…”do everything for the glory of God.” Saint Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, calls us to be imitators of Christ. Imagine if we did everything – every word, every gesture, every thought – for the glory of God. We would all be making great choices AND our world, homes and community would be much better. As we prepare for the Season of Lent, which starts on Wednesday, consider this resolution… “do everything for the glory of God.”
…Our parish theme for Lent comes from the Book of Romans (12,12): Rejoice in Hope. Endure in Suffering. Faithful in Prayer. It really is the three part ‘recipe’ that can help us put all of our joy, struggles, crosses, and concerns into context. The Lord is always our hope. Like Christ, all of us will have challenges that will require our perseverance and spiritual endurance. In all things, faithfully pray and trust in the Lord. Watch for good reminders of this three-fold path to the glory of God.
…This Sunday-Monday-Tuesday, we have invited Father Michael Denk to lead us in a Lenten Mission. The goal of these three days is to help all of us prepare for Lent by deepening our understanding of prayer. There are many ways to pray. Father Denk will help us ‘explore’ some of these options so we can use these forty days to deepen our personal relationship with Christ. If you have ever wondered and wanted to ‘learn how to pray’, or deepen your prayer, you will appreciate the Lenten mission. Please join us each night at 6:45 pm in Hilkert Hall.
…The Little Black Books are at the doors of the Church. Over 1600 of our members take one as a way to help keep focused and pray during the season of Lent. There’s also some new material on the bookrack as well for you.
…Please check out the Lent page on our website that lists the other programs and opportunities that are available to help you and our community use this season of Lent better than ever before.
…Our Spiritual Life Commission is working to line up Lent Faith Sharing Groups. They are a simple and meaningful way to grow closer to God, deepen your understanding of God’s Word, and meet some amazing people. Imagine if you could give an hour a week for six weeks and meet with good people about things that matter most? It’s a great way to deepen the bond of friendship with the Lord and forge lasting friendships. See today’s bulletin for more details or contact Jane Baldwin for details (jbaldwin@StAmbrose.us). Sign up online at www.StAmbrose.us/LentFaithSharing
…The Season of Lent is all about seeking more LIGHT. For the next forty days, our Building and Grounds volunteers will be taking on the task of retrofitting our campus with LED (energy efficient) lighting. We were able to secure a great rebate to cut the cost. The entire project (about $26,000) will pay for itself in two years AND save us energy and money for a long, long time. They could use some help (there are a lot of bulbs and fixtures that need changed). If you can spare a couple of hours and want to join some GREAT guys and help our parish a lot, please contact Ken Kukarola or Mike (mmascio@StAmbrose.us). You will help our parish experience more LIGHT in the Easter Season.
…Ashes on the Asphalt return on Wednesday morning at 6:50 am at the Rec Center. All teens and teachers/staff are welcome to stop by and begin the season of Lent marked with the sign of our faith.
…Ash Wednesday services are designed to accommodate EVERYONE. Mass with the distribution of ashes will take place at 6:30 am (you will be on the way by 7 am), 8:15 am, 12 noon, 5:30 pm and 7 pm. Please join us as we come together and “Rejoice in Hope, Endure in Suffering. Faithful in Prayer.”
…Our seminarian, Josh Cochrac, is working on a Lent Retreat experience for Young Adults. If you are a young adult and interested….let Josh know (jcochrac@StAmbrose.us). He is working to schedule it at a day/time that works for most people. He already has about 20 people interested.
…You may remember Jon Leonetti from our Fall Mission. He did a great job in engaging about 650 people each night of the mission. He is coming back on Sunday, March 11, for a Lent Couples Afternoon of Reflection from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. See today’s bulletin for more details.
…Speaking of Lent….here comes the Fish Fry!!! Please join us on Ash Wednesday and every Friday in Lent for a GREAT meal with amazing people. We are so blessed with such a great team that puts together an amazing Fish Fry for our community. All the proceeds will be used towards updating and renovating the chapel and hallway. See today’s bulletin or go online for the Fish Fry menu. Watch for Father Rob specials coming in March. God bless our Fish Fry Team. They work together and do “everything” for the glory of God and the good of our community.
…Want to see a GREAT video?? Watch the highlight video from Catholic Schools Week for Saint Ambrose School and Littlest Angels Preschool. Go to www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us . It’s amazing to see the great energy and dynamic learning taking place at SAS.
…Speaking of videos, Thomas Matheis is putting together a weekly Lent scripture video. They were well-received during Advent (about 900 views each week). Check them out at www.StAmbrose.us/Lent.
…See you at the Mission. Praying that this Lent will be a time of God’s grace and blessing for you and your loved ones.
Take care.
