…”Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near.” The prophet Isaiah gives us great guidance and inspiration this weekend. Imagine if we could be so wise to seek the Lord – at each moment, at every turn, in each person, always. Imagine if we would be more quick to call upon the Lord – in moments of decision making, or when we are preparing to discuss hard issues with your spouse or children. Seek the Lord. Call upon him while he is near.
…This past week so many came seeking the presence of the Lord and calling upon God in prayer. Hundreds of people participated in the Our Lady of Fatima Novena. Special thanks to our Legion of Mary team and Father Rob for creating a week of prayer for our community. It was humbling to see so many come and spend time throughout the day in prayer seeking the Lord and calling out for God’s grace and peace in their lives.
…There’s a beautiful story from our mission community. As you have heard on the news, they have been in the path of both Hurricane Irma and now Maria. With your great support, we were able to help them prepare both their houses for the storm (rope to tie down their tin roofs) and set up the Church as a community gathering place. We stocked it with water and basic essentials. As the storm hit, hundreds of people were gathered in the Church. Thanks be to God. Even more wonderful, while they were there, they were praying together. Hundreds of people gathered for hours in prayer. They were seeking the Lord and calling out to God. Thankfully, all are well and experienced minimal damage to their homes. God bless you for the good you do.
…Speaking of the good you do…..as we bring to a close the month of September, our Thanksgiving Meal team is meeting this week to make plans for us to feed over 6,000 people again this year (our tenth anniversary). This past Sunday, 335 people shared in our monthly Community Meal program. God bless you.
…Our seminarian, Josh, and I were talking the other day. He has been amazed at the wonderful spirit in our community and the great diversity of meals we serve. This past Tuesday, the ALPHA Team whipped up homemade kielbasa and sauerkraut – while the Clam Bake team was testing a new chicken recipe. Very blessed that so many contribute to the recipe of an active (and well fed) community.
…Speaking of Clambake – please join us next Saturday for our Music Ministry Clambake. It’s an evening of great food and friendship… along with good music and lots of fun. The proceeds support our music ministry and all they do to help us seek and find the Lord in our prayer and worship.
…This past week we began our PSR year by gathering with students, catechist and parents in prayer. We are so blessed to be able to offer all of our young people great experiences and opportunities in faith formation. We want to help all of our young people seek the Lord at all the moments of their lives.
…Also this past week, we kicked off Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) and Journey with Jesus (Sunday morning pre-school). CLOW takes place at the Saturday 4:30 pm Mass and Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30 am. Children in the first, second and third grade are invited to go to the Chapel to learn the Gospel stories in age-appropriate ways. Journey with Jesus is for children age three, four and five. Both are wonderful ways to help our children learn the stories of Jesus and the promises of God in their lives. If you would like to learn more, please contact Janet Majka at 330.460.7321.
…I met with some of our Scout leaders recently. I am always impressed by the quality of activities that our Scout leaders plan for all of our Scouts. We are so blessed. Scouting was an important part of my life and early formation. Scouting may be right for your child. Now is a great time to learn more; for information contact Frank Gati at 330.273.4366 or John Frohlich at 330.273.6839.
…This coming Monday the Women’s Guild hosts their Annual Salad Luncheon. It’s always a great afternoon. Even more wonderful for me is to see our women working so hard to create a wonderful experience for the four hundred or so who will join them. They care greatly about our parish and have such great pride in all they do.
…This coming Tuesday Ladies First is inviting all women of our parish to come together at 5:00 pm for an evening of great snacks/desserts and meaningful discussions. Ladies First is a monthly gathering to allow all our women to ‘get a break’, share some friendship, find some support, and reflect deeply on the promises of God in their lives. Seek the Lord. Come and join in this Tuesday.
…Take some time this week to seek the Lord. Even more, invite a family member or friend to join you for Mass, or a program at Saint Ambrose. Help them seek – and find – God’s abiding presence and peace in their lives. Your invitation can make all the difference.
…Mark your calendar… our Annual Autumn Harvest Festival is on Saturday, October 7. Come for the Outdoor Mass at 5 pm and stay for great food, pumpkin bowling, hay rides and more. The perfect family night. Please join us.
…By the way, did you know that the Women’s Renewal is returning to Saint Ambrose this coming March. We could use some help and support. Contact Helen Sheridan for details (hsheridan@StAmbrose.us).
…Next Sunday, October 1, our Music Ministry is singing the National Anthem at the Cleveland Indians game to bring to a close the regular season and get ready for playoffs. We are so blessed!!!
…As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis (October 4), please remember that we are collecting pet items for the local animal rescue shelters. We also have our Annual Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 1 at 1:30 pm. Please join us as we care for all of God’s creation.
…Enjoy this first official week of autumn. Seek the Lord in the beauty of God’s creation. Have a blessed week.
