…”What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.” Saint Paul in our second reading calls us to open our eyes, ears and heart to see the blessings of God. The more we love God and the more we give ourselves to the work of the Lord, the more God will abundantly bless our lives. Open your eyes to see the wonders of God. Open your heart to love more like Jesus.
…My eyes and my heart were overwhelmed by the goodness of God as I reflected on your great goodness and generosity last weekend for our Souper Bowl of Caring. Together we raised almost $13,000 to support our monthly community program. Over the course of the year we will provide 4,000 meals for those in need across our community. God bless all of our junior high and high school teens who were so present and actively engaged in making sure we would be able to take care of those in need. Eye has not seen and ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love God. Thank you so much.
…This weekend kicks off the annual Catholic Charities Appeal for our Diocese. While we do an excellent job in caring for those in need in our local community, Catholic Charities brings the care and compassion of Christ to hundreds and thousands across our region. This annual appeal is one more way for all of us to work together to continue the work of the Lord. What we do for the least among us, we do for the Lord. Catholic Charities serves the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned, the sick and suffering. Thank for your support in 2016 which allowed us to fulfill our parish goal. Please do what you can this weekend or through the information that was mailed to your home. Together we will create a more loving and caring community in the name of the Lord.
…Please keep our high school teens in your prayers this coming weekend as they participate in the Food Fast Retreat. Imagine high school students NOT eating for 24 hours. It’s a way to help them understand the reality of hunger and poverty in our region and across our world. It also will help reinforce some of the important spiritual tools like fasting, discipline, and prayer. Please pray for them as they pray for the hungry and homeless.
…This Sunday is very special for our Littlest Angels Preschool as they come together for the 10:30 am Mass….share a special song with us…and have their annual Sweetheart Social. God bless Mrs. Mitchell and her amazing team who work hard every day to help our two, three, four year olds and Pre-K students grow in the ways of the Lord, learn great things and strengthen family life. If you would like to know more about LAPS, contact Breanne Logue at BLogue@StASchool.us.
…We had our annual State of the Schools last Tuesday night. It was energizing to hear about the great things that are taking place at Saint Ambrose School and Littlest Angels Preschool. The day started with a call from the Diocesan Education Office inviting our Future City Team and STEM Team to present their projects to all the principals in the Diocese of Cleveland. As they shared with us in the invitation, Saint Ambrose School is leading the way across the region. If you would like to read about some of the ‘state of the school,’ there’s a summary that can be found at www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us/StateofSchools.
…Lent is coming soon. It’s an opportunity for all of us to make our return to the Lord our God. It’s a chance for us to grow spiritually – to grow closer to the Lord – to strengthen our faith. This Lent we are inviting (and energetically encouraging) you and all our members to consider joining a Lent Faith Sharing Group. Quite simply, these are opportunities to come together with 7 or 8 other members four times over the season of Lent. Each gathering will last for about 75 minutes. You will read some scripture passages and discuss how they apply to our daily life. It’s a great way to strengthen faith….grow in the ways of the Lord….strengthen existing friendships and create some new ones. The hardest part of doing this is simply giving it a try. See today’s bulletin for more details. Eye has not seen what God has ready for you. Open your heart to this new experience this Lent.
…Speaking of Lent (starting March 1), the Little Black Books are at the doors of the Church. Please take one for yourself and commit to a few minutes a day to reflect and pray.
…As we get ready for Saint Patrick’s Day, our good friends (and parishioners) from the Hooley House are creating another great celebration for us on Saturday, March 4. GREAT food. TWO live bands. Friends and Fun. Tickets are $20 per person, all of which supports the efforts of the Catholic Works of Mercy and K of C. Make plans to attend for a great night of fun.
…Looking for some fun next Saturday? Join us for Neon Bingo. It’s a fun night out. Neon lights….good food….wholesome fun.
…This weekend we celebrate World Marriage Day. It’s a moment for us to celebrate the gift of married love. May God bless all of our married couples. Let’s pray for those who are preparing for marriage. Every day may you know the strength and of God in your lives.
…This past week we hosted a very productive meeting to address the heroin epidemic that is attacking our country, state and community. We will be meeting again on Wednesday, February 22 at 11:30 am. All are welcome to learn how we can work together to stop this crisis. For more information on the heroin crisis and resources available, go to www.greaterthanheroin.com.
…Thanks again for your amazing response to our Souper Bowl of Caring. Thank you for all you do for our parish community that enables us to continue the work of the Lord. I am so grateful. I pray for you every day.
…Have a blessed week. Eye has not seen what God has ready for those who love God. Open your hearts to the Lord.
