Week of September 4, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

Before his death, John Paul II issued an important message for the World Day of Peace on January 1, 2005. In this document the Holy Father states: “Based on the certainty that evil will not prevail, Christians nourish an invincible hope which sustains their efforts to promote justice and peace. Despite the personal and social sins which mark all human activity, hope constantly gives new impulse to the commitment to justice and peace, as well as firm confidence in the possibility of building a better world. ” In these words Pope John Paul II spoke within the long-standing tradition of our Catholic faith that the quest for world peace is an essential part of the Gospel message.

Following this tradition, the peace prayer group of St. Noel is planning to erect a peace pole as part of our 25 th Anniversary year. The peace pole practice began in Japan after the Second World War and has spread across our planet. Presently, over 180,000 peace poles have been dedicated in 180 countries.One was erected at the World Trade Center site to mark the first year anniversary of September 11 th .

Peace poles are four -or six- sided with the message in 12 different languages to represent the diversity of cultures on earth. The languages the peace group has chosen are English, Italian, Slovenian, Greek, and Russian to represent Europe; Spanish for Europe and South America; Hebrew and Arabic for the Middle East, Chinese for Asia; Swahili for Africa; Latin to represent our common western heritage and the universality of the Church; and Algonquin which not only reflects Native American traditions, but is also the language our patron Noel Chabanel studied before he came as a missionary to the New World. The pole will be located in the landscaped area to the right of the main entrance of the church.

Our peace group is currently seeking donations to cover the purchase and installation of the pole. If you wish to contribute, please call the parish office. Any size donation is welcome.

On October 19 th , after the Wednesday evening Liturgy, our peace group is planning a prayer vigil to dedicate the pole and pray for peace. We hope to schedule a blessing of the pole in conjunction with our patronal feast in October.

My hope is that once the pole is installed, it will be a reminder to us all as we enter and leave church that the Gospel calls us individually and as a community to work for peace on earth.

Fr. George Smiga

VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA – We will be taking a collection for the relief of the victims of hurricane Katrina. The ushers will accept donations in the narthex after Mass. Please make checks out to St. Noel and put “Hurricane Relief Fund ” in the memo. After this weekend, please send your donation directly to: Catholic Charities USA, Hurricane Katrina, P. O. Box 25168, Alexandria, VA. 22313-9788.

OUTDOOR MASS – Monday, September 5 th is Labor Day and our Mass will be in the outdoor chapel (weather permitting)

WEDNESDAY EVENING LITURGY begins again on September 7 th .

BEACON STREET'S story and song, movement and magic will help launch our 2005-06 GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER (GIFT) initiative. Sessions include a shared meal, a gathering and focus on our topic: “You are the Body of Christ: Identity and Shared Life,” and breakout sessions that further explore our Catholic tradition on this topic. You may choose to attend on either Wednesday, September 28, 6:00-8:30 p.m. or Sunday, October 2, 12:30-3:00 p.m.; but registration is necessary (resources are available through our Endowment Fund to help those desiring assistance). Registration forms are on the table in the Narthex or call 440-946-1128 x 21.

BAPTISM DAY will be held on September 25 th from 12:15 p.m. to 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 (440-946-0887).

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?? You can help us stay on the road with your donation. We're also in the market for a new(er) truck and more storage space. Call Anthony if you can help. Do you have furniture, mattresses, etc. in good condition? Call the Noel Movers to arrange pickup (946-1128 x20).

WHEELS FOR THE WORLD – St. Noel has again teamed up with the Willoughby Hills Evangelical Friends Church to sponsor a wheel chair collection on Saturday, September 10 th from 9am-3pm. We will also collect walkers, crutches, and three or four-legged canes. All items will be donated to Wheels for the World, a non-profit organization started by Joni Erickson. Please note: the collection is for one day only; no other medical equipment – beds, bedpans, toilet seats, etc. – will be accepted. Bring your useable items directly to the Willoughby Hills Friends Church (2846 SOM Center Rd) on that day. Do not bring items to St. Noel Church . See the kiosk for details or call Anthony with questions.

