Second Sunday of Advent December 5 & 6, 2015
“I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you.” - PHILIPPIANS 1:4
Upcoming Events!
SAINTAMBROSE PARISH ADVENT 2015 DECEMBER 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service DECEMBER 11 Communal Penance DECEMBER 12 K-4 Christmas Concert DECEMBER 19 Living Nativity A Season of Giving and Caring at Saint Ambrose. Stay Connected We are a Catholic community of StAmbrose.us faith centered on Jesus Christ, who @StAmbroseChurch Saint_Ambrose_Brunswick
is everything for us! StAmbroseBrunswick www.StAmbrose.us
929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212 • 330.460.7300 This Week Mark Your Calendars
SUNDAY // DECEMBER 6 THURSDAY // DECEMBER 10 8:00 am-12:00 pm Breakfast with Saint Nick (HH) 10:30 am-12:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (LCMT) 11:30 am-1:00 pm Girl Scouts (LCLK) 2:30-4:00 pm Music Ministry Children’s Handbells (C) 12:00-1:00 pm Breaking Open the Word (PLCJP) 2:30-4:00 pm Heavenly Angels Cleaning (C) 1:00-6:00 pm Cornerstone of Hope (PLCJP) 3:00-5:00 pm PTU Santa Shop (LCFM/LCLK) 4:00-5:00 pm Cub Scouts Den 8 (LCLK) 3:00-8:00 pm Red Cross Blood Drive (HHG) 6:00-7:00 pm Women’s Fellowship (LCMK) 4:30-6:00 pm Music Ministry Beginning Bell Choir (C) 6:00-8:00 pm FIAT Nights (HH) 6:00-7:00 pm Legion of Mary Prayer Meeting (CC) 6:00-9:00 pm Men’s Renewal Team (LCLK) 6:00-8:00 pm Divorce Care for Kids (Preschool) 6:00-9:00 pm Men’s Continuation Team (LCFM) 6:30-9:00 pm PTU Meeting (PLCMT) 6:30-8:15 pm Cub Scouts Leader Meeting (LCMT) 7:00-8:30 pm Music Ministry Bell Choir (C) 7:00-9:00 pm Women’s Fellowship (LCMK) 7:00-9:00 pm Men’s Fellowship (LCLK) MONDAY // DECEMBER 7 7:00-9:00 pm Griefshare (LCMT, LCMK) 7:00-9:30 pm Boy Scouts #513 (HH) 9:00 am-9:00 pm Eucharistic Adoration (CC) 1:30-2:30 pm Pear Harbor Remembrance Prayer Service (C) FRIDAY // DECEMBER 11 2:30-3:30 pm Young Rembrandts (LCFM) 2:30-4:00 pm Music Ministry Children’s Handbells (C) 1:00-2:30 pm Communal Penance (C) 6:00-8:00 pm Divorce Care for Kids (Preschool) 5:00-10:30 pm Bingo (HHG) 6:00-8:00 pm Divorce Care (LCFM) SATURDAY // DECEMBER 12 6:30-8:00 pm Scripture Study (LCLK) 7:00-8:00 pm Evangelization Committee (LCMK) 6:00-9:00 pm Faithful After 50 Pick Your Own Wine Tasting 7:00-8:00 pm Recovery Support Group (LCLK) (PLCMT) 7:00-9:00 pm Athletic Boosters (LCMT) 7:00-8:30 pm K-4 Christmas Concert (C) TUESDAY // DECEMBER 8 7:30-10:30 am Adult Coding Classes (LCJN) 9:00-11:00 am Sarah’s Circle (LCMK) 9:30-11:00 am 33 Days to Morning Glory (LCLK) 4:00-5:30 pm Music Ministry Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (C) 5:30-6:15 pm Music Ministry Angels Choir (C) 6:00-6:30 pm Legion of Mary 20 Minute Challenge (CC) 6:00-8:00 pm Spiritual Life Commission (PLCMT) 6:00-8:00 pm Griefshare Support for Children (Library) 6:00-10:00 pm Art and Environment (HH) 6:30-9:00 pm Quilting & Sewing Ministry (LCMK) 6:30-9:00 pm Women’s Guild Board Meetings (PLCJP) 7:00-8:00 pm Overeaters Anonymous (LCMT) 7:00-8:00 pm Scripture Teaching with Fr. Weber (LCMK) 7:00-8:30 pm Prayer Group (CC) We Had a Wonderful Time at our 7:00-9:00 pm Knights of Columbus (LCFM) 7:30-9:00 pm FIAT Leadership Team (School 201) Senior Breakfast this Past Thursday! 8:00-9:00 pm Worship Commission Meeting (PLCMT) PARISH OFFICE HOURS: WEDNESDAY // DECEMBER 9 Sun 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Phone | 330.460.7300 9:00-10:00 am Yoga (PLCMT) Mon 8:30 am- 8:30 pm Fax | 330.460.7342 1:00-2:00 pm Book Club (PLCJP) Tues-Thurs 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Web | www.StAmbrose.us 4:30-6:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (LCMT) Fri 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Facebook: StAmbrose.us 4:30-6:00 pm 4th Grade Christmas Play (HH) Sat 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Twitter: @StAmbroseChurch 6:00-8:00 pm Care & Compassion Leader Mtg. (PLCJP) 6:15-8:15 pm Cub Scouts Pack Meeting (HHG) CALENDAR KEY: LCMT Lehner Center, Matthew 6:30-8:45pm School Advisory Board (PLCJP) C = Church LCMK Lehner Center, Mark CC = Church Chapel 6:30-9:00 pm Music Ministry Adult Choir (C) LCLK Lehner Center, Luke S = School 6:30-9:00 pm Women’s Guild Christmas Party (PLCMT) LCJN Lehner Center, John PLC = Parish Life Center 7:00-8:30 pm RCIA (CC) LCFM Lehner Center, Fr. McGivney HH = Hilkert Hall PLCJP Parish Life Center, John Paul HHG = Hilkert Hall Gym PLCMT Parish Life Center, Mother Teresa 2 December 6 2015 From the Pastor Parish News …”Brothers and sisters: I pray always …If the 12 days of Christmas project isn’t …Coming in your mail will be your 2016 with joy in my