Week of September 16, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

As you may recall, approximately five years ago we entered into a partnership with a group of women (Mujer y Comunidad – Women in Community) in El Salvador who are working to improve their lives and those of their children. Specifically they are operating a small sewing business, learning about human rights, studying business practices, and improving the nutrition of their children.

You may also remember that after several robberies last December the 35 women of Mujer y Comunidad, with our prayers and financial assistance, were able to relocate to a safer, more secure site and to purchase sewing machines, fabric and a computer. In spite of the setback the robberies caused, the women have moved into the international market and expanded their sales in El Salvador as well. They also hope to soon have a web site where their products will be advertised. With these developments, it is the goal of Mujer y Comunidad to become self-sustaining within the next two years.

We are very pleased that Julieta Borja, from Mujer y Comunidad, will be with us on the weekend of September 29 th and 30 th . She will speak briefly after Communion at each of our Masses and then be available in the narthex to talk with us individually and to sell some of the products of Mujer y Comunidad. Please stop by to speak with her after Mass and give her a warm St. Noel welcome.

Lastly, thank you so very much for all you have done to support these women with your prayers and financial contributions. Partnering with Mujer y Comunidad has been a wonderful way for us to put our faith into action and we look forward to our continuing association with them.

Fr. George Smiga

REFLECTIONS ON PEACE – “Let us eat and celebrate because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.” Then the celebration began.

Luke 15:23b-24

Who are the lost of our world? Am I willing to celebrate their inclusion in our family? Do I see the victims of war and genocide, of failed immigration law, of human trafficking, and of poverty as family for whom I must care?

FUNERAL NOTIFICATION - Parishioners who wish to be notified of the death and funeral arrangements for members of our community can e-mail Carole Lester at clester@stnoel.org and give her your e-mail address and name. Anyone that is presently on the list will continue to receive the announcement.   Remember, if you change your email address, or you want to discontinue receiving these announcements, please e-mail us and let us know.

THE 6:45 P.M. WEDNESDAY EVENING LITURGY HAS RESUMED.

REMINDER – If you ordered At Home With the Word , it is ready for pick-up in the parish office.

LECTOR WORKBOOKS are ready for pick-up. They are in the sacristy across from the restrooms.

GOD SEES IT . . . . God has called us to be good stewards of all creation. How might we fulfill this call?

Members of our Social Justice Ministry and Justfaith groups have some ideas. To learn more they are inviting us to attend a gathering entitled, “God Sees It, and Still Says It Is Good,” on Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 5-7:30 p.m. in our Banquet Center/small hall. The evening is open to all in the parish, including children (special breakout session for them), and will begin with a potluck supper – bring a dish to share and your own place settings please to reduce the use of disposables. After supper we will tour our property and become more familiar with what God has created right here at 35200 Chardon Rd., view a video, have some discussion, pray, share plans and ideas for future gatherings, and much more. Please sign up on the kiosk with the number in your family attending so we can adequately prepare the space, beverages and handouts.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On September 29th our volunteers will be serving the meal at the St. Augustine Hunger Center. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk if you are able to lend a hand. After all the Masses on September 22 nd & September 23 rd , we will be collecting for our Social Justice fund. Also, if anyone would like to bake cookies please bring the cookies with you when you come to volunteer at the Hunger Center or they can be dropped off at church before Mass on Saturday, September 29 th . Please put the cookies in the Nativity Room on the counter and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND – In August we collected $1,433.00. Our expenses for August were:

We thank you for your support.

40 DAYS FOR PEACE -  We are a little over half way through our 40 days of praying, fasting and acting for peace.  Let us renew our resolve as we move into the second half of this experience, remembering that we are united with many people in our parish our diocese and throughout the country who are engaged in this effort.  Our Wednesday evening Mass on October 3 rd will be a vigil Mass for peace.  Plan now to attend!

LOAVES AND LETTERS FOR PEACE :   Participate in the Diocesan Catholic Action Office's campaign to pray, fast and act for peace by attending the next “Loaves and Letters” gathering on Friday, September 21, 2007, at 6:30pm, in the Resurrection Room.  We will be writing letters to U.S. Senators George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown urging them to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process by passing Senate Resolution 224.  A light supper of soup and bread will be served.  A special session for children will be offered.  The food is free….the letter is your fee!  Sign up today on the kiosk or at rosalina725@hotmail.com

“ADULT FAITH MATTERS ” – Look for this newsletter in/on the kiosk which tells of a number of opportunities for adults to grow in their faith.

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: September 27, and October 25 from 2-4 p.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor.  Volunteers are needed to help with the market.  Please call Mary Ellen Buzanski at 440-951-1094 if you would like more information or are able to volunteer.

DAY OF PRAYER – This Sunday, September 16 th , is the international day of prayer and action for Habitat for Humanity.  Please keep this organization and all those in need of shelter in your prayers.

HFH ReSTORE - HFH of Lake County operates a ReStore to sell surplus new and used home improvement materials to the public at discounted prices.  If you are interested in donating items call 440-354-4404 to arrange a time for pick-up or drop-off.  If you would like to make a purchase the store will be opening beginning October 5, 2007 on Fridays from 12pm – 7pm and on Saturdays from 9am -3pm.  ReStore is located at the Painesville Armory, 1301 Mentor Avenue, adjacent to the Lake County fairgrounds. 

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 Karen Myers at 440-974-8116.

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.

