From Bishop Murry

Dear Brother Priests, Deacons and Parish Leaders, After months of suspending the public celebration of Mass, I have been in discussion with the Ohio Bishops and we have determined that Sunday Liturgy can resume on the Solemnity Pentecost, May 30/31, 2020, following the prudent guidelines that accompany this letter. I am most appreciative of your careful pastoral concern and leadership during this difficult time. I express my thanks to Father Balash and other liturgical leadership in the State for their diligent work in preparing these guidelines. In preparation for the weekend celebration of Sunday Mass on Pentecost, you may begin daily Mass on Monday, May 25, 2020, if you are able to carefully implement these guidelines. Please note that the liturgical guidelines also assume your prudent pastoral judgement and common sense in following the cautions and regulations established by health and government leaders of the State of Ohio as you use these guidelines in your parish. Please contact Father Balash with any questions or concerns you have in putting these guidelines into practice in your parish. As circumstances change and additional information is available, updates will be shared with you. Be assured of my daily prayers for you, your staff and parish community in the weeks to come.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J.
Bishop of Youngstown

Altar & Rosary Rummage Sale

The A & R Rummage Sale has been moved to the weekend of June 26 and June 27. The Garrettsville Community Garage Sale is also scheduled for that weekend also. We are hoping to increase sales by having more people in the area attending the yard/garage sales. Please do not bring any donations to the garage until the end of May. Thank you and look for updates closer to the dates!!

Friends of Melana Virtual 5K / 1 Mile Event

The Friends of Melana Foundation was established in honor and memory of Melana Matson, a Garrettsville resident and St. Ambrose parishioner, who lost her battle with brain cancer in 2009 at the age of nine. The foundation holds 5K/1mile fundraisers for childhood cancer research each year during Garrettsville’s SummerFest. Because of the pandemic the foundation is holding a virtual race event this summer beginning June 11 through June 20. Detailed information and open race registration is now online at www.gopherarun.com. Click on “Races.” Plans are to promote loyal sponsors using the press, social media, the foundation website (www.stopkidscancer.org), as well as on the race t-shirt designed for this event. Shirts will be mailed to participants. For more information contact Norm and Joyce Fashing at 330-527-8093.

Bloodmobile - American Red Cross

Thursday, May 21, the American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at St. Ambrose in the church hall from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Please consider giving the gift-of-life...donate blood.

Local Sunday Mass on the Web and TV

The weekend Vigil Mass from Immaculate Conception, Ravenna, can be viewed live online Saturdays at 4:00 p.m., or "on demand" Sunday and during the week, at https://www.nwntv.com, courtesy of Nightwine Productions, Rootstown. If the video says "Stream Unavailable" or remains blank, please try again later. Also: Sunday Mass from Cleveland Diocese is broadcast on Fox TV 8 each Sunday at 6:00 a.m. Cox Communications Cable subscribers can view Sunday Mass on channel 45 each week at 11:30 a.m.

Televised/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

How You Can Help

James A. Garfield Schools, the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard, SkyLanes and Garrettsville United Methodist Church are feeding Garfield students during the state-mandated closure. Check the food pantry’s Facebook page @NGCCfoodpantry for details.

Monetary donations may be sent to NGCC, P.O. Box 294, Garrettsville, OH 44231 or online through PayPal at info@ngccportage.org.