Week of September 11, 2005

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

One of the most important ministries in our parish involves our high school youth. As we all know, the teenage years are a challenging and sometimes confusing transition from childhood to adult living. It is important for our parish to be present to young people during adolescence to give both guidance and encouragement. At St. Noel we provide this presence through our Prime Time Youth Group and our parish GIFT program. In this upcoming year, Prime Time will minister to our young people through weekly Sunday gatherings, annual retreats, summertime service trips, liturgical training and social events such as our annual hayride.

All of these activities are supported through your weekly offertory donations and through a number of fundraising efforts. One of these efforts will occur in two weeks at the annual “Prime Time” clambake on Sunday, September 25th from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. The meal, which is $20.00 for adults ($5.00 without clams, for children), includes one dozen clams, broth, chowder, one-half chicken, potatoes, corn, rolls and apple pie. Extra clams are available at a minimal cost. Tickets for the bake are on sale for the next two weekends after Mass, or call Anthony (440-946-1128 x20), or the Parish Hall (440-946-6635).

Since this is a fundraiser, please spread the word to your family and friends or even better, organize a table to participate. Please support this effort which provides such a valuable ministry to our parish.

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.

LECTOR WORKBOOKS for 2006 are available in the Sacristy. Lectors are reminded to please pick them up.

HEALING MINISTRY – “ Are any of you sick? You should ask for the presbyters of the Church. They in turn are to pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14). We do this through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick which will take place this Wednesday evening during our 6:45 p.m. liturgy. If you are coping with a serious physical, mental or emotional illness, or dealing with the discomfort of aging, come and receive this healing Sacrament. Prayer teams are available after Mass to pray with you if you desire.

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.

ADULT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES – Take a look on the kiosk for opportunities to grow through scripture study, Catholic teaching, and other topics of interest offered by local educational institutions. Registration forms are in the pockets of the kiosk.

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 Nativity Room, October 4 th through November 8 th ; 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.

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).

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 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).

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 – All junior and senior high students should plan on participating in the GIFT sessions this year!! There's still time to register so get on board .

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 (440-946-0887) or Anthony (440—946-1128 x20) for more information.

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 narthex after Mass, or 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 this weekend. 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, visit the “Caring Ministries” page.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP The activities for the month of September are as follows: 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.”

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!

ST. AUGUSTINE CENTER BENEFIT DINNER Thursday, November 17, 2005. Save the date for another great evening ( 5:30-9:30 p.m. ). The cost will be $13.00 per person There will be a silent auction and several other surprises. Please call the parish office (440-946-0887) if you can help with obtaining sponsors and items for the auction. More information will be available in October.

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.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2006 – are available in the church office. Cost is $25 until December 1 st . After that date, the cost will be $30. All proceeds benefit Mentally Handicapped Children. Books are also available from Lake County Right To Life (440-255-5257).

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.

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. This two hour session is open to all who want to learn more about what the twenty churches in the area offer to those newly separated and divorced, their families, and their friends. All are welcome! To register or for more details call Karen at 440-352-8282

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.

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 .

QUILT RAFFLE FOR COAR'S KIDS – COAR is primarily a refuge for children in El Salvador – abandoned, orphaned, destitute or separated from their families. The Board of Trustees is sponsoring a quilt raffle at its 25 th anniversary benefit luncheon on Tuesday, October 4 th at the Cleveland Playhouse Club. Pictures of the quilts being raffled off can be found on the website ( www.coarpeacemission.org ). Tickets are available from Jean (440-442-6649), Chris (216-731-3428) or the COAR office (216-252-5572).

SEPARATION – DIVORCE – Join us for an 8-week support group for divorced and separated Catholics beginning Wednesday, September 28 th At. St. Anselm Church from 7:-00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 352-6191, or 1-800-242-9755.

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.