Week of October 16, 2005

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

We will be celebrating our Patronal Feast of St. Noel on the weekend of October 22 nd and 23 rd . As usual we will have special pastries instead of donuts after all our liturgies. Those of you who participated in our first GIFT session (There Is No Comm nity Without U) remember that our reflection on community was in preparation for the Feast of St. Noel. The large “U” in our narthex composed of pictures of our parishioners reminds us of our union with Christ and one another.

The peace prayer group of our parish has asked that we mark the Feast of St. Noel with prayers for world peace. On Wednesday, October 19 th we will hold a prayer vigil for peace. It will begin after the 6:45 p.m. mass and last until midnight. Readings and music are scheduled on the hour and half hour. At 11:30 there will be a gathering around our new peace pole (which will be located outdoors close to the entrance of the church) to pray a Litany of Peace for all 191 countries on our planet. A box is available in the narthex with forms to receive your particular petitions for peace. These petitions will be prayed during the course of the Vigil on October 19 th . The peace pole will be a permanent reminder on our property of the desire for peace. It will display the Prayer, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in twelve different languages. (We are still accepting donations to cover the cost of the pole.) The official blessing of the peace pole will take place after the 11:00 Mass on October 23 rd .

I invite all of you to join us for all or part of the Vigil on October 19 th and the blessing on October 23 rd . As we remember the gift of our faith and this community in which we deepen it, let us join our hearts together in asking Christ to bring peace to our world.

Fr. George Smiga

THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL BLANKET SUNDAY – Last weekend's collection by the Diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society totaled 52 blankets, 12 sheets and pillowcases, 32 towels and washcloths, and $1,520.00 in cash donations. Many needy families and individuals will receive essential bedding and other items for the winter months through the Diocesan network of hunger centers, shelters, community agencies and the SVdP charitable network in our own metropolitan area. A sincere thank you to all parishioners who assisted through their donations and prayers .

ROSARY – Join us Tuesday, October 18 th from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

NAME CHANGE AND MISSION STATEMENT – In order to more clearly reflect our mission, the Social Concerns Commission is changing its name to the Social Justice Ministry. Our mission statement is as follows: Inspired by the Gospel to love one another and empowered by our shared parish vision, ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE FAMILY, the Social Justice Ministry of St. Noel calls all parishioners to join hands in common action for charity and justice. This call is integral, not optional to our faith. Charity and justice are God's gifts to be both rendered and received. The Gospel compels us, church teaching implores us, our own nature leads us to an ever deepening relationship of solidarity with one another, our parish, our community, our nation, our Church and our world. Our name change will take some getting used to, but we hope that it, and our mission statement, will be helpful in bringing greater focus to our purpose and to God's call to be instruments of peace and justice.

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE - Would you like to learn about new countries and cultures without leaving Greater Cleveland? Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services need volunteers to assist refugees from all over the world in various exciting, enriching capacities. If you want to volunteer please call Amanda Bhame Cannon at 216-281-7005 or email ARBhame@clevelandcatholicharities.org by October 17 th to register for one of the sessions. More information is available in the packets of the Social Justice Ministry section of the kiosk.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEM – Next Sunday's readings speak to our obligations to the “widow and orphan” and in the Gospel we hear the two great commandments to love God and neighbor. The following quotation from the speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence, “ by Martin Luther King, Jr. urges us to move beyond charity for others to justice for all: “A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life's roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life's highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. A true revolution of values will soon look uneasily on the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth.”

CONFIRMATION – Any students in the third grade or above are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. (This is a separate preparation process from those candidates in second grade. Those preparing for First Communion and Confirmation together do not have to register again.) Students in grades 6-12 will register in January. Students in grades 3-5 may register with Marianne Slattery (440-946-1128 x 21). The first information/preparation session for grades 3-5 will be on Sunday, December 11 from 10:30 – noon . Parents are asked to attend with their child(ren). Please register for this session by Sunday, December 4 th .

HAVE AN AUDIENCE with not just one pope but four AND guest speaker, Dr. Joseph Kelly (of Da Vinci Code fame)! Join us at our next GIFT session on either Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-8:30 p.m. or Sunday, October 30, 12:30-3:00 p.m. We will begin with a meal, a 20-minute opening program, and then move into breakout groups. All adults will remain in the large hall for Dr. Kelly's presentation, and children will move to age-appropriate groups (please remember Wednesday's are geared for middle school students and Sundays for high school). All groups will receive further instruction on the topic: History, Gifts, and Challenges of the Papacy. If you have not already registered, please fill out a form at the GIFT table in the narthex or call 440-946-1128 x21.

THERE'S NO COMM NITY WITHOUT U – If you attended our last GIFT session, remember to use the items in your home kit. Be sure to send the St. Noel note card to someone you would like to invite to the next GIFT session. When you complete your household's “Saint Noel Yellow Page” put it in the binder on the GIFT table in the narthex. Extra pages are available for those who did not attend. We will return the photo you put on the “U” at the October 26/30 GIFT session.

