July 28, 2016
…”Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” What a lofty goal! Seek what is above. Think of what is above. Be constantly mindful of the faithfulness of God, the promise of heaven and your eternal reward. Take the high road – the way that leads to the Lord – the path of heaven.
…The blessings that come from seeking what is above are what really keeps things in perspective and prevents us from getting bogged down in the ‘stuff’ of daily life. Seeking what is above keeps us focused on God’s divine presence at each moment and corner of our life. Use these first days of August to seek what is above…raise the bar….focus on the glory and promise of God – the life of heaven.
…These final days of July have been filled with God’s grace and blessings at Saint Ambrose. This past Tuesday evening (as I write the bulletin), I wandered around our campus to see all of our teens together celebrating summer and the end of FIAT volleyball. We gathered together in prayer and the teens went on to enjoy great food and wonderful friendship. It was energizing to see them forming lasting friendships and memories at their parish. In the Mother Teresa Room, the heads of our Care and Compassion Ministries came together for an evening of prayer, reflection and team building for the upcoming pastoral year. The K of C were also meeting and planning for the fall. They are working on some great events to strengthen family life and our parish family. Add to the mix Overeaters Anonymous, a scripture study and all sorts of our members tending their garden patches. All are clear reminders that so many in our parish, even in these summer days, focus and choose to seek what is above – seek the Lord. We are blessed.
…Speaking of blessings….while all these other wonderful ministries and programs were taking place, you could hear the wonderful songs of our faith being sung in the Chapel as part of the weekly Tuesday evening prayer service/holyhour. Join them any Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Come worship the Lord.
…Think of what is above……one story from this past week. I woke up to receive an Email from one of our members who a few months back celebrated the funeral of a family member at Saint Ambrose. She was grateful for the care she received at the time of the funeral, along with the support that followed from some of our bereavement ministries. What was ‘overwhelming’ for her was this…she has not been around for a while because of work and family…and out of nowhere one of our bereavement team members reached out to her, sending her a beautiful card and cross. She was ‘overwhelmed’ by the thoughtfulness and care of our community – of you and your goodness.
…The same type of notes came from some of the family who lost the 17 month old. They were so ‘grateful’ for the care and the support they received from you – from our parish community.
…This past week, Mr. Chris Knight, the new Superintendent for Catholic Schools, came to visit our school and meet up with Mrs. Cinadr. He was complimentary ‘beyond words’ for the energy that he experienced on our campus – even at the end of July. He was very impressed with the school, the resources, our strategic vision and the good work taking place at SAS and Littlest Angels Preschool. Mrs. Cinadr is in the office every day to take your calls. There are still some openings for the upcoming school year (LCinadr@StASchool.us). She was recently excited to meet a potential student who is looking at SAS because of our gifted reading program, something that is not available in other local schools.
…As we roll in to the month of August, all of our teaching programs are coming to life. This is a GREAT week to sign up for PSR and Sunday morning Preschool. We are blessed with great programs to help all of our young people learn more about the ways of the Lord.
…Next Sunday is The FEST. Join us on Sunday, August 7 for a great day of faith, family and fun – all for FREE – on the grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. We have some of the best bands – Lauren Daigle, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith and Newsboys. There is something for everyone at The FEST – from the Marc’s Mom’s Relaxation Station and the Man Cave for dads to great activities and faith based crafts for the kids. It’s the perfect family day. Go online for the schedule of the day, directions to all the FREE parking and every detail you need – www.theFEST.us.
…We also still need some help ‘staffing’ the FEST day. If you can lend an hour or two, please go to www.theFEST.us/volunteer. We really need you to help us do something good for the thousands of people across our region who will join us.
…This weekend’s bulletin contains a beautiful quote about ALPHA. What is ALPHA? It’s a chance to ‘seek what is above’ and grapple with some of the deeper questions of life, death, eternal life and connecting the challenges of each day to the mystery of God’s eternal love and care. Visit www.StAmbrose.us/Alpha for more information on our upcoming fall schedule – it’s a great way to see ‘what is above.’
…The back pages of this weekend’s bulletin shows the energy and excitement that is ready to unfold around our campus. Here comes volleyball, football, school, preschool and a wide variety of ministries and programs – something for everyone.
…Join me in praying for the soul of Fr. Edward Lajack, who passed away on Monday. He was a holy man who did much for our Lord. His life was a testament to God’s goodness. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord…
…Please join us next Sunday at The FEST and take some time this week to ‘seek what is above’ – seek the Lord. May God bless you and your loved ones in these wonderful summer days.
