…”Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert!” Welcome to the First Sunday of Advent. The Gospel this weekend reminds us that every day we need to “WATCH” and be prepared. It’s not a call to fear but of awareness. How can we live in such a way that we always notice and are attentive to God’s presence and activity in our lives? How can we be alert to the needs and concerns of those in need? How can we use these Advent days to be more attentive to God and the work of the Lord??
…During these four weeks of Advent we, as a parish community, will be reflecting on the importance and gift of peace. We need God’s peace. Our world needs God’s peace. Our homes need God’s peace. Our prayer is that God will make our lives a prayer of peace in these Advent days.
…Jesus wants to be the perfect gift of peace that we need. How can we live so aware – so alert – so watchful – to see and receive the gift of peace we need and seek??? That’s the work and task of these Advent days.
…There are a number of special programs and opportunities taking place in these Advent days to help strengthen the bonds of our community and family life. Take some time to read through the bulletin and make plans to join us as we come together to reflect, pray and be more attentive to God’s grace and peace.
…Please join us on Saturday night for the Singing Angels (at 6:30 pm) and on Sunday for Breakfast with St. Ambrose, St. Nick and their friends. The K of C, our high school teens, and our Littlest Angels Preschool work together to create a great family celebration. Please join us.
…If you like Contemporary Christian Music (music on 95.5 The FISH), then you will want to join us next Sunday, December 10 as we welcome Colton Dixon to Saint Ambrose for an evening of Advent Worship and Song. Last year’s Matt Maher concert was a sell-out and well received. Bring your family and friends to join you next Sunday night. See today’s bulletin for details or go to: www.theFEST.us.
…If you have a child or grandchild in college, please send Caitlin their contact info. We want to send them some prayers and good wishes as they prepare for their finals. Other college students who have received these ‘care’ packages have always been very appreciative. Send their name/address to: COneill@StAmbrose.us.
…Many thanks to our Catholic Works of Mercy Team for all the work they do to take care o families in our region in their moments of need. The giving trees last week were loaded with tags representing families in need. Thank you for clearing the trees. What you do for the least, you do for the Lord.
…BTW….some of our members serve people who ‘live on the street’ in Akron and Cleveland. They are in need of men’s XXL and XXXL coats. If you want to bring some warmth to someone in need, drop the coat off at the doors of the Church. Thanks.
…Speaking of thanks….God bless those who participated in the second annual #WeGiveCatholic online funding appeal on Giving Tuesday. Over $4,200 was raised that will support our 12 days of Christmas project to bring hope and the compassion of Christ to our members during this Advent/Christmas season.
…God bless our Art and Environment team for their hard work and efforts to beautifully decorate the Church for Advent (and always). You can see the peacefulness of Advent in our Church. Thank you. They can always use some help as they prepare for Christmas. If you can lend a hand, please contact Helen Lanzarotta (HLanzarotta@StAmbrose.us).
…Many thanks for all the good feedback about the ideas/concepts to repair and renovate our church. Your feedback has raised good questions. Watch your mail this week for some good information and answers. Please keep our efforts in your thoughts and prayers.
…As we approach Christmas you will see the ANGEL Tree appearing in the Narthex (connector between the Church and HH). All the ornaments are from members of our community. We would love to have your family ornament for the tree. Please drop it off at the PLC or hang it on the tree. One of my favorite ‘traditions’ each year is to gaze at the tree to see and call to mind so many of our families in our community.
…A new tradition we started last year was the Advent Tea. Next Saturday we welcome all women in our community to come together for some time of friendship, good food and mostly, meaningful conversation and reflection on the ‘peace’ that God wants to give you and your loved ones this Advent/Christmas season. Len Howser from 95.5 The FISH will be sharing his good spirit and some ‘food for thought.’ Please join us at the Advent Tea.
…Today’s bulletin contains an Advent Calendar. It has a simple/sincere activity for each day of Advent. Each ‘to-do” will help you find greater peace in the Lord. There’s also an online version of the calendar. Go online to: stambrose.us/Adventchallenge/.
…May these Advent days be filled with God’s peace. We pray for peace in our hearts, homes, nation and world. May our lives be a faithful and fervent prayer for peace. This is the gift that we need. This is the perfect gift that God desires to give to each of us this Christmas and always.
