…”Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” It’s Divine Mercy Sunday. Much like Jesus did for his early followers, He desires to come to us and bring us the gift of mercy and peace. “Peace be with you.” The comforting and reassuring words of Jesus brought great hope and calm to the early followers. These same words – this same promise – is what Jesus offers to each of us on this Divine Mercy Sunday and always. Jesus wants to bring us the comfort and peace we seek – we need. Unlock your heart and open your ears to receive these words – this invitation of the Lord. He calls out to each of us – “Peace be with you” – for He is with us now and forever.
…This weekend we celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Aged and Infirmed in body, mind or spirit. It is always a humbling moment for me to bring the healing peace and confident assurance that the Lord is with our members in their moments of need. Please allow the Lord to bring healing and peace to you and your loved ones in their need.
…On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we pray to God for those who suffer the pain and the cross of addiction, especially those who are struggling with the Heroin Epidemic gripping our state and region. Our parish is joining with churches of every denomination to ‘stir up’ a conversation about this crisis and how we, together with God’s help, can bring the hope and help so many need. A key to solving this crisis is communication. There is a great silence around this crisis. So many have no one with whom they can share their struggles. Understanding is greater than heroin. We are stronger than heroin. Go online to: www.GreaterthanHeroin.com to learn more. We are also hosting an information night on the epidemic and pathways to help and healing on Thursday, April 27. Please join us. We all need to understand so we can bring mercy and healing to our community and those in need. For more information on this evening, contact Lisa at LHomady@StAmbrose.us.
…Another way we can all bring some mercy and peace to our community is by joining in next Saturday for our Annual Community Service Day. We have lots of projects around our campus, community and – especially to help some of our senior members – in their home/yard needs. Many hands will make for light work. Even more….a few hours with hundreds of us working together can do GREAT good for so many. We need you. We need two – three hours tops. There’s a wide range of projects – from some outdoor painting – to trimming – to offering a friendly smile and hope. Go online to www.StAmbrose.us/service or call Lisa at 330.460.7315. We need you.
…This weekend our second graders, who are preparing for their First Communion, are sharing in their Jesus Day. It’s a special time to pray and learn more about Jesus’ great love for them and each of us. Every time we bring a little care and mercy to our world, we are creating a “Jesus moment” for someone in their time of need. Pray for our second graders. Even more pray that you can be a source of God’s mercy to another.
…While we continue the joy of Easter, I am grateful beyond words for all who helped our parish have such a beautiful and prayerful celebration of Holy Week and Easter. The Church is beautiful and inspiring. The campus looked amazing. The liturgical ministers and music were well done and uplifting. It was great to welcome so many as we celebrated the joy of Easter. The other morning we asked all the Saint Ambrose School students who helped (Angels Choir, Cleaning Angels, Servers, ushers, etc.) in any way during Holy Week and Easter to stand. It was heart warming to see over 100 students stand up. It’s a glimpse of how many are involved in making sure all our liturgies are pleasing to the Lord and uplifting for our community. Thank you one and all.
…Special thanks for your very generous support for our parish at Easter (as you will see in today’s bulletin). God bless you for helping fill in the ‘gap’ that was created over Christmas (with losing two weekends to the holidays). It truly is a great help and a blessing for our community. Thank you so much!
…Many thanks to one of our members who made it possible for us to distribute almost 2500 copies of our Easter book, I’m Not Okay. You’re Not Okay. But It’s Okay!. There are about 60 copies left on the book rack in case you need one. We are so blessed. Over Lent and Easter you took home about 5000 books and pamphlets to help you and your loved ones grow closer to the Lord. Simply amazing!!!
…Last week our good friend, Greg Corsi from Lake Erie Landscaping, came by to fix the steps at the Grotto. If you haven’t stopped down at the Grotto in a while, you should take a walk/drive down. It’s so peaceful…it’s so prayerful…for so many it is a special place to pray, reflect and find the deep peace and love of the Lord.
…Did you know that our parish is turning 60 this June?? We are working hard to create some special opportunities for us to remember and celebrate the blessings of God. We are so blessed!!! Watch for details. You will also see the anniversary logo showing up all over the place.
…Our Summer Festival will be the big ‘kick off’ to our 60th Anniversary. Our hope is that it will be a ‘reunion’ and gathering of our members past and present along with families, neighbors and friends. Save the dates (June 22 – 25, 2017).
…The Summer Festival Raffle information is on its way. Lisa and Bob Hicks are leading the raffle this year. The prizes are the ‘best’ of any raffle thanks to lots of good friends in our community. Watch for details, or check out all the details online at: www.StAmbrose.us/raffle.
…If you are new to the parish, please join us next Saturday at 5:30 pm for our quarterly New Member Welcome Dinner. It’s great to have you, and we want to extend a warm Saint Ambrose welcome to you and your loved ones. For more information, please call our Parish Office at 330.460.7300.
…In these spring days, may the Divine Mercy bring healing to your lives. Peace be with you. Thank you for an incredible Easter weekend and your support of Saint Ambrose.