every prayer for all of for you….we are in need of some folk Saint Ambrose Parish Calendar. It’s filled you, because of your partnership for to join our Good Sams ministry. This is with key parish dates. Moreover, it contains the gospel from the first day until now. I the amazing group that visits (and often powerful reflections about the Mercy and am confident of this, that the one who takes Holy Communion) to our elderly Compassion that God desires for us each began a good work in you will continue to and homebound. Each week our parish and every day of the year and always. May complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” visits and brings Communion to over this Year of Mercy be a moment for all The second reading, for the Second Sunday 200 people. Amazing! Wonderful. We of us to open our hearts to the care and of Advent, is an inspiring reflection from could use some help to join the group. The compassion of Christ. You will also find Paul’s letter to the Philippians which offers ministry is incredibly meaningful and also powerful quotes on the parking lot banners great hope about our ‘partnership’ in the very flexible (homebound people are home inviting all of us at home…in our cars… work of the Lord. God will bring all of most of the time and can accommodate everywhere…to open your hearts to the our efforts to completion when we offer a visit that works for you). Want to learn mercy of God. our work and efforts in building up the more?? Open to serving?? Let me know Kingdom of God. In these Advent days, so I can connect you to this incredible …Many thanks for your support for what can you do to partner with the Lord ministry ([email protected]). LIFE. The month of October’s Fill the in building up God’s Kingdom of justice Crib effort gathered $1390.41 to support and mercy – of peace and compassion – ...As much as I pray we don’t see SNOW moms and their newborn children. God for all people? until after Christmas Eve parking….we bless you for your goodness and your always encourage you to gear up for support for all human life. …This past week, we received many PROJECT SNOW (Serving Neighbors – its notes of thanks from some of the many Our Way). The idea is quite simple. When/ …Last week’s unsung heroes were the people we helped and cared for over if it snows, shovel the walks of the elderly Knights of Columbus who put the lights the Thanksgiving week. You can imagine and homebound in your neighborhood. on the Christmas trees that outline our the outpouring of appreciation for your It’s important for their safety and well- campus. God bless the K of C for all the goodness and the care we offered in the being. Imagine the blanket of care good they do for our parish. name of the Lord. One letter came from a and compassion we can put in place homeless women’s shelter in Akron. The throughout our entire region by simply …Our Music Ministry will be at opening line was this….”on behalf of the being attentive to the needs of our Brunswick Lake on Sunday night at 6:00 hundreds of homeless women and children neighbors. pm for the Community Tree Lighting served….we would like to thank you for celebration. Please stop by and support your generous donation. By providing a …This Monday is the Feast of Saint their ministry and this community event. Thanksgiving dinner for our clients you Ambrose – our patron. He had an open help to support them as they begin their heart to the Lord which led him to a life …Be the Mercy that we seek. It’s journey to independence.” And… we trust of service to the Gospel. May each of us our Advent theme and the offer the like Saint Paul “that the one who began a keep our hearts open to the call and Lord in our lives. Jesus wants to be the good work in you/us…will continue it to work of the Lord. It will lead us on the mercy we need in our lives. Come and completion.” God bless you for all your path to holiness and service in the name of experience the outpouring of God’s goodness. the Lord. Happy Feast Day. mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday at 1:00 …As we continue through this Advent …Monday is also Pearl Harbor Day. pm. Many priests will be on hand for the Season, there are a few ways we can all We’ve invited all the Vets in our individual celebration of the sacrament. ‘partner’ in the work of the Lord to care community to join us for lunch at 12:30 for our sisters and brothers in need. The pm… thanks to our friends at A. Ripepi …Saint Paul in our second reading says, “I Advent Giving Tree tags are a great way and Son Funeral Home. At 1:30 pm pray always with joy in my every prayer to offer care to those in