…”Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” Saint Paul, in our second reading this weekend, really focuses on our Lenten theme – One Day. One thing matters – straining towards the upward calling – the life of Christ – the upward calling – holiness – the upward calling – looking up keeping our eyes set on heaven. One thing matters – keeping this upward focus in our lives. As we continue through this Lenten Season, keep your eyes gazing up to heaven – in prayer, in petition, in living a life worthy of heaven so that one day – all of us – will be together in heaven.
…As we continue towards the end of this season of Lent, make each day – one day at a time – matter as we turn our hearts and life to the Lord. Today’s bulletin contains a number of ‘end of Lent’ activities that will help each of us on the journey to heaven.
…Don’t forget your rice bowls – small change – makes big difference. Our students are working hard to embrace ‘change’ so they can help build a home in our mission community for the poorest of the poor. What sacrifices are you making – changes – for the Lord? How can we make a meaningful change so that – together – we can build a better world for a family in need. You can drop off your rice bowl any time at the Parish Office, or give it to an usher at the weekend Masses. Imagine the good we can do together – small change – big difference.
…Another way to support the mission and have great fun is to join us at the Mission Gala at Progressive Field on Saturday, May 11, 2019. See today’s bulletin for details.
…In our mission community this past week WE were able to get a three year old who was severely ill to a doctor. It sounds so simple – but it literally is saving this child’s life. Small change – big difference.
…Speaking of big difference – what a difference a week makes in terms of our Church renovation project. All the pews are in – most of the painting is done – things are wrapping up. As you can see, work has started to repair and restore the outside. It’s going to be a glorious Easter! We’ve added some Easter Masses this year so more of us can be together in the Church.
…The solid wood pews from the chapel are available for sale. We have 12 of them and are asking $250 per pew. If you are interested, please contact JBihari@StAmbrose.us.
Join us for Sunrise Mass at 6:00 am, along with our 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12 noon AND 5:00 pm. Invite your family and friends to join you this Easter at Saint Ambrose.
…Thankfully, Easter is as late in the year as possible. This worked well to help us complete the Church renovation. If you track the Sunday collections, you will notice that last year Easter already took place. Please consider a very generous gift to our parish this year. We really need your help and support. Thanks so much.
…At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, we will welcome 11 adults and ___ children into the Church. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to come to the Table of the Lord. They are a passionate and spirited group that will greatly enrich our community.
…Jim Rauschenbach is one of our newer members. Interestingly enough, it was his dad who designed the Church 36 years ago. He’s recently retired from Ohio State University as a professor in their education program teaching Phys Ed teachers. He is now passionately involved in our parish. Jim is working closely with our Boosters to develop a three year vision for growing our sports programs for our community. We need your input and ideas on how best we serve our athletes of every age (students, young adults, men’s leagues, seniors, etc). We are holding a Town Hall Meeting to get your input on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm in the Mother Teresa Room. Please join us. We need to hear from you.
…As you have been hearing at the Masses, while we are renovating the Church, we are working hard to use this as a time to renew and strengthen ‘our Church’. How can our parish best serve the needs of all our members. As we anticipate senior housing coming soon near our parish campus, it’s a perfect time for us to reflect and discern the path forward for our ministry to our senior members. Joyce Osowski is working with Helen Sheridan, Father Rob and I to survey all our efforts. We would like to invite all the different seniors of our parish (no longer one size fits all) to lunch on Wednesday, April 24 to share ideas, needs, concerns on how best we support our senior members. If you can join us, please RSVP to Helen Sheridan (HSheridan@StAmbrose.us). Come for lunch and share your best ideas/thoughts.
…This coming Thursday, April 11, we are hosting a Lunch and Learn at Landerhaven on the Opiate Crisis that continues to plague our region/State. As you know, we have been working hard over the past four years to create greater awareness and understanding to the Heroin Crisis which has now evolved dramatically and is impacting our local community every day. Please join us at 11:30 am to learn the path forward to bring help – and hope – and healing to members and our region. All are welcome.
…As you plan the next few weeks, please invite your family and friends to join us on Wednesday of Holy Week at 7:00 pm for ONE DAY – the Paschal Mystery of Christ in word and song. Our Music Ministry has been working hard to lift our souls and hearts to the Lord as we enter into these most holy days. It’s a comfortable way to invite family and friends to a prayerful reflection during Holy Week.
…The Bunny Breakfast is coming on Saturday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. It’s a fun family event – all for FREE – to help your kids and grandkids celebrate and focus on the reasons for the season. The Easter Bunny will be around for pics. The K of C will be preparing GREAT food. There will be meaningful crafts and activities for all the kids and grandkids. Please join us.
…On Saturday, April 6 Josh Cochrac was ordained as a Deacon in the Church. He will serve as a deacon until he is ordained as a priest in May of 2020. Josh spent last year at Saint Ambrose interning and learning the amazing blessings of serving God’s people. He, along with Fr. Rob and I, would come together at least once a day to share how humbled and inspired we were by you…the members of Saint Ambrose. This weekend we should all be humbled and inspired as Josh makes his ‘yes’ and commits to a life of ministry and service in the Church. Please join me in praying for Josh.
…On May 4, 2019, our own member Matt Harley will be ordained as a Deacon. Matt and his wife Mary are active members in our parish. Matt is also a teacher at Padua Franciscan High School. As he responds to God’s call to diaconal ministry, he commits to a life of service to the Church. His ministry will be a great blessing to our diocese. Please join me in praying for Matt and Mary and their family in these very special day. We will come together on Sunday, May 5 for a Mass of Thanksgiving at 9:00 am.
…Have a blessed week….one day….at a time. May we live and love in such a way that we all get to heaven.
