Week of November 6, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

Perhaps the clearest sign of the vitality of any parish is its ability to attract and welcome new members. When people are drawn to become a part of us, we are all invigorated and renewed. Each year the focus of the Easter Season is the baptism of new members and welcoming those who are already baptized in other faith traditions into full communion with the Catholic Church. Next Sunday, November 13 th we will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance at our 11:00 am liturgy. This Rite is a significant step taken by men and women who seek full communion with our faith tradition.

This year we have four catechumens preparing for baptism and three candidates who are preparing for full communion in the Catholic Church. Our catechumens are: Ian McLeod, Marcie Pietrantozzi, Pamela Schafer and Jeff Woods. Our candidates are: Mike Babb, Ronald DeCamp,and Joel Firem.

As you witness their dismissal at the 11:00 a.m. liturgies in the months ahead, be sure to notice who they are as you sing the refrain which accompanies their departure. Please keep them in your prayers as we travel together towards Easter.

Fr. George Smiga

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – St. Noel is exploring the possibility of setting up specific times for quiet Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. Would you like to be a part of the steering committee? Please call the parish office (440-946-0887).

ELECTION DAY – Please vote on November 8 th ! Please support Issue 6 which renews the .9 mill levy for mental health services in Lake County . Other statewide ballot initiatives are Issue 1 which pertains to the issuance of $2 billion in bonds for job creation and economic growth. Issues 2, 3, 4, and 5 are proposed Constitutional Amendments focusing on absentee voting, campaign finance, redistricting and reappointment and election oversight. For more information, visit www.ohiocathconf.com . Fliers from the Catholic Commission Legislative Hotline which discuss these proposed Constitution Amendments are also available in the pockets of the Social Justice section of the kiosk.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – This weekend our ushers will be in the narthex to accept donations to World Mission Sunday, a Eucharistic celebration for all the missions of the world. The offerings are destined for a common fund of solidarity distributed in the Pope's name among the missions and missionaries of the world.

HEALING MINISTRY – Jesus desires each of us to be well in body, mind and spirit. Come …be touched by His love this Wednesday at the 6:45 p.m. evening liturgy. Experience God's healing through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass. Be comforted and refreshed by Jesus in the Eucharist. Prayer teams will be available to pray with you if you wish.

Catholic Update – entitled “Longing for Peace,” by Pat Fanning is available in the kiosk.

HELP NEEDED – Occasionally we are in need of the assistance of an electrician. If there is an electrician in the parish who would be willing to help us, please call Carole in the parish office for further details (440-946-0887).

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.

TREASURES OF THE HEART: PRAYING ADVENT WITH MARY – is the theme of our next GIFT session. Plan to begin your blessed and prayerful Advent season with many other parishioners on either Wednesday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday, November 20 at 12:30 p.m. If you have not already registered, there are forms on the GIFT table in the narthex. Remember to bring your box filled with non-perishable food items!

ELIZABETH MINISTRY - The Elizabeth Ministry's “ Elizabeth 's Roses” will be available in the narthex following all masses the weekend of November 12 th & 13 th . Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, visit the parish website at www.stnoel.org , and click on “Caring Ministries.”

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 .

ST NOEL CONCERT SERIES presents Kim Gomez, violinist with the Cleveland Orchestra, in recital with acclaimed pianist Susan Morocco Schoeffler. This wonderful concert will feature works by Mozart, Brahms, and Stravinsky. It will take place at St. Noel Church on Friday, November 18, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free of charge. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Womankind. Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy an evening of extraordinary music!

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 workbook. 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!

THINKING OF CHRISTMAS? – Shop this weekend at the Buy Once, Give Twice boutique. This is a wonderful way to give to those on your Christmas list and to practice justice by supporting producers of fair trade products to organizations which address the needs of those who have less.

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.

PRIME TIME – It's the hayride tonight!! See you at Patterson Fruit Farms at 6:00pm. Everyone needs a permission slip so bring it with you!! Still need one? You can download it online at www.stnoel.org .

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 wonderful opportunity for parents and children to serve together!

CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES – don't forget to start your food box to donate to the Christmas Project! The directions are in the GIFT home kits. If you weren't at GIFT, you can still participate. Decorate a box for Christmas and fill it with non-perishable food items – a little at a time. Bring the box to the next GIFT session or to the Church anytime after Thanksgiving. This is a great project for your family!! All donations will be used in the Christmas Project this year.

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 an apartment-size washer/dryer unit, mattresses, etc. in good condition? Call the Noel Movers to arrange pickup (946-1128 x20).

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. Please contact Anthony Camino at 440-946-1128 x20 for more information.

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.

PARISH HISTORY BOOK – The 25 th Anniversary Parish Commemorative Book will be published in both a soft bound and hard-bound edition. The soft bound edition will be mailed to each parish household. The hard bound edition will include a foil-stamped cover and is included with a cornerstone sponsorship. Sponsorship cards are available in the kiosk. For further information, contact Chris Roach at 440-356-1124.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of November are as follows: November 10 th – Guest speaker, Rebecca McFarland from the Euclid Library; November 17 th – Luncheon consisting of appetizers at 12:00; 12:30 luncheon - Menu: roast turkey, dressing, sweet potato, California blend vegetables, rolls & butter, pumpkin pie, coffee and tea. Music by Goldentones orchestra. Cost is $12.00. Please contact Eleanor Hlabse, no later than November 14 th (216-731-1375.) Please bring a food item for the food bank; November 24 th Thanksgiving, No Meeting. 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 or by calling the parish office at 440-942-2981) The 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).

“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS” – The holiday season can sometimes bring difficult times, especially to those who are struggling with divorce or separation. Join Deacon Will Payne and Fr. Jack Valley on Tuesday, November 29 th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Noel Church, as they offer a special evening of healing, reflection and reconciliation. “In our journey, we need a strong conviction about the beauty and goodness of life, a vision of hope that endures the pain and struggle, and a thread of love that weaves through all of our dreams.” To register or for more information, kindly call Karen at 440-352-8282.

ST. NOEL PARISH HALL – If your 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.

URSULINE COLLEGE invites you to participate in their Master of Arts in Ministry Program. Classes begin January 19, 2006. If you would like more information, please call 440-646-8195. Scholarships are available.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN – The parents support group for families and friends of gay and lesbian Catholics welcomes you to join us at our next meeting, Sunday, November 13 th , from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library of the Administration Center at St. John Vianney Church on Bellflower Road in Mentor, Ohio.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES – Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Placement/Scholarship tests 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; R egina High School Placement/Scholarship exams take place on 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.

“PILGRIMS OF HOPE,” This January 2006 marks the 25 th anniversary of the installation of Bishop Pilla. To mark this Silver Jubilee, a coffee table book called “Pilgrims of Hope” has been published. You may order the book at www.dioceseofcleveland.org , or there are order forms available in the kiosk. All proceeds go to an educational foundation established by the Bishop.

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