…”The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The Gospel, on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, both challenges us and gives us every reason for our hope. The challenge is to use these days to be attentive and observant of the signs of God’s presence and activity in your life. Amid all the lights – and sounds – and activities of these days observe faithful presence of God. In so doing, your heart will be filled with great joy for Emmanuel – God is with us. That’s our hope – God is always with us. Use this final week of Advent to be most attentive of the presence and promise of the Lord.
…This past Tuesday, as we started our Pastoral Council meeting, the members spent some time reflecting on the signs of God’s presence in our community. Rachel Russo, a high school student, spoke passionately about the amazing response to our Advent Giving Tree efforts. She both observed that the tags on the tree represent the ‘needs’ by so many in our community and the packages returned, for those in need, are a sign of the goodness of our community. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and support. God bless the Catholic Works of Mercy Team who is doing great work on behalf of our community. They are truly and the hands and feet of the Lord.
…Other members of the PPC spoke about the blessing of our first Advent Tea – it was a beautiful gathering of 200 of our members who shared friendship and faith. It was a perfect way to set a peaceful tone for the Christmas Season. Others shared how much they were ‘blessed’ by the Matt Maher Concert last Sunday. The signs of God’s presence are all around us.
…Another ‘sign’ of God’s activity is in our 12 Days of Christmas Program. Members are sharing joy, faith and little gifts for these 12 days before Christmas with about 40 of our members. Those involved have been nominated by one of our members who want to share a perfect gift of God’s love and care. Here’s one of the dialogues that took place between one of the recipients and one of the ELVES who was sharing Christmas joy: “Why am I a recipient of 12 Days of Christmas? I’m not homeless. I’m sure there’s someone else who needs/deserves this more than I do.” I told her that I don’t know why she was nominated but that someone nominated her. God sent this person to think of her. She said “Oh my gosh, now you’re making me cry. Thank you for making me see why.” The 12 Days of Christmas is really a way of keeping all of us focused on the real reason for Christmas. How can each of us be a sign of God’s presence and light and joy to others?
…The Pastoral Council has a number of goals for the year, two of which converge together this coming week. They want to make sure “everyone feels welcome” and “engage people who join us on Christmas.” A simple idea for all of us – on Christmas Eve/Day, let’s all welcome everyone around us as we come in and take our seat, and wish each other a joyous and blessed Christmas as we leave. That simple spirit of welcome and hospitality can be the ‘spark’ that will encourage someone to join us more often and always at Saint Ambrose. Thank you.
…Speaking of Christmas, our Worship Commission, along with lots of other wonderful people, are working hard to make sure the Church looks beautiful, our campus is clean and safe and all of our Masses are well-planned and inspiring. Please hold all who help us pray at Christmas and always in your prayers. Today’s bulletin contains a special insert listing all the Liturgical Ministers for Christmas (you’ll be surprised at how many people are involved). It’s a good opportunity to pray for them and thank them for their service as we gather at the Table of the Lord.
…We are very blessed to have some off-duty officers to help us make sure everyone enters and exits safely from our campus on Christmas Eve. Please thank them for their extra service and cooperate with them as they help guide all the cars safely.
…I know this may take away some of the ‘surprise’ of your Christmas gift, however, look for your Parish Calendar on Christmas Day (and the weekend after). They will be at the doors of the Church. The calendar is filled with beautiful images, inspiring quotes and timely information about our parish community. It will help you let the Light of Christ shine every day and always. The calendar is a gift to us from our Community Partners who are so helpful and supportive of our parish community. You can also see a digital version of the calendar online at www.StAmbrose.us/2017Calendar.
…Many thanks to all who supported our Christmas Flower collection. Your support helps make it possible for us to have a beautiful Church, this Christmas and always. Special thanks to Linda, Lynn, Kathy and Helen for leading the charge on Church decorating. They could really use your help this week on Thursday, December 22. Many hands make for light work…a clean and beautifully decorated Church and Hall.
…This past week the students from Saint Ambrose School and I did a special Christmas Tree blessing for all the decorated trees on Pearl Road. The service was topped off by some wonderful hot chocolate. We sent all our students home with a Christmas Tree blessing to share with their family. I also put the prayer on our website so you can pray it with your family – www.StAmbrose.us/TreeBlessing.
…Speaking of our students, make sure to bring the whole family to our annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, January 7, from 5:30-8:30 pm. Proceeds raised from this great event will help support our school’s 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., as well FIAT’s trip to the March for Life next month. Tickets–$8 for adults 12+ and $4 for kids 11 and under—are presale only. Swing by the PLC after Mass this weekend to grab yours. Great food. Great company. Great cause.
…Although Christmas is quickly coming up, please remember that we will celebrate the Solemnity of Mary on the following weekend (12/31 and 1/1). It’s both New Year’s and the weekend. It’s a great way to help you and your loved ones get a great start on the New Year by gathering together as a family in prayer. Families that pray together…are strengthened by God’s grace…to stay together. Masses on that weekend are at 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm on Saturday and 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 12:00 pm on Sunday. There will NOT be a 5:00 pm Mass.
…In these final days before Christmas….thank you for all you do for our parish. Your support…the gift you continue to give to the work of the Lord….allows us to do so much good for our members and for those in need. You and your loved ones are in my prayers this Christmas and always. God bless you.