need across our there will be a special military honors for all of you…” I hold that same thought area. It was inspiring to see young children in front of Hilkert Hall, followed by a for you and our parish family. My heart with their parents carefully selecting their prayer service with the students at Saint is filled with great joy as I reflect on the tags last week so they could go shop Ambrose School. All are welcome. great work you do and we do together for for someone in need. We are also still the Lord. I hold you to the Lord in prayer in need of some individuals/groups to …The following day is both the Feast of now and always. God bless you and your help us with our “12 days of Christmas” the Immaculate Conception and the start loved ones this Advent… and always. program. Simply put – for the 12 days of the Year of Mercy. Please join us for before Christmas, you do random acts of Mass for the holy day of obligation on kindness for someone who needs some Monday at 7:00 pm, and on Tuesday at care and joy this season (homebound, etc). 8:15 am, 12 noon and 7:00 pm. You can send them a card, drop off a dozen cookies – little acts of kindness to share the joy of the Season. See today’s bulletin for details. December 6, 2015 3 Intentions Remember in Your Prayers
Mass Schedule Our Sick Daily: 8:15 am & 5:30 pm Doug Carey Larry Mach Saturday: 8:15 am & 4:30 pm Vigil Bryan Carroll Sheila McIntyre Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm Aubrey Charek Gloria Praznik Mary Ann Dodig Marge Sabados Sunday, December 6 | Second Sunday of Advent Leo Kwiatkowski Danny Zifcheck 7:30 George Kaspar (Family) RS Agnes Lewandowski 9:00 Emory Hovanec (Family) TW 10:30 Mary and Joe Becka (Family) RR If you would like your loved one’s name on the prayer list, 12:00 Carolyn Peters (Beth Saxon) RR please call Connie at 330.225.9236. 5:00 Howard Schneider (Son and Daughter-in-Law) RS We publish the names of our sick in the bulletin for 3 weeks. If you would like the name of your loved one to remain in the Monday, December 7 | St. Ambrose bulletin after this time, please let us know by contacting the 8:15 Janet Marchisio (Husband) communications department at [email protected] or 7:00 Saint Ambrose Members 330.460.7334.
We need your help to tell us about any Tuesday, December 8 | The Immaculate Conception members of our community who are 8:15 Gary Kobak (Betty Sue Kobak) shut in or sick that you know about 12:00 John Placko (David Placko) but our staff does not. Please give the 7:00 Aiden Vonduyke (Family Friend) parish office a call to let us know if there is someone who is sick who would like a call Wednesday, December 9 or visit from our parish staff. Thank you! 8:15 Jessie Amorose (Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Reidy) 5:30 Neil Carlson (Cheryl Cika & Family)
Thursday, December 10 Those Called Home to the Lord 8:15 Joseph & Josephine Landolfo (Landolfo Children) Katharine Carlson 5:30 Michael A. Surtz (Bob & Donna Howski) Born into Life: June 14, 1923 Called into Eternal Life: November 23, 2015 Friday, December 11 8:15 Janet Marchisio (Husband) Patricia Curry 5:30 Tom Sherman (Family) Born into Life: December 17, 1927 Called into Eternal Life: November 24, 2015 Saturday, December 12 | Our Lady of Guadalupe Nancy Svonovec 8:15 Lu & Al Behrend (Family) Born into Life: July 20, 1947 4:30 Larry Lasker (Family) RR Called into Eternal Life: November 27, 2015
Sunday, December 13 | Third Sunday of Advent Paul Tomashefski 7:30 Julie Miller (Family) GH Born into Life: January 29, 1953 9:00 Judith Hurlbut (The Hovanec Family) RS Called into Eternal Life: November 28, 2015 10:30 Mary Murray (Frank & Marge Kaminski) RS 12:00 Ceil Yonkura (Marlene, Cheryl, & Gloria) TW 5:00 Edward Kostyack (Family) RR Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful “He was created of a mother whom He departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.” -Saint Augustine 4 December 6 2015 Time - Talents - Treasures Spiritual Life
Saint Ambrose Endowment Family of God Supporting Our Good Work Jane Bast With the holidays quickly approaching, Ten years ago, Mary and Mark Oldfield we are reminded of all the great moved to Brunswick. This was the same work our Saint Ambrose family does time that Father Bob arrived on campus. for the community. Consider making Mark had worked as a Commercial Real a contribution to the Saint Ambrose Estate Banker for several banks, and Endowment fund, so that we can continue shared his talents with the parish right our work. Please visit www.StAmbrose.us/Endowment for away. He was on Finance Committee, more information. Parish Council, and 20/20.
