Week of September 25, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

We live in a world in which many people have less than we do. Even as we struggle with the rising cost of gasoline and health care, a moment's reflection will remind us of how many people have no means of transportation and no access to health care. Our commitment to Christ calls us to respond to these brothers and sisters of ours who are in need.

In the next weeks we will have two opportunities to do just that. Next weekend on October 1 st and 2 nd , Julieta, a member of Women & Community in El Salvador, will be speaking at our liturgies. You will remember that St. Noel formed a partnership with Women & Community in 2004 through International Partners in Mission. Women & Community is a small organization in El Salvador committed to improving the lives of women through education and ministerial support. Run by the women themselves, Women & Community has begun a sewing business and a process to educate parents on the use of soy products to enhance the diet of their children. This last year they have offered programs on leadership and organizational skills for running a small business including computer skills. All of these programs have been possible through our yearly commitment of $3,500 to Women & Community. Moreover, the commitment is personal. A group of St. Noel parishioners visited El Salvador in the summer of 2004 and another trip is planned for the summer of 2006. When Julieta speaks after Communion next weekend, she will report on what our generosity has been able to do and will ask for your continuing prayerful and financial support. She will also bring with her items from the women's sewing business for your purchase. Please come to listen and show your support.

The second opportunity will be the yearly event of Blanket Sunday. Whereas Women & Community helps people in El Salvador, Blanket Sunday helps those in our own city. When you come to Mass on October 8 th & 9 th , we encourage you to bring new or like-new blankets, sheets, pillowcases, towels and washcloths to church with you. This collection will allow the St. Vincent DePaul Society of the Diocese to serve families, children, elderly, homeless and other needy individuals in our metropolitan area. A donation of cash is actually preferable since it allows St. Vincent DePaul to purchase new items in bulk for reduced prices.

On the same weekend, we collect slightly worn men's, women's, and children's winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, boots and scarves in good, clean condition. These items will be distributed to individuals in the area of the St. Augustine Hunger Center.

If you can assist in collecting these items after any of the Masses on October 8 th & 9 th , please sign up on the volunteer sheet on the kiosk.

God has been generous to us. Please make use of these two upcoming opportunities to show your generosity to others.

Fr. George Smiga

VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA – Anyone who would still like to donate to the Hurricane Relief Fund can do so by sending their donation directly to Cat holic Charities USA, Hurricane Katrina, P. O. Box 25168, Alexandria, VA. 22313-9788. Please make check out to Catholic Charities USA .

SIGNED LITURGY – On Sunday, October 2, 2005, 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.

LECTOR WORKBOOKS for 2006 are available in the Sacristy. Lectors are reminded to please pick them up.

GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER – If you are coming to the GIFT session on either September 28 th or October 2 nd , remember to bring a photo of those in your household. We will not damage the photo and you may have the picture back at the end of October. A snapshot or wallet size picture will be just fine!

GIFT – Remember the doors open one half hour before the session begins (5:30 on September 28 th and Noon on October 2 nd ). Come early and avoid the rush!!

“WHEN DID WE SEE YOU HUNGRY?” Last month our food pantry serviced 35 families representing 115 people by providing them with three days of emergency food, soaps and paper products. Many of the items we now provide come from Country Neighboring, a subsidiary of the Cleveland Food Bank, so we are not coming to you quite as frequently with requests. However, currently we have need of soap and paper products of all kinds, as well as canned fruit. You may drop your donations off at our food pantry bin located off the hallway to the parish offices. Thank you for your concern for the hungry.

THE FOOD IS FREE, A LETTER IS YOUR FEE! On Friday, October 14 th The Social Concerns Commission presents the first LOAVES and LETTERS event. Come share a simple meal (soups and bread), then learn about a specific aspect of Social Justice. This time the focus will be hunger issues, and the organization Bread For The World. Then, you get to put this knowledge into concrete action by writing a letter to a federal official about the issue of hunger. All stationary, postage and sample letters will be provided. It will run from 6:30-8:30 and all ages are invited to participate. There will be age-appropriate instruction and activities for children. There is a sign-up list on the kiosk. Please register by Monday, October 10 th .

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 Nativity Room, October 4 th through November 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.

MONTHLY RETREATS will begin on Wednesday, October 5 th and continue each first Wednesday of the month, through April, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The retreats will be facilitated by St. Noel parishioners and the title of the October retreat is “Belonging: Being at Home in One Another's Hearts.” An offering of $5.00 is suggested to cover lunch. Please sign up on the kiosk.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Welcome to our first breakfast of the year on Saturday, October 15 th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Join us as we read, write and release our energy towards spiritual growth. Our gifted presenters will be a panel of three St. Noel parishioners, Sharon Waltermire, Stephanie Griffith and Candice Minello. As always, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and a time for conversation and quiet prayer. The suggested donation is $3.50. Please sign up on the kiosk by October 10 th.

ST NOEL PLAYROOM is available during the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy to children 4 years old and under. Parent and youth volunteers will watch your child while you attend Mass or you are welcome to stay with your child.

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).

CLAMBAKE – The bake is today (Sunday)!! Limited tickets are available at the door. All proceeds benefit St. Noel Youth Ministry. Support the Clambake!!

