…”They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” Today is ‘little Christmas’ – the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi were wise because they spent their days searching and seeking the Light. In the presence of ‘The LIGHT – Jesus Christ’ they were inspired to share the best they had with the Lord. They gave the perfect gifts to the Lord. This feast offers some wisdom for us. We need to seek the Light of Christ every day in our lives. In the presence of the Light, we should be inspired and moved to share what we have with the Lord. As God blesses us, how can we use those blessings – our gifts and talents – to serve the Lord and build a better world in His name.
…On January 1, we had a great example of the goodness of our community and so many of our members living the Gospel. At two of the Masses, I simply asked for some help with our homebound ministry. We visit hundreds of people each week to offer support, prayer and share the gift of the Eucharist. In two New Year’s Day Masses, 12 people signed up to serve. What a blessing! What good people!! We, as a community, are so blessed!!! We can always use your help as well. An hour or two a month (depending on your schedule) is all it takes. Want to learn more, please shoot me an email: frbob@StAmbrose.us.
…As the winter weather settles in (or not!!), if you know someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please let us know. We are here to care and support all our members, especially when they are homebound, hospitalized or in a care facility. Please always feel free to contact the Parish Office with information (office@StAmbrose.us).
…On this Feast of the Epiphany, how can you share a little of your time and your gifts with the Lord and for the good of our community?? One way we need some help is with our Friday night Bingo program. We are blessed with a great ‘core’ group that works so hard in support of our parish community. A few hours a month would really help the team. It’s easy. It really is fun. Even more, it really helps our parish. We just completed our annual bingo report/license for the State of Ohio. In the past year, our bingo program raised about $125,000 for the good of our community. This was an exceptionally good year and a big help as we undertake the project to take care of our Church. Please consider helping out once a month – for a few hours – with good people – for a great cause. All the training will be provided. For more information, or to ‘try it out’, contact Scott sscheutzow@yahoo.com or Mike at MMascio@StAmbrose.us.
…Believe it or not, we are already working on Lent which starts in early March. Our goal is to get hundreds of our members to be a part of a small faith sharing group – four times over forty days. It’s a powerful way to walk with each other to more meaningful conversations, deeper faith, stronger friendships and families. It’s also a great way to do something special during Lent. We are working hard to build a team to roll this out to our community. I need some help. We are meeting next Saturday at 8:30 am. If you can help promote this effort, serve as a group leaders, or just want to learn more, please join us. This will be amazing for our parish….and even better with your help. Come for one hour and learn more. We will be meeting in the Mother Teresa Room.
…Want to do something good for your marriage in this new year?? There are two easy, comfortable and meaningful opportunities coming up to help strengthen marriages. Please join us for a special World Marriage Day Mass and Social on Saturday, February 9 at 6:00 pm. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s a great way to celebrate and refresh your marriage. On Saturday, February 23, we’ve invited Father Dan Schlegel (my classmate and one who has done amazing work to strengthen marriages across our diocese for the past 20 years) to lead a Day of Recollection for Married Couples from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm. It’s free. It will be a comfortable way to celebrate what is best in your marriage and raise some good ways to find even more joy in your marriage. Mark your calendars. RSVP for both events to Helen Sheridan (hsheridan@StAmbrose.us).
…Congrats to all the couples who got engaged over the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. There are many brides who are eager to get married in the refreshed and renewed Church. We would love to take care of your family. Please invite your children and grandchildren to let us help them prepare for their Marriage and beautifully celebrate their wedding. To reserve a wedding date, please contact Lynn Rogers at lrogers@StAmbrose.us.
…Many, many thanks for your goodness and support for our parish community this Christmas and always. God bless you for your goodness. You can see in today’s bulletin that
between the weekend before Christmas and Christmas, the collection was about $67,009.00. This really helps our community and allows us to do all the good we do together for the Lord at Saint Ambrose.
…We were blessed to receive a number of new gifts and pledges to the Church Building Fund. One of our members dropped off a note on December 31 with a cash gift to the campaign. “We will do as much as possible each year for the building fund. This is for 2018. Small things with great love!!! Be Blessed.” You could see the depth and breadth of their love for the Lord and our parish community in the humbling sacrificial gift. One more example of the goodness of you and our community.
…The first week in the Hall for Masses went extremely well. We have ordered some additional arm chairs to make it easier and more comfortable for everyone. Please spread the word. The family is best when we are all together at the Table of the Lord. Thank you.
…You can see that the houses are down across from the south parking lot. This is the site for a new building being built which will house our Littlest Angels Preschool. It will also contain a sport court (regulation gym). We will not own the facility but simply be renters. This is a great blessing for our parish community.
…Make sure you watch the updated video of the Church. It shows all the final selections of lighting, flooring, etc. Go to: www.StAmbrose.us/vision2020.
…This just in….with the cold weather…..the Catholic Worker/Peter Maurin Center called the other day asking if we could help them with a few meals to feed the hungry in these winter months. We would make the meal at SA and send it to them for warming/serving. If you are interested in learning more/helping out a little…please send me an email. I will have more details on Monday of this week.
…I’m in our mission for four days this week making sure that our brothers and sisters in the DR are well and have what they need to take care of themselves and their families. Be assured of my prayers and my great thanks to God for you and our parish community. Together…for the glory of God.
