Week of September 18, 2005

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

When marriages break up, when separation or divorce occurs, it is a painful time in the lives of all involved. Although the Church believes in the permanency and sanctity of marriage, it also recognizes that marriages can fail. When this is the case, it is part of the gospel calling for us to provide understanding and support. In Lake and Geauga Counties, the Catholic Church does this through CARES a Catholic recovery effort for people who have experienced divorce and separation.

Knowing that individual parishes cannot effectively undertake this ministry on their own, every Catholic Church of Lake and Geauga counties provides personnel, space, and financial support to CARES. This year CARES will sponsor four divorce recovery groups. These eight-week groups are held at locations throughout our area. The first will take place at St. Anselm Church on Wednesday evenings beginning September 28 th . In discussion facilitated by trained counselors, the participants cover topics of importance to those undergoing divorce in a confidential and caring atmosphere.

Throughout the year, one-day events are also held to address specific topics. The first of these this year will be held here at St. Noel on September 21 st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is entitled “We Care . . . seeing the rainbow after the storm.” It will be an informational meeting on the legal, financial, and psychological issues surrounding divorce and separation. It is open to all who want to learn more about what our local churches offer to the newly divorced and separated.

.

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.

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.

SOCIAL CONCERNS/ST. AUGUSTINE – On September 25 th 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 24 th and 25 th , we will be collecting for our Social Concerns 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 or before 8:00 a.m. only on Sunday. Please place the cookies in the kitchenette.

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUND - In August, we collected

$547.00. Our expenses for August were:

We thank you for your support.

‘WHEN DID WE SEE YOU HUNGRY?” Last month our food pantry serviced 35 families representing 115 people by providing them with three days of emergency food, soaps and paper products. Many of the items we now provide come from Country Neighboring a subsidiary of the Cleveland Food Bank so we are not coming to you quite as frequently with requests. However, currently we have need of soap and paper products of all kinds, as well as canned fruit. You may drop your donations off at our food pantry bin located off the hallway to the parish offices. Thank you for your concern for the hungry!

AUGUST ANNIVERSARY SHOWER – We received a very nice “thank you” from the Diocesan Migration and Refugee office for all the items donated on our anniversary weekend. You can read the letter in its entirety on the kiosk. But we did want to make everyone aware of one sentence in particular. “Your donations of basic household necessities will directly impact and enhance the life of a new refugee family, (in particular a Somali family made up of a mom and 8 children), and assist refugees in rebuilding their shattered lives.” Thank you!

THE FOOD IS FREE, A LETTER IS YOUR FEE! On Friday, October 14 th The Social Concerns Commission presents the first LOAVES and LETTERS event. Come share a simple meal (soups and bread), then learn about a specific aspect of Social Justice. This time the focus will be hunger issues, and the organization Bread For The World. Then, you get to put this knowledge into concrete action by writing a letter (or 2 or 3) to a federal official about the issue of hunger. All stationary, postage and sample letters will be provided. It will run from 6:30-8:30 and all ages are invited to participate. There will be age-appropriate instruction and activities for children. There is a sign-up list on the kiosk. Please register by Monday, October 10 th .

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 Karen Myers (440-974-8116 or Carol Silvi (440-354-2425).

MONTHLY RETREATS will begin on Wednesday, October 5 th and continue each first Wednesday of the month, through April, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The retreats will be facilitated by St. Noel parishioners and the title of the October retreat is “Belonging: Being at Home in One Another's Hearts.” An offering of $5.00 is suggested to cover lunch. Please sign up on the kiosk. For additional information, call the parish office 440-946-0887.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Welcome to our first breakfast of the year on Saturday, October 15 th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Join us as we read, write and release our energy towards spiritual growth. Our gifted presenters will be a panel of three St. Noel parishioners, Sharon Waltermire, Stephanie Griffith and Candice Minello. As always, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time for conversation and quiet prayer. The suggested donation is $3.50. Please sign up on the kiosk by October 10 th . If you have any questions, 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).

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.

CLAMBAKE – The annual PRIME TIME Clambake is Sunday, September 25 th from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale after Mass this weekend . This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and the best clambake around. All proceeds benefit St. Noel Youth Ministry. Support the Clambake!!

PRIME TIME –Our first session is Sunday, October 2 nd . COME TO GIFT!! There's still time to register so get on board. Change is good . . . Also, please sign up on the kiosk if you can help at the Clambake. We need your help. 

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our first session is Wednesday, September 28 th . It's part of GIFT!! Have you signed up?? There's still time! Registration forms are in the kiosk. The group is open to all current 6-8 grade students. Be a part of the youth group this year!!

YOUNG ADULTS – The diocese is putting together a faith formation program for young adults. These small groups will begin in November at various churches including St. Noel. Would you like to be involved in getting these groups off the ground? Please call Anthony for more info!

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 on the lower level 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 Anthony at 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!

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.

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.

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 Jim Klements (440-442-2744) 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 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. 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.

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.

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 Chris Janezic (216-731-3428) or the COAR office (216-252-5572).

THE CLEVELAND CATHOLIC FORUM presents “In The Pew But Don't Know Why . . . Why Am I Catholic?,” an evening of reflection on the Bible and tradition as foundations of the Catholic Church. This event will be held at St. Joseph Christian Life Center On October 20 th and will begin at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge, but a goodwill offering will be accepted. For more details call Lee at 216-598-0170.

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