PRIME TIME – Our first session is Sunday, October 2 nd . COME TO GIFT!! There's still time to register so get on board. Change is good….

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Training for new Stephen Ministers will begin in January. You might be ready to serve in a ministry that quietly makes a difference in the lives of people experiencing difficult times. You will receive all the training and support you need to use the gifts God gave you. Call Anthony to learn about the Stephen Ministry.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our first session is Wednesday, September 28 th . It's part of GIFT!! Have you signed up?? There's still time!

SERVERS – We are in need of more servers at all Masses. Adults are welcome to be trained as servers!! Think about it… See the kiosk for more details.

YOUNG ADULTS – The diocese is putting together a faith formation program for young adults. These small groups will begin in November at various churches including St. Noel. Would you like to be involved in getting these groups off the ground? Please call Anthony for more info!

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. Childcare is provided in the nursery--free of charge. We encourage you to join our growing group and look forward to seeing you. Please contact Anthony at 440—946-1128 x20 for more information.

DO YOU HEAR THE MUSIC CALLING? If you have ever considered joining the St. Noel music ministry, now is the time. We have some exciting plans for the upcoming year including some wonderful new Christmas repertoire and would love to have you join us. The choir is open to anyone who likes to sing and can carry a tune. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and members attend the weekend liturgy of their choice so your schedule remains flexible. We also welcome instrumentalists of all kinds in this group. If you are interested, please call Marc at 440-946-0887.

TAKE SOME OF ST. NOEL HOME WITH YOU! The following items are available for purchase in the narthex after Mass, or in the Church Office. The Noel Music Ministry has released their first CD and it is now available! Prices are $15 for 1 CD, 2 for $25, 3 for $35, and $10 each for orders of four or more. They're great for Christmas gift-giving, too. Proceeds benefit the St. Noel Music Ministry Tour Fund.

Beautiful note cards displaying drawings from our church Tour Book are also available. The cost is $5 for a pack of ten cards and proceeds benefit our partnership with “Women and Community” of Zaragoza, El Salvador.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP - The activities for the month of September are as follows: September 30 th – celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please bring a food item for the food bank. The activities for the month of October are as follows: October 6 th – we will play bingo; October 20 th – will be our monthly luncheon. The menu is tossed salad, chicken marsala , oven roasted redskin potatoes, green beans, and carrots, rolls and butter and apple pie. The cost is $5.00. The deadline for tickets is October 14 th . Call Bertha for tickets at 440-481-9468 . October 27 th – we will celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. Please bring a food item for the food bank. All meetings are held at Noon every Thursday in the small hall and everyone is welcome.

LAKE GEAUGA DISTRICT CARES FOR THE SEPARATED/DIVORCED is offering a series of 8-week support groups to be held in Catholic parishes in Lake and Geauga counties. Beginning Wednesday September 28 t h through November 16 th the series will be held at St. Anselm Church in Chesterland.

ST. AUGUSTINE CENTER BENEFIT DINNER Thursday, November 17, 2005. Save the date for another great evening ( 5:30-9:30 p.m. ). The cost will be $13.00 per person There will be a silent auction and several other surprises. Please call Jim Klements (440-442-2744) if you can help with obtaining sponsors and items for the auction. More information will be available in October.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2006 – are available in the church office or by calling Paul 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).

QUILT RAFFLE FOR COAR'S KIDS – COAR is primarily a refuge for children in El Salvador – abandoned, orphaned, destitute or separated from their families. The Board of Trustees is sponsoring a quilt raffle at its 25 th anniversary benefit luncheon on Tuesday, October 4 th at the Cleveland Playhouse Club. Pictures of the quilts being raffled off can be found on the website ( www.coarpeacemission.org ). Tickets are available from Jean Vitek (440-442-6649), Chris Janezic (216-731-3428) or the COAR office (216-252-5572).

BENEFIT FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, INC. Transitional Housing is offering its first annual Gospel Brunch on Saturday, October 1 st with an “all you can eat” soul food buffet at the Slovenian Society Home's Recher Hall, 20713 Recher Avenue in Euclid (200 th Street exit off Route 90). Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord, Never Hunger, Never Thirst is the theme. Two seatings – 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and can be ordered by calling THI at 216-781-2250 or emailing info @transitionalhousinginc.org.

TRAITS OF A HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY – Sr. Melannie Svoboda, SND, author of six books on faith and spirituality will speak on Sunday, October 9 th at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Angels in Bainbridge Township. The talk is free and open to the public.

DANIELLE ROSE CONCERT – Danielle Rose, a Christian recording artist will perform at the Church of the Holy Angels in Bainbridge Township on Sunday, October 16 th at 6:00 p.m. She will also offer a talk on Feminine Spirituality on Saturday, October 15 th at 10:00 a.m. and participate in a Christian Coffeehouse for area musicians on Saturday, October 15 th at 7:30 p.m. All events are free of charge and open to the public.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES – Beaumont School – October 9 th from 12 to 3:00 p.m. Call the admissions Office for further information 216-321-2954; Gilmour Academy – Sunday, October 2, 2005 at 11:00 a.m..; Notre Dame Cathedral Latin – Sunday, November 6, 2005 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. 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.

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