50/50 Raffle

Beginning in October, different groups of the Parish Family of St. Ambrose will be sponsoring a monthly 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $1 each, or 6 tickets for $5 and will be sold after Mass (or contact Gloria in the Rectory). The drawing will be held on the last day of the month and the prize is 1/2 of ALL donations received!

Blessing of Animals

The annual Blessing of Pets will take place Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph and 10:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose. October 4 is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of pets and animals. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the parish grounds in honor of his feast and in thanksgiving for the companionship, love and devotion our pets give us.

Life Chain

Since the 1980’s many communities have held a Life Chain whereby people concerned for the lives of unborn children stand along a busy street in their town for about an hour while praying and holding signs with pro-life messages. Life Chains have been known to take place in many towns throughout the Diocese of Youngstown, including Alliance, Boardman/Youngstown, Canton, Ravenna, and Warren. This year’s Life Chains will take place Sunday, Oct. 4. For details go to: www.lifechain.net.

Are You Registered?

To avoid problems or misunderstandings, especially when planning baptisms, marriages, etc., be sure that you are registered and active. To register, call the rectory at 330-527- 4105. One way to show you are active means to use your weekly contribution envelopes. That way, the computer will not deactivate you.

~A Prayer for Our New Bishop~
Almighty God, eternal shepherd and guide,
in your love for us, grant to the Diocese of Youngstown
a shepherd who will lead us to be Christ’s heart
of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice.
Help him to fill our minds and hearts with the truth
of the Gospel, the power of the sacraments and the
desire to build up your holy Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Engaged Couple Retreat Day

The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturdays, Sept. 19 and Oct. 24 at St. Columba Cathedral Hall, Youngstown. Reservations are required. Social distancing protocols will be followed. Registration information may be found at www.doy.org; go to the “Ministries” drop-down menu and press on “Pro-Life, Marriage & Family Life.” For more information on these, and other opportunities for marriage preparation formation, contact dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330- 744-8451, ext. 272.

Dispensation To Attend Mass Continues

In light of the current health circumstance, the temporary dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all Catholic faithful within the Diocese of Youngstown especially for those who are sick, or at high risk of becoming sick remains. Anyone who is symptomatic or who has been exposed to another with the virus within 14 days should not attend Mass in accordance with national, state and local health directives.

Face Masks

Although the Diocesan Directives and Guidelines do not mandate the wearing of masks while attending Mass, it is strongly encouraged that everyone please try to do so (unless you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask).

Safe Environment Protocols

As we continue our efforts to continue to provide a safe environment for worship you are kindly reminded of the following:

When finding your seat for Mass, please move into the center of the row so that others can fill in the same row without having to pass by.

Remember to keep a safe-distance between you and the person in front of you when coming forward for Holy Communion.

Please remove your face covering before receiving Holy Communion to ensure proper reverence and avoid the possibility of dropping the host.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience! Together help us maintain a safe environment for all attending.

Spiritual Communion via Televised or On-Line Mass

The Act of Spiritual Communion is made when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion at Mass. The way to make an Act of Spiritual Communion is listed below and can be adapted based upon personal and family needs:

1. Gather with others in your household and begin a time of prayer with the sign of the cross.
2. Watch Mass on television or on-line, or if unable, take time to read and reflect upon the readings from Sunday Mass. Scripture readings can be found at www.usccb.org. A schedule of televised Mass is available at www.doy.org under Media tab.
3. Share prayer intentions quietly or aloud.
4. Pray the Lord’s Prayer.
5. Offer a prayer for healing, strength, or forgiveness or any prayer available during the coronavirus pandemic. If viewing Mass, offer a prayer during the normal time of Communion.
6. Close with the sign of the cross.

Prayer For Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the
Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire
to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive
you sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.

Letter from Father Ed
Current Guidelines for the Parish