Week of October 23, 2005

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Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

November 8 th is Election Day. Issue 6 on the ballot is a .9 mill replacement levy for mental health services here in Lake County. It carries significant implications for those who rely on counseling, medications, emergency assistance, and other mental health and recovery services.

The levy provides monies used by the Lake County ADAMHS (Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services) Board to fund mental health and recovery services. The services are offered through a network of area agencies including Neighboring, Crossroads, Pathways, and the Forbes House Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence. ADAMHS also provides funding and guidance for Lake County's Community Crisis Intervention Team, the County's Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the County's 24/7 Crisis Hotline.

The .9 mill levy represents more than 25% of the revenues used to fund mental health services in Lake County – it is truly a “lifeblood” source of funding for the system. The system is running out of money, and significant service cuts will become a reality unless this levy passes. Issue 6 is not a new tax. There is no increase in millage associated with this levy.

This levy has the support of the Catholic Diocese and our Social Justice Ministry at St. Noel. The passage of the levy is crucial to keep the social services efforts of the Church in Lake County effective.

Part of our response to the Gospel is to exercise our right to vote. Christians have a responsibility to promote programs which are for the common good and especially the most vulnerable members of our society. The support for this levy is in accord with this responsibility. Please vote on November 8 th . Please support Issue 6 which renews the .9 mill replacement operating levy for mental health services.

Fr. George Smiga

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS – On Tuesday, November 1, 2005 we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Our Masses will be at Noon and 7:00 p.m.

ALL SOULS – On Tuesday, November 2 nd at 7:00 p.m., we will celebrate the Feast of All Souls. This is a yearly feast on which we join with fellow Catholics throughout the world to remember those who have died. Our faith tells us that death does not end our relationships with those we love. Rather, all of us, living and dead, are united in Christ and destined for eternal joy.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – TIME CHANGE –Next weekend, October 29 th , turn your clocks back one hour .

LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, SACRISTANS- Sign ups for the Feast of All Saints and All Souls are on the bulletin board by the kitchenette. Please sign up if you are able to help.

PLAYROOM - Does your little one get restless during Mass? The playroom can help. This is a safe, secure place for little ones up to age 4 to play during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. It is fully stocked with toys that small children enjoy and is staffed with parent volunteers. It is located in the lower level of the new wing. When you leave your child, you will be given a pager just in case we need to contact you during Mass. Please pick up a flyer in the kiosk for further information.

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND – Our collection for our Social Justice Fund (formerly the Social Concerns Fund) will take place next weekend after all the liturgies. Our resources at this time are very low, as many of our major donations do not come in until the end of the year. If you can increase your contribution, even if only by a small amount, it would enable us to help a few more people with emergency needs for utilities, shelter, car repairs, etc. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this request.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY/ST. AUGUSTINE – On October 30 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 October 29 th and 30 th , we will be collecting for our Social Justice Ministry 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 9:00 a.m. only on Sunday. Please place the cookies on the table in the kitchenette.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY FUND – In September we collected $587.00. Our expenses for September were:

LOAVES AND LETTERS – Thank you to the 34 adults and 5 children who, because of their faith and their concern for those who are hungry, generated 65 letters in support of Senate Bill 1120 last Friday at our “Loaves and Letters” event. This bill will support funding for national nutrition programs which are the fastest, most direct way to prevent hunger among vulnerable people. The children's letters were especially meaningful and you may read copies of them on the kiosk. Be reminded that our Social Justice Ministry (formerly Social Concerns) will be hosting another letter writing opportunity on March 13, 2006.

MONTHLY RETREAT - The next monthly retreat will be on Wednesday, November 2 nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room. The theme for the day will be “Creating A Journal of Celebration” facilitated by Stephanie Griffith. Please bring a pair of scissors – all other supplies will be provided. A suggested offering for lunch and supplies is $7.00.

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 register on line at www.stnoel.org, or 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. St. Noel is willing to assume the $15.00 cost for any lector of St. Noel who wishes to attend. Please consider taking advantage of this great opportunity.

