…”Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” What a powerful image of God and hopeful promise we receive in our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. God will never forget us! That’s the promise that God makes to us. Even when we feel alone, abandoned, by ourselves – God will never forget us. I am writing this on Tuesday evening. I had the blessing of being with my niece and her newborn child. I watched her gently, firmly, and tenderly hold her child. Her love for her baby – a mother’s love for her child—is a powerful image – a beautiful image of the great love and faithfulness that God has for each of us. God will never forget you. God will be with you always. Take some time this week to reflect on the faithful love of God.
…This weekend our 109 Confirmation candidates will be reminded of this powerful promise of God. As they renew their commitment to Christ, it is God who promises the gifts of the Spirit – to be with them in all ways and forever. As Abbot Gary Hoover, OSB seals them with Sacred Chrism, we pray that the love of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit will fill their hearts with God’s grace and peace. Please join me as we pray for our newly Confirmed. May they walk forward into a deeper faith and fuller involvement in the family of God.
…Special thanks to Caitlin O’Neill and our Confirmation team who have worked hard to prepare our Confirmandi.
…If you are an adult who has never been Confirmed, please let us know so we can help you. It’s a blessing to be sealed with the Spirit. It also gives you full membership in the life of the Church and allows you to be a Sponsor (godparent) for Baptism and Confirmation.
…All of our Brunswick High School students are invited to join us this Wednesday in the Rec Center Parking Lot for Ashes on the Asphalt. As we begin the Lenten Season, it’s a powerful witness for you to enter in to the day marked with ashes – a sign of your desire to grow closer to the Lord. Of course, parents and faculty/staff are most welcome to come at 6:50 am.
…Believe it or not, this Wednesday is the beginning of March and the beginning of the season of Lent. It’s a time for all of us to RETURN to the Lord our God. To You Lord, I Return is the theme for these forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. How can we return to the Lord our God? As God embraces us, we need to ‘return’ and fully embrace the Lord. How can we make this the prayer and work of Lent?
…Today’s bulletin contains information about the upcoming Lenten opportunities. You should also be receiving a parish newsletter in the mail. Please allow yourself to hear the call of the Lord to return to a deeper faith and greater trust in the Lord. A complete listing of Lenten programs can also be found at: www.StAmbrose.us/Lent.
…On Ash Wednesday, and over the forty days of Lent, you will hear a beautiful song that Tom Bonezzi has written for our community. It powerfully captures and reflects on the invitation of the Lord to return in our times of need….to return to find a greater love from God. You can listen to the song on the website: www.StAmbrose.us/Lent.
…Many of you have already signed up for Lent Faith Sharing Groups. There is still room for you. To pick your group (or day/time), go to: www.StAmbrose.us/allinall.
…This coming Tuesday our Parish Endowment Committee is hosting some of the Economic Advisors from PNC to give us some insights on our economic future. All are welcome. Come with your good questions to the Mother Teresa Room on Tuesday at 6:00 pm. For more information, contact Kathy Plavecski at kathyplavecski@yahoo.com.
…We had a great time last Saturday night at Neon Bingo. We had about 500 people come for a wonderful, fun, wholesome night out. We also raised about $12,000 for our parish. Many thanks to our Bingo Team and workers who spent their night serving our parish. God bless you.
…Next Saturday our good friends (and parishioners) are hosting their Second Annual Saint Patrick’s Party. Come for GREAT food (corned beef, Irish Stew), two live bands and adult refreshments. The tickets are $20 and ALL the proceeds support the Catholic Works of Mercy Outreach programs and the Knights of Columbus Family Life programs. As part of your $20 ticket, you will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Islander (owned by one of our members). Great food. GREAT fun. All for an important cause. Bring your family and friends of all ages. Tickets are available at the Parish Office.
…As part of our Lenten Season, please spread the word and join us for Friday Fish Fry dinners. Great food. Wonderful people. Many thanks to the Fish Fry team for their great work and sacrifice for our parish.
…We are looking for some folk to join the Mission Team in June. We have two trips – each for one week. You can get all the information you need by contacting Michele Sumner (MSumner@StAmbrose.us). It’s a blessing beyond words and we would love to have you join us.
…If Catholic education was a blessing in your life, consider joining us for the Saint Ambrose School Auction and Gala on Saturday, March 18, 2017. It’s a great night…super food…wonderful auction items….and all the proceeds help make the blessing of Catholic education possible for this generation and beyond. For information, contact Lisa Cinadr at LCinadr@StASchool.us. Instead of paying it forward, in this case, pay it back so others may be so blessed.
…Join us on Ash Wednesday for Mass and the distribution of ashes at 6:30 am (on the road by 7:00 am), 8:15 am, 12 noon, 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. It’s the first step to using the season of Lent to return to the Lord.
…God will never forget you. God will not forget the good you do and we do together for the good of God’s people. Thank you. May these days of Lent be blessed – be holy – for you, your family and our parish family.
