Week of December 23, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

Christmas is this Tuesday. Please remember that we will have no 9:00 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. Our schedule will be 4:30 & 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass, and 11:00 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. With the expanded seating in the church, there should be plenty of seats at all the liturgies except the 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Know that you will need to come early at that Mass to find a seat.

There will be a program of Christmas Music before the Midnight Mass, beginning at 11:15 p.m. We have also included in the Christmas programs an invitation to those who do not normally worship with us to become more involved at St. Noel. Feel free to bring a Christmas program home with you and pass it on to someone you may feel is ready to return to active participation in the Church.

With Christmas here, the New Year is not far behind. There is still time to have Chef Randy prepare a “New Year's To Go” package for you which includes all the food necessary for a New Year Dinner with complete directions for a simple preparation. Order sheets are available in the kiosk. Take one for yourself and others to pass on to your friends. Your choices for “New Year's To Go” must be phoned into the Banquet Center by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27 th .

Fr. George Smiga

“NEW YEAR'S TO GO” – Our parish Banquet Center is offering complete dinners to take home for New Year's Eve and day. Full directions are included for a simple preparation. Order forms with pricing are available in the kiosk. All orders must be phoned into the hall by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27 th . With one of St. Noel “New Year's to Go” dinners all you need to provide are the plates, the drinks, and the people.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING – We will be putting up the Christmas Decorations on Sunday, December 23 rd after the 11:00 Mass. If you are able to help, please come to the narthex on December 23 rd after the 11:00 Mass. Thank you.

MARDI GRAS – SAVE THE DATE – Because Lent begins very early in 2008, Mardi Gras will be on Saturday evening, February 2, 2008, so mark your calendars now!  See you there!

ST. AUGUSTINE RAFFLE CALENDARS (365 chances to win) calendars will be available in the church office, Mondays through Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Sundays after Mass. For more information please call Jim Klements at 440-442-2744

A CHRISTMAS INVITATION – If you or someone you know feels separated from or forgotten by the Catholic Church, if you have questions about the Catholic faith, or if you are in need of a welcoming Christian community, one of our parish staff members would be happy to speak with you. Simply complete the tear-out section of the Christmas program which you will receive at Christmas Mass and place it in the collection basket or the box in the narthex and we will be in touch!

PRIME TIME - It's our Christmas Party tonight (Sunday) at 7:00pm in the Teen Center. All former youth group members are invited – stop in and say hi!! We would love to see you.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next session is Tuesday, January 8 th at 7:00pm – bring your Bibles. Let's have a great 2008.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT – Thank you for your generosity!! We collected over $6,000 (wow!!) and will use that money for food & gifts. This truly is a parish effort!

ALTAR SERVERS – We are in need of servers at all liturgies. Adults are welcome to serve at Mass as well – you must be in at least the 4 th grade to serve. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk if interested in serving.

TEEN MASS – The Mass, dinner/dance has been re-scheduled for Sunday, January 6 th beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Banquet Center/Large Hall. Both the Mass and dinner/dance will take place in the Banquet Center. The event will end at approximately 8:30 p.m. Please call/email Anthony with questions.

YOUNG NEIGHBORS IN ACTION – Since 1996, teens from St. Noel Church have served throughout the country with YNIA. This summer we're serving in Buffalo, NY during the week of July 20-26. Spots are being reserved - we have 6 remaining spots for teens - $100 will reserve your spot. Check the kiosk or contact Anthony for more info. This is a memorable experience – any 9-12 grade student is welcome.

BLOOD DRIVE – We are again sponsoring a blood drive on Sunday, December 30 th beginning at 8:00am in the Banquet Center. You can register online at www.givelife.org Follow the prompts and use “stnoel” as the sponsor code. We are in need of volunteers to work the welcome table at the blood drive. Please call Anthony (946-1128 x20) if you can help.

2008 CALENDARS courtesy of DeJohn Funeral Home are available on the counter in the church office. Please help yourself.

OFFICE HELP – We are in need of a volunteer in the church office on Thursday evenings. You will be alternating every other Thursday evening with another volunteer. If you are able to help please call Carole in the church office (440-946-0887) for further details.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - New Year's Day - Liturgical Minister schedules (Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Sacristans) are on the bulletin board by the kitchenette. Ministers are asked to sign up if they are able to help for the holidays.

JANUARY GIFT – Start the new year with a “faith lift!” Come to GIFT on Wednesday, January 9 th or Sunday, January 13 th . The session is entitled “Islam 101: Shared Faith in the Family of Sarah and Abraham .”

Our guest speaker, Father Joe Hilinski, will teach all adults (parents included!) about the Islamic faith and help us overcome religious stereotypes. Children will explore the similarities and differences among Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Don't let your busy holiday schedule keep you from registering. Visit the table in the narthex, call (440)946-1128, ext. 18, or go to www.stnoel.org.

