…”Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” As we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension and start to bring to a close this Easter Season, the Gospel compels us to take the “Good News” and the message of Easter – hope and joy – into the world. Our world….in our times….desperately needs the hope and promise of Christ. How can we use this week to announce a different message…a better way…the way of Christ’s Light, Hope and Love? God’s love can change everything! Let’s use these beautiful spring days to call people to a deeper awareness of the Good News – the love of God.
…This past Easter we welcomed 34 people into the family of God and the Church – 23 of whom were baptized. If you talk with them, they will tell you how much this ‘new life’ and ‘communion with the Family of God ‘ means to them. How can we use these days to invite others to Baptism and to a fuller life in Christ. If you or someone you know would like to learn more, please let me know (frbob@StAmbrose.us).
…This weekend we celebrate First Eucharist for so many of our second graders. I was with them at practice earlier in the week. They are so excited to come to the Table of the Lord. Their joy and excitement – their Good News of their First Eucharist – should remind all of us of the blessing it is for us to come to be nourished at the Table of the Lord. Please pray for our second graders and their families. May they always hunger for the Bread of Life – Jesus Christ.
…This past week we had our monthly Pastoral Council Meeting. It’s a great group that did a wonderful ‘exercise’ of reflecting on the core values of our community and how the Church renovations reflects and reinforces those values. A few things the PPC really appreciated was the clear focus on coming to the Table of the Lord and keeping our minds/hearts fixed on Christ. They also believe that the new entry to the Church brings to life this weekend’s Gospel as we are compelled to carry the message and welcome of Christ to all people. The PPC is in the process of looking for five members to join them for the upcoming year. If you would like to learn more, please contact Jane Baldwin (jbaldwin@StAmbrose.us).
…Many thanks to all who have responded to our Generations of Faith Appeal. As you will see in our bulletin, we are moving closer to having the funds we need to repair and renovate our Church. I am humbled… over and again… by the goodness, sacrifice and generosity of our members. This is what makes our Church beautiful and inspiring always. We still need your help and need to hear from all of our members. Working together we can renew our Church for generations to come. Please respond today. If you have questions or need additional information, please let me know (frbob@StAmbrose.us). We need your help and response so we can move forward with planning this most important effort for our parish community.
…Last week I shared a story about my dad as part of my weekend homily. I know that I was blessed to have had wonderful parents who clearly had their hearts set on God, Church and family. In their mind and heart the three were one and the same. I clearly remember that God always received the first portion – the first share. We prayed before we ate every meal. The first Christmas gift was as my dad said “to the Church…we have to give God the first gift.” Even in difficult times, they never stopped giving to the Lord. I think of my parents on this Mother’s Day weekend. Our parents set the pattern and values for their children. Take some time this weekend to reflect on your parents. Thank God for the wisdom and values they have passed on to you and to your loved ones.
…When my parents passed on to the Lord, so many of you were so generous in making donations to a Student in Need Scholarship fund. This weekend we have the blessing of presenting scholarships to: Cameron Ragazzo, Gabrielle Vetrick, Evan Stracensky, Elizabeth Keller, Bret Petrigac, Magdalaina Abood and Jacob Nose’.
…There’s a group of amazing women in our parish who make prayer quilts. They are beautiful in every way, shape and form. They are stitched with love and prayer. If you know of someone who is dealing with cancer or a difficult situation/illness, please let us know so you/we can wrap them in our prayers. If you are would like to share your talents and/or learn quilting, this group would love to have you join them. In either case, for a prayer blanket or to join the quilting ministry, please send me an email and I will make the connections for you (bstec@StAmbrose.us).
…We also are blessed with wonderful folk who knit and crochet prayer blankets. They are beautiful gifts to our youngest members at Baptism or to a loved one who needs to be wrapped in prayer. They also are always welcoming people to join this beautiful, loving and caring ministry. For a prayer blanket or to help, please contact Helen (hsheridan@StAmbrose.us).
…This coming week we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Deacon John Miklosovic’s diaconate ordination. Dorothy, his wife, and some of his family will join in the 4:30 pm Saturday Mass to remember Deacon John who was called home to the Lord unexpectedly in 2005. We thank God for his ‘yes’ and for our Deacons who serve our parish community so lovingly and faithfully.
…In this month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, please join us this Tuesday evening for our May Crowning at 7:00 pm. Join our second and eighth graders for this beautiful time of prayer. May it inspire each of us to make our ‘yes’ to the Lord.
…Matthew Stracensky is working on his Eagle Scout project which is to build a pavilion for our community. Saturday, May 19 he and the Scouts are sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner at 5:00 pm. Come support our Scouts and share in an amazing homemade, Johnny Frohlich Italian Meal!!!
…May God bless all of our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers. This weekend’s bulletin includes a beautiful image of prayer for your prayer and reflection. It’s a small expression of our GREAT thanks for our moms. Enjoy this day with your family.
