Week of October 31, 2004

Quick View of Meetings for the Week

Archive of Weekly Bulletins

Dear Parishioner,

This weekend we especially welcome those of you who have been away from the Church. We are grateful that you came today and we appreciate the person or people who invited you here. There will be people from our staff and Welcome Home Committee in the narthex after each mass. Our goal is to personally welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

I would like to remind all of our community that parishes in Lake and Geauga counties have invited inactive Catholics back to the Church this weekend. As you have read during the previous weeks, the greatest service we can offer to someone returning to the Church is to listen. Regardless of what has kept them away from the Church, the clearest message we want to offer is all are welcome . Hopefully through our efforts and God's grace, these brothers and sisters will find among us strength for their journey.

Finally, I would like to give you a quick review of welcoming opportunities here at St. Noel. On Saturday, November 6, Bishop Gries will be here along with others of the Lake-Geauga District to welcome and support those seeking to reconnect with the Church. We will gather in the large hall from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Following the Bishop's address, there will be breakout sessions for those who want to ask or talk about specific issues that have kept them away from the Catholic Church. On three Tuesdays, November 9, 16 and 23, (7:30-9:00 p.m.) we will offer our own listening sessions here at St. Noel. If you would like to register for this series or know someone who might, please call 440-946-0887.

Again, all of us at St. Noel are happy to see so many returning Catholics this weekend. Be sure to connect with a member of our staff or Welcome Home committee before you leave today.

Fr. George Smiga

ALL SAINTS- There will be a Mass on Monday, November 1 st at 10:00 a.m. for All Saints. It is not a Holy Day of Obligation because it falls on a Monday.

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.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, LECTORS, SACRISTANS, AND SERVERS -Please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchenette if you are able to help with All Saints and All Souls Liturgies.

REMEMBER, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2 ND IS ELECTION DAY. It is our right and responsibility to participate. PLEASE VOTE!!!

LECTOR WORKBOOKS – All lectors are invited to pick up their new lector workbooks. These are available on the counter in the sacristy (next to the Visitation Room).

INACTIVE CATHOLICS & REASONS WHY #6 –

Some people never knew their faith well and were misled by those who criticize Catholic beliefs and practices. Often our secular education far surpasses our Catholic faith knowledge. They never experienced the way each mystery of Catholic faith is grounded in Scripture, centered in Christ, and proclaimed in the liturgy. What we can do! Attend parish and regional Catholic faith programs and invite others, especially those who have been inactive, to attend with you. Be attentive to each opportunity to reach out, invite and welcome! “COME & SEE” is next Saturday!! “WELCOME HOME” starts soon!

“WELCOME” WISDOM & GOSPEL RESPONSE

This week's Gospel tells the story of Zaccheaus, Jesus says:”Zaccheaus come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Responding to the Gospel we are called to invite people to come and see… We welcome all those who have joined us this weekend. We hope you find a warm and inviting community that embraces you and welcomes you to join us on a regular basis as a community of followers of Christ. All who have been distant for any reason from the Catholic Community are invited to attend the following opportunities:

“Come & See” Event Saturday November 6

Lake-Geauga District/Diocese of Cleveland

St. Noel Parish Hall 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Keynote: Bishop Roger Gries

“Welcome & Support to All”

“Welcome Home” Series November 9, 16, 23

St. Noel Church Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 p.m.

“The Church Listens” “… Continues to Listen”

“Where Do We Go from Here?”

(440)946-0887

SIGNED LITURGY- On Sunday, November 7 th , April Kinder will be joining us to sign the 11:00 a.m. Mass for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

TRANSLATORS NEEDED – Can you read and write in Spanish?  We would like to develop a list of people who would be willing to help us communicate (snail-mail) with our new partnership in El Salvador.  Please call Alice at 440-946-0887 if this is your gift! 

THANK YOU!   On behalf of “Women & Community” of Zaragoza, El Salvador we want to say how grateful we are for your participation in this partnership.  Your support of last Sunday's outstanding concert and the appetizer encore that followed, as well as your direct donations, has put us “over the top,” for our commitment of $3500 for '04 and given us a good start on our commitment for '05.  Julieta was especially pleased to meet so many of you and to share with you some of the stories of the women.  A special note of thanks goes to Marc Weagraff, the vocalists and our music ministry who presented a truly beautiful “Operatic Matinee.”  We will continue to look for ways to build our connection with “Women & Community,” who especially seek our prayers as they work to provide a better life for themselves and the citizens of Zaragoza. 

