August 25, 2016
…”My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” Our scriptures this weekend, as we bring to a close the month of August, call us to a deep humility – recognizing that everything we have, and everything we can do, is a gift from the Lord. Our first reading reminds us that the more we realize this simple truth, everything and every moment is a gift from God, is a way of living a life filled with God’s grace and blessing. It’s also a way of always being grateful and thankful. Take some time this weekend to give thanks to God – the giver of every good gift. As we reflect on a summer gone by – the wonderful moments and bright summer days – may we be filled with a deep sense of humility – that we are blessed by a good and gracious God.
…Next weekend we will have the blessing of dedicating a new statue of Mother Teresa. She is a perfect model of humility. She was absolutely aware of her dependence on God’s graciousness and goodness. She freely shared everything she had with others trusting that God would care for and provide for her in every way. In so doing, she found great joy and did great good for others – and for our world. The humble servant of God is a model of humility. The more she gave, the more she found favor with God and her life was richly, richly blessed. The dedication of this new statue will take place after the 4:30 pm Mass on the PLC Patio.
…Many, many thanks to our Knights of Columbus for giving this gift to our parish community. I am always humbled by the generous service our K of C so freely give/share with our parish community. This statue is one more expression of their goodness. I always encourage all the men of our parish to get involved with the K of C – they are good men – serving the Lord and our parish community.
…The dedication is part of our end of summer Steak Roast. Please make plans to come by for a great meal and wonderful friendship. Tickets are available at the Parish Office. ALL proceeds will be used to help pay for the new statue and its installation. Come for a fun night and a great cause.
…This past week I met with and registered 12 new families into our parish. One of my favorite things to do is meet with our new members. It’s an opportunity to welcome them into our community. I also very much enjoy hearing what brought them to Saint Ambrose. In an overwhelming way, they sound like me. They tell stories of YOUR goodness. How they felt welcome when they visited the parish. They found YOUR help and support in a time of need or struggle. They see and hear stories of YOUR goodness and compassion to others and want to be a part of the good YOU do for others and our local community. Over and again, I share with you that every day, at least 100 times, I am humbled as I see your goodness and the depth and breadth of your love for the Lord. While we welcome these new members, it’s one more moment for me to thank YOU for all the good you do in the name of the Lord. God bless you.
…If you are new to the area or the parish, I would love the opportunity to formally welcome you to Saint Ambrose. Please feel free to contact me so we can set up a time to meet (frbob@StAmbrose.us or 330.460.7333).
…Speaking of humbling, Father Rob (who is on a well-deserved vacation this week) was humbled by your goodness last week. He was looking for some help to keep up on the sacristy and liturgical items for the Church. Over twenty of YOU responded with a generous ‘yes’. It’s one more sign of your goodness. It will also be a big help to keeping up on things in the Church.
…Speaking of the Church, many of you commented about the growing ‘dirt stain’ on some of the beams. Our Building and Grounds team and I are working to address the situation. Our guess as I write this (on Tuesday night) is that the high humidity over the past few weeks coupled with a tired air conditioner and paint is allowing some mildew to develop. We will know more by the time we come together for Mass this weekend. Thanks for your concern. I will keep you posted. I am hoping that it may have already been addressed before the weekend.
…Deacon Tom and Helen Sheridan are hoping that some of our married couples are humble enough to realize that they are not perfect and that they need God, and some of God’s grace, to renew and strengthen their marriage. Humility really is the hardest part of signing up for the Marriage Course. All you need to say is that “our marriage is not perfect and you would like to stir some deeper joy and greater love.” Over the past eight years, hundreds of couples from our parish have taken advantage of this great program. The Marriage Course starts again on September 13. Come and see how this can help you and your marriage. Call Deacon Tom and Helen for more info (330.460.7322).
…God bless our parish book-keeper, Carol Maline. As we ended the month of June, she had some major medical concerns and has worked her way back to work. She wanted to get our fiscal year closed and complete our Annual Report for the Diocese. I am humbled by her love and dedication to our parish. Her love for Saint Ambrose is emblematic for all who are working for our community and work so hard to spread the mercy, compassion and light of Christ in a thousand ways every day in our parish community. God bless Carol and all who are working at Saint Ambrose. We are blessed. Many thanks to all of you. As you will see in a few weeks when we share the Annual Report, we were able to end the year in the black, while continuing to support an active, vibrant community and maintaining our parish campus. Lynn Rogers will tell you each week when I see the weekend bulletin with the Sunday collection, I say something like, “God bless our good members”. Thanks, to all who used the ‘summer catch up’ envelopes last week. You will see by the collection this week, that it helps.
…Our parish community desperately needs 8 people who can call out FIVE numbers….really that’s it….FIVE numbers. Our Friday night Bingo game, which helps support our parish, needs some extra help – especially people to ‘call back’ the number when someone shouts BINGO. It’s really that simple – and we will provide training. If you can help once a month for a few hours to call back BINGO – you would be helping our parish immensely. For more details for a five number training – call Mike Mascio at 330.460.7344.
…Saint Ambrose School is up and running. Praise be God. Littlest Angels Preschool starts next week. This is also a GREAT week to register for PSR.
…Every day I am humbled as I see the great work and generous service you give to the Lord and our parish community. God bless you for your goodness! Thank you.