Mark had facilitated Little Rock Scripture Study in a previous Children and Teen Envelopes parish, and spoke with Fr. Bob in the hopes of starting Our Young People’s Incredible Gifts something similar here. 7 sessions later, this program– Every week, our young people contribute to Saint ALPHA– remains as vibrant as ever. Mark also worked with Fr. Ambrose–not only through monetary gifts, but through Bob to get the Prison Ministry outreach going at the Medina their actions. The following are some of the ways our kids County Jail have been Christ in our community. As Jesus asked in Matthew 21:16, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Mark feels blessed to know and have worked alongside with so many true Christians at Saint Ambrose, including not only • “I helped by holding the door.” parishioners, but staff, too. Mary continues to work at the • “I made Christmas gifts for my family.” Buckeye Library. Mark and Mary have 3 grown children and • “I helped my mom and dad with Thanksgiving have 3 local grandchildren. Saint Ambrose is blessed to have dinner.” such a committed volunteer and role model. • “I spent time with my siblings.”
In Support of Our Parish November 22 and 29, 2015
November 22, July 1, 2015 - July 1, 2014 November 29, July 1, 2015 - July 1, 2014 2015 November 22, - November 2015 November 29, - November 2015 23, 2014 2015 30, 2014 Sunday $20,410 $665,511 $634,757 Sunday $24,123 $689,634 $656,925 Collection Collection Amount ($32,000) ($672,000) Amount ($32,000) ($704,000) Needed Needed Over / (Under) ($11,590) ($6,489) Over / (Under) ($7,877) $(14,366)
Building Fund $1,700 $10,042 Building Fund $371 $10,413 ACH Collection $3,078 (weekly) $0 (monthly) ACH Collection $3,078 (weekly) $0 (monthly) Children’s $125 (105 envelopes received) Children’s $96 (98 envelopes received) Envelopes Envelopes Vision 20/20 Week of Week of Vision 20/20 Week of Week of November 16 November 23 November 23 November 30 Pledge $4,813.00 $11,389.65 Pledge $11,389.65 $ 12,434.29 Payments Payments Total Payments $ 2,472,207.02 $2,483,596.67 Total Payments $2,483,596.67 $2,496,030.96 Thank you for your continued generosity. May God bless you for your support of Saint Ambrose! December 6, 2015 5 Parish News Family Life | Upcoming Events
Family Life Ministry Support Our 8th Graders Marriage Tips Order from Yankee Candle and Help Do you have a pet name for your spouse (baby, honey, a Looking for that perfect Christmas nickname that only you use)? It’s not essential, but often it gift? Candles are always hit, and can remind both of you of your special relationship. It’s like if you shop at Yankee Candle, calling God, “Abba.” you’ll help out a great cause in the process. Parenting Tips St. Nick’s Day is December 6. It’s a nice custom to put a Saint Ambrose School 8th Graders need your support. treat in your child’s shoe the night before. In an effort to minimize the overall cost of our students’ BUT...also remember there are children in Washington, D.C. trip, Yankee Candle will be donating 40% our world without shoes. If your child is old of all profits bought directly from their designated site to enough tell him/her about Soles4Souls the program. Visit www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and (www.soles4souls.org). Maybe your child will enter the group ID #990088228 when you place your offer to give an extra pair of shoes. order. It’s really that simple. Thank you for your support! www.SusanVogt.net Women’s Fellowship January 3 Ladies, have you questioned or wanted to look into the Bingo Lingo lives of some of the Bible’s most faithful women? Their Every Friday Night! struggles and temptations are the same trials faced by Join us this week for a us today. We need to celebrate their courage, vision, chance to WIN CHRISTMAS hospitality, and spiritual giftedness. It’s no wonder women SHOPPING CASH! Your were so important to God’s plan revealed in the Old name will also be put in a and New Testaments! It wasn’t their natural qualities that drawing to win a TV that will be drawn on December 18, made these women extraordinary, but the power of the 2015. Every time you are at St. Ambrose Bingo from now one true God. until December 18 you are entered into the drawing. The more times you attend Bingo, the more changes you have “Twelve Extraordinary Women” and what God wants to win. We are always in need of volunteers at bingo! Get to do with you begins on Sunday, January 3. We will a little exercise and make new friends! Bingo supports the meet on the first Sunday of the month, from 6:00-7:30 day school and all the little extras here at Saint Ambrose. pm in Lehner Center Mark. This is not a scripture or If interested, please contact Michele at 330.460.7324 or bible study, but a share group with women in search of a [email protected]. better understanding