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PARISHNEWSLETTER

Winter 2013Volume 4, Issue 1

For latest Parish or School information, please visit www.StAmbrose.us or sign up at together.stambrose.us

We are a Catholic Community of Faith, Centered on Jesus Christ who is Everything for us!

IN THIS ISSUE

Upcoming Events page 2Parish Pastoral Council page 3School News page 4PTU Fundraiser page 6In Memoriam page 7Lenten Events page 8FIAT & Mission Possible page 10Lehner Center Re-Opens! page 11

The theme for the upcoming season of Lent is really a call to action. Let this be the time…to work for peace. Let this be the time….to forgive and be forgiven. Let this be the time…to turn to the Lord, our God, and make our lives right with God. Why can’t this Lent – these forty days – be the time when we do what we need to do to make our lives, our hearts, our world right with God.

Here’s the struggle. The hardest part of changing – forgiving – accepting – being different – is to have the awareness of the need and the desire to do it. Take some time to prayerfully reflect on your life. What is it that you need to do this Lent to turn your life to Christ, and to be the person that the Lord calls you to be?

This newsletter is filled with Lenten opportunities and programs that can help you use this time to change – to be different – to grow closer to the Lord – to be on the path that leads to heaven. Please take some time to review the opportunities available to you this Lent at Saint Ambrose. We are here to help you and your family grow closer to the Lord.

There is one Lent project I am asking every member of our parish to consider:

May these days of Lent be the time that really allows you to change your life and turn your heart more fully, and completely, to the Lord. If there’s anything I can do for you and your family, please contact me at: 330.460.7333 or frbob@StAmbrose.us.

God bless you and our parish family with a blessed and holy Lent.

Father Bob Stec

P.S. At the doors of the Church, during the first weeks of Lent, you will find Rice Bowls. In these days of Lent, consider making a sacrifice (e.g. skipping one fast food meal or coffee on the go) and collecting the sacrifice. All money collected will be used, starting this June, to build homes (20’ x 22’ housing a family of 6-8) for the poorest of the poor in our mission community. Each house costs $7500. Together we can make it happen. Small change….Big Difference. Thank you.

Let This Be the Time!

L E N T 2 0 1 3SAINT AMBROSE PARISH

Make a commitment to attend Mass each weekend. Come to the Table of the Lord where you will find the wisdom, strength and peace of the Lord. Let this be the time to form this good spiritual habit. It will make all the difference in your life and for the good of your family.

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Together.StAmbrose.us is a great site where you can find and share photos, post messages and questions, join groups and just to stay in the know. Also available on your SMARTPHONE! Find events, parishioner directory, event photos and more.

Phillip AugustynJonathan & Nikki BaileyJohn & Lisa BohannonGeorge & Frances BusovickiStephen & Rebecca ClarkJulie CobbMichael & Melissa CrawfordGreg & Teresa DePauloDon & Barbara DurayMelissa EinwaldJames & Heather GrahamRobert & Jeaneth HaleDaniel JimenezBrian KondikMatthew KromerChristina LeposaHeather LeskoWayne & Diane LouisJames & Audrey Madasz

Robert & Sandra MashBruce & Lynn MazurElise MinickMarcel & Annette MolJoseph & Carol Neff, Sr.Michael & Dorothy NemecNicole OrzechowskiJacqueline PalmerJarrett & Colleen PattDina PertaJames & Carol PerusekMarianne PiazzaDean & Kimberly PlacekWilliam & Laura QuinnAndrew & Carla RossiBrian & Rachel SchaeferScott & Wendy SefcikCarol SefcikMatthew & Hayley Seitz

Upcoming Parish Events

Beginning Thursday February 21, at 6:30-8:30 pm, the Alpha Course offers:

• Warm, welcoming atmosphere• A meal each week with the opportunity for great conversations and laughter• A comfortable setting for prayer• Short learning video segment on a variety of faith topics• One day retreat with people from various faith traditions• Small group discussion centered on the topic presented each week, allowing sharing of

diverse perspectives• Time to get to know other participants and hear their stories about how God has been

present in their life• Resources on the topics presented

Welcome to our Parish Community!A warm welcome goes out to the many families and individuals who have

recently joined our parish community. May you find Saint Ambrose to be a place where you are always welcome!

