…”Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for the good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” The letter to the Romans is a great source of comfort and hope. All things work for the good…for those who love God. So often we don’t see how this will all ‘add’ up to good, but God blesses every offering and sacrifice we make. God walks with us faithfully. If we live God’s will and purpose, even what seems confusing and difficult, God makes good – and blesses – and makes it so much more. All things work for the good. May God bless all of our efforts and actions of this week ahead.
…This is a busy week as we put the finishing touches of The FEST which takes place next Sunday at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Please join us for a great day of faith, family and fun – all for FREE. See the insert in today’s bulletin. Many thanks to all who responded to our plea last week for volunteers and for support for the FEST raffle (which keeps it FREE and open to all). We can always use some help this week in setting up and working the activities and booths on the day of. Your help will help us make sure that ‘all things work for the good’ on FEST day. For more information, please go to: www.theFEST.us.
…This weekend we officially welcome Matt Fodor to Saint Ambrose. As you have been reading, Matt comes to our community with many years of experience in music ministry. He has been working along side Tom Bonezzi and Helen Lanzarotta to make sure our Music Ministry is set for another great pastoral year. Matt will have an opportunity to introduce himself over the next few weeks. Please join me as we welcome him to our community.
…The summer season is a time of transitions for all parishes and schools. This is the last bulletin being prepared by David Hoover. David has done a great job in helping us spread the ‘good news’ in print, social media and mostly by his good spirit. Way back in November, David had the opportunity to help out his alma mater who needed someone to pitch in on a part-time basis at Saint Ignatius High School. This opened the way to his ‘dream job’ of teaching Drama and Theatre in a full-time position with the start of the new school year. We wish him all the best and are so grateful for his years of service and great work for our parish community.
…BTW….the funny side of David teaching at Saint Ignatius is that his uncle is Abbot Gary Hoover, the head of Benedictine High School. Imagine how the conversation goes at the Thanksgiving table!!!
…Natalie English has been onboard for over a month learning all the tricks of preparing our weekly bulletin and making sure that the ‘Good News’ of Christ and our parish community will be effectively shared. Natalie is a member of our parish community. She looks forward to being close to home, and near her child(ren) in the Littlest Angels Preschool. We are blessed to welcome her to this important role for our community. She can be reached at: nenglish@StAmbrose.us.
…Speaking of good news, and better said, one more example of your goodness, this week we received word that our community has pledged $107,645 to the Catholic Charities Appeal for 2017. We are closing in on our parish goal of $112,000. We are at the 96 percent mark. It’s never too late to help support the great work of Catholic Charities. In Bishop Perez’ opening remarks to the Diocese after his appointment, he commented that we are so blessed to have such a strong Catholic Charities’ system of care serving our region. We are blessed. Every gift will work to the good in the name of the Lord.
…Speaking of your goodness, I met up with Shari Whisler in the parking lot tonight as she and the Catholic Works of Mercy team were sorting school supplies both for local students and students for our sister school – Saint Rocco. The amount of supplies has simply been wonderful….thank you so much. The challenge, as Shari explained it to me, is that they received a list of 25 more families (49 students) from our local community who additionally need some help. If you want to help a student succeed, please bring school supplies to the Parish Life Center this week or by next Sunday. They need: crayons, glue sticks, pens, pencils, notebooks and folders. Thanks for all the good you do for so many.
…I had the blessing to spend some time with the FIAT teams as they brought to a close their summer Tuesday night volleyball. They bring such energy to our campus. Many thanks to all the students and parents who made these Tuesday nights possible. During the prayer at the Grotto, about 65 teens listened to our own Abbey Kraft speak powerfully about the impact that our parish community has had on her life. Through her involvement in our parish, youth ministry and our mission outreach she’s changed her career in college to one that would be more aligned “with God’s plan for her life.” Instead of a safe and comfortable life in bio-medical engineering, she is preparing for Med School and taking specialized Spanish classes for the medical profession. She wants to help and care for those in need. She spoke powerfully, as a 20 year old, taking Communion to the children who are terminally ill at Akron Childrens Hospital. It all works for the good. Our parish family is making a real difference in her life and in the lives of our teens.
…Our youth ministry team is working hard to continue to create best opportunities and experiences for all of our junior high and high school students. We are always in need of a few more young adults and adults to be involved in our youth ministry programs. For more information, contact Caitlin at coneill@StAmbrose.us.
…We are working to develop a praise and worship band for some of our retreats, programs and some of our Sunday 5 pm Masses. We are looking for musicians and vocalists of all ages and instrument types. Willing to learn more, contact Matt Fodor at: mfodor@StAmbrose.us. What a great opportunity to share your talents for the ‘good’ – for the Lord.
…All things work for the good for those who love God. This week, look for all of the blessings God has given you at home, at work and in our parish community. Be assured of my prayers. Have a great week.
