Week of February 27, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

Today I would like to share with you some reflections on the RCIA and a new venture within the process that we will be launching this spring. Since the inception of our parish, the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) has enriched our community by bringing 185 new members into a relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

The one-(or two) year process of the RCIA is intended primarily for non-baptized and non-catechized adults, those who have had little or minimal exposure to the person of Jesus and to the Catholic way of life. But what about that person who is baptized and formed in the ways of Christian living and worshipping with us regularly, but not a Catholic? What if he or she would like to join us through making a profession of faith, being Confirmed and receiving Eucharist? Is the year long process necessary in such circumstances? Probably not. Some of you are comfortable with the main teachings of the Church, living a good Christian life, and worshipping regularly with us. I believe that there is a value both for you and us in formalizing your relationship with the Church in a simplified way. I am aware this description may fit a number of you. The good news is that the RCIA allows for adaptation.

This spring we are offering a six-week series of gatherings for those of you who were baptized and formed in another Christian tradition, are already a consistent part of our worshipping community and want to explore the possibility of becoming a Catholic. We will begin on Tuesday evening, April 12, 2005, meet from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and meet for the following five Tuesday evenings through May 17 th . (We will meet in the Resurrection Room.) Our gatherings will be focused on the questions the participants bring, the scriptures for the coming Sunday, and prayer. At the conclusion of this series those who have discerned that God is inviting them to formalize their relationship with the Catholic community will be received into the Church at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2005. To register for this modified experience of the RCIA please call Alice Hinkel at 440-946-0887.

In closing let me suggest that we keep those who God may be calling to this process in our prayers, knowing that our entire community will grow in Christian love and service through those who make this commitment.

Fr. George Smiga

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 March 2, 2005 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 March 5 th & 6 th , 2005 we will only be publishing those names received or renewed by March 2, 2005. 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.

WEDNESDAY EVENING MASS CANCELLATION - Because our GIFT Program falls on Wednesday evening, March 2 nd , our regular Wednesday evening Mass will be cancelled.

SIGNED LITURGY- Sunday, March 6th, April Kinder will be joining us to sign the 11:00 a.m. Mass for the hearing impaired. Reserved seating can be found in the first two rows of chairs by the Eucharist Chapel.

BAPTISM DAY will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2005 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 who 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 for more information or to register.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the church (after the fish fry).

REMINDER – Lenten Bags and tags are available on the table in the narthex. Filled bags can be returned to the clothing and food drop-off area in the right hand bins. Lenten Rice Bowls are available on the table in the narthex. When bowls are filled with change, they can be returned to the parish office.

LENTEN BOOKLETS are available in the narthex (one per family).

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 1:00 p.m. If you can help please call the hall office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

2005 CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANNUAL APPEAL is now underway. Please watch your mail for your opportunity to make a pledge. The 2005 parish appeal will be held the first two weekends in May (April 30 th /May 1 st and May 7 th & 8 th ). This year's goal is to raise $9 million for 176 health and human services programs serving 470,000 people. Your gift can make a difference. To find out more about the people served and how you can help, visit

www.clevelandcatholiccharities.org or call 1-800- 869-6525, ext 1910.

THE MINISTRY FAIR will take place this weekend February 26 th and 27 th . After every Mass this weekend, the ministries of our parish will be represented in our parish hall. Coffee and donuts this weekend will not be in the narthex but as part of the fair. Chef Randy will also offer some additional refreshments. There will be door prizes and gifts for the children. The purpose of the Ministry Fair is to celebrate the generosity of our parishioners who allow these ministries to function. Please plan to visit the Ministry Fair after Mass this weekend so that you can appreciate what is going on at St. Noel.

EUCHARISTIC PRESENCE: GETTING TO THE REAL TRUTH. That's the topic for our next GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) session. There will be opportunities to learn, share food, fellowship and prayer with the whole

parish . . . ev eryone . . . Registration forms are available in the narthex or use the one from your home kit. Drop off completed forms in the GIFT box in the narthex.

FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY – We will not meet on February 27 th . Hope to see you at the Ministry Fair.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – meets every Thursday at noon in the small hall. Everyone is welcome to attend

JOURNEY TO JOY a support group for people experiencing depression or anxiety will meet Thursday, March 10 TH at 1:00 p.m. in the Visitation Room.

PRIME TIME – We're bowling this afternoon (Sunday) with the youth group from St. Basil Church. After bowling we'll join them for an awesome Mass at St. Basil. We leave the Church at 2:15pm. Bring your signed permission slip.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 8 th at 7:00pm. Bring your bibles!

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of mattress and box springs (any size), appliances as well as any furniture in good condition. We do not pick up clothes, knick knacks or items needing repair. Please call Anthony if you can help.

LECTORS NEEDED – Hey teens!! Lector training is scheduled for Saturday, March 12 th at 10:00am. We have 5 teens already; call Anthony if you are interested.

CDEM – Our next offering of the CDEM for engaged couples is Thursday, March 10 th at 7:00pm.

EASTER HAMS – PRIME TIME is again offering delicious, spiral-sliced hams for your Easter celebrations. You can support youth ministry at St. Noel Church and enjoy a mouth-watering ham of the highest quality. You can place your order by calling Anthony at 946-1128 x20 or email at acamino@stnoel.org the price is the same as last year – only $4.75/lb.

