…”It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Our first reading, from the Prophet Isaiah, reminds us that we are called to “let our light shine!” The Lord has great work for each of us. And while we can often look for the easy way out, the Lord wants to entrust each of us with more responsibility to build up the Kingdom of God. Together we can be that beacon of hope, that radiant light, which bears the presence, peace and promise of Christ. How can you use your gifts, talents and the time God gives to you to let your light shine bright???
…I spent a few days this past week in our mission in the Dominican Republic. As we moved five new families into homes, the joy on their faces was like a radiant light. They are moving from their tin shacks on the river to a 440 sq. ft. home in a community called “La Vida Catolica” – the Catholic Life. Our second neighborhood has the Church dead center as a clear and constant reminder of the importance of centering our lives and families on the Lord. The more we live our life in Christ, the more each of us every day will be filled with God’s light, and strength, and peace. Together, we are making a world of difference to help some of those in our world most in need. Thank you!!! We are in the process of organizing our June mission trips (2 trips each of one week). To learn more go to: www.missionpossible.us or contact Michele Sumner at MSumner@StAmbrose.us. We would love to have you join us as we spread the Light of Christ to all the nations.
…Monday, we as a nation, remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He used his life to help be a light to the nations and bring about a more just country. In these days ahead, let us all pray for our country. May we, as a people of faith, stand strong for life, religious liberty and a more peaceful and loving country and world for all. May God bless our efforts to spread the light and hope of Christ throughout the land.
…This coming week a group of our teens and K of C are heading to Washington D.C. to stand for life. There is still time to take a seat on the bus that leaves at 9:00 pm on Thursday, January 26, and returns around 3:00 am on Saturday morning, the 28th. If you want more information, please contact Caitlin at 330.460.7387.
…This weekend is a very special time for our parish community as we pray for many in our parish who are working and preparing to live more in the Light of Christ. On Saturday evening we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance for the 13 adults who are preparing for the Easter Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). On Sunday evening, we welcome all of our Confirmation candidates to the 5:00 pm Mass. They are completing their preparation that will lead to their Confirmation on Sunday, February 26. Please keep them in your prayers. May they live in the Light of the Lord.
…This May, Deacon Matt Jordan will be ordained as a Priest for the Diocese of Cleveland. Saint Ambrose is blessed to serve as his field ed parish. Starting this week, Deacon Jordan will be spending the weekend and Mondays at our parish. It will be a way of preparing for pastoral ministry after his ordination. Please continue to make him feel welcome in our community.
…Tonight, while in the mission, I got a call from one of our Parish Council members. All the PPC membes were making calls to invite and remind council members about the Parish Leaders meeting next Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 8:15 am. It’s important that all of our parish groups, ministries and programs are represented. We will be passing on some helpful information and engaging in some important discussions that will continue to help our parish respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of all our members.
…Speaking of LIGHT and love…..Deacon Tom and Helen Sheridan are putting the finishing touches on plans for the World Marriage Day Mass and Dinner on Saturday, February 11. It’s the perfect night out—a date night. More importantly, it’s a chance to pray and ask God to stir the fire of your married love. Please join us. Contact Helen for information and reservations: HSheridan@StAmbrose.us.
…There are two important ways our parish really needs some help. There are two big fundraisers that really help support our parish and allow us to do so many of the things we do throughout the year. Bingo has long been a part of our parish. We desperately need some help on Friday night. Can you give a couple of hours a month to help out? It’s easy. It’s actually fun. And it is really helpful to our parish. The other way we need help is strengthening our parish festival planning team. We are meeting again this Tuesday at 7:00 pm in Hilkert Hall. All of us working together can help our parish have a great event to kickoff summer and raise funds to support programs and repairs/improvements on our parish campus. I am begging for your help for these two important efforts of our parish. We really need you. If you need more information or want to sign up, please let me know
(FrBob@StAmbrose.us or 330.460.7333).
…Did you know that Saint Ambrose School will be the first STEM certified elementary school in Medina County and southern Cuyahoga County??? Mrs. Cinadr and our faculty/staff are working hard to make sure that our school is thriving and each student has what they need to learn and grow every day at SAS. Mrs. Mitchell and the Preschool team are also doing great things for our Littlest Angels. Come and learn more for yourself and your children at the upcoming Open House on Sunday, January 28, 2017 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. You can always call Breanne Logue for a tour and/or information at 330.460.7318.
…This is a fun time of year as we add to the calendar new weddings for the rest of the year and 2018. If you, or one of your family members, received an engagement ring over the holidays, we would love to share in this special time of your life. Special thanks to all who work so hard to prepare couples for marriage at Saint Ambrose. They are currently working hard in planning the SA Wedding Fair on Sunday, January 22, 2017. If we can help you with your wedding, please let us know. Congrats!
…Let your light shine!!! We are called to be a LIGHT to all the nations. Thanks for all the ways you share your gifts and talents and time and treasure to help our parish be a beacon of the Light of Christ to our community.
