…”He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.'” The Gospel this weekend, as we approach the end of the liturgical year (next weekend on the Feast of Christ the King), continues to challenge us to practice wise stewardship. God blesses us with gifts/talents/treasure. God expects us to use these well and generous in service to the Lord. The more we give, the more we trust that God will provide and care for us now – and forever.
…Last weekend was a clear manifestation of your trust in the Lord and your commitment to care for those in need. We collected over 640 frozen turkeys and 400+ pies. Our seminarian, Josh, had ‘never seen anything like it’ in his life. He went on to say how inspired he was to see the goodness and generosity and care of our members. All I can say over and again – AMEN. Thank you so for much for your support and help so we can provide 6500 meals this coming week. God bless you.
…Thanks also for the outpouring of coats – of every shape, size and generation. Kim Harrington and Amy Morgan lead a crew of people who sorted coats in the trailer, storage rooms and in their living rooms. They were distributed to 200 children at Thomas Jefferson School in Cleveland on Wednesday. We connected the coat distribution with their parent-teacher conferences so we could help the entire family. We also provided them with a light supper. The good we do – together. Pictures coming soon. Thank you for all your goodness.
…Thanksgiving Week is a very special time for our community as we feed so many and care for so many in the name of the Lord. May these days be filled with God’s grace and blessing. May we all use this week to count our blessings. Please join us on Thursday morning for Mass at 9:00 am. Come to the Table of the Lord and share in God’s blessings.
…Many thanks to all who have taken time to review the concepts for updating our Church. The Vision 20/20 team met on Monday to review your input and feedback. Overwhelmingly, most of our members really like the concept and the approach. Many asked really good questions. Next week you will be receiving some good information and answers to your questions. For example, we will make sure that the tile is non-slip. We are planning on keeping the kneelers. We are working to finalize a budget of what we must do (roof, skylights, beams, HVAC, lighting, sound system, handicap access, bathroom updating, etc). We will also have a budget for the complete vision for the Church which would include a new altar, ambo, Mary statue, new front entry, Stations of the Cross). Watch for more details in the weeks ahead. You can go online to watch a video of what our Church could look like at: www.StAmbrose.us/vision2020.
…We are very blessed to have many wonderful programs for our youngest members. This weekend our Journey with Jesus Sunday morning preschool will be inviting their ‘special persons’ to join us for Mass, a special reflection and snacks afterwards. Many thanks to Brianna Till and Janet Majka for their great efforts to ‘pass on’ the faith to our children. Let the little children come to me.
…As we get ready for Advent, Janet would like to invite all our families to an Advent Workshop on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00 to 10:30 am. It’s a great way for your family to reflect on the Advent theme, “Make our lives a prayer of peace.” In a hectic time and a busy and confusing world, we will focus on the path to peace this Advent. Please join us.
…Over the past week you should have received your Thanksgiving/Advent newsletter in the mail. It is filled with wonderful opportunities for you and your family to use this special season as a time for faith, family and peace. Please take some time to review it and mark your calendars and make plans to join us. Some highlights include: The Singing Angels Concert on Saturday, December 2, The Advent Tea on Saturday, December 9, Colton Dixon in Concert on Sunday, December 10, Living Nativity and social on Sunday, December 17. There’s something for everyone this Advent at Saint Ambrose.
…It’s great to have Father Rob back home from his pilgrimage with a group from Saint Martin Parish. It was a great experience for all. He has lots of stories about Rome and Assisi to share.
…This weekend we are blessed to share the Sacrament of the Sick at all the weekend Masses. It’s a beautiful way to experience the tender mercy and care of Christ as we advance in years, or face challenges of health. The Lord invites us to come to Him and find healing peace and strength on the journey.
…Don’t forget to pick up your Little Blue Books for Advent that are located at the doors of the Church and on the book rack by the Chapel.
…Thank you for all you do for the Lord and our parish community. Together – we are bringing the compassion and care of Christ to our community and to those in need. May the Lord bless you for your goodness. On Thanksgiving and always, I pray for you – and give thanks to God for you and our community of faith. Have a blessed week.
