“…As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. Today’s celebration of Palm Sunday begins with this proclamation of the Gospel from Luke. When they were aware of the mighty deeds of God in their life, they could not help but cry out in praise and thanks to God. What a powerful thought for each of us as we enter into this most holy week. How can we be so aware of the ‘mighty deeds’ of God in Jesus Christ? He gave His life for US. He opened the way to heaven for US. He blesses US every day. Let US rejoice and shout out in praise of God.
…This past week I was in the parking lot talking to a few of our long time members. They were ‘thrilled’ as they see the Church coming together. As we talked, it’s one more example of the ‘mighty deeds’ of God in our community. It’s a powerful reminder of how God blesses every offering and sacrifice we make for the Lord. I pray that we will rejoice on Easter Sunday as we walk into the Church together and give praise and thanks to the Risen Lord for ALL the great blessings in our life and in our community of faith.
…For weeks, many have been asking if ‘it will be ready’ – the answer is YES… by God’s grace and thanks to a lot of hard work on the part of our Vision2020 Leadership Team (Bob Cebula, Tom Serafin, Kevin Yaugher and Jake Bihari) and Marous Brothers Construction (Dan Dalton and Dan O’Boyle). Please keep them in prayer this week as we make the final push to receive our Occupancy Permit. We will have a few weeks of construction left to complete on the exterior of the building and the punch list. As you can see, the Cross on the Steeple is now in the right direction….and ready to shine as a beacon of the glory of God and goodness of this community.
…Speaking of Beacon to this community. Jeff Trush and our Catholic Works of Mercy Outreach Team have been working hard to continue to improve and increase the care and services we offer to our sisters and brothers in their time of need. We are not certified as a food bank through Akron Food Bank. This will allow us to take better care of those in need. We are also very grateful to our friends at Marc’s who help us in amazing ways to provide Easter food to 85 families along with our regular weekly food distribution. Thank you for your continued support for our CWM efforts. We are hoping that things will come together so we can build the CWM Outreach Center early this summer. Watch for details.
…I often say, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know until you know it.’ Over the past few weeks we’ve had a couple of members who have helped us learn more about service animals. Service animals are a great support and help to some of our brothers and sisters. Last week I asked our Pastoral Council to begin a discussion on how best we educate ourselves and create a great sense of awareness and support so that every child of God can find a warm welcome at Saint Ambrose. We’ve also been working with the Medina County Board of Health to learn how to do what is good and right both in terms of food service, our Fish Fry, as it relates to service animals. We are making great progress in our understanding and will soon roll out some training and education for our entire community. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Thanks, too, to all who were commenting on Facebook. So many of the comments reflect the goodness of our community and the great care and compassion we have for one another. For those who have been following the signs, you will see new signs at our Fish Fry welcoming service animals to the Fish Fry and in our parish community.
…Speaking of the Fish Fry….God bless our Fish Fry Team. They’ve done a great job in preparing wonderful meals and a great spirit every Friday during Lent. If you haven’t come to one yet, please join us on Good Friday from 4:30 pm until 7 pm. The entire gym and hall are available so there’s plenty of room and seating for all. Many, many, many of you have commented how excited you are to have new sidewalks by Hilkert Hall….especially leading right down the center from the parking lot to the front doors. The proceeds from the Fish Fry are helping cover the cost for these sidewalks. Given the amount of sidewalk we needed to replace that was damaged or removed during construction, it was the perfect time to make this happen. Thank you for your support.
…This past week another of our members made a pledge to the Capital Campaign to take care of our Church. This is a huge help as we work to start wrapping up construction and then work to pay off all the bills/expenses. If you have not made a pledge or contribution, please consider helping out. Please contact Jake Bihari for more information (jbihari@StAmbrose.us). Together…for the glory of God.
…Please also consider an extra generous gift this Easter to the Lord and our parish community. It really will be greatly appreciated and make a real difference in supporting the ministry and programs of our community.
…Our Music Ministry is not only excited about walking into the new Church and a dedicated space just for them, they are equally excited to share with us a wonderful concert called, “One Day”. Good Friday, and Easter. Please join us and invite your family and friends to come with you on Wednesday at 7 pm.
…Prayers for our member, Matt Harley, who formally received ‘the call’ to be ordained as a Deacon for our Church. Matt and Mary are active members of our community. Matt’s been preparing for five years to give his life more fully in service to the Lord and the Church as a deacon. His ordination will be on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Please keep Matt, along with his three classmates and especially his family, in your prayers during this very special time of anticipation and preparation. It’s one more example of the mighty deeds of God.
…Please don’t forget to turn in your Rice Bowls. Small change….Big Difference in helping us care for our brothers and sisters in our mission community. This past week we were helping a three year old child who is seriously ill. Because of your goodness, we could help this child get to a doctor and find the help and hope he needed.
…As we start to wrap up the Church, the work will move to the Chapel. The chapel will be closed for the next three-four weeks. Daily Mass will be held in the Lehner Center. Sorry for any inconvenience.
…Please stop by Hilkert Hall on Holy Thursday evening from 9:30 pm until Good Friday at 8 am. It’s a night of prayer, adoration and solidarity with the Lord. God will bless you as you make this time with the Lord.
…I look around every day and see the mighty work and activity of God in our community. I pray for you and give thanks to God for you…your goodness…and the good we do together. May this week be Holy.
