…”Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.” The letter for Romans speaks powerfully about the importance of praying in the Spirit. Each day God wants to send the Holy Spirit into our lives – to strengthen us in our weakness – to satisfy the longings of our hearts – to give us the courage to live the will of God in our lives. Allow the Spirit of God to enter more fully into your lives.
…This past weekend seven members of our parish attended a workshop/retreat on the Holy Spirit. They want to help us strengthen our Tuesday night prayer services and continue the healing ministry of Christ which we started last May. Healing is a gift of the Spirit. The Spirit of God has the power to forgive, heal, unite and lead each of us to newness of life. Deacon Gary, Jane Baldwin, Cathy Clapper and the team will be sharing more information with us shortly. Come Spirit of God.
…This week we formally welcome Matt Fodor to our parish community. Matt will be working closely with Tom Bonezzi to ‘learn the ropes’ of our music ministry. He will be assisted by Helen Lanzarotta and Max Menkhaus. Please keep them in prayer as they help us give fitting prayer and praise to the Lord.
…Last fall we talked about inviting you to help form a small choir for our 4:30 pm Saturday Mass. We had about 8 people sign up. Somehow the list was misplaced. So… we are asking again for anyone interested in joining to contact Matt at MFodor@StAmbrose.us. May the Spirit of God take our many voices and form them into one in the Lord.
…The FEST is rapidly approaching – Sunday, August 6. It’s a great day of faith, family and fun – all for FREE. We could use some help on FEST day. It takes about 1,400 people to support the crafts and activities that teach the lessons of the Gospel to the children who join us. We also need some help with some basic things like pop, water, food booths and especially parking. If you can help us do something wonderful for the thousands who will join us, go to: www.theFEST.us/volunteer. We really need you. You will see the Spirit of God making us one in the Lord.
…The FEST is free and open to all in big part because of The FEST raffle. There are lots of great prizes (including a new car thanks to Bedford/Mentor Nissan). More importantly it’s a great way to do something good for all who could never ‘afford’ such a great family day. Find out more about the raffle (and get your ticket) at: theFEST.us/raffle.
…As you will hear this weekend from Tom Bonezzi, The FEST is a great day for you and your family. Please join us on Sunday, August 6.
…This Sunday our Adopt-a-Patch team will be having their annual ‘Garden Party.’ It’s a celebration of friendship and the good they do for the Lord and our parish community. We are so blessed – by so many – working so hard in the Spirit to create a campus that is inspiring and pleasing to the Lord. Thank you Adopt-a-Patch Team.
…Our high school students are coming together on Sunday night for ‘Game Night.’ They are also wrapping up Summer Volleyball this coming Tuesday. It’s great to see our teens all over the campus throughout the summer months. This past week two adults came forward and expressed a desire/interest to work with Caitlin and our Youth Ministry Team to strengthen our care and efforts to help form our teens in the ways of the Lord. We can always use you. For more information, please contact Caitling at 330.460.7381 or COneill@StAmbrose.us.
…This Saturday we have invited all those who joined the Church over the past three years, through the RCIA, to come together for a ‘RCIA Reunion.’ We are blessed that so many adults have opened their hearts to the Lord.
…If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Church, or deepening your faith and prayer, consider the RCIA. It’s a meaningful way to deepen your walk with the Lord and find a fullness of life in Christ. To learn more, please give me a call at 330.460.7333 or send me an E-mail at BStec@StAmbrose.us.
…Janet Majka is also working with children who are in need of some of the Sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation). If you have a child or grandchild who needs to grow closer to the Lord and celebrate the sacraments, please contact Janet at JMajka@StAmbrose.us.
…This is also a great week to sign up for PSR. Early registration helps us all. Please share the news with your family, neighbors and friends. Let’s help form all of our young people in the ways of the Lord.
…This past week we had to sadly share with two of our members that because they have not been Confirmed, they are not able to serve as a godparent or sponsor. Please let us help you. If you are an adult who has not been Confirmed, please contact Jane Baldwin today. Let us help you. Please also share this with your adult children. Jane will gently help any adult prepare for the Sacrament.
…Come Holy Spirit deep into our hearts and lives. All the ‘inexpressible groanings’ are made whole and complete in the Lord. God bless you in these summer days.
