…”Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.” Saint Paul, in our second reading this weekend, proclaims a powerful message: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” God wants to be our help and our strength – everything that we need. Saint Paul reveals ‘the secret’ – God is trustworthy and God will provide for us beyond our measure. Our prayer this week is that we can trust in the promises of the Lord.

…Thank you for the outpouring of goodness in our Catholic Works of Mercy Blanket Sunday collection. We’ve already put about 50 of the blankets collected into use and the rest will be distributed in the months ahead. Thank you for the very generous collection to the important work the CWM team does on our behalf. We are so blessed. God bless you for goodness.

…Thanks to all who worked so hard to create a wonderful Autumn Harvest Festival last weekend. The weather was perfect. The crowd was amazing. You could see, hear and feel the goodness and heart of our parish community. So many kids and grandkids – so many families coming together – for prayer, for faith, for family and fun. God bless you.

…As we were taking down the corn maze and some of the pumpkin games, we were loading up the cornstalks and hay and sharing them with Boys Hope and Girls Hope for their autumn and Halloween gatherings. What a blessing to be able to share the joy and goodness.

…Many thanks to our Parish Finance Council for their hard work and efforts. Last week they shared the annual report with our community. You should have received a complete version in your mail this past week. Please take some time to review it. It’s an expression of the goodness of our community. Thank you for your support for our parish community. Many have already responded in the mail this past week to their request for a $2 or $3 a week increase in the offertory collection. Thank you.

…Please join us this Thursday – and next Sunday- for a Town Hall presentation on the initial concepts and ideas for the renovation and updating of our Church. The planning team has been working hard to begin addressing the wants and needs for our Church. Your input and feedback is very important. Please join us either on Thursday at 7 pm in the Church, or Sunday at 1 pm in Hilkert Hall.

…This past Thursday Ken Kukarola received a very special recognition as one of the Outstanding Seniors in Northeast Ohio by Medical Mutual. Ken was honored for his great generosity and service to our parish community. He leads our Building and Grounds Team of volunteers that does GREAT, AMAZING and wonderful work for our parish community. Ken also is a key part of our funeral team. He and Pat are faithful servants of the Lord at Saint Ambrose. Pat has made the baptismal stoles for years and years for all the children of God. Congrats Ken and Pat. God bless you.

…This past week we hosted the Diocesan Tribunal First Step Program. The program was well-received and offered great help and comfort for those who are seeking God’s grace and healing from a broken marriage. The person that coordinates the program stopped me, as I walked by, to share this with me (you), “Father Bob, of all the places we go across the Diocese, Saint Ambrose is the best place – our favorite place. Your community is so welcoming, so thoughtful, so prepared – the room is neat and decorated and there’s coffee and fresh pastry…amazing.” This is the good you do and the community you create over and over again. Thank you so much.

…BTW….did you know that Colton Dixon is coming to do an Advent/Christmas Concert at Saint Ambrose on Sunday, December 10?? Watch for details.

…Please keep Natalie English and her family in your prayers this week as she welcomes her second child into our world. Natalie is our bulletin editor and will be passing the bulletin to Kathy Sarazin for a few weeks. Kathy does a great job in taking care of so many of the day to day details of our parish. If you have any questions about the bulletin, please contact Kathy at KSarazin@StAmbrose.us. God bless Natalie and her family.

…Monday is the Feast of Saint Gerard, the patron of expectant mothers. We invite all expectant parents to receive a special blessing this weekend. We also have a prayer card and a prayer booklet for you. May God bless you in this exciting and hopeful time for you and the family of God.

…If you have a child, grandchild, or sibling who is expecting a child, please feel free to take a prayer booklet for them. God bless your family.

…Can you spare a few hours next Saturday to help those in need? Our city outreach, ALPHA Village, needs many hands to clean up two streets near St. Rocco Parish on Saturday morning from 9 am until 12 noon. Please join us in helping make a better world for our brothers and sisters. Want to learn more, see today’s bulletin or contact jake@theFEST.us. We could really use you for a few hours. Thanks.

…Magic gives Back comes to Saint Ambrose on Sunday, November 5. It’s amazing!!! Perfect for the entire family. Hope you can join us.

…We can do all things in Christ… who strengthen us. May you know the grace and strength of God. Thank you for all the cards, calls, texts, emails and treats for my birthday. I am truly humbled by your thoughtfulness and support. God bless you….thank you so much.