…”But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” The fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly called “Good Shepherd Sunday” as all the readings reflect the theme of Jesus our Good Shepherd guiding and leading the flock. The key is attending our ears/heart to the sound of the Shepherd’s voice. The more we recognize the voice of the Lord, the more the Shepherd can lead, guide and protect us. Allow yourself some time this week to sit quietly, breathe deeply and listen attentively to the voice of the Lord.
…This weekend is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In a special way, we celebrate Deacon Matt Jordan who has been with us this entire school year. Deacon Matt has been doing his Field Education work at Saint Ambrose and has really enriched our community. He will be ordained to the Priesthood on Friday, May 19 at 7:00 pm at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. All are welcome. We also continue to pray for Matt Harley who concludes another year of formation for the diaconate program. We pray for Fr. Weber and Fr. Greg Olszewski who are both on medical leave. May God give them health and strength. May all of us encourage vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.
…On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I give thanks to God for all the ways I see so many in our community responding so generously to the ‘call’ of the Shepherd to love and serve the Lord. Last Saturday was a shining example as 500 of our members participated in our Community Service Day, taking care of over 50 projects in the Brunswick area. As you may recall, the weather was a bit misty and yet every picture has both those serving and those being helped smiling radiantly. It was a blessing to see so many bringing hope, help and comfort to others. Our community is better because so many responded to the call!! Special thanks to Jane Baldwin and Lisa Homady for their amazing efforts to pull all of this together for our community.
…Over the past week we have celebrated, and brought to a close, another Catechetical Year for our students in our Journey with Jesus and PSR programs. Many thanks to all of our members who have said ‘yes’ – week in and out – to serve as catechists and aides to help all of our young people learn the ways of the Lord and the teachings of the Gospel. Special thanks to Janet Majka for her great efforts to coordinate all of our teaching programs. She is wonderfully assisted by Brianna Till, Carla Woodring, Deb Houdek and her team. They are a great blessing to our community. Janet and her team have great plans in place for Vacation Bible School (July 10-14). Sign up today….and spread the word. All are welcome.
…Special thanks also to Chris Monczewski and the Special Ed team for their beautiful ministry each and every Saturday morning. Last week we closed the year with a wonderful Mass and May Crowning. They so lovingly bring the compassion of Christ to our special need members.
…Chris and her team are also leading the Saint Ambrose School play this weekend. God bless all of our student actors and actresses. God bless Chris and her team. Talk about an example of someone hearing and responding to the call of the Shepherd!!
…Saint Ambrose School students have been ‘overwhelmed’ with great news. Mrs. Cinadr and her team are working hard to constantly give our students ‘everything’ they need. Our students were at NASA this week sharing their Future Cities presentation. Others were at the School Choice Rally in Columbus meeting President of the Senate Larry Obhof, Senator Matt Dolan and Representative Darrell Kick. We also have been working to enrich our faculty for next year. We’ve been blessed to hire Mr. Chris Mullen to teach in our High School Prep Program. Mr. Joshua Wortman will be enriching our music and fine arts program. Ms. Rachel Sekerak will be joining the Bridge program as the ELA instructor. We are blessed.
…This weekend’s bulletin contains an invitation for our upcoming Golf Outing on June 11. The Golf Committee works hard to create a GREAT outing and raise funds for our students in need scholarship efforts. Mike Badaczewski will share with you that more students than ever just need a little help and support which can make a huge difference. So allow the Good Shepherd to call you to a fun day on the green pastures of Valleaire for a great day of golf and an important cause. See the brochure for all the details.
…Saint Ambrose students are doing a Color Run on May 10. They are hoping to raise $30,000 which will allow us to renovate and update the bathrooms in the school building. Please consider helping them out and improving our school building; go to: www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us/colorrun.
…Speaking of running, our STARS4LIFE (Saint Ambrose Relay for Life Team) is hosting their 10th annual 5k run and 1k walk on Saturday, June 3. It’s a great event. It’s an incredibly important cause. It’s put together by so many in our community who want to bring the care and healing of Christ to those who suffer with cancer.
…Speaking of Healing, Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Divine Healer. He wants to comfort us in all our need. We are blessed to host a very special Healing Service on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 6:30 pm. We are getting calls from all over the region about this event. Please mark your calendars and do not miss out on this opportunity to experience the outpouring of God’s grace and healing.
…Divine Mercy is near and dear to the heart of Father Rob Ramser. Please join me this week in asking God to bless Father Rob with abundant blessings as he celebrates his 30th birthday on May 9. He is a blessing to our community. May he enjoy his special day and know of our appreciation for his good spirit in our parish. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FATHER ROB!
…Our Summer Festival is about six weeks away. Thanks to those who have already returned their Festival Raffle Tickets. The Raffle offers great prizes and an important way to help our parish take care of our campus. One of our members wants to keep us motivated and focused on the raffle. So, you will see a Festival Countdown and Raffle Update each week in the bulletin. This member cares so much that they are donating gift cards to give away each week as an ‘incentive.’ Watch for details. We are blessed.
…Festival volunteer sign ups are online. We need you. Many hands make for light work. Please help us pull off the biggest thing we do together each year. Go online to: StAmbrose.us/volunteer.
…God bless you for all the ways you respond to the call of the Shepherd and serve the Lord. May this week be filled with God’s abundant blessings.
