January 19, 2017
…”As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Today’s Gospel raises a great question for each of us – Would you drop your net and follow Jesus? Every day Jesus is calling out to each of us – “Come after me.” Will you follow? Will you go where the Lord desires to lead you??
…This weekend’s Gospel also reminds us of the need for each of us to pray fervently that some of the young adults of our parish hear Jesus’ call to follow him to a life of ministry and service to the Church. We need some of our members to respond to the call to priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. It is essential for the life of the Church. It’s a life of meaning and purpose beyond words. Every day I thank God that my parents encouraged me and my siblings to keep our hearts open to the Lord. We need to pray and work to promote vocations among our family and the family of God.
…We had a GREAT festival meeting last Tuesday night. Thanks to all who heard the call and have responded to the invitation to come together for the good of our community. You will be hearing more about our 10th Annual Summer Festival (June 22-25) which will kick off the 60th Anniversary of our parish community. We still need some help on the planning team. Come…learn more…you will be glad you did. Let me know if you are interested or want to learn more (FrBob@StAmbrose.us).
…Last weekend the students of Saint Ambrose School took third place in the State of Ohio in the Future City Competition. This is an amazing accomplishment for our students, faculty and school community. The students were highly commended for their teamwork, quality presentation and focus on protecting the environment. Way to go Angels!
…As we bring to a close the first semester, I had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of Saint Ambrose School and Littlest Angels Preschool. I was highly edified by the quality of our faculty’s efforts to engage our students. We are on the path to STEM certification. More importantly, the faculty is engaging in a wide-range of efforts to be everything for every student every day. Come and see for yourself next Sunday at Saint Ambrose School and Littlest Angels Preschool Open House from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. You can also contact Breanne Logue to get a private tour or application (BLogue@StAmbrose.us).
…The Winter Carnival is next Saturday night. It’s a perfect family night for the kids and grandkids. Come for great family food (thank you K of C) crafts, and fun games. Join us starting at 5:30 pm in Hilkert Hall.
…Every day Christ calls out to each of us and wants to bring us the compassion and help we need. This week we start a new year/session of Divorce Care for Kids and Divorce Care for adults. Want to learn more so you can find the help and compassion you need? Contact Lisa Homady at LHomady@StAmbrose.us.
…We continue to pray for our country and those who have been elected and commissioned to lead us. May all of our elected officials, locally and nationally, work to build a better world of peace and mercy for all.
…The other day you may have read that the Heroin epidemic is a real struggle in our local community. There is help. There is hope. To learn more about the epidemic or the pathways to help, go to www.GreaterthanHeroin.com. On Tuesday, February 7, we will be continuing the conversation with civic and religious leaders in our community to address/tackle this huge problem. We will be meeting at 11:30 am in the Mother Teresa Room.
…This coming Saturday is an important day for our parish community as the Pastoral Council convenes our annual Vision and Planning Day. The PPC, along with members of our Pastoral Staff, Parish Finance Council and School Advisory Board, are coming together for some prayer, reflection and discussion on how best we can look at the upcoming year (2017-2018) to grow spiritually and respond to the needs of our members. Please hold us in prayer as we discuss and discern what we need to do for the glory of God and the good of our Community.
…Last weekend I shared a story from our mission. We were able to move seven families into their new homes. In the Gospel today, we are called to ‘drop the nets’ and follow Jesus. If you have ever thought about going on a mission experience and/or want to learn more about how you can join us in June for our Mission Trip, please contact Michele Sumner at MSumner@StAmbrose.us. When you have the courage to ‘drop the nets,’ what you find next is the amazing blessings of God.
…In this New Year, how will you let your Light Shine??? Are you reading Resisting Happiness??
…Last weekend our Community Meal Program served/provided 322 meals to those in need and to so many homebound in our community. This monthly program provides about 4000 meals (not counting Thanksgiving and Holiday meal programs). On Superbowl Sunday our junior high and high school students will be leading the charge to raise the $10,000 we need to provide meals for the entire year. If each of us simply gave up one drive thru meal/coffee over the next two weeks, we will have more than what we need to take care of all who are in need. Watch for Souper Bowl Sunday!!
…Did you hear on the news about the new billboards in our region, “I am grateful for my abortion”? For my part, I am grateful that a bus load of our members are heading to Washington, D.C. this coming week to represent our parish and take a stand for LIFE. Please keep them in prayer as they rally together as a human billboard for LIFE – for what is right and good and holy and of God. I thank God for you, your life and the many ways you support and care for all of life. So many look to us for the help and care and support they need at the challenging moments of their life.
…Jesus calls out to each of us, “Come after me….” How will you allow your heart to listen and hear the call of the Lord? Drop the nets!!!