CHECK OUT THE U – As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St. Noel, take a look at the “U” in the narthex. Attached are photos of people who attended our last GIFT session and who know they are part of the Body of Christ. We are ALL part of the Body. Won't “U” consider being part of the next GIFT session?

ATTENTION LECTORS - The diocesan Office for Pastoral Liturgy is offering a workshop for lectors entitled “A Well-Trained Tongue” on Monday, November 14 th at St. Monica's Church in Garfield Hts. This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to improve their skills in proclaiming God's Word. There is a $15 registration fee to cover the cost of your work book. More information and registration forms can be picked up in the sacristy. Please consider taking advantage of this great opportunity.

NEW PARENTS GROUP – To parents of children age 3 and under. Please remember that the New Parents Ministry meets every Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. for fellowship for parents and to allow for socialization of our young children

Young Adults in the City [20's and 30's] - On Sat. October 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, help St. Aloysius Parish (10932 St. Clair Ave.) in their food distribution program. Tasks include cleaning and re-packaging large quantity items such as potatoes and onions. Food items are then sorted and boxed for pick-up that morning. To register, please call Laura Whitkofski (home 216-228-9516) or e-mail to whitkofski@msn.com or pekelly@dioceseofcleveland.org. This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office of the Diocese of Cleveland.

NOEL MOVERS – 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. We're in need of a recliner or lift-chair , an apartment-size washer/dryer unit, mattresses, etc in good condition? Call the Noel Movers to arrange pickup (946-1128 x20).

PRIME TIME – See you tonight at the home of Jim & Mary Lou Beers. We're meeting there at 7:00pm! Check your email or call Anthony for directions. If you missed GIFT, don't forget to sign up for the next session. PRIME TIME is a part of GIFT!! We have some great opportunities for you coming up – be a part of PRIME TIME!! Don't forget your permission slips for the hayride.

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. Our information night is scheduled for October 25 th – please mark your calendar. Call Anthony to learn about the Stephen Ministry.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Sign up for the next GIFT session. Youth group is a part of GIFT!!

CDEM – the CDEM is scheduled for Thursday, October 20 th at 7:00pm in the conference room. Call Anthony for more information

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP & BIBLE STUDY – Women of all ages are invited to join our study group on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. 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. We encourage you to join our growing group and look forward to seeing you. .

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - .The activities for the month of October are as follows: October 20 th – will be our monthly luncheon. The menu is tossed salad, chicken marsala , oven roasted redskin potatoes, green beans, carrots, rolls and butter and apple pie. The cost is $6.00. The deadline for tickets is October 14 th . Call Bertha for tickets at 440-481-9468 . October 27 th – we will 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. Parishioners (55 and over) are invited to join the St. Noel Fellowship group. Come and meet new people and enjoy the fellowship.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – There will not be a meeting in October. The next meeting will be

Thursday, November 10 th at 7:00 p.m.

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.

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).

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL – Family, friends or maybe the company you work for are looking for a nice place to hold a wedding, birthday party, baby shower or a holiday party. Please recommend St. Noel Parish Hall. We can accommodate any group of 50-500. There are still openings in November and December. We are also taking reservations for any dates in 2006 and 2007. Select dates will fill up quickly. You can check availability by calling the hall office at 440-946-6635. Also mark your calendars for March 18 th , 2006, Shout will be back at St. Noel Parish Hall.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES – Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Open House Tuesday, October 25 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Placement/Scholarship tests Saturday, October 15, Saturday, November 12 th and Saturday, January 7 th . All will begin at 8:00 a.m.; Notre Dame Cathedral Latin – Sunday, November 6, 2005 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin will be hosting their annual Placement/Scholarship Exams on the following dates: Saturday, November 19 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 3 rd from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The exam is for students who will be entering grade 9 in the fall of 2006. There is a $15 fee. Call the school for further details 440--286-6226; Lake Catholic 's Admissions Open House on Wednesday, November 2 nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m ; Regina High School Placement/Scholarship exams take place on Saturday, November 5 th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 19 th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The test is for 8 th grade girls entering the 9 th grade in 2006. To register call 216-382-2110 x 249.

CASINO NIGHT – ALL SAINTS SCHOOL – All Saints School is sponsoring a Casino Night fundraiser on November 12 th . The cost is $25 per person and open to everyone. Registration forms are available in the kiosk.

DAY OF PRAYER & REFLECTION FOR SURVIVORS OF ABUSE – “Journey from Darkness into Light” is being offered for men and women who have suffered any type of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) and will be held at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center on Sunday, October 30, 2005 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There is no cost and a light supper is included. Please call 216-531-7370 ext. 122 by October 21, 2005 to register.

COME TO THE TABLE – Bishop Martin Amos will speak at the new evangelization series at St. Ann Parish in Cleveland Heights on Monday, October 24 th at 7:00 p.m. Bishop Amos will answer questions about the changes and challenges that both Catholics and non-Catholics alike face with the Church in the 21 st century. For more information contact Renee Barber (216-321-0024.)

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.