CLAMBAKE – the annual PRIME TIME Clambake is Sunday, September 25 th from 12:00 – 2:30pm. Tickets go on sale the weekend of September 10 th . This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and the best clambake around. All proceeds benefit St. Noel Youth Ministry.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're again serving at the Food Bank on Monday, September 12 th . We begin at 6:00pm. Please call Anthony if you would like to serve.

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Training for new Stephen Ministers will begin in January. You might be ready to serve in a ministry that quietly makes a difference in the lives of people experiencing difficult times. You will receive all the training and support you need to use the gifts God gave you. Call Anthony to learn about the Stephen Ministry 440-946-1128 ext. 20.

YOUTH MINISTRY – Both the junior high youth group and PRIME TIME will use the GIFT sessions as part of their regular gatherings. If you haven't registered for GIFT, get on board soon. GIFT will be an important component to the faith formation of our teens . Look for youth group information in the mail over the next 2 weeks!

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP & BIBLE STUDY – Women of all ages are invited to join our study group on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning September 13 th . We meet in the basement meeting room each week to discuss our Bible study (we are starting a new book on Acts) and enjoy the fellowship of other Christian women. Childcare is provided in the nursery--free of charge. We encourage you to join our growing group and look forward to seeing you. Please contact the parish office at 440-946-0887 for more information.

Catholic Update – ENTITLED “Treasures of Vatican II; Our Compass for the Future” by Edward P. Hahnenberg is now available in the kiosk.

DO YOU HEAR THE MUSIC CALLING? If you have ever considered joining the St. Noel music ministry, now is the time. We have some exciting plans for the upcoming year including some wonderful new Christmas repertoire and would love to have you join us. The choir is open to anyone who likes to sing and can carry a tune. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and members attend the weekend liturgy of their choice so your schedule remains flexible. We also welcome instrumentalists of all kinds in this group. If you are interested, please call Marc at 440-946-0887. We will be having our special “season opener” wine and cheese social on Thursday, September 8 th at 7:00 p.m. Plan to join us for refreshments and stay to join us in music making. We look forward to having you with us!

TAKE SOME OF ST. NOEL HOME WITH YOU! The following items are available for purchase in the Church Office. The Noel Music Ministry has released their first CD and it is now available! . Prices are $15 for 1 CD, 2 for $25, 3 for $35, and $10 each for orders of four or more. They're great for Christmas gift-giving, too. Proceeds benefit the St. Noel Music Ministry Tour Fund.

Beautiful notecards displaying drawings from our church Tour Book are also available. The cost is $5 for a pack of ten cards and proceeds benefit our partnership with “Women and Community” of Zaragoza, El Salvador.

ST.NOEL CONCERT SERIES presents “How Can We Keep from Singing?” an afternoon of beautiful music featuring the St. Noel Choir, Chamber Singers, and Handbell Choir. This concert will feature music from our new CD as well as some additional favorites from every season of the liturgical year. Come celebrate God's wonderful gift of music with us on Sunday, September 18 th at 4:00 in the church. The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken to support the Music Ministry Tour Fund. We look forward to seeing you there!

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S Elizabeth Roses” will be available in the narthex following all masses the weekend of September 10 & 11. Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, click on “Caring Ministries.”

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP The activities for the month of September are as follows: September 8 th – reverse raffle; September 15 th – bingo; September 22 nd - brunch. The menu is scrambled eggs, breakfast potato, cheese blintzes, french toast, sausage patties and fresh fruit. The cost is $6 and the deadline for tickets is September 16 th . Call Lannie for tickets (440-942-6554); September 30 th – celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please bring a food item for the food bank. All Meetings are held at Noon every Thursday in the small hall and everyone is welcome.

HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE – After a bit of a hiatus, our Health Care Task Force will be resuming its work. Our next meeting will be Monday evening September 12 th at 7 p.m. We will gather in the Resurrection Room. Any interested parishioners are invited to join us! The Bishops of the United States remind us, “Every member of the human family has the right to life and to the means that are suitable for the full development of life. This is why we insist that every human being has the right to quality health services, regardless of age, income, illness, or condition of life.”