PORTRAIT DIRECTORY – Has time slipped by and you did not get a chance to get your snap shot taken for the Parish Portrait Directory? Busson Photographers have scheduled another picture day, Tuesday, November 16 th from 2:30 – 9:00 p.m. Please call the parish office (440-946-0887) this week to set an appointment.

ST. AUGUSTINE HUNGER CENTER BENEFIT DINNIER/AUCTION- By now you should have received your invitation to our annual St. Augustine Dinner to support their Hunger Center.  The dinner will be held on Thursday, November 18 in our parish hall.  The silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner at 6:30 p.m... The cost of the dinner ticket is $13.00 and tickets may be purchased via the directions given in the mailing or after Masses on November 6 and 7.  You can support the Hunger Center that evening by bringing a bag of non-perishable food, making a monetary donation, donating an item to the silent auction or by participating in the silent auction.  Hope to see you on November 18!

ADVENT TEA – This year's Advent Tea will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Sign-up for the tea will be on the weekend of November 6 th and 7 th in the narthex after the 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Masses and before the 11:00 a.m. Mass. The cost of the tea is $10.00 and payment must accompany your registration. We are looking forward to this wonderful event and hope that many women from the parish will be able to attend.

HOSTESSES NEEDED!    Good News!  We still have a number of tables available for those women in the parish who would like to serve as hostesses for the December 5 th Advent Tea.  If any woman in the parish is interested in being a hostess, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887. 

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST – Sat. Nov. 6 th from 8 – 10 a.m. Join us at St. Noel as Tim Warneka presents “Catholic Men, Catholic Leaders.” At home, work and in the Church, men are often called to be leaders. Leaders can use a Poker Leadership style or a Black Belt leadership style. Which style are you? And which style is closer to our Catholic beliefs? Come join business coach, consultant and martial artist Tim Warneka to discover how to become an even more effective leader in ways that honor our Catholic faith. Call the parish office at 440-946-0887 for more information.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY - welcomes you to the healing liturgy on Wednesday, November 10th at 6:45 p.m. All people in need of healing and especially those who suffer the pain of crisis pregnancies, miscarriage, abortion, infant death and stillbirth, special needs births, and infertility are encouraged to join us in prayer.

JOURNEY TO JOY – is a support group for people with depression. The group meets the 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Visitation Room. The next meeting will be Thursday, November 11 th .

MANY THANKS to everyone who donated vegetables from their gardens! Nancy and Howard Fagan delivered tomatoes, beans, squash, collards, and other healthful goodies to the St. Augustine Hunger Center. Your generosity was much appreciated. You truly fed the hungry.

GIFT …Unwrap the true meaning of the Christmas Season opportunities are Wednesday, November 17 th , 6-8:30 p.m.; Friday, November 19 th , 6-8:30 p.m.; or Sunday, November 21 st , 12:30-3:00 p.m. To learn more about GIFT or register stop by the table in the narthex after Masses this weekend.

POLITICS OF THE KINGDOM: Living Under the Governance of the Father, Son and Spirit . Join us for this daytime retreat opportunity where we reflect on the beatitudes and teachings of Jesus. On Wednesday, November 3 rd we will gather in the Resurrection Room at 10:00 a.m. The day will conclude at 2:00 p.m. and include lunch. Fran Armbruster will lead the day. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. A donation of $5.00 will help cover the cost of lunch. If you have any questions, please call Fran at 440-729-3976. (Mark your calendars for the December retreat “Incarnation: The Christmas Present that Never Stops Giving” on Wednesday, December 1.)

SACRISTANS –Help! We are in need of sacristans for the Saturday evening 5:00 p.m. Mass. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887 if you are able to help, or for answers to any questions you may have.

“A JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS: RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE.” On Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the small hall, come hear the remarkable personal story of Page McKean Zyromski. She is the author of seven Catholic books and a contributing editor of Catechist Magazine . She will speak about her struggle to forgive and advocate against the death penalty for the individual convicted of raping and murdering her great-aunt in 1977.