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 12:28

St. Ambrose Parish has so much to be thankful for. Each of you, in your own special way has given of yourselves this past year to help us become a vibrant, spiritual community. Your generosity and love is seen through all the good work you do. Thousands were provided food, clothing and presents this past year through the Catholic Works of Mercy, Christmas Giving Tree, Thanksgiving Meals, Boy Scout Food Drive and many, many more. We have learned more about our faith and ourselves through Alpha, Men’s & Women’s Fellowship, Scripture Study and Marriage Enrichment. And lastly, the compassion, caring & love we have shown to those who are suffering with illness and addiction, to those who have lost loved ones, and those just needing someone to talk with. We are truly blessed.

As we begin a new year, we often look back on all of the blessings we have received over the past year. Through the good times and the bad, we rely on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to provide direction and guidance as we go through our daily tasks. We have been given so much, and He just wants us to have more. We only need to take time during our busy lives to pray, listen and reflect. He is ALWAYS there. During this next year as we Come to the Table of the Lord, let us take some time give thanks for all we have, and stand ready to help those who need us – and give them rest.

If you are interested in getting involved in our Parish community, please contact Ken Trepkowski at 330-220-6958 or ktrepkowski@roadrunner.com or stop by the Parish Office to get more information. We look forward to seeing you all in the coming year. Again, thanks for all you do and God bless.

March 9th & 10th Men! Let This Be The Time...

Come to the Table with your fellow brothers during this Lenten Season to experience the passion of our faith.

Many opportunities to become nourished, encouraged and challenged through the men in our parish community. Consider taking time from your hectic schedule; spend time relaxing, socializing and enjoying great meals in the company of men of all ages.

There is NO COST to participate and experience the awesome gift of new life. For those never experiencing renewal Come- LET THIS BE THE TIME! The mission of renewal is one of many ministries provided in the community to nourish, encourage and challenge the Men of God.

CONTACT: Deacon Tom 330.460.7322 or tsheridan@stambrose.us for additional information.

Join us as we meet each month to connect over coffee and dessert. Inspirational messages, with Scripture applied to daily life, and roundtable discussions in a coffeehouse fashion. Babysitting provided.

Last Tuesday of the Month: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pmHilkert Hall

Helen Sheridan 330-460-7322Couples Day of Reflection: April 21Speaker: Mary Lou BeersSaint Ambrose is pleased to offer many opportunities to grow and nourish your marriage through a variety of speakers, topics and dates – All to enhance your marriage.

RSVP to 330-460-7322 or hsheridan@StAmbrose.us

6 Week Marriage CoursesSpend quality time together in a private setting allowing you to grow spiritually while enhancing your marriage.

Session I - Beginning March 5, 2013 Session II – Beginning September 10, 2013

Men’s Renewal

Parish Pastoral CouncilFebruary 13 Fish Fry Begins (Join us every Friday during Lent!)February 17, 18 & 19 Father Norm Douglas, Resilient Life MissionFebruary 21 Alpha BeginsMarch 10 Health and Wellness Fair & Healthy BreakfastMarch 15-17 Parish Mission – TetelestaiMarch 16 Bunny BrunchMarch 23 PTU Auction – The Big EasyMarch 27 Passiontide ConcertMarch 30 Easter Egg Hunt and Blessing of the FoodApril 14 Early Childhood Fair

Alpha Course

Latte for Ladies

Marriage Enrichment

“The retreat day was amazing ... for different denominations to come

together … experiencing the different ways people pray. I was very excited

from the first gathering. I realize now I was searching for a deeper faith, and

Alpha was just what I needed.” - Sue Tevis

...a pathway to a closer relationship with Jesus and others!

JOIN US!

The Saint Ambrose Music Ministry produced its second CD, Be With Us, Mary. The CD was released on December 22 with great acclaim and successful results. Additional CDs are still available by calling the rectory office.

The Music Ministry is also currently in the process of planning a musical tour to Italy scheduled for the fall of 2014. The choir will have the opportunity to sing Mass or perform concerts in cathedrals, historic concert halls or at a quiet local setting. What better way to praise the Lord than with your voice and talent? Consider joining the Music Ministry in 2013. For more information contact Tom Bonezzi at 330.460.7337 or tbonezzi@StAmbrose.us

Saint Ambrose Music Ministry

Be With Us, MaryIt’s not too late to purchase a CD! Get your collection of over 20 songs dedicated to Mary.

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Providing EVERYTHING your child needs from preschool and beyond!

Saint Ambrose students receive a complete education focused on values, academic fundamentals and self-confidence from preschool through grade 8. Beyond teaching Math, Science, Language

Arts and other core curricula, Saint Ambrose deeply instills in every child a lasting sense of integrity, leadership and public service. Our teachers creatively utilize some of the most contemporary technologies available to provide everyday, hands-on experience to not only explore but to master new technologies and resources.

