Week of November 19, 2006

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Dear Parishioner,

People are fascinated with what happens after we die. We are drawn to stories of those who have “seen the light” and come back. We wonder if people really can communicate with the dead. Books, TV shows, and movies frequently deal with the subject. They have immense popularity.

Some might surmise that our fascination with the topic comes from our curious nature and the desire to understand that which we cannot completely know. Others speculate that our dwelling on the afterlife stems from a basic fear of death and the need to be assured that we and those we love will be all right after we die.

Whatever the reason for our fascination with life after death, it is wise to base what we believe on the faith of our Church rather than the latest life-after-death Hollywood movie. This is why our next GIFT session will explore this important topic entitled “Knocking on Heaven's Door: What is True About Life After Death.” It will take place on Wednesday, November 29 th , 6-8:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 rd , 12:30-3:00 p.m. beginning as usual with a meal (BBQ chicken, Au gratin potatoes, green beans, corn bread and heavenly hash). We have invited St. Peter to join us for the meal. We will see if he comes. After dinner, the children will have a special session together with Sister Mary Assumpta and all adults and teens with gather for a session with me on what the Church believes about heaven and hell. We want this session to answer your questions so any parishioners who have special issues they wish to be treated can submit a written question in the box in the narthex.

Life after death is an important issue for everyone. Please sign up for the next GIFT session as we ponder together about our eternal future.

                                           Fr. George Smiga

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, LECTORS, SACRISTANS, AND SERVERS -Please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchenette if you are able to help with Thanksgiving Day, November 23 rd and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Vigil at 7:00 p.m., on December 7 th and the Noon Mass on December 8 th .

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – This year we will have a Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 th . On December 8 th we will have a Noon liturgy.

CPR & AED CLASS - Through the generosity of a parishioner we have acquired an Automatic External Defibrillator.  In preparation for its installation members of the parish and hall staffs will be taking a class in CPR and in the use of the AED on Tuesday, November 28 at 1 p.m.  If any parishioners would like to join us you can register by calling the parish office by Wednesday November 22.  There is a $15 fee for the class.

PRAYER LIST UPDATING – We are aware of the valuable ministry provided by the community's prayers for those whose names appear on our prayer list every week in this bulletin. Because of the passing of time and also because of the large number of names which appear on the list, we have lost touch with the status of many people. We are asking that you notify us by November 27 th if you would like us to continue with putting your name (or the name of your friend or loved one) on the list. As of the weekend of December 2 nd & 3 rd , 2006 we will only be publishing those names received or renewed by November 27 th . Please know that we are willing to place a name on the list any time but feel it is important that we periodically update the list so we can truly pray for those most in need of our support.

CITYMUSIC CLEVELAND CONCERT AT ST. NOEL - On Friday, December 8 th at 8:00 p.m. CityMusic Cleveland will offer a concert in our church including works by Ravel, Fauré, Berlioz and others. CityMusic Cleveland is a full chamber orchestra conducted by James Gaffigan, the associate conductor of The San Francisco Symphony. It was founded in 2004 in an effort to bring high quality music to neighborhoods throughout greater Cleveland. The concerts are free, although donations to support CityMusic are always welcome. We are proud to have been chosen as a regular sight for City Music because of our location and the excellent acoustics of our church. You can find more about City Music on their website: citymusiccleveland.org.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC . There are still copies of the St. Noel Music Ministry CD "How Can We Keep From Singing?" available for purchase in the church office.

Is there someone on your Christmas list who would like one? Or maybe one for your own listening pleasure? It includes music from every liturgical season performed by the St. Noel choir, bellchoir and chamber singers. Now only $10 each with discounts

available for quantity purchases. See Marc for details. Thank you for your support.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ST. AUGUSTINE- On November 26 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 November 25th and November 26 th , we will be collecting for our Social Justice 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. Please put the cookies in the Nativity Room (formerly the nursery) on the counter and mark them St. Augustine.

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND – In October we collected $757.00. Our expenses for October were:

We thank you for your support.

“JUST” SHOPPING - Thinking about Christmas shopping?  Want to give something meaningful and at the same time make purchases that benefit those in need?  Try visiting the Catholic Relief Services website for gifts.  www.crsgifts.org    All items meet the standards for fairly traded products.

PETER MAYER CONCERT TO BENEFIT IPM -

Peter Mayer will be in Cleveland, OH, for an appearance to be held on Sunday, December 3, 2006 at Messiah Lutheran Church at 21485 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH. Doors open at 6:30, concert begins at 7:00 PM.  The concert is a benefit for International Partners in Mission, which was co-founded by Peter Mayer's father, the late Jim Mayer. Blending superb songwriting, distinctive vocals, and virtuoso musicianship, the Peter Mayer Group creates compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance. Peter's style has been compared to Paul Simon, the Dave Matthews Band and Sting, yet his own sound is original and refreshing.  Tickets are $15 (general admission; children 12 & under free) and $35 (reserved seating) and can be purchased in advance by calling the IPM office at tel. 216.932.4082.

FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY – All families are invited to join us for a “family-friendly” look at next weekend's Gospel. Plan to attend either the 9:00 or 11:00 Mass on Sunday, November 26 and join us in the Resurrection Room from 10:15-11:00 (between Masses). Along with other families we will explore and share the Sunday Gospel. Reservations are not necessary. Just grab a donut and come on in!!

