“…What Can You Give and Share with The Lord…”

“…So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.” This weekend’s Gospel is a familiar story of the feeding of the multitude. It is a powerful reminder of the pattern and promise of God. As we give, share and come together with the Lord, it is God who will bless every offering and provide for us in abundance – beyond our need. God wants to give you abundance this week. What can you give and share with the Lord so He can bless every offering you make??

…This weekend’s Gospel offers great hope for next Sunday – The FEST. Thanks to so many of our members working so hard, we will gather together with thousands from across our region for a great day of faith, family and fun – all for FREE. I hope you will join us for some of the most amazing Christian artists – TobyMac, Big Daddy Weave, Mandisa and We are Messengers. The day will open with six sisters who share faith and their talent for form Cimorelli. In addition to incredible music, there are activities, games and displays for the entire family. You can also enjoy family friendly food at very affordable prices thanks to Marc’s and Executive Caterers. The day comes to a close with a beautiful outdoor Mass with Bishop Nelson Perez. He’s excited for his ‘first FEST.’ After Mass you will enjoy an amazing American Fireworks display. In many ways, it’s a modern experience of today’s Gospel….the feeding of the multitudes!!! Please join us.

All details for a great family day can be found at: www.theFEST.us. …In these final days, we could really use some help setting up, as well as some volunteers for the day of The FEST. A few hours will make all the difference. To sign up to help or for a set up schedule, go to: www.theFEST.us. Thanks for your consideration. Many of us working together will create a great day for the Lord and all who join us.

…Special words of praise and thanks to our Knights of Columbus (along with some of our members) who will be taking care of parking on FEST day. The FEST lives and dies by parking. Our K of C is so faithful in serving the Lord and our community. They will greet and make sure that you and all FEST goers find a place to park and a warm welcome at The FEST. God bless our K of C.

…Another example of our Gospel can be found as you walk around the campus. So many of our members adopting a patch and creating a holy place….a peaceful and inspiring place….for the family of God. This Sunday is our annual Garden Party for all the wonderful people who help take care of our parish campus. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness.

…BTW….this is a GREAT week to register for PSR. Earlier registration makes sure you get your preferred day/time. It also really helps the PSR staff plan for a GREAT PSR year.

…Missy Yarmesch is working hard to plan for a great year of Sunday morning Preschool for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds. It’s called Journey with Jesus. It’s a blessing to help our youngest members learn the stories and songs of our faith. If you would like to register your child or if you would like to help on Sunday mornings, please contact her at myarmesch@StASchool.us.

…Many, many thanks for all the school supplies for the children in the City of Cleveland. The outpouring of care and support is a blessing beyond words. It’s one more example of our Gospel….many giving and sharing and God blessing every effort and offering. Praise be God.

…Jeff Trush shared with me that our Catholic Works of Mercy foodbank has been formally recognized as an established Food Bank through the Akron Food Bank. Long story short, it will allow us to offer even better care and nourishment for those we help and serve. The CWM team does great work in the name of the Lord to care for those in need.

…Helping those in need comes in a variety of ways. Very often, the best way to ‘help’ someone going through a difficult time (loss, sadness, family struggles) is to ‘walk with them’ both in prayer and support. Pope Francis calls this ‘accompaniment.’ How can we best walk with each other in faith and prayer and support? This coming year we are working to develop a Stephen Ministry team. At the heart of “Stephen Ministry” is the ministry of accompaniment. We are working to invite (you??) and train some of our members to be faithful and faith-filled companions to our members. Interested? Want to learn more? Contact Lisa Homady (lhomady@StAmbrose.us) and Jane Baldwin (jbaldwin@StAmbrose.us).

…As the summer break starts to come to a close, we say farewell to Josh Cochrac. Josh will be at The FEST next Sunday. He’s been with us last school year and throughout the summer. He will return to Saint Mary Seminary and begin his fourth (of five) year of studies and preparation for the priesthood. May God bless him. Please pray for Josh and for an increase in vocations.

…It’s hard to believe that we are entering into August. May these final weeks of summer be a time of God’s grace and blessing. See YOU next Sunday at The FEST. It’s a great day of faith, family and fun…all for FREE. It will be one of the highlights of your summer.

…Many thanks to our Parish Pastoral Council who work all year long to keep our pastoral and spiritual life strong for our community. This past week two new members committed to serve on the PPC. Many thanks to Janice and Mario Romanin and John Koliha. They will certainly enrich the conversations and discussions on how best to continue the mission of Jesus Christ and care for our members.

…As you can see on the front cover, over the summer months many of our junior high and high school students have been involved in Summer Service. What a blessing to see so many of our young members strengthening their commitment to serve others in the example of Jesus Christ. Not only are they doing great work, even more they give all of us great hope for our future. Thanks to all who have shared their time and talent in serving others.

…Special prayers for all the teachers in our community. These early days of August are an important time of planning and preparation. May God’s spirit guide their efforts as they prepare for a new school year.