Week of November 13, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

Each year as the holidays approach, we at St. Noel engage in a large Christmas project of providing food and gifts for those who are in financial need. Last year, we were able to assist over 100 families in Lake and Geauga Counties. This year, we will also provide support to families connected to Birthright and Forbes House of Lake County (which serves families coping with domestic violence).

Our Youth Ministry coordinates this Christmas project. Members of our youth group will be collecting money for this project after Masses the weekends of November 26 th & 27 and December 3 rd and 4 th . But there is a way that you and your family can become personally involved. I am inviting you to sponsor a family. This allows you to shop, wrap and, if you would like, deliver Christmas gifts to a specific family who has asked for assistance. Such an effort allows for personal contact between people. It could be an excellent way for parents and children to serve together as part of the preparation for Confirmation and First Communion.

I am also asking you to consider donating a turkey. Many stores provide certificates for turkeys during the holiday season. If you receive extra ones, it would be a real help to us if you could redeem the certificate and bring the turkey to us. We have made room in our parish hall to store the turkeys until Christmas. We need boxes to wrap clothing items, tissue paper, wrapping paper, tape and gift bags. (We do not need bows.)

As part of our GIFT program, families have an opportunity to decorate and fill a box with non-perishable food and paper products. You can bring the boxes to our next GIFT session or simply bring them to the Church anytime. This is a real need because in past years, the PSR program, which is now part of GIFT, donated most of the food used in the baskets.

There are many families struggling financially during this holiday season. Your willingness to provide food and gifts to them is one excellent way to make the good news of God's love more obvious in our world.

If you have any questions regarding the Christmas project or would like to help, please call Anthony at 440-946-1128, ext. 20.

Fr. George Smiga

REMINDER – On November 15 th , we will need any bulletin articles for the weeks of November 20 th and 27 th .

Both of these bulletins need to go to the printer on November 17 th .

ROSARY – Join us Tuesday, November 15 th from 7:00-7:45 pm in the chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

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).

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” are available in the narthex following all masses this weekend. 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, 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!

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).

LOW INCOME SENIORS-HOME REPAIRS – The Lake Communities Development Corporation is working with Salvation Army and United Way to offer low income senior or low income disabled homeowners with minor home emergency repairs. Please check the “Social Justice” section of the kiosk for qualification guidelines and further information.

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 – Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our seniors! No meeting tonight – see you next week for GIFT.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – See you at GIFT on Wednesday! Bring your bibles.

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.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT SIGNUP – Please add your name to the lists on the kiosk if you're interested in helping shop and/or wrap for the Project.

YNIA – Our summer trip is scheduled for July 9-15 in Toronto, Canada. Please plan on attending an info meeting on Sunday night, December 4 th in the Teen Center to learn more about this great trip. The meeting begins at 7:00pm.

GREETINGS FROM LAOS – Our parishioners, Denise Bothe and Joe Daprano and their two children are spending the month of November in Laos. Denise & Joe are volunteering at a pediatric teaching hospital lending their expertise and teaching the local doctors. Please continue to pray for their family!

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 Roseanne Madeja at 440-946-6318 or 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 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 Paula Garbo at 942-4884. 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 – 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.

WEEKEND FOR DIVORCED, SEPARATED AND WIDOWED – The next BEGINNING EXPERIENCE weekend will be held on February 10 th , 11 th and 12 th at St. Joseph Christian Life Center. Please call Carol (330-416-8911) or Jan (440-808-9879) for more I nformation.

JENNINGS CENTER FOR OLDER ADULTS invites older adults and their families to two November programs: Medicare Part D Informational Session , Friday, November 18 th at 10:00 am and an Open House on Saturday, November 26 th from 10:00 to 2:00. Please call 216-581-2900 for further information.

ST. ROBERT'S PTU – is holding their Annual Christmas Boutique and Craft Show on Saturday, December 3 rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Any questions, please call Theresa koch (216-289-9030).

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