WHITEWATER RAFTING – We're planning a rafting trip on the incredible New River in WV for late June of 2005. Call Anthony for details and keep watching for more info!!

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT - The PRIME TIME retreat is scheduled for March 18-20 at Cedar Hills Conference Center in Painesville. “You've Got A Friend in Me” is the title of the retreat, and all 9-12 grade students are invited. You should have received a registration form in the mail. The retreat is truly a highlight of the year – don't miss it!!

CLEVELAND FOOD BANK – We're serving at the Food Bank on Monday, March 7 th at 6:00pm. We leave the Church at 5:35 or you can meet us there. Call Anthony (946-1128) if you're interested in serving.

DIVORCE RECOVERY FOR CATHOLICS – An eight week support group for divorced/separated Catholics will be held at St. Gabriel Church in Concord, beginning Tuesday, March 1st, from 7-9:00 p.m. Sessions are designed to provide direction and faith-based support along with tools for coping. For more information or to register, please call Catholic Charities at 440-352-6191 or 1-800-242-9755.

YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CITY :  20's and 30's

On Sat. March 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., help to prepare and serve a meal at St Augustine Hunger Center in Tremont (2486 W 14 St).  To register, please call Laura Whitkofski 216-228-9516 (home) whitkofski@msn.com or e-mail to pekelly@dioceseofcleveland.org .  This event is sponsored by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry and CYO Office of the Diocese of Cleveland.  

TEACH-IN: SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2005, 1-6:00 p.m. “Good Global Citizenship,” with keynote speaker Rep. Sherrod Brown. Workshops: peace-making, martyrdom, human rights, globalization, fair trade. Location: St. Ignatius High School, W 30 th and Lorain. Registration fee: $10.00, ask for student rate. Contact the InterReligious Task Force (IRTF) at 216-961-0003 or irtf@igc.org .

BLESS THE CHILDREN : Domestic Violence Center recognizes February as Bless the Children Month . DVC operates two safe shelters for women and children, and the 24-hour HELP line, in Cuyahoga County, which answered 20,000 calls in 2003. Please help DVC create peace in the home by making a tax-deductible donation. Checks can be made payable to DVC, P.O.Box 5466, Cleveland, Ohio 44101 or for more information, call Linda Johanek 216-651-8484, Ext 301.

FATHER JOE MCNULTY HONORED – On Friday, March 4, 2005, St. Augustine Health Campus will honor Fr. Joe McNulty for his years of dedication to the sick, elderly, poor and disabled of the greater Cleveland Community at the 8 th Annual Top ‘O the Towers Benefit Night at Brennan's Party Center. The event will be held from 6-9:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45.00 per person. For information please contact the Development Office at 216-939-7602, fax: 216-634-7483 or e-mail: st.augustine@st.augustinemanor.org

SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - The Sisters of Notre Dame invite women, ages 18-40 to participate in a five-day program of summer service with the Sisters. Experiences will include outreach to women and children in transition, services to refugees, GED tutoring, migrant ministry, elder care, and a Habitat project. The volunteers will live in a Notre Dame community so they can share prayer, meals and reflections on the experience with the sisters. Volunteer opportunities are available in Cleveland, June 19-24; Los Angeles, July 15-21; Toledo, July 17-22; and Northern Kentucky, August 7-12. For more information contact Sr. Kathleen Hine at khine@ndec.org or by phone at 440-279-1194.

AFRICA RISING: Hope & Healing Week of March 6-11 - The Diocesan Council on Global Solidarity presents a week of awareness on Africa. A variety of presentations will take place throughout the diocese. For an updated schedule, consult the ETC calendar on the web at www.catholic-action.org.

YOU'RE INVITED TO AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP

A LIVING FAITH AT WORK INITIATIVE - Forum Conference & Education Center, 1375 E. 9 th Street (Downtown Cleveland) – Saturday, March 12, 2005 , 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Cost $10.00 (includes Continental Breakfast) Parking available at the Forum for $3.50. The yellow registration forms are in the kiosk by the Social Concerns section.

WOMANKIND MATERNAL AND PRENATAL CARE CENTER , 5400 Transportation Boulevard, Garfield Heights is in urgent need of volunteers to assist in providing support services to expectant moms. If you are willing and able to donate some of your time, please contact Dianna or JoAnn at 216-662-5700.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the Cleveland Clinic – Do you have a couple of extra hours a week? Do you care about people and want to make a difference? You might consider becoming a Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic volunteer. Special people are in need to provide compassionate support to patients in your neighborhood. The next training begins in April. For an interview, please call Ann Catanese at 216-636-8666.

THE CATHOLIC UPDATE entitled “We Believe in the Resurrection,” by Thomas H. Groome, is now available in the kiosk.

WILLOUGHBY HILLS RECREATION COMMISSION is sponsoring a pancake breakfast on Sundays, March 6 th & March 13 th at the Willoughby Hills Community Center, 35400 Chardon Road, adults $5.50, presale $5.00, children 6-12 $2.50, and children under 5 are free,

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