Catechesis and Conversion Ministries focus growing to a more deep faith life.
The wise among the people shall give understanding to the many. Daniel 11:33
The Adult Confirmation Program is for adults who were baptized and have received First Holy Communion but were not Confirmed. Being anointed by the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, Christians can strengthen their bond with the Church and become better equipped to carry out the Church’s mission of love and service.
The Adult Confirmation Program is suggested for parishioners who:
• Were baptized Catholic
• Have received First Holy Communion
Visit the Confirmation page for more information, upcoming dates and registration forms.
For more information contact Linda Kaminski 216.501.2176 LtKaminski@gmail.com or Janet Majka 330.460.7321 JMajka@stambrose.us
Suggested Strengths: Belief, Communication
We are parishioners looking to grow in our faith. We meet weekly in a relaxed setting to explore the Christian faith over 11 thought-provoking weekly sessions. All sessions include a home-cooked meal, video segment and great discussions. Whether you are seeking to grow closer to God or to learn more about Jesus and the Christian way of life, Alpha is for you! We have sessions to fit everyone’s schedule.
Persons who have married and are now divorced are welcome to discuss the Church’s process of annulment, and have their circumstances heard and evaluated in a totally confidential manner in order to ascertain whether or not an annulment of the marriage is possible. The First Step program, during which Tribunal staff explain the annulment process options and answer questions. Individuals are welcome to make an appointment to discuss what’s involved and start the process.
CONTACTS: Any of the Priests or Deacons, 330.460.7300
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Inviting Children Grades K-3
During Mass at 4:30 pm Saturday, 9:00 am and 10:30 am Sunday
We all know young children can have trouble sitting still during Mass. At CLOW, they can listen and ask questions while we discuss the readings and Gospel. It’s amazing to see them engage!
The priest will invite them to come forward after the Opening Prayer, receive a blessing and head to the chapel with our catechist.
They’ll return right after the homily…giving you a chance to really listen, too. Children receive a take-home activity sheet which enhances the weekly lesson from the gospel.
No need to sign up! Just tell your children and grandchildren about CLOW and encourage them to join.
For more information contact Janet Majka, 330.460.7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us
Saint Ambrose offers preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for students in grade 9 and older. Each year we confirm approximately 130 candidates.
If you are looking to be Confirmed, or if you would consider serving as a Confirmation catechist, please contact Caitlin O’Neill, 330.460.7387 or COneill@StAmbrose.us
We are couples who help and minister to engaged couples. Our ministers work with engaged couples on their journey to a Catholic marriage. Training is provided as a one day session at Saint Ambrose, on a Saturday, several times throughout the year. This initial training lasts about 6 hours. We meet as a group quarterly and with engaged couples 3-4 times in our own homes to share our experiences with key aspects of a marriage. Our conversations generally last up to 1 ½ to 2 hours.
This ministry is wonderful in the fact that it requires a good husband and wife team with a strong passion for this sacred Sacrament. What a great way to bring this community together on such a personal level.
Suggested Strengths: Belief, Communication, Learner
If you’re a married couple and want to help others, call Dennis & Donna Koeth, 330.225.8529 or denniskoeth@aol.com
fiat: Saint Ambrose High School Youth Ministry Program
Open to anyone in high school wanting to grow in faith, learn to lead others, engage in service and have fun!
Our mission is to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus, to participate in the Church community, and to foster spiritual growth.
We meet most Sunday nights (except for holidays and retreat weekends) for an upbeat Mass @ 5:00pm, then afterwards for dinner and a fiat night (6-8pm in Hilkert Hall). We also have a variety of retreats each year, lots of fun social events (field trips, lock-ins, summer events, etc.), service opportunities, and more. There is something for everyone. We’re excited to have you!
Learn more at stambrose.us/fiat
To keep up with FIAT and all the events Friend us on:
For information, contact Caitlin Arbogast, 330.460.7387 or CArbogast@StAmbrose.us
We are excited that our parish has subscribed to a dynamic online platform called FORMED. Every parishioner will have access 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any devise, including your computer, smartphone and tablet with internet access. With FORMED you’ll find video programs that explain the Catholic faith, explore the deepest meaning of marriage, receive Bible Studies on a variety of topics and includes inspiring audio talks. You’ll find presenters like Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Siri, Dr. Mary Healey, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Scott Hahn, Bishop Robert Barron, and a lot more. This is all part our parish subscription. It truly is the Catholic faith – on demand.
Register at Formed.org. Parishioners enter code 8H62DG and create your own log-in.
