Week of February 11, 2007

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Dear Parishioner,

Two hundred years ago this year the international community under the leadership of the British politician, William Wilberforce officially rejected the trafficking of human beings. The slave trade had flourished for centuries and it took a tremendous effort to make it illegal. Wilberforce's mentor in this effort was John Newton, a former slave trader. Newton under the influence of the Christine faith came to see that trading in human beings was immoral and unacceptable in just societies. He enshrined his conversion experience in the familiar hymn “Amazing Grace.” The phrase “I was blind but now I see,” was Newton's way of describing the insight which led him to end his slave-trading career.

Although trafficking in human beings is now recognized throughout the world as illegal, it has not ceased. In fact, faster communications and travel have allowed this immoral practice to grow. According to U.S. Government statistics 800,000 – 900,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international boundaries each year against their will for sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, arranged marriages, or to harvest their organs. 18,000-20,000 are trafficked into the U.S. each year.

It is hard to believe that this ancient form of oppression is still flourishing in our world and in our country. This month churches of all denominations are cooperating in raising this justice issue to their congregations. We are joining with them in marking the 200 th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by singing “Amazing Grace” at our liturgies next weekend. As we sing this hymn together let us recognize not only the statement of personal conversion but also the cry for justice which permeates its words. Those who wish to learn more about the problem of slavery and how to work against it may consult the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: http://www.usccb.org/mrs/traffickingweb3.shtml or see the Social Justice Section of the kiosk.

We who have experienced the amazing grace of God must recommit ourselves to uphold the dignity and freedom of others and to oppose whatever actions abuse and degrade the human person.

Fr. George Smiga

CLUSTERING ANNOUNCEMENT – We received notice this week from Bishop Lennon that St. Noel will be a cluster partner with Divine Word in Kirtland. This is the cluster arrangement which was requested by our Pastoral Council and staff. A reminder that clustering does not mean that St. Noel is closing or merging with Divine Word. Clustering is a structure in which parishes can share resources and plan for the future. The Pastoral Council is organizing a weekend in March to provide fuller information and answer questions on clustering. Details to follow.

CORRECTION – the February calendar has a clustering meeting on February 11 th . The meetings will be held after Masses on March 10 th & 11 th in the Banquet Center/small hall.

WEDDING MUSIC – NEW DATE - We will have an Evening of Wedding Music on Monday, February 19 th 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 sessions. See you there!

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS , LECTORS, SERVERS AND SACRISTANS if you are able to help at the 7:00 p.m. liturgy on Ash Wednesday, February 21, please sign up on the bulletin board near the kitchenette. Lectors are also needed at the Noon service on Ash Wednesday.

REMINDER – There will be no 6:45 p.m. Liturgy on Wednesday, February 14 th . Plan to attend the GIFT Program that evening or on Sunday, February 18 th .

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES – Fridays of Lent (not Good Friday), from 4:30-7:30 p.m. volunteers are needed for serving and cleanup. Sign-up sheets are on the kiosk if you can help. Also, Randy needs volunteers who can help set up fish fries on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. If you can help, please call the hall office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

“MARCH FOR MEALS” ON SATURDAY, MARCH 10 TO BENEFIT NUTRITION PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY – Help us provide nutritious meals for elderly adults in Lake County! Join us for the Council on Aging Foundation's Second Annual “March for Meals” on Saturday, March 10 th from 8-10 a.m. inside Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. This indoor walk will raise funds for home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meals for older adults in our community. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for children under 12. Registration includes a t-shirt (for adult participants registered by February 28 th ), refreshments, entertainment and more! Call 440-205-8111 X 247 for details.

ST. NOEL CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS : Classical guitarist Erik Mann with flautist, Linda White will present a recital at St. Noel Church this Sunday, February 11, at

4:00 PM. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear beautiful guitar and flute repertoire including works by Johann Kaspar Mertz, Paulo Bellinati, and Robert Beaser. The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit our partnership with "Women and Community" in Zaragoza, El Salvador.

BAPTISM DAY will be held on Sunday, March 4,

2007 from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents who are planning to present a child for Baptism in the next six months, or already have done so and have not previously attended such a day, are expected to attend. Please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

BEREAVEMENT SERIES – Our Bereavement Ministry invites anyone (participants need not be parishioners) who is coping with the loss of a family member or friend to attend a series of evenings designed to support and assist people in their grieving. The series will be held in the Lower Level, April 3 rd through May 8 th and each evening will include some time for prayer. These sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please register by calling the parish office at 440-946-0887. Fliers are available in the kiosk.

EARTH FRIENDLY LAWNCARE - On Saturday, February 24, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a workshop sponsored by the Sisters of Charity and the Commission on Catholic Community Action on “New Alternatives in Lawn Care,” at River's Edge Conference Center, 3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland.  Fee is $5.00 and includes continental breakfast and lunch.  You must register by February 10, 2007.  For more information call Sr. Evelyn at 216-252-0440.

YOU'RE INVITED – Begin your Lent with a visit to our Stewardship Open House on the weekend of February 24 th & 25 th after all the Masses. Learn about ways to share the alms of your time and talent and enjoy a time of fellowship with other parishioners as well. More details in coming weeks.

