“…be Holy without blemish before him…”

…”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” Saint Paul so eloquently calls us to a deep sense of awareness and gratitude for the blessings of God in our lives. Every gift is from the Lord. The awareness of these blessings, and to use them well in service to the Lord, is the recipe for a grateful heart and a holy life. Let’s use these summer days to reflect on the blessings of God in our lives. In your prayer and as you come to Mass, use this time to give praise and thanks to God.

…This past week has been a grace-filled week at Saint Ambrose with Vacation Bible School. The 300+ participants, along with the 150+ volunteers, has filled our campus – and every building – with an amazing energy and enthusiasm for the Lord. The message of VBS was focused on how God comes to be our help and ‘rescues us’ in every moment of our need. Blessed be God for the great efforts of Janet Majka, Deb Houdek, and Robyn Vavrek and their team for helping our youngest members learn and grow in the ways of the Lord. We are so blessed.

…Special thanks, also, to Matt Fodor, Max Menkhaus, Helen Lanzarotta and our music ministers for their great efforts to plant the songs of God’s grace and love deep in the hearts of our children. Matt and Helen are working to invite all our young children to be part of the Angels Choir. In a time gone by, we all learned that when you sing, ‘you pray twice.’ Even more, educators will tell you that children absorb the songs deep into their mind and heart so it is with them always. What a blessing to help develop the gifts of our children while teaching them the important and timeless messages of faith, hope and love. To learn more about our Angels Choir, or any of our music ministries, please contact Matt (mfodor@StAmbrose.us) or Helen (hlanzarotta@StAmbrose.us).

…Saint Paul reminds us that all of us are blessed, imbued, with spiritual gifts and talents from the Lord. As we start thinking about the Fall season and the many opportunities for ministry, service and spiritual growth in our community, what’s one gift or talent you can share with the Lord and our parish community? As each member gifts, shares and serves, we all grow in holiness and God’s grace. Please take a few moments in your prayer to reflect on a way you can share your talents with the Lord and our parish community.

…This past Wednesday we had two funerals back to back. There’s a great group of our members who serve, greet, sing and help make our funerals prayerful, comfortable and filled with God’s grace and peace. After the ‘double header’, one of the ‘team’ said, “it’s really a blessing to be a part of this ministry. We really help these families who come to us.” Blessed be God for all our members who bring the compassion of Christ to our members in their times of need. If you would like to learn more about how you can help in this special ministry, please let me know (frbob@StAmbrose.us).

…Father Rob and I were really ‘sad’ the other day. One of our members was ready to go home to the Lord and no one told us until the last minute (literally). Please never wait to let us know how we can offer the prayer, care and compassion of Christ to those who are sick, homebound and in moments of need. Between the amazing ministry of our Deacons and Good Sam ministers, along with Fr. Adam, Fr. Rob and I, we want to share the compassion of Christ to all in need. Never hesitate to contact us by simply calling the Parish office 330.460.7300.

…The FEST is right around the corner. Join us on Sunday, August 5 for a great day of faith, family and fun…all for free. See the middle of today’s bulletin for all the details. We could use some help in bringing to life this great day. It takes 1400 volunteers. We are looking for some help in every area….especially parking, choir, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at the Mass with Bishop Perez. To learn more go to: www.theFEST.us/volunteer.

…Our Outdoor Mass and Movie Night is right around the corner – Saturday, July 21 at 6:00 pm. Join us for a fun family night. All are welcome!!!

…This coming week my brother Dave turns 50!! Many of you know him from both here and at Padua. If you can help me celebrate my brother’s goodness (and big Birthday) send him some good wishes at: dstec@paduafranciscan.com. He probably doesn’t read my letter in the bulletin…..so don’t tell him how you found out about his birthday!!

…Neon Bingo is coming up. It’s simply a fun night out. Invite your friends to join you for summer fun as we celebrate Christmas in July.

…Speaking of Christmas in July….blessed be God… and God bless you. The school supplies for our friends in the city have been rolling in all week. What a blessing to be able to care for those in need. Thank you so much.
(lcinadr@StASchool.us).

…Speaking of School…..Mrs. Cinadr and Mrs. Mitchell are still showing families the great things taking place at SAS and LAPS. If you would like to learn more about how we can care for your child(ren), please let them know (lcinadr@StASchool.us).

…Every day I say, “Blessed be God…for the wonderfully good members of Saint Ambrose.” You are such a blessing to God…our parish community….to me. May your week be richly blessed by the Lord.