We are a group of individuals who have consecrated themselves to Mary in order to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. A Parish-based program from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (HAPP) is a bold and fresh approach to small groups, parish-based, faith renewal programs. It is designed to help us live the complete Catholic life of faith, charity, and the sacraments. It is designed to set our hearts on fire with the love of God and neighbor and to inspire us to works of mercy in our families, parishes, and our community. The goal of Hearts Afire is to help bring the parish community more deeply into the burning love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the fire of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
It is a program with three stages:
Stage 1: The Two Hearts
Stage 2: Wisdom and Works of Mercy
Stage 3: Keeping the Hearts Afire
Contact: Christine Sherman cass71@gmail.com
Grades 7 & 8: PSR Sessions for junior high students are held during all three PSR sessions: Monday evenings 6:30-8:00 pm, Wednesday afternoons 4:30-6:00 pm and Saturday mornings 9:00-10:30 am. Young teens gather for instruction and special activities. Small group discussions take place in mixed grade level groups of approximately 10 students. Learning experiences include social events to build friendships within our parish family and foster a sense of connection to the parish in our young teens. Service events introduce young teens to the many various ways that we can serve our Lord as we serve others. Parents are invited and encouraged to help serve as table leaders, chaperons and assist with supervision, especially at service and social events.
We have a team of adults who meet, plan activities and events that bring faith, life and learning all together. Adults & high school students are encouraged to get involved and volunteer. We are in need of caring, creative, and energetic people to support our Junior High teens.
The Legion of Mary is a group of Christians who promote a deeper love of God through their devotion to Mary, especially through the rosary, and through the apostolic works they perform. We seek a balanced program of prayer and service, thereby advancing the growth of faith, understanding, and true devotion to Christ and His Blessed Mother. Membership is open to all Catholics ages 18 and over, willing to serve others. Active members meet weekly on Thursdays at 7:00 pm (except holidays and Holy Days) for an hour of prayer; plus commit time to individual acts of service. Auxiliary members, who commit to 20-30 minutes to daily prayer, are not required to attend meetings.
We are very involved with the parish and our community, as we help with: May Crowning with the Special Education PSR; “Bowing Ceremony” for the Feast of the Assumption; October’s “Month of the Rosary” promotion; support Pro-Life activities; assist with Mass once a month at Willowood Nursing Home; recite Rosary at Pearlview Nursing home twice a month; visit families with the Blessed Virgin Mary statue and other activities as needed.
CONTACT: Mary Vadini, 330.273.1113 or marylu964@aol.com
Opportunities to grow and nourish your marriage through humor, speakers and a variety of topics; all to enhance your marriage. Are you finding your marriage going stale? Do you feel as if your relationship is withered and although things are okay, you both have the “Blahs?” The six week series can provide an excellent opportunity for enhancing communication, developing trust, cultivating physical intimacy, dealing with anger, nurturing spirituality, and adjusting to the inevitable bumps that happen in every marriage.
You will find weekly Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers listed in the Bulletin along with web-sites for resources.
Learn more at www.StAmbrose.us/Marriage
The uniqueness of men’s renewal is in its continuation. Participants and team members are usually so inspired, so renewed, so uplifted, that they’re anxious to share their faith experience with others from their parish. If you have ever participated in a men’s renewal you can assist new teams during their formation and through the next year’s renewal weekend. As a continuation team member you will experience a unique spiritual growth that only comes from leading other men to a stronger relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
A group of men ages 18 and up meet twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday in Lehner Center Luke from 7:00PM – 8:30PM. This is not a Bible study, but a great opportunity to discuss a series of concerns and issues facing men in the ordinariness of their everyday lives. “How to Be a Catholic Man in the World Today”. The series is firmly rooted in Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These sessions cultivate fun and friendships within the community. We learn from one another as mentors to the young and as mature men how to be a better husband, father, son, employee and Catholic parishioner.
We invite all to stop in, visit and listen to God’s men share how to live their lives, just possibly this maybe what you’re interested in.
Contact: Deacon Tom Sheridan, 330.460.7322 or TSheridan@StAmbrose.us
Our group is an effective spiritual renewal process which calls together the members of the parish. A team of parishioners is properly formed in prayer and love, and instructed in the total process of becoming committed to spiritual growth and ministerial formation. There are no requirements — prayerfulness, loving concern, and simple service are all that’s needed. Jesus is the medium. As the Way and Truth, attention is called to Him. Come and enjoy a weekend that leads you to friendship and growth in your personal relationship with Jesus. After the Renewal weekend, you will be asked to continue to meet in prayer, song, and formation to put on a Renewal weekend for the next group of men or women who are called to personal growth in being an active member in Christian community.