2007 ST. NOEL MARDI GRAS – Lent will soon be upon us. So kick back and party at the St. Noel Mardi Gras Carnival next Saturday evening. Cost is $30 per person. Stop by the table in the narthex for more details or call 946-NOEL for reservations see the display in the narthex for details and tickets.

STEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOTS – Get to know the vast variety of ministries offered here at St. Noel through the experiences of people directly involved! Hear their personal stories of why they got involved, how they feel they've made a difference and what keeps them motivated. These inspirational stories of good stewardship are sure to ignite the fire under all of us. Coming soon to www.stnoel.org !

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP will meet at 7 pm, February 13th in the Nativity Room to view and discuss a segment of Bill Moyer's Faith and Reason series.  The segments will present an atheist's and an evangelical scientist's views on faith.  Discussion of When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd will take place at the March 13th meeting.  Contact the parish office at 440-946-0887 for information.  

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for February are as follows: – February 15 th - socializing, meeting, and then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon of ½ chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, mixed salad, rolls, butter and peach pie. Cost is $6.00 per person. Deadline for tickets and payment is February 12 th . February 22 nd –Bingo and we will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Also, please remember to bring your food donation for the food pantry to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursdays.

PRIME TIME –No meeting tonight. GIFT this week.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – See you at GIFT this week.

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!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Today (Sunday) is the Pancake Breakfast!! Tickets are only $5.00 for adults. The breakfast runs from 10-2pm. All proceeds benefit PRIME TIME. Mark your calendar today!!

CONFIRMATION – Those in 6-12 th grade interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation need to call Anthony (946-1128) to register for preparation. Sessions begin the 1 st Sunday of Lent and all candidates must pre-register. Confirmation is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2007 with Bishop Roger Gries, OSB.

SUMMER SERVICE – There are 2 service opportunities this summer. One spot remains for our Young Neighbors in Action trip to Washington DC the week of July 8-14. We can reserve more, if needed. Three spots remain for our service trip to rural Kentucky the week of June 30 th . These are unique opportunities for high school teens to live and learn about their Catholic faith. Call Anthony for more information (946-1128 x20).

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.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – PRIME TIME, our awesome youth group, is collecting items and making care packages to send to our troops in Iraq. You can place needed items in the box in the narthex this month and during the first week of March. Men's deodorant and shaving cream (travel size) are the most needed items. Check out: http://www.usocleveland.org/ for a complete list or pick up a flyer in the kiosk or at the pancake breakfast.

SHOUT BAND AND PASTA BUFFET - Tickets are now being sold for the Mo-town Show at St. Noel on March 10 th from 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. Cash bar available. Tickets are only $20.00 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 on attending this event.

ST. NOEL BANQUET CENTER FISH FRY OFFER FROM WILLOUGHBY HILLS AUTO REPAIR –

Any purchase of $50.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 1 fish fry ticket.

Any purchase of $125.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 2 fish fry tickets.

Any purchase of $400.00 or more (before tax) you will receive 4 fish fry tickets.

Begins February 19 th till March 30 th .

WILLOUGHBY HILLS RECREATION COMMISSION PANCAKE BREAKFASTS – will be held on March 4 th and March 11 th at the Community Center from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (last serving at 12:30 p.m.) Adults $5 pre-sale, $6/door, children 6-12 years old $3/ age 5 & under/free. For more information please call 440-975-3540.

CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled, “How Shall I Fast? Daily Meditations for Lent by Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J. is now available in the kiosk.

URSULINE COLLEGE will be hosting an information night on the Master of Arts in Ministry graduate program on Monday, February 19 th , at 7:00 p.m. in the Resurrection Room at St. Noel Church. If you would like to learn more about this program which develops academic competence, spiritual maturity and practical skills for Ministry, please join us. For more information, contact JoAnn Grillo at 440-646-8195.

ARE YOU IN YOUR 20's OR 30's? Are you looking for something to do for Lent to learn more about your Catholic Faith? Then Join our six-week Faith Formation Series beginning Monday, February 26 th at St. Noel's in Willoughby Hills (East Side) or St. Charles in Parma (West Side). This program provides an opportunity for faith sharing and reflection with others your age! For more information please call Paul Kelly at 216-334-1261 X 28 or pkelly@clevelandcatholiccharities.org or Michelle Lantos at 330-998-4436 or michelle9127@yahoo.com .

BREADTH OF LIFE LUNCHEON MEETING will be held at St. Noel on February 14, 2007 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The featured speaker this month is Andrew Roth, PhD who is the president of Notre Dame College and has over 25 years experience in academia. He will speak on “The Purpose of Education is Ultimately Moral.” For reservations please call 216-486-3011 or 216-289-3593.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – Anyone interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Thursday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Noel in Resurrection Room #1. For more information please call Karen Myers at 440-974-8116.

THINK SPRING-THINK SUMMER-THINK SOFTBALL- Softball fanatics considering formation of a ST. Noel adult COED SOFTBALL TEAM. Please see the kiosk for more details and sign up or call Ken Bollam at 440-639-8896 for more information.

LAKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is sponsoring “A Night at the Races on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Please see the kiosk for more information. REGINA HIGH SCHOOL is presenting “The Wizard of Oz” please see the kiosk for dates, times, and prices. ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH is sponsoring their 4 th Annual Celtic Ball Weekend, March 10 th & March 11 th . Please see the kiosk for more information.

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