and longing to be everything Christ wants us to be. If interested, contact Helen Sheridan at [email protected] or 330.460.7322 for additional information. GriefShare Thursday Nights If your heart is heavy with the Formed memory of someone you loved and Catholic Content Online lost, we warmly welcome you to Saint Ambrose has attend Griefshare. Meetings are Thursdays, from 7:00- teamed up with 9:00 pm in the Lehner Center - Matthew Room. Although Formed.org to give you we are in the midst of our 13-week series, you are welcome FREE access to Catholic at any time during this series. We’ll have a “Care Book” Ebooks, MP3s, movies and more, all from the comfort of waiting for you by contacting one of us in advance: Pat your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Visit Drum 216.469.8201, Terri Bartchak, 216.973.6784, or Nancy www.formed.org and enter the parish code 8H62DG to VanGieson, 330.225.7385. start streaming content.
6 December 6 2015 Upcoming Events Parish News
Prayer Group 12 Days of Christmas Project Calendar for the Remainder of 2015 Random Acts of Kindness: The Perfect Gift Our Prayer Group meets here at We are still looking for 10 more Saint Ambrose on the second, families to help with our 12 Days third, and fourth Tuesdays of Christmas Project. During the of every month, from 7:00- 12 days leading up to Christmas, 8:00 pm. Please join us on we need volunteers to help with December 8 for Mass in the church on the Feast of the random acts of kindness for some Immaculate Conception, and come back on the 15th and of our parishioners who are homebound, ill, or having 22nd for our regular sessions in the chapel. We will also a difficult time.This is a wonderful opportunity to give meet for a special session on the 29th in the chapel. back and be reminded of the true reason for this Christmas season! If you are interested, please contact Caitlin at God desires to be in relationship with His people. Prayer [email protected] or 330.460.7387. allows us to enter the presence of God in a personal, relational way and is an essential element in building a dynamic relationship with God. Through prayer we get March for Life 2016 to know God by lifting our hearts and minds in adoration, January 21-23 contrition, thanksgiving and supplication. We will gather Join the Knights of Columbus on a road for a time of worship and praise; and for intercessory prayer trip to the March for Life 2016. We’ll for our nation, our community, our parish, our family, depart on Thursday, January 21 at 9:30 and our individual needs. For more information contact: pm, arriving in time for morning Mass at Anita & George Harabin at 440.667.2366 or Shari & Deacon Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Gary Tomazic at 330.273.2321, or e-mail Deacon Gary at and the Rally & March at the National [email protected]. Thanks, and God bless. Mall on the 22nd. We’ll be returning to Brunswick on Saturday, January 23 at 3:00 am. The cost is $55.00 per person. Legion of Mary Join Us on Tuesdays and Thursdays Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Put “Christ” in “Christmas” this Advent Meals are NOT included. Bus service provided by Baron Season. Join the Legion of Mary on Bus. For more information, please contact Jim Maslach at Tuesdays & Thursdays in the Chapel at 440.785.9838 or via email at [email protected]. 6:00 pm for the “20 Minute Challenge” this Advent. Christmas is all about preparation. Use this one opportunity during Advent Exciting Trip to prepare and honor the Holy Family by October 2-18, 2016 praying the Rosary for twenty minutes. Come and join Hearts of the World Pilgrimages as we journey to Poland, The Virgin Mary traveling statues are also available for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia on a two week stay in your home. Please contact Mary at an excursion from October 2nd – 18th, 330.273.1113 to arrange a visit. 2016 to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy. Stops include Czestochowa (Jasna Gora monastery which holds the miraculous Children Who Don’t Go to Church icon), Krakow (including the Divine Mercy Shrine, Wawel Cathedral and more), Auschwitz, Wadowice Presentation (hometown of St. John Paul II), Medjugorje and Trogir. Saturday, January 16 The price is $4980 per person. There are only 30 seats Has your child lost interest in the Catholic faith? Come for a available at this price. Medjugorje only is also available. special presention on Children Who Don’t Go to Church on Saturday, January 16, from noon until 4:00 pm in Interested parties should contact Sandee McAleer (Director) PLC, Mother Teresa. Hosted by Dobie Moser, this will be a at 330.801.0838 or Fr. Rob Ramser (Spiritual Director) at great opportunity to learn more about this important issue! 330.460.7300 with any questions or for reservation forms.
