…”Thus says the Lord GOD: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD. I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.” Our first reading, on this Fifth Sunday of Lent from the Prophet Ezekiel, proclaims what happens when you ‘return’ to the Lord. When we return to the Lord we will be filled with God’s spirit. We will be full of life. We will claim a share in eternal life. The Lord promises it and the Lord keeps His word. All this, and so much more, comes when we ‘return’ to the Lord our God. Our Lenten prayer is that we can trust in the sufficient grace and love of God. How do you need to ‘return’ to the Lord?
…God keeps His word. How about you? Think about all the things you said/promised that you would do for Lent to grow in holiness…to be closer to the Lord….to be holier and healthier and happier. We were called to prayer and fasting and almsgiving. Have you kept your promise? What do you need to do in these final weeks to ‘return’ to the ways of the Lord?
…Many thanks to Thomas Matheis who has been preparing the Lent videos for our parish. He’s a college student working to develop his film and video skills. He’s done a great job capturing the scripture readings and psalms of Lent. Over 1,000 people have been watching every week. What a blessing!!
…How are you doing with the small change that will make a big difference for those in need this Lent? We are collecting the Lent Rice Bowls over the next few weeks. There will be baskets at the doors – or you can always bring it to the Parish Office or the sacristy. Working together, we can raise enough to build a house (or even two) for those most in need in our mission this summer. A 440 sq. ft. house – a home for a family of five or six – costs about $8500. Imagine if all of us simply gave up a couple of coffees ($5) or a drive thru run ($7). It would be easy for us to build two homes for those most in need.
…Over the season of Lent, our Legion of Mary has been collecting religious items for the Medina County Jail. It’s been humbling to see the containers filled with religious books, magazines and other items to help those imprisoned closer to the Lord. God bless you.
…This past week Mark Oldfield and a few of those involved in our Jail Ministry have been working to create a new program to help those incarcerated to develop skills that can help them find a job after they are released. They need life mentors and coaches, along with those who can help do some basic teaching (GRE, reading, balancing a checkbook, etc). If you are even remotely interested in helping, contact Mark at 440.666.5217/oldfield322@gmail.com. When I was in prison, you came to visit me.
…This past Tuesday we received GREAT news about Saint Ambrose School. Thanks to the hard work of Mrs. Cinadr and our faculty, we received K-8 STEM School Designation from the State of Ohio Department of Education. Of the 27 schools across the State that applied, we were one of 12 whose application received this very significant and important designation. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Our faculty and staff have been working very hard to make sure all our students receive a cutting edge education based on the solid values of Catholic education (faith, family, discipline, character, respect). This is a strong affirmation of the quality of education and the dedication of our faculty and staff. We are committed to being everything for every student, every day. Congrats and thanks to Mrs. Cinadr, Mrs. Mitchell and our entire faculty and staff. To learn more, go to www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us.
…As many of you know, Father Weber has been addressing some personal health issues over the past months which have kept him from his ministry at Saint Ambrose. This past week, Bishop Thomas granted Father Weber’s request for a medical leave of absence which will allow him the time he needs for health and healing. This concludes his assignment to our parish. He will be moving from Saint Ambrose to live with his family. Please keep him in your prayers. We thank God for his service to our parish community and pray all God’s blessings be with him.
…As you also know, Father Tom Dunphy passed away a few weeks ago. It’s a great loss for Saint Martin Parish. Father Rob and I have been working to help them out in this interim time. Please keep them in your prayers. Also, please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.
…This past week I had a wonderful conversation with Matt Harley. He’s in his second year of formation for the Diaconate. God willing, he will join Deacons Tom, Frank, Clem and Gary in doing great work for the Church as a Deacon in the Church. Please keep Matt and our Deacons in your prayers.
…Want a great example of Saint Ambrose goodness? Deacon Matt, who is preparing for Priesthood Ordination this May, had his ‘practice Mass’ last week. Without a lot of fanfare he asked for some of our members to come and be a congregation. He was overwhelmed when he walked in to the Church to see 250 of you there…supportive…prayerful….and supporting his efforts to respond to God’s call as a priest in our Church. God bless you.
..Next weekend is Palm Sunday. It’s a great opportunity to wear RED and invite family and friends to join you for Mass as we are called to make our ‘return’ to the Lord. Invite a friend.
…Today’s bulletin contains information about wonderful opportunities for you and for your family during these holy days. Passiontide is prayerful and inspiring. The Bunny Brunch is a great family moment that allows you to come together and – in crafts and activities – remember the lesson of Easter. Make plans to bring your Easter basket to be blessed and then join us for the Easter Egg hunt to follow. And mostly, all of our services and worship will be inspiring and proclaim the promise of Christ. See the bulletin for details.
…May God bless you in these days of Lent. To you Lord, I return. God’s grace and love are sufficient for any day and always. God bless you.
