…”With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” We’ve all had a “God moment.” Those moments when deep in our heart we know that God is with us – that we are blessed!!! That’s the experience of the earlier followers who were walking on the road to Emmaus. They literally encountered the Christ. Each and every day we need to pray that our eyes, ears and heart are open to seeing, hearing and recognizing the presence of the Lord in our lives. Jesus walks with us on our journey. Let’s pray that we can walk with the Lord and recognize His presence in our lives. In so doing, each moment and every minute will be a “God-moment.”
…Here’s a “God moment” from one of our members. This couple writes: “On April 20th, your (Community Outreach Team) “Crew” came to our house to do some much needed gardening. Although it was not yet Community Day, they decided to take advantage of the beautiful spring day to help us. Since I am disabled and can no longer do this myself, their help was a “Godsend!” We would like to thank you and the parish for helping in our community.” We are so blessed by so many in our community giving – helping – sharing – caring – serving in the name of the Lord. On Saturday of this week, our Community Service Day had 500+ of our members out and about taking care of 50 projects. We are blessed!!!
…This past Monday, Father Rob and I went for a visit to Saint Martin of Tours in Valley City. Last week Bishop Thomas appointed me as the Administrator of the parish until a permanent pastor can be named. Long story short, Bishop Thomas will not name any new pastors for our diocese. We need to wait until a new Bishop is appointed, installed, and then has the opportunity to discern the needs of the Diocese (hopefully six to nine months). This appointment is in addition to my responsibilities to our parish. Our hope is to simply provide some ministry and stability to our neighboring parish after the sad loss of Father Dunphy. Please keep the community in your prayers.
…We received GREAT news from the seminary this week. Our parish will be serving as a field education parish for a Seminary Intern. The graduate students in their third year of their seminary will spend the entire academic year in a parish learning ministry and the life of priesthood. It’s a great opportunity both for the seminarian and for our community. We are blessed to be assigned Josh Cochrac. He is from Saint Mary of the Falls Parish in Olmsted Falls. He’s a good friend of Father Rob and Jackie Swinerton (youth minister). He will be joining us in September and will be a great blessing to our community.
…Deacon Matt Jordan will be ordained to the priesthood on May 19. He’s been such a great addition to our community this year. On Wednesday, Bishop Thomas shared with Deacon Matt that after ordination he will be assigned to Saint Hilary Parish in Fairlawn. As we know from our own Father Rob, your first assignment as a priest is very special. We pray that Deacon Matt will enjoy his assignment as much as we have enjoyed having him with us this year. Please keep him in your prayers as he and his classmates prepare for ordination.
…Many thanks for your amazing support for our Festival Basket Booth collection last weekend. Karen Taylor and Marlane Gati did such a great job sharing their love for our parish and why the festival is important to them/us. Your goodness gave them about $1500 to help create GREAT baskets for our Summer Festival (June 22 – 25).
…Many thanks to those who already sold/purchased their Festival Raffle Tickets. GREAT prizes (actually more like AMAZING prizes) and an important cause (caring for the upkeep of our parish facilities, campus and parking lots). All of us working together will make for a great festival and raffle. Thank you so much.
…Your goodness provided 340 meals last Sunday as part of our monthly community meal. This is clearly a sign of God’s abiding presence to those in need and one more example of your goodness. Your help and support allows us, in so many ways, to continue the mission of Jesus Christ.
…You’ll notice some new banners on the school building. Over the past few weeks our school has received some very important and impressive recognition – STEM Designation by the State of Ohio and the Catholic Innovation Award by the National Catholic Education Association. These are powerful validations of the great work taking place every day by our faculty, staff and students. We are so blessed. Two new families signed up for the school last week. There’s room for your children. Call Breanne Logue for more information (330.460.7318).
…Saint Ambrose School students will be presenting the Wizard of Oz next weekend. For details, go to our school website (www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us).
…Can you believe that Monday is the beginning of May? This month, devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is really a good moment to pray that you can follow her example of a faithful ‘yes’ to the Lord. Mary’s heart was ‘burning with love’ for her Son. As we say ‘yes’ to the Lord, our lives and hearts will be filled with the abiding love of the Lord.
…Our second graders are preparing for their First Eucharist next week. Please keep them in prayer. May the love of Christ fill their hearts with joy!
…We are in the wedding season! We are blessed to share in this most special time with our wedding couples. We are also blessed as a parish community with so many who help prepare our couples and make sure their wedding is a time of God’s grace and blessing. Pray for all the couples who are preparing for their wedding and married life.
…Keep your eyes open and fixed on the Lord. The more you recognize and see the presence of Christ, the more your heart will be filled with God’s presence and joy.