Family planning is such a personal decision. There are many aspects to consider, including the physical, mental, spiritual and financial. When used correctly, Natural Family Planning is 99% effective. This natural choice has zero side effects. It does, however, bring a husband and wife closer together with shared fertility responsibility. There is only a small, one-time fee for a lifetime of knowledge. Natural Family Planning can lead a couple closer to each other and closer to God. By following the values of Christ, this puts you on the path to holiness. No matter where you are in your family planning (a desire to conceive a child, wanting to postpone a pregnancy, finding the need to space your children or everything in-between), using this natural and effective method can work for you. Through your fertility, you can use God’s will to create life and nurture that life in your family. Fertility is a gift. In being open to new life through your marriage, God’s love will shine. Use this gift to make your family strong.
For information, contact Kim and Michael Nemet, 330.220.0720 or KNemet@StAmbrose.us
The PSR Advisory Board serves as an advisory group to the pastor and Director of Religious Education regarding the Parish School of Religion. Comprised of parents of currently enrolled students, the group researches and discusses various issues and proposals and offers counsel to the pastor and DRE, with the goal to provide the best possible religious education for all youth in our parish. PSR serves to support parents, in their role as primary educators of the faith, as they pass on our Catholic faith to their children. Meetings are held quarterly during regularly scheduled PSR meeting times.
Suggested Strengths: Developer, Positivity, Communication, Input
CONTACT: Janet Majka, 330.460.7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) is an extension of the educational mission of Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, and serves to support parents in the spiritual development and faith formation of their children. Growing in faith means living a life centered on Christ through active participation in Sunday liturgy (Mass), the Sacraments and generous service to others. Saint Ambrose PSR is committed to provide the best possible faith formation experiences for your child. Children with strong faith and values do better in school and make for happier homes. We offer a variety of programs to support parents in their role as primary educators in the ways of our Catholic faith. Registration is required for the various PSR programs. Catechists and Assistants work together to create engaging and enriching learning activities. They are volunteers who give of their time and talents because of their love of God’s children and desire to share their faith. In all PSR programs, all adults are required to fulfill all diocesan VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children requirements, including background checks, VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training course and reading and acknowledging the Policy for the Safety of Children and the Standards of Conduct in Ministry.
Classroom PSR, Grades 1-5: Sessions are scheduled approximately 3 times each month throughout the school year. Classes are led by catechists and assistants. Classes include textbook material and activities to reinforce the topic. Students and their parent(s) participating in this program are expected to participate in all family-centered PSR events and grade level activities throughout the year. This fosters both parental involvement and connection with our faith community. Classes are offered on Saturday mornings (9:00-10:30 am), Monday evenings (6:30-8:00 pm) and Wednesday afternoons (4:30-6:00 pm).
Family Home School PSR, Grades 1-8: In this PSR option, parents are responsible for covering textbook material and discussing the topics with their children as they learn Catholic teachings on a weekly basis, similar to PSR. Families participating in this program, along with their at-home studies, are expected to participate in all family centered PSR events and grade level activities throughout the year to foster a connection with our parish community. Parents participate in three meetings throughout the year for training and support as they serve as their child’s catechist.
Junior High PSR & Youth Ministry – ABLAZE: Grades 6, 7 and 8: PSR Sessions for junior high students are held during all three PSR sessions (Monday evenings 6:30- 8:00 pm, Wednesday afternoons 4:30-6:00 pm and Saturday mornings 9:00-10:30 am). Young teens gather for instruction and special activities. Small group discussions take place in mixed grade level groups of approximately 10 students. Learning experiences include social events to build friendships within our parish family and foster a sense of connection to the parish in our young teens. Service events introduce young teens to the many various ways that we can serve our Lord as we serve others. Parents are invited and encouraged to help serve as table leaders, chaperones and assist with supervision, especially at social events.
Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children: This program is for those students who are 7 years old or older and have not yet celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism. Students prepare for Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in these classes before entering regular PSR classes. This preparation process may take 1 or 2 years depending upon sacramental preparation needs of the student and family.
Sacramental Preparation: Students typically prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist during their second grade year. Confirmation students are usually prepared during their ninth grade year. Information on these sacramental preparation programs can be found in the PSR office. Enrollment in 1st grade PSR is expected prior to enrollment in Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist and enrollment in both 7th & 8th grade PSR is expected for enrollment in Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation.
CONTACT: Janet Majka, 330.460.7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us
Journey with Jesus Preschool Parish School of Religion:
Young children learn easily through song and stories. Preschool years are the best time to share the songs of our faith and stories about Jesus. Our Preschool PSR is designed to help you, as parents, teach your child the songs and stories that will stay with them forever. Sunday mornings during the school year, we invite your child to join others their age, so we can help form their hearts in the ways of our loving, caring, and faithful God as they “journey with Jesus”!
The Journey with Jesus program is offered during both the 9:00 and 10:30 am Masses for 3, 4 and 5 year old or Kindergarten children, from September 2015 through April 2016. We know it can be challenging for families with young children to participate weekly in Mass. This program helps young children grow in faith through age appropriate experiences and develop friendships with peers in our parish.