December 6, 2015 7 Parish News Parish Life
Community Outreach Recovery Support Group November Roundup Starting Monday, December 7 November was a month where we Are you looking to find hope, healing reflected and focused on the blessings and Christ’s love on your/your loved God has given to us all. One of the one’s Road to Recovery? Starting many things we can be thankful for are December 7, join us every Monday the ministries at St. Ambrose Church from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Lehner who donate their time to help impact Center where you will find the comfort and care of God’s the lives of others. The Community Outreach Ministry is compassion for those struggling with addictions. Our one of the many ministries working hard to help others group will also meet on 2 Saturdays a month- mark in the community. The Outreach group, who helps with your calendars for Saturday, December 12th and 19th small home projects, had enough volunteers to take on two from 2:30-3:30 pm in Lehner Center, Mark, for continued projects this month. Together as a team, they were able to support. For more information, please contact Lisa at help a single parishioner with multiple tasks around the 330.460.7315 or [email protected]. house. The team was able to paint her garage, hang blinds throughout the house, fit and trim several doors and clean the gutters. The woman called the team “her angels” for Divorce Care helping her with projects that would have taken weeks to Mondays accomplish. The Ministry was also able to help an elderly Are you facing the struggles of couple move to a new home. The volunteers helped to divorce or separation? Loneliness? pack up and unload all the belongings into their new house Anger? Betrayal? Depression? that will offer new opportunities and a fresh start. Financial cutbacks necessitating huge life changes? Helping kids adjust? Thank you to the many people who helped make a difference this month:Diane Graham, Chris and Sharon You are not alone! There is help, Rudy, Mike and Brandon Bravchok and son Brandon, hope and healing in Christ, and Lauren Jones, Mike Cameron, Kurt Mendlik, Joseph Saint Ambrose offers a powerful Powell, Patti, Doug, Brian, and Eric Scalfano, Bob and Christ-centered support group through the Diocesan Donna Howski, Mike Adams and Jim Sutter. approved, non-denominational Divorce Care and Divorce Care for Kids programs (see www.divorcecare.com for If you are interested in learning more about Community program details). Our group meets every Monday from Outreach, as a volunteer or as an individual in need of help, 6:00-8:00 pm in the Lehner Center. We offer adults peer please contact Jane Baldwin at [email protected] support, free materials, and the Divorce Care 13 week video or 330.460.7381. series on topics of interest, with expert counselor and pastor input on how to heal most effectively in Christ. You may find yourself up in wonderful and surprising places on Women’s Guild your journey with Him as you recover. Thank You and Christmas Party Please contact Diane Capretta 330.351.5471 for more The Women’s Guild would like information on the adult group, and Lisa Homady at to thank all the women who [email protected] for more information on Divorce gave their time and donations Care for Kids (DC4K). of baked goods that made our Christmas Boutique a great success. Oplatky Wafers Now Available A Great Christmas Tradition Please join us for our annual Christmas party on Oplatky Christmas wafers will be available in the main December 9 at 6:30 pm in the PLC Mother Teresa room. vesitubule after our weekend Masses during Advent. You may bring a white elephant for exchange, if you wish. Meaning “Angel Bread,” Oplatky wafers are a tradition in We hope to see you there! many Polish, Slovak and Lithuanian families, symbolizing God’s charity. No matter what your heritage is, you are welcome to join in on this beautiful Christmas tradition. 8 December 6 2015 Parish Life Parish News
Thank You Advent Kindness Pines We are GRATEFUL for YOU Help a Family in Need A tremendous thank you for Beginning the week of November all your help and support 23 – December 13, there will be 3 for another beautifully Kindness Pines located at the entry enriched Thanksgiving! ways of the church filled with tags In this beautiful season listing items for families in need in our community. of giving thanks for all Please consider taking a tag or two sharing the spirit of of God’s gifts that he Christmas – the spirit of giving from the heart. The tags bestowed upon us... will give you all the directions and details. No need to thank you! Because of your generosity, because of your wrap your requested gift, the parents like to do this for kindness, because of your help and support, we were able their children. To give them time to do this, please return to feed over 6,000 people this Thanksgiving Season. The all gifts to the designated bins at church entrances (with outpouring of contributions of turkeys (625!), pies tag from tree taped to bag) by Sunday, December 13, (480!), bags of groceries (over 1,000!), and monetary 2015. Any questions, please call Catholic Works of Mercy donations were beyond our expectations! Plus the 330.460.7303. Thank you. hundreds of volunteers- all of those helping hands to do the work of the Lord- made all of this possible! Literally over 6,000 of our brothers and sisters had a delicious meal... your help and support not only gave them this meal, but also “It is Christmas every time you let brought them the Care and Compassion of Christ! God love others through you.” -Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Many heartfelt thanks from the Thanksgiving Team!