PARABLES OF JESUS - Our scripture study series continues on Tuesday, November 2 nd at 8:00 p.m. (please note time change) in the small hall. Fr. George will conclude the series in a lecture from the parables found in Luke's Gospel. You may borrow tapes from the first two sessions and purchase study guides by calling 440-946-1128 x 21.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for November are as follows: – November 4 th Guest speaker, Bill Dieterle “Hideaway Hollow” – November 11 th - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our Thanksgiving Dinner consisting of roast turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, salad, and pumpkin pie w/whipped cream. Cost is $10.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is November 8th. November 18 th - Bingo and we will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. NOVEMBER 25 TH - THANKSGIVING – NO MEETING. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

NEW PARENT MINISTRY – An exciting new ministry is starting at St. Noel for parents of children under 2 years. Have you recently welcomed a child into your family? Are you expecting a child anytime soon? Check out the details of the New Parent Ministry at: www.stnoel.org/pg/NewParents.htm . The group will offer opportunities for support, discussion, socialization and education. We hope you will be a part of the New Parent Ministry.

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of beds, dressers, refrigerators and all useable furniture. Please call Anthony (946-1128) if you have an item to donate. All items must be in working condition; no repairs can be made on furniture items.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Think about what you watch on TV!! All 7-8 th grade students are welcome to join, and there is still time! Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 9 th at 7:00pm in the new wing. Don't forget to bring your bibles.

PRIME TIME – No meeting this week. Rap with the Pastor on November 7 th !! Join Fr. George and bring your questions.

ATTENTION ALL ALTAR SERVERS – New procedures have been put in place throughout the diocese and all servers need to be updated. Plan on attending a training session on the weekend of November 13 th & 14 th before the Masses. More details to follow.

FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Cleveland Food Bank this Monday, November 1 st . We leave the Church at 5:30pm and return around 8:45pm. Please call Anthony (946-1128) if you can join the group.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT – Our annual service to neighbors in need has begun!! 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.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL PRESENTS “SHOUT ” a very popular Cleveland Show Band playing hits from the Mo-Town era. The date is Saturday, November 13, 2004. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. A Pasta Buffet will be served from 6:30-7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available from 6:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the hall at 440-946-6635.

CATHOLIC RECOVERY FOR DIVORCED & SEPARATED –The experience of separation and divorce is never easy. To meet these needs the Catholic parishes in Lake and Geauga counties have developed an 8-week support group program that will begin on Tuesday, November 9 th at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland from 7-9:00 p.m. To register or for further information, kindly call Catholic Charities at 1-800-242-9755 or 440-352-6191.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY - Young Adults (20's – 30's) are invited to volunteer:  On Sat. November 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. help to serve a meal at St Augustine Hunger Center (2486 W 14 St).    To register, please call Laura Whitkofski 216-228-9516 (home) whitkofski@msn.com or e-mail to meepena@dioceseofcleveland.org .  This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office of the Diocese of Cleveland.  

BORROMEO SEMINARY “Novemberfest” Annual Italian Dinner will be on Saturday, November 13, 2004 from 5-8:00 p.m. Adults $8.50, Children, ages 6-12 $3.50 and Children under 6 are free. The dinner will take place at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. Please call 440-943-7600 to reserve tickets. Proceeds to benefit college seminarians.

TAIZE PRAYER – will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 th at St. Mary Magdalene Church. For further information please call 440-942-2133. All are welcome!

URSULINE COLLEGE invites you to participate in their Master of Arts in Ministry Program. This fourteen year old, highly regarded program offers a focus on ministry for Church and marketplace. If you would like more information, please call the Graduate Ministry Office at 440-646-8195. Scholarships are available.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “Gathered Around the Table in Hope: Advent Daily Reflections,” by Elizabeth Bookser Barkley, is now available in the kiosk.

NATIONAL PRIESTHOOD WEEKEND is this weekend. It is a time that is set aside for us to celebrate the gift of priesthood and to offer prayers and support to the faithful men who serve our Church as priests. Please take some time to reflect on the importance of priestly ministry in your life. Consider sending a card or note to one of the priests who has impacted your life. You can also go on line to learn more about priesthood or send your priest a special greeting: www.a-full-life.com

NOVEMBER is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month – The Alzheimer's Association is a non-profit organization that serves and supports individuals with memory loss, their families and caregivers. The Eastern Office of the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter serves Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties. We are in your community to serve you. Please call 1-800-441-3322 to learn more about the programs and services available through the Alzheimer's Association.

ST. CLARE PTU will be sponsoring its Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 13 th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

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