Adult Catechists, aided by adult and teen assistants, lead the children in prayer and share stories, crafts and activities that introduce the children to our Catholic values and traditions.
CONTACT: Jenni Wasowski, 330.460.7381 or JWasowski@StAmbrose.us
Special Education:
Our program provides religious instruction for both children and adults with mental and/ or physical disabilities. Students celebrate the sacraments and learn how to participate in the Mass. We meet on Saturday mornings, September through April, from 8:30-10:00 am in the Lehner Center. We have a Special Education Mass in December and April. The students participate in whatever way possible. Volunteers who work with these special children and adults need to be organized, compassionate and flexible. If you prefer your student to participate in our inclusion program, please call Janet Majka at 330.460.7321 to discuss your specific needs.
Suggested Strengths: Developer, Positivity
CONTACT: Janet Majka, 330.460.7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us
The RCIA is the process for growing closer to Christ and welcoming new adult members into the Catholic Church. It is a process for those who may be interested in becoming Catholic and who have never been baptized or those who seek, as baptized Christians, to become a member of the Catholic faith community. Inquiry sessions, focusing on your journey of faith, are offered throughout the year to provide more information to you about the RCIA process and allowing you to ask questions, in general, about the Catholic faith. These are informal discussions including such topics as “what Catholics believe,” the Bible, saints, Mary and “who’s who in the Church.”
Catechetical sessions, presenting the Church’s teachings on a variety of topics, including Sacraments, prayer, Social Justice, etc. They will begin in mid-September each year. Those wishing to become fully initiated into the Church are most welcome to contact Janet or the rest of the RCIA team.
Suggested Strengths: Connectedness, Input, Learner, Includer, Positivity
For more information contact Janet Majka at 330-460-7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us.
Would you like to be challenged to grow in your faith? Consider this an invitation to join Sarah’s Circle. Sarah’s Circle is a group of women who meet weekly in faith, prayer and sharing. Through a 1-hour meeting, you will grow in insight into the Lord working in your life and will experience a renewed spirituality.
For information on how to deepen your relationship with God the Father, our Brother Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, please contact Cathy Clapper at 330.225.3973 or Mary Stickney at 330.220.2212.
Due to COVID-19, Sarah’s Circle has postponed their in-person meetings. Please stay tuned for meeting updates to be announced in February 2021.
Suggested Strengths: Belief, Empathy, Learner
We are a faith sharing group of parishioners who meet in people’s homes to support one another on their faith journey. The ministry of small faith sharing groups is profoundly impactful. Being able to have a comfortable, safe place to share, confide, and profess to fellow Catholics at a deeper level, sharing laughter and tears deeps one’s faith and relationships with others. We have all of the resources for all groups. We also sponsor specific groups throughout the year (Lent Small Faith Groups).
Suggested Strengths: Learner, Empathy, Communication
If you would like more information, contact Gayle Oboy at GOboy@StAmbrose.us
The Spiritual Life Commission is a group of committed Catholic adults who understand that faith formation is a life-long process. The group works to offer creative and meaningful ways to explore processes and programs that will assist adults in their faith journey. We host different events, such as evenings of spiritual enrichment, the Praying with Saint Ignatius Series, Soup Suppers complemented with a speaker on a topic of interest, retreats and Advent or Lenten Parish Missions.
The Commission meets in the evenings 6-8 times per year for preparation and implementation of various programs and processes. The team needs adult men and women who understand our call for life-long conversion and have a desire to help others grow in their Catholic faith. Your insights and questions about our Catholic faith are needed to bring meaningful adult faith formation opportunities to our parish. Help yourself and others center their life on Christ by sharing your time and talents!
Suggested Strengths: Learner, Empathy, Communication
Contact Gayle to join the team! Gayle Oboy at GOboy@StAmbrose.us
Saint Ambrose Pastoral Staff offer Ten Minute Teaching classes following the 9:00 am, 10:30 am, and noon Masses on Donut Sundays each month, from September through June. Join us in the Parish Life Center, John Paul II room for 10 minutes to learn more about the Gospel message. It’s really that simple
Suggested Strengths: Learner, Belief, Positivity
Suggested Strengths: Developer, Input, Positivity
CONTACT: Janet Majka, 330.460.7321 or JMajka@StAmbrose.us
Saint Ambrose Young Adults is a lively network of 20- and 30-somethings across Saint Ambrose Parish and the Brunswick area. We offer an array of events and opportunities for service, fellowship, and faith-building, both on and off campus. There’s no long-term commitment or membership required – just show up to events or gatherings when you can, and feel free to bring a friend or two!
For more information, head to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/sayoungadults) or reach out to Caitlin Arbogast at CArbogast@StAmbrose.us or 330.460.7387!