at St. Noel Church, 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, who believes there is happiness after divorce if you want it, believe it, and are willing to work to make it a reality. Find out how! To register or for more information, kindly call Karen at 440-352-8282.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “Praying the Our Father with the Pope – From Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI” is now available in the kiosk.

RETROUVAILLE – Have you been worried about the state of your marriage? Do the stresses and strain of everyday living take its toll on your marriage relationship? A Retrouvaille weekend will be held from Friday, September 21 st (8:00 p.m.) through Sunday, September 23 rd (3:00 p.m.) at the Hilton Hotel, 3663 Park East Drive, Beachwood, Ohio. A registration fee of $50 is requested to confirm a reservation. For information concerning the program or to register please call 1-800-470-2230 or 330-665-3506. You can also learn about Retrouvaille on the web at: www.helpourmarriage.com .

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.