WEDDING MUSIC – We will have an Evening of Wedding Music on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. This workshop is for engaged couples who will be getting married this year, and will feature over an hour of music appropriate for liturgy, as well as a chance to hear parish soloists and instrumentalists. To better assist you in making choices, you are strongly encouraged to bring a tape recorder and tape the session. See you there!

HOLY HOUR FOR PEACE – Our “Let There Be Peace” prayer and reflection group will be leading us in a Holy Hour for Peace on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In addition to celebrating the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God, January 1 st is also the World Day of Peace. Our prayer will center on the Rosary for Peace. We will gather in the Eucharistic Chapel behind the main altar. At the beginning of this new year, please consider joining us for this opportunity to intercede for our world that “peace on earth and good will to all peoples” may prevail over violence. There is a box and forms on the table in the Narthex for you to submit specific prayer requests for peace, be they in your family, among your friends, in your place of work or more global in nature. These intentions will be prayed during our Holy Hour.

MUJER Y COMUNIDAD – A detailed year-end report of the activities and future plans of our partners in El Salvador, Mujer y Comunidad (Women and Community) can be found in the Social Justice section of the kiosk. Mujer y Comunidad will need our financial support ($4500) yet in 2008 and then the women hope to move toward sustainability in 2009. Please help yourself to a copy of the report and most especially, keep the women in your prayers!

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for December are as follows: –– December 27 th - NO MEETING. Next meeting will be on January 3, 2008.

Something to think about from the St. Noel Endowment Board...Those of you who are privileged enough to have reached age 70 1/2, then you know what RMD means, "REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION".  The IRS says you have to start taking money from your IRA whether you need it or not.  For this tax year 2007, IRS will allow you to satisfy that distribution by making a tax-free donation to St. Noel Endowment.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERTS – If you would like to receive by e-mail the legislative action alerts sent to us from the Diocesan Social Action Office please sign up on the kiosk.  This is a great way to be aware of legislation pending both in Ohio and on the national level that will have an impact (either positively or negatively) on the values fostered by Catholic social teaching.  Alerts include contact information for the legislators involved and suggest points to be emphasized when we make our contacts.  Part of our call as Christians is to advocate for those who are in poverty, suffering injustices or whose very life and dignity may be threatened in some way.  Please prayerfully consider signing up for these action alerts.

ST. NOEL BANQUET CENTER – Great dates are still available in the Banquet Center for 2008. April 19 th & 26 th are open as well as May 3 rd & 24 th and June 7th. Most Fridays throughout the year are also open. If you or someone you know is planning an event of any kind please call the Banquet Center office at 440-946-6635. We are willing to make a deal.

SHOUT BAND & PASTA BUFFET – Tickets are now being sold for the Mo-town Show at St. Noel on January 19 th from 6:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Cash bar available. Tickets are only $25.00 per person and are going fast. Please call and reserve a ticket at 440-946-NOEL (6635). If you have never had the pleasure of eating at St. Noel or have never been entertained by Shout before, do yourself a favor and plan to attend this event.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2008 are available in the church office or by calling Paula Garbo at 440-942-4884. Cost of the book is $30.00. All proceeds benefit children with disabilities.

PLEASE SAVE YOUR USED STAMPS – for the Maryknoll Sisters for their missionary work. Cut the stamps from the envelope using scissors. Leave ¼” margin around the stamp. Postage meter stamps are of no value. Place the stamps in the box located in the coat room. Because of modern devices such as e-mail, direct deposit, postage meters etc the use of stamps is way down. We really need your help! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST – On Thursday, the 27 th of December, amidst the beauty of Christmastime at the Cathedral we will celebrate our diocesan patronal feast day of Saint John the Evangelist. You are invited to join Bishop Lennon and people from throughout the Diocese in two special events marking this important feast. At 12:00 Noon a special Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Lennon and at 7:00 p.m. in the evening a Solemn Vespers service will be sung. An informative guided tour of the Cathedral will follow Vespers. Also, free and secure parking is available for the evening service.

EL SALVADOR SPEAKER – Megan Horton, a long time volunteer with Crispaz, an organization dedicated to informing North Americans about El Salvador and the history of the country's struggles, will be speaking at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, January 3, 2008 at Resurrection Parish in Solon. Come and hear about her personal commitment to this country and its people and be updated on the current political, economic and environmental situation there. All are welcome!

HOPE CHEST NEEDS men's gloves and hats. Donations can be brought to Hope Chest, 85 North Park Place in Painesville, on Mon-Thurs 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Come to the loading dock in the rear of the Sr. Citizens' Building and ring the bell or bring the items upstairs to Hope Chest. For more information about dropping off donations please call 440-352-0885 or 440-974-7934.

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