…”So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air,
and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals…” The first reading this weekend is from the Book of Genesis. It’s a beautiful reminder that God is our Creator and has entrusted to us a great responsibility to be the wise stewards of His creation. In the beauty of this autumn season, it’s a perfect time for us to be most attentive at the beauty and goodness of God’s creation. How can we use these days to count our blessings? And in the beauty of these autumn days, how can we make sure we are good, wise care-takers of all that God has created?
…The scriptures this weekend go on to talk about the blessing of married love. God blesses the marriages that have been formed in the image of God’s unconditional and genuine love for each of us. We celebrate the gift of married love. If you are blessed with your spouse, take a walk together in the beauty of this season.
…The month of October is a time for us to reflect on the blessing of all God’s creation – especially the gift of human life. Every life, from conception to natural death, is a gift and blessing of the Creator. Each life is made in the image and likeness of God. We use this month to renew our commitment to protect and promote the gift of life. Many thanks, also, to those who have already started to ‘fill the crib’ in support of the programs in our area that help promote and protect all human life. The cribs are at the doors of the Church.
…The Story of Creation is a perfect fit for this weekend as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis (October 4) with the blessing of our pets. Please join us in front of Hilkert Hall on Sunday at 1:30 pm with your pets. May we care for all of God’s creation!!!
…Speaking of the front of Hilkert Hall – the pumpkin patch is back!!! All the proceeds from our pumpkin and cornstalk sale go to our Saint Ambrose School 8th grade class to help fund their upcoming trip to Washington DC. Thank you for your support.
…Next weekend our Catholic Works of Mercy team is asking for our help with Blanket Sunday. They are collecting new and gently used blankets, sheets, and towels that can be used to bring warmth and care to those in need this winter. The truck will be out front of the Church or you can leave anything you wish to give at the doors of the Church. We are also starting to collect coats for our city outreach. Simply clean out your closet and bring any unneeded/unwanted new or gently used coats (kids or adults) to the narthex or Parish Office. Thanks.
…Next Saturday, October 13th, is our community service day in ALPHA Village – our outreach in the city of Cleveland (Clark/Fulton area). We are looking for some volunteers, for a few hours in the morning, to help us clean up, fix up, and lift up two city streets. Interested? Contact Jake Bihari for more information (jbihari@StAmbrose.us. Your help will be most appreciated.
…I am humbled, over and again, by the goodness, thoughtfulness and care of our members. A few weeks ago some of our members had an idea to offer special prayers for Collin Nemet….all who are sick, suffering, and in need of prayers…..by creating a prayer tree. You simply write your special intentions and/or the names of loved ones and tie the ribbon on to the tree. The Prayer Tree is located near the Grotto. It’s a great way to hold our prayers to the Lord and also place them in the outstretched arms of Christ. Stop down to the grotto to check it out.
…Speaking of Collin… next week we are hosting a special event, ‘Caring for Collin’. It’s a night of Yoga. All the proceeds will help Collin in his battle to get healthy. See the bulletin for all the details.
…This week, all the priests of the diocese will be gathering for a three day retreat/convocation. It will be a time for us to reflect on our ministry and discuss ways we can work together to best bring healing to the Church and the compassion and care of Christ to our diocese. Please keep us in prayer and be assured of my prayers for you.
…Our parish is very blessed to be hosting an evening of healing and prayer on Saturday, October 21 at 7 pm. In the scriptures, Jesus very often reached out to bring God’s healing peace to those He met along the way. This ministry continues to this day. In our moments of need and struggle, Jesus wants to bring us his healing and peace. Please mark your calendars for this special event.
…We are blessed to have a strong group of adults who are journeying to the Lord through the RCIA (Emmaus Journey). If you, or someone you know, would like to become a member of the Church, we would be blessed to welcome you and share the journey with you to the Easter Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). For more information, please contact Caitlin O’Neill or Jane Baldwin.
…This weekend is our Autumn Harvest Festival on Saturday night (October 6th). It’s such a blessing to celebrate the beauty of this season on this perfect family night. If you are reading this online (Thursday), please make plans to join us on Saturday for Mass at the Grotto at 5 pm followed by family fun and great family-friendly food.
….This weekend our Parish Finance Council will present the Annual Report at each of the weekend Masses. You should also receive a complete annual report in your mail this week. Many thanks for all your support for our parish community. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness. Together we are continuing the work and mission of Jesus Christ. God bless you.
…Have a blessed week. Enjoy these autumn days!