PARISH RETREAT – will be held on Wednesday, October 3 rd from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The retreat theme will be “Prayer and Its Power.” The retreat will be facilitated by Fran Armbruster and Sharon Waltermire. Sign up on the kiosk. Suggested donation for lunch is $5.00.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – WELCOME BACK - Our Fall Prayer breakfast will be held in the Banquet Center/small hall on Saturday, October 6 th from 8-10:00 a.m. Please come for a morning of Celebrating Women and Our Voice in the Community. Sister Beverley Anne LoGrasso, an Ursuline Nun on the staff of The Women's Re-Entry network, will be our speaker. As always, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time of prayer and fellowship together. The suggested donation is $3.50. There will be a sign up sheet on the kiosk. Any questions please call Joyce Rodriguez at 440-286-3060.

“ REVIVING OUR SPIRITS:” Transforming Our Politics – Part conference, part retreat, part nurturing, part networking, part listening, part sharing, this gathering will be taking place October 19-21, 2007 in downtown Cleveland.  Keynote speakers include Jim Wallis of Sojourners, Fr. Richard Rohr, and Naomi Tutu, civil rights activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  Brochures and further information available on the Social Justice Ministry section of the kiosk. There are several different registration options, for individuals, groups, and those 30-and-under. Scholarships are also available. Early bird registration ends on September 17 th . To register online, visit www.cacradicalgrace.org .

LOOKING FOR TEEN RINGERS -   Last year in response to a few requests, St. Noel started a teen handbell choir.  This year, we are looking to grow!  Are you a teenager who is interested in joining us?  The teen bell choir is open to young people ages 12 and up who can read music and reliably attend rehearsals on Sundays right before Prime Time (6:00-7:00PM)  The  first rehearsal will be on October 7.  If you are interested, please call Marc at 440-946-0887. 

DO YOU HAVE EARS TO HEAR?   Prepare for Sunday's Scripture readings with a study of their content and meaning each Thursday evening from 7:30 - 8:30 in the Resurrection Room with the Adult Bible Study group.  No "homework" or long term commitment required. 

GOOD NEWS FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD PROGRAM - With some rearranging and generous volunteers, we will be able to resume both sessions of Good Shepherd on Sundays. Children ages 3-6 will be able to attend Good Shepherd from 8:45-10:15 or 10:45-12:15. Registration is necessary and we ask that you commit to one time or the other. Forms are available in the office or call Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 x 21.

TIME TO REMEMBER...GIFT BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER! Can you think of a person who makes your life particularly difficult? Would you like to learn and grow from these uneasy encounters? Come to GIFT on Wednesday, September 26th or Friday, September 28th for "Living with Goofballs and Dunderheads: The Example of Therese and Francis" to find out how. Doors open both evenings at 5:30 with dinner served at 6:00. The session ends at 8:30. Find support and be support as we all meet the challenge to be "living saints."

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU REGISTER FOR GIFT:

1.    Drop your completed registration form and fee in the GIFT box in the Narthex or bring it to the parish office...SOON.

2.    Register before the first session and receive a special gift at the first session.

3.    Attend the second GIFT day for free when you pay for a session. This especially helps volunteers and families with children.

4.    Visit the GIFT In-Formation Center for volunteer opportunities specific to each session. This is the new bulletin board in the hallway next to the old sacristy and across from the restrooms.

5.    Get the information you need at www.stnoel.org or call (440)946-1128, ext. 18.   

NEW THIS YEAR – GIFT sessions in September and October will be on WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS. Take advantage of no homework, family night, date night, or just kick back at the end of the week. Remember . . . if you need help with transportation, call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

  Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Fund…. When is the last time you looked at who was the beneficiaries of your life insurance, IRA or other accounts? It's time to take a look, update if necessary. If your intention is to leave and IRA to someone other than your spouse the new rule in 2007 allows you to leave the funds to a non-spouse beneficiary who can now roll the proceeds into a qualified IRA. When updating beneficiaries, know that a charity like the St. Noel Endowment fund can be a beneficiary of all or part of the amount.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for September are as follows: – September 20 th - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon Menu: Chicken Marsala, Rice Pilaf, green beans almandine, salad, rolls & butter and apple pie. Cost is $6.00 per person. For more information or tickets please call Marge at 440-944-8787. Deadline for tickets and payment is September 17 th . September 27 th – We will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and we will also have a SIDE BOARD. 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 – Our next blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, September 23 rd from 8-1pm . Those who donated in July are welcome to donate again. Please check the table in the narthex for signup. You can also register online at www.givelife.org Follow the prompts and use “stnoel” as the sponsor code. We are 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 - Our first gathering of the year is this Sunday, September 16 th at 7:00pm in the Teen Center!! Have you signed up for GIFT?? Box City and CropWalk will be awesome events - check the kiosk for more information. There's still time for CropWalk. If you haven't tried PRIME TIME, now's the time to start!! The group is open to all 9-12 grade students. Sign up on the kiosk to help at the Clambake!!

CLAMBAKE – The incredible PRIME TIME clambake is set for October 7 th . Chef Randy and friends will again present the best bake around. Tickets go on sale next weekend after Mass or you can call/email Anthony (946-1128 x20 or acamino@stnoel.org )

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Parents and 6-8 graders are invited to Campbell Park on Sunday, September 23 rd for our first ever middle school kick-off picnic!! The picnic will run from 3-6pm with dinner at 5:00pm. Look for info in your mailbox this week! Tickets are now available for the October 13 th Halloween Hayride at the Lake County Farm Park. We have 40 spots for the 8:00 hayride!! Call Anthony for details.

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, October 1 st . Please call Anthony (946-1128 x20) if you're interested in joining our dedicated group!!

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.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS - an 8-week support group program designed to meet the needs of those who are divorced or separated will begin Thursday, September 27, 2007, at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Sessions are designed to offer direction, support, and the tools for coping with this life-changing experience. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2008 are available in the church office or by calling Paula Garbo at 440-942-4884. Cost of the book is $25.00 until December 1 st . After that date, the cost will be $30. All proceeds benefit mentally handicapped children.

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