…”Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” We are bringing to a close the Bread of Life Discourse – the Gospels that we have been hearing over the past few weeks. Jesus is the living bread that is our strength for the journey. It is this living bread that will give us a fullness of life and joy in Christ as we journey the path that leads to heaven. How can we use these final weeks of summer to renew our commitment to regularly, and faithfully, come to the Table of the Lord? It is at the Table that God feeds and strengthens us with all that we need to face the challenges of each day.
…”I am the Bread of Life” is one of the more common songs played at funerals; “and I will raise him up on the last day.” Hearing that song can help us remember our loved ones. Even more, it can remind us of the promise of our Gospel that whoever ‘eats this bread will live forever’ with the Lord. How can we live in the hopefulness of the glory of the Lord and the promise of heaven?
…This is an exciting week for our community. It’s exciting to watch our students get ready for a new school year. Special prayers for all of our college students as they head off to college. Prayers for teachers and school staff as they work to help their students learn and grow. This weekend we ask God to bless all of our students as they embark on this new year of learning and growing in the ways of the Lord. May they strive to be their best selves and develop their God-given gifts and talents.
…We are very excited to start a new school year at Saint Ambrose School. Our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing to engage the minds and form the hearts of our students. May this be a year of grace and blessing for our school community.
…Please remember to be more cautious in your driving around the campus and around town as school is back in session!!
…As announced in last week’s bulletin, the construction trailer and safety fence have shown up around the Church. This is a sign of hope for things to come. It’s also a way of starting the school year with one traffic pattern for all of our busses and parent drivers. We have received permission from Bishop Perez to move forward with our plans to repair/renovate the Church. We are working to finalize the plans and bids. As soon as we have things finalized, we will share with you an update, along with a good timeline for the project. In the meantime, please be careful as you drive around the campus.
…This past week, the Diocese asked Fr. Adam to begin helping out at Our Lady Help of Christians to the south of us. One of their priests was recently appointed as Pastor of Saint John Cantius in Cleveland. Father Adam will continue to help out here, as much as possible, given this additional responsibility. Abbot Gary has agreed to help us out more regularly. Please continue to pray for vocations. May many more hear and respond to God’s call.
…As you heard last weekend, Josh Cochrac heads back to the seminary this weekend to complete his studies for the priesthood. Next week our own Andrew Lucci joins the Borromeo Seminary community as he discerns Gods call in his life. Matt Harley also continues his studies for the diaconate hoping to be ordained this coming May. Please keep them in your prayers. May God guide them, and strengthen them, as they discern His call and prepare for ministry and service at the Table of the Lord.
…God bless Roland Bator and some of our K of C. Over the past weeks they have been working to clear some of the woods down by the football field. There’s a stack of firewood for the taking. Help yourself. Say a prayer for these very generous and good servants of the Lord.
…This past week we had a wonderful lunch for our Busy Bees. These are the wonderful people that attend to 1000 details around our parish. They sort, stuff, stick, cut, package, and help make sure all the little things are taken care of so we can best do the work of the Lord in our parish. They are an amazing group that does so much. They would always welcome a few new busy bees to join them.
…Speaking of joining, Matt Fodor, Helen Lanzarotta and Max Menkhaus are getting ready for a blessed year in our Music Ministry. They are always looking for some new people! There’s a place for every voice and instrument.
…I had a great meeting with Janet Majka this week concerning our Parish School of Religion. She, and her team, have been working hard to find some better resources for families and strengthen the program so that all of our children can best learn the stories of Jesus and the teachings of our faith. We are so blessed in our parish community with wonderful members who help teach our children the ways of the Lord. Janet is always in need of a few more ‘teachers’ who can help either on Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday morning – every week or once in a while. If you want to help ‘pass on’ the faith and do great good, please contact Janet at jmajka@StAmbrose.us.
…Missy Yarmesch and her team are working hard to make our Sunday School – Journey with Jesus – for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds a great experience. Each week our youngest members can learn the stories and songs of Jesus. It takes place during the 9 am and 10:30 am Masses. For more information, please contact Missy at myarmesch@StASchool.us.
…We are all called to be ‘learners’ in the ways of the Lord. Last spring, you may recall, we had 22 adults enter into the Church at the Easter Vigil. If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about Christ and the Catholic way of life, we are here to help. Please contact Caitlin at: coneill@StAmbrose.us.
…How can we use these final weeks of summer to renew our commitment to strengthen the bonds of faith and family? The family is always best when gathered at table. We are best when we come together at the Table of the Lord. Have a blessed week.