Early Childhood Program: (Age 2 - Pre K) exposes children to independent thinking through a variety of social and academic classroom experiences.

Elementary Education Program: (Grades K - 4) students grow in self confidence while discovering their innate talents and abilities.

High School Prep Program: (Grades 5 - 8) empowers independent thinking through personal accountability, dynamic communication and daily work ethic.

As you know, the Brunswick community is a great place to raise a family. Here

at Saint Ambrose School, in addition to academic success, we strive to help lay the foundation for strong catholic roots and connections within the community. Father Bob is committed and passionate about empowering us as a school board, to pursue goals and objectives that will continue to offer our children the best opportunities to grow in faith, knowledge and character. Our amazing teaching staff and faculty are committed to providing the best possible education and work diligently, in and out of the classroom, to engage the minds and hearts of our children in many creative and exciting ways.

We are proud to help provide resources and opportunities for our children through the support of strong community leaders and active board members. We have exciting new programs this year including a reading program entitled Ambassadors for Learning and we are honored to offer a Financial Literacy Program for our junior high students mentored by community leader and entrepreneur Bob Gillingham. Special thank you to Brunswick School for

helping us gather longitudinal data on our students as they transition to high school. We are pleased to have learned that our students are extremely prepared for high school with over 70% taking honors classes in high school. We are please to share that this year our school established a Chapter of the National Junior High Honor Society that recently recognized 18 of our junior high students!

Our commitment to establishing St. Ambrose School and Parish as a cornerstone of Community Faith Based Learning extends beyond the typical classroom. We recognize that all students are strengthened as we strengthen a collaborative effort with our DRE, Pattie Batchman. This year we will attempt to engage and offer all of our parish children, opportunities to explore a Catholic Reading Club and faith based literary resources and activities. This builds upon the relationships formed in Journey with Jesus, Sunday Preschool, Vacation Bible School, CLOW, and other ministries involving all

the children of the parish. We have been blessed with the active and engaged team: Matt Harley, Marlene Antonius, Katie Matuska, Jen Keller, Bob Gillingham, Trish Strazar, John Stibley, Rich Nowak, Stacy Metheney, Kim Harrington, John Ham, Frank Gati, Geza Balassy, Jen Kirkpatrick, Larry Jenko, and Sheri Ricciardi.

On behalf of our team, a big thanks to the Saint Ambrose Community for supporting this mission of Catholic Education in and out of the traditional classroom.

Saint Ambrose School Advisory Board

Saint Ambrose Catholic School Values

Language Arts

Self-confidence

Science

Discipline

Athletics

Math

Critical Thinking

Technology

Leadership

Education

Faith

Friendship

Skills

Values

Language Arts

Self-confidence

Science

Discipline

Athletics

Math

Critical Thinking

Technology

Leadership

Education

Faith

Friendship

Skills

Values

Language Arts

Self-confidence

SCHOOL OFFICE: 330.460.7301

LITTLEST ANGELS PRESCHOOL: 330.460.7361

ADMISSIONS: 330.460.7318 or Admissions@SaintAmbroseSchool.us

WEBSITE: www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us

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IN MEMORIUMEternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Brian BatchmanHelen BeckaFrank BysakNicholas DemetriuLottie DrziakDana DurichkoThomas GigliottiJudith GrahamRobert JasonRita JonilaRosemary KreidlerNancy MichaudJames NovakCarrie OrtizChristopher PatrickKelly RicciardiVirginia RyanStella SerafinPatricia SteffenAnthony SvehlaMary TomanRonald TwaroWilbur Wolfe

Extraordinary MemoryExtraordinary GiftWe hope and pray that St. Ambrose Parish has, and will continue to be, a huge part of your life. It is here that we COME TO THE TABLE and join, as a community in worshiping our Lord. It is this place that we bring our babies to be baptized and to educate our children. We come here to learn more about our faith, and to draw comfort from the Sacraments. We come here to laugh and to play, to weep and to morn. It is often the last place that we bring our loved ones, once the Lord has called them home. Fifty years ago, the first members of this parish sacrificed to set the foundation of what we experience today. We, as a loving and responsible community, want to ensure the future of this parish for generations to come. The St. Ambrose Endowment Fund was established for this purpose………….to ensure the financial stability of this parish for future generations.

There are many ways that you can help us in this endeavor: 1. Remember this parish when a loved one passes………what a wonderful way of

honoring our loved ones. You can specify where those funds are to be spent…..i.e. day school or PSR education, PSR Special education, beautification, and any of the countless ministries, here in the parish.

