July 14, 2016

…”The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.’”  When I was in the seminary, Bishop Pevec explained this familiar scripture passage about Martha and Mary by simply saying, “It’s not an either/or…it’s a both/and.” At one point or another, all of us have quoted or used this scripture passage to get out of some sort of work…”Mary has chosen the better part…” There is only one thing we need to do – choose the Lord. With this choice, we always need to find time to spend with the Lord in prayer AND to make the commitment to do the work that the Lord has set before us. It’s never an ‘either/or’ it’s always a ‘both/and.’

…God bless all those who ‘worked’ so hard this week in our Vacation Bible School. The 160 volunteers worked with about 325 children to help them ‘choose the better part’ – the Lord. They were called in song, lessons and crafts to choose Christ and to bring His light to all the world. We are so blessed with so many dedicated to teaching our young people the ways of the Lord. We, as a parish, are so blessed to welcome and share VBS with so many of our young people. They will be having a ‘reunion’ at some of our weekend Masses to share the songs and the enthusiasm of Christ they found this week at VBS.

…Speaking of enthusiasm, our high school students had a GREAT experience at the Steubenville Retreat this past weekend. From the pictures – to their feedback – they were ‘filled with God’s Spirit of joy.’ They were energized in witnessing to their faith in Christ. That’s the power of a good retreat…spending time with the Lord so that they can go forth to do God’s work.

…And speaking of teen enthusiasm, our parish is the site of THREE Pokeman gyms/camps. It’s all part of the CRAZE for gamers. The good news is that they are coming around the Church and hopefully, while on campus, take a moment to search for what really matters – the light, love and wisdom of Christ in their lives.

…This is a BIG week for our region as we host the Republican National Convention. The chapel is open every day (6:30 am until 10:00 pm). Stop by and spend some time in prayer. In a time when so many are ‘anxious and worried about many things’, we would be wise to learn the lesson from Mary in the Gospel and turn to the Lord. Jesus Christ is our light, our way, our truth and our life. May God guide and protect our country and its leaders.

…Special prayers this week (and always) for those who keep us safe. Every weekend, at every Mass, we always pray “for all who protect us” (police, fire, protective services, homeland security and armed forces). The events of this past week should help all of us realize the importance of these generous public servants who each day stand in harm’s way for us. Special prayers for our local police and fire departments. May they know of our prayers and support….now and always.

…Speaking of safety….as a parish community, we are looking to train about 300 of our parish members on campus safety. The goal is to make sure everyone is always safe when they are at Saint Ambrose. The training is simple and really works off the premise that many of us with alert eyes and ears will keep everyone safe and secure. Sheriff Miller has been helping coordinate this effort. If you would be willing to attend an hour training, please contact the Parish Office (330.460.7300 or Office@StAmbrose.us).

…Can you believe we are already in the mid-point of July? This past week the Saint Ambrose School PTU had a great planning meeting for the upcoming school year. It was energizing to hear and see the passionate commitment the PTU Leadership Board has for our school and our students. Our new Principal, Lisa Cinadr, is filled with energy and passion to make SAS the best it can possible be. She is driven to help us fulfill our mission to be ‘everything for every student…every day.’ She’s in the office and eager to take your call (330.460.7350).

…Watch your mail this week for the next issue of the Angelus – our parish newsletter. It’s filled with lots of good news as we say ‘thank you’ for some of the wonderful things that have recently taken place in our community. For example, did you know that our 3rd Annual Golf Outing raised $14,300 for our students in need scholarship fund? It was a great day of golf that will help many of our young people grow in the ways of the Lord.

…We are also preparing the data for the Annual Report for the pastoral year ending June 30. Sadly, we had almost 100 funerals this past year (a significant increase) and we had five in the past week. We are blessed with wonderful members who help celebrate the life and goodness of our members called home to the Lord. The New Life Choir lifts up the families to the Lord in song. We have a great group of people who are servers at Mass, along with others who greet and welcome. The funeral luncheons are filled with great food and a loving spirit – thanks to the great team that works so hard. We are so blessed. Thank you one and all who give such fitting and beautiful funerals to our members.

…With the increase in funerals, we could always use a few more funeral servers. Want to learn more?? Interested?? We will provide the training (FrBob@StAmbrose.us).

…Have you noticed the flower beds around the campus? The place looks GREAT….GREAT….GREAT. Every day and night there is at least one of our members out in their patch taking care of our parish campus. It’s a place that is inspiring and beautiful for all to behold. God bless all those who have ‘adopted a patch’ and are creating a glimpse of beauty at Saint Ambrose.

…Many thanks to Patrick Meidenbauer, who gave a great talk about The FEST last week at all the weekend Masses. Patrick is a junior in college who continues to use so much of his time and energy to work around the Church and build a better world in the name of Christ. He’s an example of the college students who are helping create a glimpse of God’s kingdom on Sunday, August 7. Come and here Michael W. Smith – Newsboys – Matthew West – Lauren Daigle – The FEST is a day of faith, family and fun – all for FREE. Check out all the details at www.theFEST.us.

…Saint Ambrose of Milan, our patron saint, said “there is no duty more urgent than giving thanks.” This week the good people from Universal Windows Direct will complete the installation of the windows in our school building. One last shout out to Mike Strmac, from our parish, for helping make this possible in such a good, timely and affordable way for our parish community. We are blessed.

…Never an ‘either/or’ but always a ‘both/and.’ In these summer days, make time for the Lord. Make time to walk the campus and/or stop in chapel. Find great strength and peace in the Lord. Let’s pray for God’s divine protection upon all of us, this week and always.