Coronavirus Resources

A message from Bishop Malesic on keeping people safe during the pandemic

August 30, 2021

The latest information from federal, state and local public health agencies informs us that the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is surging in our area, causing increased illness and hospitalizations at levels not seen since the spring. For the safety of all who worship at Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Cleveland, I strongly encourage you — whether vaccinated or not vaccinated — to wear a face mask while attending Mass indoors. All who want to attend Mass, and who are otherwise vulnerable, should feel safe and welcome inside our sacred spaces. Please use charity and patience with those who do not wish to comply with this strongly stated request. You also might want to consider wearing a face mask for other indoor gatherings, especially for those not yet fully vaccinated. Wearing masks outdoors is not generally required except for activities involving close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

Those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immune-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety about contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons are not obliged to attend Mass.

Pope Francis recently offered a message of hope and unity to the world in an effort to continue increasing confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines, specifically in communities disproportionately affected by the virus. “Thanks to God’s grace and to the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from COVID-19,” the pope said. “Getting the vaccines that are authorized by the respective authorities is an act of love. I pray to God that each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love; no matter how small, love is always grand.”

I am fully vaccinated and recommend the same for my family and friends. In consideration of others, I also am wearing a mask during the distribution of holy Communion and I strongly encourage those distributing holy Communion at Mass to wear a mask while distributing as well.

Remember that the situation seems to be ever changing. This request to wear face masks is temporary and will be changed once this current level of increased coronavirus cases is over. Stay connected to information coming from national, state and local health authorities, and stay home and get tested for COVID when you are not feeling well. Following these recommendations will go a long way in helping to keep you and others around you safe.

We are all tired of this pandemic, but we must not forget that we are called to care for the health of others in times of crisis and must continue to protect our healthcare system and medical workers.

May God bless and watch over us in our time of need.

Bishop Edward C. Malesic

Click here for additional pandemic information from the Diocese of Cleveland.

This is a challenging and uncertain time for all of us. If we can be of help in any way, please contact FrBob@StAmbrose.us or 330-460-7300.

Resources

In this time of great uncertainty and confusion, our parish is here to help you through these times.

Our Catholic Works of Mercy team will continue with their weekly food distributions – every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00. They are taking every precaution to do this in a safe manner.

If you or someone you know could use some extra help during this time – we are here to help in whatever way we can.

Please contact Lisa atLhomady@StAmbrose.us and let us know how we can help.

Donations will be collected inside the narthex (connector between the church and PLC) between 9am-6pm. Please drop off your donations here and we will take care of getting these items to those families in need.

We are in the need of additional food donations:

peanut butter and jelly
tuna
canned soups
canned vegetables
pasta
spaghetti sauce
rice
other perishable foods

We have volunteers who are able to do some grocery shopping and/or additional errands for you if you are at risk of going out. Or, if you are able to help in any way, please let us know.

Please contact Lisa atLhomady@StAmbrose.us and let us know how we can help.

Leonard Bouman, the Commander of the VFW, would like to assist in helping you during this crisis.
Please reach out to Sara Graham to be connected. sgraham@stambrose.us

Help, resources, and ways to take care of yourself.

Source: Ohio Department of Health

Need to talk to someone?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

The PEER Center Warm Line
(614) 358-TALK (8255), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990 (1-800-846-8517 TTY)

Ohio Crisis Text Line
Text the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services help line
1-877-275-6364 (to find resources in your community)

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services COVID-19 resources: https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addiction-Treatment/Emergency-Preparedness/Coronavirus


Support Groups and Apps

For Families
The Addict’s Parents United: www.tapunited.org
Al-Anon Electronic Meetings: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/

Help for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: https://pgnohio.org/what-we-do/resources-for-problem-gamblers.html
Gamblers Anonymous Hotline Number: 855-2CALLGA (855-222-5542)
Phone-in meetings: https://800gambler.org/help-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Recovery Support Groups
Narcotics Anonymous Online Meetings: https://www.narcotics.com/narcotics-anonymous/narcotics-anonymous-online-meetings/
Smart Recovery:  smartrecovery.org/
eAA: e-aa.org/
Al-Anon Electronic Meetings: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/
Lionrock Behavioral Health Online AA Meetings and Drug & Alcohol Support Groups: https://www.lionrockrecovery.com/online-aa-meetings-and-support-groups
In The Rooms global recovery community: https://www.intherooms.com/home/category/community-and-meetings/

Recovery App
Sober Grid: https://www.sobergrid.com/

General Health and Wellness Resources

In-Home Physical Fitness
Planet Fitness: https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness/
Gold’s Gym: https://www.goldsgym.com/anywhere/
Do Yoga with Me: https://www.doyogawithme.com/

Healthy Habits
ActiveHealth Webinar: Strategies to Cope and Healthy Habits During Coronavirus: activehealth.webex.com
Better You, Better Ohio! Bureau of Workers’ Compensation health and wellness program: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/wps/portal/bwc/site/safety/resources/health-and-wellness-program
Statewide Meditation: https://www.facebook.com/OHCitizenAdvocates/

For Specific Groups
For Farmers: #GotYourBack: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/gotyourback
For Veterans: MyHealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov

Financial Resources

Unemployment: https://unemployment.ohio.gov
Medicaid, Food and Cash Assistance, Child Care, Women, Infants and Children Food Assistance:
benefits.ohio.gov

For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).


If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available. Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (1-800-846-8517 TTY); connect with a trained counselor through the Ohio Crisis Text Line by texting the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741; or call the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services help line at 1-877-275-6364 to find resources in your community.

Top 5 Ways To Disinfect When Everyday Supplies Run Out

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, offers the following suggestions for preventive cleaning against COVID-19 if everyday supplies, such as cleaning wipes or cleaning sprays, run out:

  • Use a diluted household bleach solution if appropriate for the surface: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water; or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Do not use if product is past its expiration date. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
  • Use an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.
  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Discard gloves after use, or, if reusable gloves are used, they should be dedicated only for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for COVID-19 and no other purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
  • Clean hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Remember to keep all cleaning products out of the reach of children at all times.

For additional information, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

Source: Ohio Department of Health

Watch Mass Live

Thank God for some of the wonderful technology that allows us to stay connected to the Lord and each other. Streaming the Mass from our Church is a way to bring some of God’s House into your home.

On this page you will find:

  • Live Streaming of Mass and Past Recordings
  • Daily Readings
  • Prayers and Spiritual Communion
  • Opportunities to Give
  • Helpful Tips

Make a Donation

Thank you for prayerfully considering an online donation. We are grateful for your continued support.

If there is anything we can do for you or your family during this time of uncertainty, please let us know. 330.460.7300

Prayers

When faced with fear of the unknown, turning to an all-knowing God is a good place to start. And for people of faith, we know that God answers prayers and that, as it says in James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

That doesn’t mean we only pray; we act as well, but, calmed by the awareness of the presence of God, we can respond with clarity and direction.

USA Today

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. 

Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. Inspire and invigorate people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the disease’s spread. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.

Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty.

Dear God,

I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. Fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens.

In place of my anxiety, give me Your peace.

For this I thank You, Amen.

Dear Jesus,

You are the strength of my life;

You are my rock, my fortress and my protector; therefore, whom shall I be afraid?

You are my shield, my strong-tower and my stronghold.

I will call to You because You are worthy to be praised.

So, Father, I thank you for being my strength and My God in whom I trust, Amen.

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