2. Consider remembering St. Ambrose Endowment Fund in your will. What a beautiful final gift to a place, which hopefully has been a beacon in your life.

3. Consider the Endowment Fund, when planning your annual charitable contributions.

4. Please PRAY for the future of our church, and in particular, the future of this parish.

Future City CompetitionThe Grade 8 Future City team was recently recognized and received an award for Outstanding Use of Water an Energy Source at the Ohio Regional Competition in Columbus. Congratulations Angels!

PTU Fundraiser 2013In 2010 Saint Ambrose began a new tradition of hosting an Annual Auction Dinner to benefit Saint Ambrose students. Sponsored by the Saint Ambrose PTU (Parent Teacher Union), many volunteers come together each year to make the event a success. Over the past three years over $132,000 has been raised with over $10,000 directly benefiting students in need. These funds have also provided two netbook carts that are used by both PSR and Day School students and a new playground for our Parish.

On March 23, Saint Ambrose PTU will host its fourth annual auction and fundraiser. This year’s event will boast a live and silent auction, appetizers, sit down dinner and open premium bar. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.SaintAmbroseSchool.us or calling 330.460.7315 to request an invitation.

For more information about the Saint Ambrose PTU Auction and free tuition raffle, contact Marion Drake at 330-460-7315 or mdrake@StAmbrose.us.

February 17, 18 and 19 at 6:45

Resilient Life Mission:Father Norm Douglas

Are you looking for a spiritual booster shot in the midst of what is a fast-paced, pulled-in-many-directions existence? Do you want to deepen the connection between your Catholic Christian faith and your daily life and work?

Each evening will include presentations, reflection, music and worship.

Day 1: “Awareness of Love as Gift & Responsibility” Day 2: “Commitment to Following His Way” Day 3: “Living a More Vital and Virtuous Life… Keep Practicing”

March 23, 2013

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Lenten Events: Let This Be the TimeStations of the CrossRemember, and pray, the last hours of Jesus’ life.Join us each Friday during Lent at 7:00 p.m. in ChurchGood Friday, March 29: Morning Prayer: 8:15 a.m. Stations of the Cross at North Park: 12:00 noon

Fish FryJOIN US for the best fish in town! Saint Ambrose hosts our 6th annual Parish Fish Fry on Ash Wednesday and each Friday in Lent. 4:30-7:00 - Value meals starting at $4.50 Come for great food and even better company.

Soup SuppersSupper at 6:00 p.m., Speaker at 7:00 p.m.Please join us for delicious soup and great discussion!February 26, Topic: Dying to Live – Speaker: Patty HigginsMarch 5, Topic: Victims of Violence – Speaker: Police Chief Carl DeForest and Nick SolarMarch 19, Topic: Remember the Poor/We are hungry! Speaker: Sandy Calvert

Passiontide ConcertMarch 27, 7:00 p.m.Songs and music which promise to be moving for all as a reflection on the Passion of our Lord.

Bunny BrunchYou are cordially invited to a brunch to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord! Saturday, March 169am-1:30pm, Hilkert HallDelicious brunch will be served including scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage.A beautiful goodie bar awaits you with a wide variety of cupcakes and other tasty treats.Dress in your Easter finest and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny.Create lovely Easter gifts and crafts to share with your family.

Solemn Blessing of the Easter Food & Easter Egg Hunt!Come join our parish family for the Solemn Blessing of Easter Food on Saturday, March 30, at 1:00 pm. Bring a basket containing some of your favorite Easter Foods to be blessed. This wonderful family tradition celebrates the new life in Christ fostering health of body and soul. Foods are then taken home and shared on Easter. Come for the basket blessing…. Stay for the Egg Hunt! Bring your basket; an Easter egg hunt for children will be held immediately after the Blessing of Food at 1:30pm. Rain or shine!

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an opportunity…. . Through it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness and love. We are also called to forgive others. The celebration of Reconciliation calls for personal reflection, confession and penance. During Lent, Saint Ambrose offers many opportunities to be forgiven and to forgive.

Parish Communal Prayer Services: February 20 at 5:00 p.m. and March 8 at 1:00 p.m.

Individual Reconciliation: Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. throughout the month of MarchSaturday, March 16, 10 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.Sunday, March 17, 1:00 p.m.Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.Sunday, March 24, 1:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday, February 13Mass Times: 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 12 noon, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Let this be the time… What better way to prepare for Easter than to gather with family and friends at Saint Ambrose.

“Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:20)

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Holy Week Schedule

St. Ambrose is pleased to be able to offer families the opportunity to sign up as Gift-Bearers for a mass during Lent and Easter. Please “Come to the Table” by volunteering to bring up gifts during this special time of the year. A sign-up sheet showing the Lenten & Easter mass times available will be in the vestibule of the church beginning the weekend of February 3rd. This is a great way for your family to help at mass and share the experience together. If you have any questions, contact Dennis Pastorelle at 216-778-0015 or dennis.pastorelle

Bring Up Gifts at Mass

Holy Thursday, March 28: Morning Prayer: 8:15 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:30 p.m. Night Prayer: 10:30 p.m.

Good Friday, March 29: Morning Prayer: 8:15 a.m. Stations of the Cross at North Park: 12:00 noon Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 3:00 p.m. Living Stations Presented by FIAT: 8:00 p.m.

Easter Vigil, March 30 Morning prayer: 8:15 a.m. Easter Vigil: 9:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, March 31 Mass times: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (church and Hilkert Hall) 10:30 a.m. (church and Hilkert Hall) 12 noon

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

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Sunday, March 10, 20138 am to 1pm in Hilkert Hall.Join us after Mass on Sunday, March 10 for a healthy breakfast sponsored by Marc’s. Visit with area vendors providing free health screenings and available to answer your questions. Gather with friends as we grow healthier, happier in the New Year together.

Saint Ambrose ParishHealth + Wellness Fair

Faith in Action Teens (FIAT) continues to meet each week during the spring semester from 6pm-8pm (dinner included) after the 5pm Sunday

Mass. Students in grades 9-12 are welcome to bring a friend. Annually each spring we have two events that focus on helping others. Our first is the SouperBowl of Caring on Super Bowl Weekend. This event raises funds for the Community Meal for the entire year. The other event is our annual Food Fast. This year it will be a 24 hour Food Fast that will focus on different aspects of Poverty. On March 9-10, say a prayer for

the teens that will be working, praying, and fasting for those who are affected by hunger both physically and spiritually. We thank you for your continued prayers and support of this ministry! If you ever have any questions about FIAT – email or call Alexa Schuele 330 460 7338 or aschuele@stambrose.us

FIAT is Going Strong!

December 2012/January 2013This past winter mission trip was phenomenal. As so many read Fr. Bob’s letters recapping the progress in the Dominican Republic, we received wonderful feedback and support of our efforts. This trip was small but mighty. With a group of just seven people, we, TOGETHER, accomplished great good: physically and developmentally handicapped children received new mattresses; four homes were finished (electricity, painting and plumbing) with families moving in January. On the new site, roads were put in; the walls were built for five new homes; and a community center was finished.

We are poised well for the “new” community, just a few minutes down the road from our original community. Over the next few months we’ll be installing basic infrastructure which most of us don’t typically have to worry about--things like water lines, septic systems and electricity. The dates are set for our summer trip: June 17-24. We’ll be taking a group down to finish five homes, start the foundation for five new homes and, continue performing many educational and medical outreach programs. If you’re interested in joining us for a trip, or looking to get involved while staying home in the States, don’t hesitate to contact us! (330-460-7331)

Mission Possible Lehner Center Re-Opens!Parishioners had the opportunity to view the new addition to the Lehner Center the weekend of December 8 and 9. Three new meeting rooms have been named Matthew, Mark and Luke. A fourth, larger, room, the Fr. McGivney Room, has been designated for use by the Knights of Columbus. The new and improved food bank was also on display.

On Saturday evening, a group of 300 parishioners gathered in Hilkert Hall for a family-style dinner. Fr. Bob Stec led prayers in re-dedication of the new Lehner Center; and St. Ambrose’s talented music ministry group helped celebrate the occasion. Parishioners cooked a delicious meal of appetizers, pasta, soup and bread sticks, served by the Knights of Columbus. Tours of the building took place following the meal.

On Sunday morning, the traditional donuts and coffee were served to more than 400 parishioners, with tours taking place after each morning Mass.

“The weekend’s events went wonderfully, thanks to the committee who organized it,” said Jake Bihari “but especially thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of those who made the building possible.”

GROUNDBREAKING: May 14, 2012

August 23, 2012

August 28, 2012

CONSTRUCTION: August 15, 2012

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: December 8, 2012

Join Mission Possible for the next trip! JUNE 17-24

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PARISHNEWSLETTERWE ARE A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF FAITH CENTERED ON JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS EVERYTHING FOR US

WINTER 2013Volume 4, Issue 1

Saint Ambrose Parish929 Pearl RdBrunswick, Ohio 44212www.StAmbrose.us

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