…”Beloved: bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design.” To you Lord, I return. The prayer from St. Ignatius reminds us that everything we have, we can give back to the Lord. As we ‘return it’ to God, we trust that God’s grace and love are enough for us. The second reading from the first letter of Timothy reminds us that even in our hardships and our struggles, we can give them to the Lord and find the strength we need from God. Turn to the Lord, return to God, with all our heart – with every need.
…This coming Monday, Deacon Matt Jordan is leading our day school community in a ‘vocation day.’ He has invited many of his classmates from Borromeo Seminary and Saint Mary Seminary to visit our classrooms and share their ‘vocation story’ with the students. Our hope and prayer is that this will stir in their hearts an openness to the call of the Lord. Deacon Matt is also working to strengthen our Avila Prayer Ministry for Vocations. They are meeting on March 27 at 10:00 am for a Holy Hour for Vocations. They also will have prayer materials to promote vocations in the chapel every Monday for Adoration. We need to work together to encourage and promote vocations. The recent health concerns for Fr. Dunphy from Saint Martin of Tours in Valley City reminds us that as a group, priests are quickly growing in age. There are fewer and fewer priests. We need to work together to ask the Lord to stir the hearts of many more to hear the call to priesthood, diaconate and consecrated religious life.
…The Knights of Columbus are so supportive of our parish and throughout the years have been so involved in encouraging vocations. We are so blessed. This mighty (and growing) group of men from our parish are always looking for new ways to live out their vocation – their call to holiness. Last week Grand Knight John Taylor shared with me that they are forming a “Men’s Choir” for our parish. They will practice and share their gift of song at some of our weekend Masses. If you would like to learn more, please contact John at 216.570.7786.
…Father J.T. Lane from the Blessed Sacrament Community will be joining us next weekend for Masses and leading our Lent Mission Sunday through Wednesday (March 19-22). He’s a great preacher and his message will help all of us learn more ways to pray and come to a deeper understanding of the gift that Jesus gave to us on Holy Thursday. We are called to be Eucharistic people. You will love his inspiring message and engaging style. Please mark your calendars.
…Speaking of marking your calendars….our STARS4Life (Saint Ambrose Relay 4 Life Team) is working hard to make this year’s 5k race and 1k walk the best ever. Hold the date – tell your friends – to join us on Saturday, June 3.
…Believe it or not, we are working hard to put plans in place for our best Summer Festival ever. We are looking for a few people who can help us do a little painting in April and May for some of the games and equipment we use. If you are able to give a couple of hours, please contact John Dogger at simonjan1946@yahoo.com.
…Have you made it to a Lent Soup Supper yet? This coming Thursday we welcome back Dr. Iezzi (everyone loves his presentations and teaching style) to help us all figure out how to ‘return’ to the Lord through forgiveness (of self and others) and prayer. Join us for a great meal and a meaningful conversation at 6:00 pm in the Mother Teresa room.
…This past week we received a few more ‘thank you notes’ from the Catholic Works of Mercy team. They are really for all of our members: “I wanted to tell you how thankful we all are for making our Christmas blessed. I appreciate the coat, boots and shirt. You made Christmas fun and eventful. Thanks.” And another, “….thank you for the many things you have given us on Christmas. I am very thankful for the boots, socks and gloves….The boots are my favorite. I wear them all the time. Thanks very much.” God bless you.
…Many thanks for all who are using their Lent Rice Bowls. My fourth grade nephew presented his to me the other day (after one day of Lent) all filled with change. My sister was so ‘thrilled’ because he cleaned up all the change throughout the entire house and car!!!! Needless to say, he got the job done. Together…small change…big difference. We can take care of creating homes for those in need in our mission community. Last year we collected enough to build a house ($9,000). Together…we can make a difference.
…If you are looking for something to do and a fun night out for a great cause, our Mission outreach sponsors the Grand Slam Gala at Progressive Field on May 6. All the details can be found at: www.MissionPossible.us. You can also find a most recent newsletter for Mission Possible. It highlights the good work we have done for the Lord over the past ten years.
…Please keep the Men’s Renewal in your prayers this upcoming weekend. God bless Deacon Tom and the team who are leading about 20 guys through a weekend of prayer and reflection – along with great food and fellowship. May God speak to their hearts. Good news…we have a team of women who will be starting formation of a Women’s Renewal in the fall. Watch for details.
…As you can see in today’s bulletin, the collections on Ash Wednesday and last weekend were GREAT. It helps to make up some of the lost ground from the holidays and winter. God bless you. Thank you for all you do for our parish.
…Please keep Fr. Dunphy from Saint Martin of Tours in your prayers as he undergoes medical treatments. Please also keep Fr. Rob and myself in your prayers as we assist their community during this time. Thank you.
…May God bless you as we enter into this second week of Lent. How can we use these days to return to the Lord our God?