ADVENT TEA – This year's Advent Tea will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Prayer, music, conversation and a delicious luncheon will all be a part of the experience. The sign-up for the tea will be on the weekend of November 5 th and 6 th only, in the narthex after the 5:00 p.m and 9:00 a.m. Masses and before the 11:00 Mass . The cost of the Tea is $12.00 and payment must accompany your registration. No registrations or monies will be taken at the door. Any proceeds will benefit the St. Noel Social Justice Ministry Fund (formerly the Social Concerns Fund). We are looking forward to this wonderful event and hope that many women from the parish will be able to attend.

HOSTESSES NEEDED – Our yearly Advent Tea is a well attended and well appreciated event each year. However, it's success and especially the number of people we can accommodate is dependent upon women who are willing to act as a hostess for a table. The primary and most important role for a hostess is to be a person of hospitality, decorating is a much less significant concern – paper plates and a few candles are fine! If you want to learn more about what is involved and how to become a hostess, please call Linda Rini at 440-729-2777(daytime) or 440-285-2461 (evenings).

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. If you would like more information, or would like to join our group, please contact Janice Cackowski at (440-585-9588).

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).

CHRISTMAS PROJECT - Our annual service to neighbors in need will begin soon!! We are in need of sponsor families. Please call Anthony to learn more about sponsoring a family or to volunteer to help with the project. We have opportunities for everyone to help. Also, you can bring in your turkey donations anytime. The project donates a turkey to every family so we need a lot of birds! PRIME TIME will be collecting money at the end of November; your generosity is greatly appreciated. The Christmas Project cannot happen without YOU!!

SCHOLARSHIPS – Hey high school seniors! Check out these three scholarships: The volunteer department of UHHS Richmond Hts. Hospital awards a $500 scholarship each year to a student volunteer; La Roche College in Pittsburgh offers renewable $6,000 to Catholic students from the diocese of Cleveland; The John Paul II Cultural Center offers a $10,000 first place award in their annual essay contest. Deadlines are approaching. Check the kiosk or call Anthony for more information. More opportunities will be available in the future.

HAYRIDE – yee haw!! 9-12 graders … round up a permission slip online at www.stnoel.org and join the fun on Sunday, November 6 th beginning at 6:00pm at Patterson Fruit Farms. Dinner is included! All permission slips are due by October 30 th .

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – See you at GIFT this week. Bring your bible! St. John Vianney is sponsoring a junior high dance on Friday, November 4 th . See the kiosk for details.

PRIME TIME – It's FRIGID PUTT-PUTT tonight at Adventures in Fun Putt-Putt Center at 38886 Mentor Avenue (right in front of Bobick's). Dress for the weather and come ready to have fun. Food & prizes are included!! Meet at the putt-putt center at 7:00pm. Don't forget about GIFT on the 30 th ! We need “U” there!!

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 this Tuesday, October 25 th at 7:00pm in the Nativity Room. Stop in and find out more about this wonderful ministry in the parish.

ALTAR SERVERS – We are in need of servers at all our Liturgies. Both children (4 th grade and older) and adults are welcome to serve. Please call Anthony for more information. This is a terrific opportunity for parents and children to serve together!

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. .

BABY-SITTERS NEEDED – If you would be interested in baby-sitting on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:15 during the Women's Fellowship and Bible Study, please call Anthony at 440-946-1128 x20.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of October are as follows: 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.

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 ; R egina 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. Gilmour Academy admissions open house, Sunday, November 13, 2005 11:00 a.m.

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.

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.)

ARE YOU IN YOUR 20's or 30's? – Do you want to learn more about your Catholic faith through reflection and faith sharing? Then join the Diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and St. Noel Church for our six-week Young Adult Faith Formation Series beginning Monday, November 7 th at St. Noel. For more information contact Paul Kelly (216-334-1261 x28) or Anthony (946-1128). To register contact Debbi Cerbus (440-516-0321) debcerb@hotmail.com . Pick up a brochure in the kiosk or download one at http://www.stnoel.org/pg

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