“…Christ is our light…”

…”Job spoke, saying: Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of hirelings?
Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.”    The first reading, from the Book of Job, is somewhat fitting for the end of January/beginning of February in NE Ohio.  Job names how we may feel when we think of winter, cold, and slush.  The good news is that Job does go on to see happiness again and this weekend’s Gospel is a powerful reminder that every day Christ can be the light that breaks the darkness and enters into our lives to bring us healing, help, hope and JOY.  Bring your slushy winter blues to the Lord.  Christ is our LIGHT and the promise of a better day!!!

…All of us know someone dealing with the winter blues.   We had one our members from Saint Ambrose fly to take care of her college son who was ‘blue.’  How can we use this week to bring light and hope to our sisters and brothers?  How can we reach out to our college age family members and share some joy and peace?

…This weekend, after Mass, we will offer the traditional St. Blasé Blessing of Throats.  It’s a clear reminder of God’s deep desire to be our source of strength and healing peace.

…In the midst of the winter cold and flu season, please remember that we have hand sanitizing stations at the doors of the Church.  Please remember to offer a kind word and smile to each other at the sign of peace if you are recovering from a cold or flu.  Grace builds on nature….let’s use best practices to keep each other healthy while we pray for each other’s health and peace.

…This past Wednesday we had a great visit from Bishop Perez.  He was here to help us celebrate Catholic Schools Week.  After Mass he presented the Rooted in Faith grants for the Diocese.  We were blessed to receive two grants, one for Saint Ambrose School to continue to integrate new technology into the classroom.  Another for our PSR program to strengthen our efforts to train and educate our catechists.

…This coming Tuesday night, Saint Ambrose School will offer its annual “State of the Schools.”  Come and hear for yourself the great things taking place every day for every student at Saint Ambrose School and Littlest Angels Preschool.  The Open House last Sunday was amazing.  So many commented on the ‘energy’ and ‘spirit’ that filled the halls and classrooms of our school.

…This weekend is our Annual Souper Bowl of Caring.  Our junior high and high school students will be at the doors of the Church (and Hilkert Hall) to help us raise $12,000 to promise 4,500 meals as part of our monthly community meal program.  You can stop in HH to pick up snacks for your Super Bowl Party.  Many thanks to all of our teens who are working so hard to share the light of Christ and care for those in need.

…As we begin the month of February, it’s time for us to celebrate the great work of our Boy Scouts.  We are so blessed with a strong scouting program.   We have great leaders who are helping engage our scouts with great activities and conversations about solid values and character.  The Scouts will be hosting their annual Big Breakfast after the morning Masses.  It’s a great meal for an amazing cause!  God bless our Scouts.

…Lent is coming next week.  Little Black Books are at the doors of the Church.  See today’s bulletin for the schedule of services on Ash Wednesday.

…All high school students are reminded that we will be in the Rec Center Parking Lot for Ashes on the Asphalt at 6:50 am on Ash Wednesday.  Spread the word.

…With Ash Wednesday comes the start of our Lent Fish Fry.  It’s a great meal and a good cause.  This year’s proceeds will go towards the renovation of our Chapel and creating a spiritual reading library area.  More information is in today’s bulletin.

…Father Michael Denk is coming next Sunday – Monday – Tuesday to help us focus on Lent as a time of spiritual growth.  We have forty days to deepen our walk with the Lord and find the light, wisdom, and strength of Christ in our lives.  This three day mission will allow us to keep focused and develop a plan to use these forty days well.

…You may remember Jon Leonetti from our Fall mission.  He did a great job to a full church.  He had a great message for all of us.  He is coming back to Saint Ambrose on Sunday, March 11, for an afternoon of reflection for Married Couples.  Lent is a season of new life.  This may be a perfect way for you and your spouse to do something for the Lord so that God can do something wonderful for your marriage.  Mark your calendars.

… We had a couple people respond to our request for Photographers last week.  Thank you!!  If you can help take some candid shots at a parish event, please let Natalie know (nenglish@StAmbrose.us).  We need you.

…Speaking of events, the Winter Carnival last Saturday was GREAT.  It was a fun family night.  Special thanks to Helen Lanzarotta and her team.  God bless the Knights of Columbus for great family friendly food.

…The first reading from Job reminds us that all of us know someone who struggles at this time of year.  How can you reach out to them and share some friendship and Light and Hope in the name of the Lord?

…Thanks for all you do for our parish.  May these days be filled with the Light and Love of the Lord.  God bless you.