LIVINGNativity Saturday, December 19 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. What a better way to enter into the Advent season than remembering where it all began.
Join the Saint Ambrose community as we re-enact that joyful night where Heaven and earth collided and God gave us His most precious gift.
December 6, 2015 Education News Our Children Saint Ambrose Catholic School PSR Thank You Gillingham Family News On Monday, November 23, Monday, December 7th, all the Saint Ambrose School Monday night PSR students will Faculty, Staff, students, and be attending the Immaculate special guests– along with Bob Conception Mass at 7:00 pm in the Church. Students are Gillingham and his family– asked to report to their classroom at 6:30 pm. All families dedicated the Gillingham Family Center for Collaboration. are invited to attend. Dismissal will be from Church. Mr. Gillingham, a parishioner and member of the School Advisory Board, has been one of the biggest advocates The 4th grade catechists have been working very hard with of moving Saint Ambrose School into 21st Century our students to prepare them for their Christmas play! All Learning. His donation will further enhance the learning are invited to join us as our 4th grade students present of our students by remodeling the Distance Learning Lab. the story of Jesus’s Birth. The show is both Wednesday, December 9 at 5:00 pm, and Monday, December 14 at 7:00 pm. Both performances will take place in the church. Please join us!
We are in need of student actors for the Living Nativity that will be performed on Saturday, December 19th after the 4:30 pm Mass. There are a variety of roles to be filled. Rehearsals will be Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 pm and Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 pm. To become a part of this wonderful tradition at Saint Ambrose, please contact me at 330.460.7321 or [email protected].
Journey with Jesus Preschool Don’t forget that we will host our Littlest Angels Preschool Helps with individual class Christmas Parties on Community Meal December 13! Littlest Angels Preschool children and parent volunteers made turkey placemats for the Saint Each Sunday our young children learn about the Gospel Ambrose Thanksgiving Community Meal. Our littlest message through age appropriate activities at Journey angels are learning that their precious hand prints can with Jesus. Questions about Journey with Jesus? Contact bring joy to someone else. Jenni Wasowski at [email protected] or call the PSR Office at 330.460.7302 Christmas Concert: Grades K-4 Mark your calendar for the Saint Ambrose School Children’s Liturgy of the Word Christmas Concert for Kindergarten-4th grades on This weekend at Children’s Liturgy of the Word, the children Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 7:00-8:30 pm in will learn about the 2nd Sunday in Advent, as we “wait” and the church. Following the concert, there will be a Holiday “prepare” for the birth of the Christ-child. Want your child Gathering in Hilkert Hall for all families. to learn this lesson for life? Encourage them to join us this weekend! Upcoming Events
• December 8 All School Mass (ImmaculateConception) • December 10 PTU Meeting at 7:00 pm • December 12 Grade K-4 Christmas Concert Christmas is sights, especially the sights of Christmas reflected in the eyes of a child” -William Saroyan
10 December 6 2015 PASTORAL STAFF Readings for the Week Father Bob Stec, Pastor 330.460.7333 www.usccb.org Father Rob Ramser, Parochial Vicar 330.460.7311 Father Tom Weber, Parochial Vicar 330.460.7312 Deacon Clem Belter Mon IS 35:1-10; LK 5:17-26 Deacon Gary Tomazic Tues GN 3:9-15, 20; EPH 1:3-6, 11-12; LK 1:26-38 Deacon Thomas Sheridan Wed IS 40:25-31; MT 11:28-30 Deacon Frank Weglicki Thur IS 41:13-20; MT 11:11-15 Abbot Gary Hoover, OSB,Weekend Assistant Fri IS 48:17-19; MT 11:16-19 Jake Bihari, Parish Events | Mission 330.460.7331 Sat ZEC 2:14-17; LK 1:26-38 Tom Bonezzi, Music Ministry 330.460.7337 Sun ZEP 3:14-18A; PHIL 4:4-7; LK 3:10-18 Amy Fraleigh, FIAT Youth Ministry 330.460.7388 Lisa Homady, Care and Compassion Coordinator 330.460.7315 Helen Lanzarotta, Music Ministry & Events 330.460.7343 Caitlin O’Neill, FIAT Youth Ministry 330.460.7387 Helen Sheridan, Family Life Ministry 330.460.7322 Jane Baldwin, Spiritual Life Coordinator 330.460.7381