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY? The terms of our current Social Concerns Commission members will be up this fall. We are inviting those who currently serve, as well as any other interested parishioners to come to two evenings of formation and orientation scheduled for Wednesday nights October 5 th and 12 th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is our hope that these evenings will help attendees discern whether or not this is God's call for them at this time. Please call Alice at 440-946-0887 if you have questions or would like to register for these evenings. Please keep all of our social justice ministries and those who come to this process in your prayers.

WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE HIV/AIDS – An evening of information and conversation about care for those persons with HIV/AIDS will be held Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at Ascension of Our Lord Church, 14040 Puritas Ave. Cleveland. Sr. Maria Cimperman, OSU, PhD, will set the context and Mr. Earl Pike, Executive Director of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland will facilitate the conversation. More details on the kiosk.

LIKE TO EAT? Coming Friday night October 14 th an opportunity to take yourself (and your family) out to dinner for free! Just bring your concern for the hungry and your willingness to write a note on their behalf. Watch for details from the Social Concerns Commission in coming bulletins!

DISARMING THE HEART – Fr. John Dear, S. J. a nationally known speaker, author and lecturer, will be speaking at the St. Joseph Center, 3430 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland on Tuesday evening October 4 th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. His topic is “Disarming the Heart, Disarming the World; The Path to Peace and Justice.” A $10 donation is suggested. For more information call 216-688-34887.

ST NOEL PLAYROOM will be available during the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy to children 4 years old and under, beginning September 18 th . Parent and youth volunteers will watch your child while you attend Mass or you are welcome to stay with your child. If you have any questions, please call the church office (440-946-0887).

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2006 – are available in the church office or by calling the church office at (440-946-0887). Cost is $25 until December 1 st . After that date, the cost will be $30. All proceeds benefit Mentally Handicapped Children.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY (20'S & 30”S) – On Saturday, September 24 th , from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul Society. Volunteers will be working at the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store located at 6610 Biddulph Rd. Brooklyn. To register please call Laura Whitkofski (216-228-9516) or e-mail to whitkofski@msn.com.

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.

SOWERS OF JUSTICE – The Diocesan Commission on Social Action is offering a 5-week course this fall on Catholic Social Teaching. The series will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning September 27 th , from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The topics will include: the spirituality of justice and major themes of Catholic social teaching; moving from conversion to action; solidarity; building social justice involvement in the parish; and strategic planning. If you are interested in attending, please call Alice at the parish office (440-946-0887). Deadline for registration is September 18 th .

ST. AUGUSTINE CENTER friends are hosting the first St. Augustine Center Golf and Clambake outing on Wednesday, September 21 st at Gray Hawk Golf Club in LaGrange. There will be a silent auction and donations are needed. No gift is too small! Items may be dropped off at St. Augustine Church or may be picked up by calling St. Augustine (216-781-5530). Your tax- deductible gift will mean a great deal to a great many people.

LAKE AND GEAUGA DIVORCED/SEPARATED - invite you to an informational meeting on the legal, financial, and psychological issues surrounding separation and divorce on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room. More details can be found on the kiosk.

THEOLOGY OF THE BODY 101 – Hear Christopher West, a well-known author as he shares some beautiful insights about God's plan for our sexuality in marriage and in singleness, through an 8-part video. We will meet eight Thursdays beginning September 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the St. John Vianney Parish Center. Please call (440-255-0600) to register.

THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC STUDIES at John Carroll University will be sponsoring a lecture by Rev. J-Glenn Murray, S. J. Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy of the Diocese of Cleveland, titled “Compelled in Love and Set on Fire: the Eucharist-Ever-Ancient, Ever-New” on Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the D. J. Lombardo Student Center. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 216-397-4558.

PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN CATHOLICS welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, September 11 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library of the Administration Center at St. John Vianney Church .

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 information meeting is being held at St. Noel on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. Please plan to attend to learn how your time can make a difference. If you have nay questions, please call Sally DeLong at Catholic Charities (440-352-6191).

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