PARISH RETREAT - will be held on Wednesday, December 6 th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The retreat theme will be “Advent: A Season of Holy Darkness.” The retreat will be facilitated by Alice Hinkel. Sign up is on the kiosk. (A $5.00 donation is suggested for the lunch). Eucharistic Adoration will be at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP -The activities for the month of November are as follows: – November 23 rd – NO MEETING - HAPPY THANKSGIVING – November 30 th - Horse Racing and we will also celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend Senior Fellowship.

PRIME TIME – We're meeting tonight (Sunday)!! All 9-12 grade students are welcome. Not sure about PRIME TIME?? Check it out tonight – we know you'll come back! Save this date: December 2 nd !! We're joining Divine Word for 5:00 Mass, movie, dinner and more!! Get involved with PRIME TIME

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – A dedicated group of workers has been serving at the Food Bank for over 6 years! We are looking for more people to add to our core. We serve the first Monday of each month for about 2-2 ½ hours; workers must be at least 12 years old. Please sign the interest sheet on the kiosk for more information. Make a difference: serve at the Cleveland Food Bank

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Do you or someone you know need the caring presence of Christ during a difficult time? Stephen Ministers are trained, compassionate listeners ready to spend time with you. Please call Anthony to learn how a Stephen Minister could benefit you.

CLARK BARS -    You might have noticed the boxes of Clark bars in the narthex. In conjunction with Wickliffe High School, we're selling Clark bars to support Terry Clark, a junior at Wickliffe and our parishioner, who is battling Leukemia. Through a special arrangement with Necco, the candy is being made available at an extremely reduced rate in order that more money might go to the Clark family. Already, over $1000 has been raised. Candy bars sell for $1.00. Please place your donation in the box near the candy bars and please pray for Terry and his family.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT – We're in need of sponsor families. Call Anthony for more information – your family can really make a difference and have a wonderful experience of working together. Provide food and/or gifts for a family in need! We will serve over 100 families again this season!

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION – Members of PRIME TIME will be in the Narthex to accept donations for the Christmas Project on the weekends of December 2-3 and 9-10. St. Noel Church has served families through this project for over 15 years! All money will be used to purchase food and gifts. Thanks for your generosity! We hope to collect over $5,000.

BRING FOOD TO GIFT – You can help with the Christmas Project by bringing non-perishable food to the next GIFT session at the end of November. Maybe gather items and bring them to your family Thanksgiving dinner! Then bring the box of items to GIFT. The Christmas Project needs all canned foods, pasta, rice, stuffing, breakfast foods, and paper products.

TEEN SUMMER SERVICE – Each summer, teens from St. Noel join teens from around the country serving those in need. We have traveled to Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit, Toronto, San Francisco, and Washington DC. This summer we have a number of options available. On Tuesday, December 5 th at 7:00pm, we will meet in the teen center to discuss these options. Any teen interested in serving this summer needs to attend this meeting with a parent. We will have more than one week and one location available! Call Anthony with questions.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2007 are available in the church office or by calling Paula Garbo at 440-942-4884. Cost of the book is $25.00 until December 1 st , then $30.00 after that date. All proceeds benefit mentally handicapped children. Please make all checks payable to Paula Garbo. Books are also available through Lake County Right to Life. Please call 440-255-5257 or 440-428-9023 for more information.

“HEALING THE PAIN OF THE PAST: SURVIVING ANGER AND HURT AND FINDING A FUTURE WORTH LIVING” Separation and divorce often leave pain and anger that prevent us from moving on. Join Fr. Steve Dohner, MA PhD, on Wednesday, November 29 th from 7:00-9:00 pm at St. Bede Church, 9114 Lake Shore Blvd., Mentor, as he touches on the following: What keeps us hurting? How do we heal ongoing hurts? Healing as a spiritual journey; coming to terms with forgiveness; and restoring trust and hope. To register or for more information, kindly call Karen at 440-352-8282.

HOPE CHEST NEEDS FOR WINTER - The Hope Chest needs winter jackets, especially men's and boys. They should be clean, and the zippers must work. Also needed are boy's jeans, all sizes, and adult-size gloves, mittens, and hats. Hope Chest will be closed to clients from Dec 23-Jan 2, 2007. We ask that you do NOT bring donations after Dec 20 , until Jan 8 . During the winter, please bring clothing donations ONLY when we are open, Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm, or make sure to put them in our locked box. Items left on the dock are often broken into and soaked: then we have to throw them out immediately. That's a waste of potentially usable “stuff”, and cancels out your good intentions. We appreciate your generous support, help us help others. If you have any questions about Hope Chest, please call Pat Meyer at 440-352-0885.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY (20's and 30's)

On Sat. December 16, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, help Providence House, a crisis nursery for children ages newborn - five years old.  Our work will include organizing donated Christmas gifts, and their inventory of clothes, food, diapers, etc. To register, please call Laura (216-228-9516) or e-mail to 2006yaic@gmail.com or pekelly@clevelandcatholiccharities.org . This event is sponsored by Catholic Charities through the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office.

ST. PAUL CHURCH , 1231 Chardon Road, Euclid extends an invitation to parishioners to an audiotape presentation by Fr. Himes on “Experiencing the Mystery of God.” It will be held on Sunday, November 26 th .The presentation will take place at the rectory from 3-5 p.m. For registration and or information please call Mary Ann at 216-486-3836 .

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK AT HILLCREST HOSPITAL - Would you like to become a Eucharistic Minister to the sick at Hillcrest Hospital? Call the Pastoral Services Department for more information at 440-312-3739 .

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