SUPPORT STAFF James Ergh, Building & Grounds Supervisor 330.460.7309 David Hoover, Communications 330.460.7334 Kathy Sarazin, Front Office Coordinator 330.460.7300 Baptisms PSR STAFF We Welcome into the Waters... Ann Marie Frattare, Junior High Youth Ministry 330.460.7325 Deb Houdek, PSR Secretary 330.460.7326 Cason Grant Jones Janet Majka, PSR Coordinator 330.460.7321 Jenni Wasowski, Journey with Jesus Coordinator 330.460.7381 Attention parents! Please note that we do not have Baptisms during the season of Lent, February 10th - March 25th. SCHOOL STAFF Nathan Baxendale, Day School Principal 330.460.7350 Catherine Mitchell, Preschool Director 330.460.7361 Nancy Monnin, Institutional Advancement 330.460.7318
PARISH LEADERS Bob Downs, Parish Finance Council 330.273.3108 Bryce Rausch, Parish Finance Council 215.896.9248 Jim Lepi, Athletic Director 330.273.1801 Frank Gati and Kim Harrington, School Advisory Board [email protected] Banns of Marriage Ken Trepkowski, Parish Pastoral Council 330.220.6958 Congratulations to...
BAPTISM Mr. and Mrs. Lance and Chelsea Boswell Parents need to attend a Pre-Baptism Class for their first child. Please call Kim Nemet at 330.460.7316 to register.
MARRIAGE Please call a priest or deacon at the Parish Office at least six months prior to proposed date to begin your wedding preparations.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) Come and learn more about the Catholic faith. Call the Parish Office.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP Call the Parish Office to register. Current members are asked to notify the Parish Office when they move. Eucharistic Adoration SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Confessions are Spend Some Time with the Lord celebrated Saturdays from 3:30 – 4:00 pm and by appointment. During this holy season, leave the stress behind and come spend some quiet time with Lord. We have Eucharistic EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Every Monday from Adoration every Monday, from 9:00 am-9:00 pm in our 9:00 am-9:00 pm in the Church Chapel chapel. You are always most welcome. December 6, 2015 11 Message From Amy Happy Advent! more about our patron saint, Saint This past weekend Ambrose, and also Saint Nicholas! We we celebrated the will focus on the true St. Nick and the wonderful holiday way both of these great men spread of Thanksgiving and the faith and served others. moved right into Advent and the preparation for the birth of Jesus with Following in the theme of service, FIAT FIAT. will host the annual FIAT Christmas Upcoming Events babysitting on December 13th. Thank you to the many generous We will babysit the little ones so FIAT Christmas Babysitting people who donated food to the parents can get out to finish up some December 13 FIAT Thanksgiving feast. The joy Christmas shopping from 2:00-5:00 pm Looking for a great way to help out during could be felt when you entered the in Hilkert Hall. If you want to volunteer room and smelled the wonderful or to sign up to have children babysat, this beautiful season? Come babysit for dinner that our moms prepared for please contact me in the youth parents who need some time to shop for their us. Lots of laughter and conversation ministry office! little ones (and everyone else on their list)! came as we spent time together being Join us from 2:00-5:00 pm on December 13. thankful for the many blessings in our As always , if you have any questions Contact Amy at [email protected] or lives. please contact me at 330.460.7388 or 330.460.7388 for more information. [email protected]! God Bless! As we enter into Advent we have Christmas Party many things planned for our teens. December 20 This weekend we will gather together -Amy Sunday night with Fr. Rob to learn All teens are invited to the FIAT Christmas party on December 20th beginning with 5:00 pm Mass and going until 8:00 pm. Enjoy time with friends as well as the traditions of Christmas. Cookies, cocoa and more will be Junior High News waiting for all. What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to celebrate with your friends at the FIAT Christmas Party?!
Confirmation #5 January 10 Join us on January 10 for our Confirmation #5 celebration. We will begin with 5:00 pm Mass and continue until 7:45. We will talk about our Mission from God! Your parent/ Junior High Christmas Party! sponsor does need to attend. For questions contact Amy at [email protected] or 330.460.7388.
Date: Monday, December 14 Time: 6:30-8pm Who: All 6th, 7th & 8th grade PSR students Where: Hilkert Hall Gym
All Junior High PSR students are invited to join us for a Christmas Party! Enjoy some crazy Christmas games, snacks, prizes, and more! Spend your last PSR class having fun with your friends before Winter Break!
14 December 6 2015