Masses - St. Ambrose
Sunday: 11:00 am
Monday:  6:30 pm
Wednesday:  9:00 am
Holy Day: See the bulletin

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  • Sacraments 101: Why We Baptize
  • Procedures for Scheduling Baptisms
  • Sponsor Verification Form
  • What is My Role as a Godparent?

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  An instructional session for first-time parents is held as needed and coordinated with families' schedules.
  If you believe raising your child as a Catholic-Christian is one of your most important duties as a parent, please contact the Parish Office (330-527-4105) to arrange the Sacrament of Baptism.

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  The faithful may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation each Monday, 6:00 p.m. prior to 6:30 p.m. Mass. Additional times are offered during Advent and Lent as well as Portage County Communal Services.

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  • The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass
  • The Gesture of Reverence for Receiving Communion and Giving Thanks
  • We Dare To Say "Amen"
  • 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving Holy Communion from the Chalice

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  • Eucharist - How We Receive
  • Sacraments 201: Eucharist (What We Believe)
  • 3 Ways to Spiritually Prepare Your Child for Their First Communion

It is customary for children in eighth grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious education (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish-sponsored sacrament preparation program. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every year at St. Joseph's. Preparation meetings for parents and candidates, practice, and celebration are to be determined.
 

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  • The Vocation of Marriage
  • Worldwide Marriage Encounter
  • Retrouvaille
  • DivorceCare

Sacrament of Baptism
 

"Baptism, the door to life and to the kingdom of God…
is the sacrament by which its recipients are incorporated into the Church
and are built up together in the Spirit into a house where God lives,
into a holy nation and a royal priesthood."

General Introduction to the Rite of Baptism for Children
     

                                                               
Baptism (also called christening) is the first sacrament we receive and makes us members of the Church. Parents requesting Baptism for their child must be registered, active, and participating members of the parish. This means that the parents are presently registered in the parish, attend Sunday Mass regularly, and support and participate in the life of the parish through the sharing of their time, talent, and treasure.                                                                                                  
Parents and godparents, if possible, are to also participate in a parish-sponsored baptism preparation class. This meeting includes an overview of the history and theology of Baptism, an explanation of the Rite itself, the role of godparents, and suggestions for creating a Catholic environment at home. Those who belong to a different parish but are requesting baptism at St. Joseph must furnish a letter of permission and verification of parish membership from their pastor.

Have You Been Asked to Be a Godparent or Sponsor?
According to the requirements of the Catholic Church’s Canon Law (872-874), a godparent or confirmation sponsor must have the qualifying criteria outlined here. Before St. Ambrose Church can issue a "letter of good standing", our Sponsor Verification Form must be completed and signed by the pastor. Please allow the appropriate time for this process to occur when you make this request.

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  Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance
  
  The celebration of this sacrament is thus always
  an act in which the Church proclaims its faith,
  gives thanks to God for the freedom with which Christ made us free,
  and offers its life as a spiritual sacrifice in praise of God’s glory,
  as it hastens to meet the Lord Jesus.”

  – Rite of Penance, no. 7

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    Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.   

       -Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

    
    This sacrament brings us God's forgiveness through the words of a priest, makes us holy, and reconciles us with God and the Church (previously called "Penance" or "Confession").
     

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  First Reconciliation

   

                                                                           
  It is customary for children in second grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious formation (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish-sponsored sacrament preparation program. Students in grade two (along with their parents) are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This Sacrament must be made prior to receiving the First Eucharist.

Sacrament of the Eucharist

“The celebration of Mass, as the action of Christ and of the People of God…
is the center of the whole of Christian life for the Church
both universal and local, as well as for each of the faithful individually.”

 – General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 16
 

The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection:  a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.  Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323

Communion is often called the greatest sacrament because 
Christ himself is present in the consecrated bread and wine.

The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the real presence of Jesus in the form of bread and wine. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

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  It is customary for children in second grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious formation (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish-sponsored sacrament preparation program. Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist takes place in second grade for PSR students.

   

•                Sacrament of Confirmation  

  “In this sacrament [those who have been baptized] receive the Holy Spirit
  whom the Lord sent upon the apostles on Pentecost.
  This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more fully to Christ
  and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ
  for the building up of his Body in faith and love.”

  – Introduction to the Rite of Confirmation

                                                                               
  
  Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.    

   Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285

  Confirmation bestows the special seal or mark of the Holy Spirit. It gives those receiving the special spiritual energy to make Jesus known in the world, and the courage to live the way Jesus would like them to live.
  
  Have You Been Asked to Be a Sponsor?
  According to the requirements of the Catholic Church’s Canon Law (872-874), a Confirmation sponsor must be at least 16 years of age, baptized, confirmed and a practicing active Catholic. Please keep in mind a parent may not be a sponsor for their own child. Before St. Joseph Church can issue a "letter of good standing", our Sponsor Verification Form must be completed and signed by the pastor. Please allow the appropriate time for this process to occur when you make this request.

  Confirmation 2023  

  We congratulate our students who were Confirmed on Sunday, April 23, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora. Bishop Bonnar confirmed seventy-six young people from the Portage North Parishes. We especially thank the catechists who helped prepare our students: Ruth Skocdopole, Jeff Botos, Kimberly LeFoer, and Peg Haney. God Bless these young men and women as they continue their journey of faith! Come Holy Spirit! 

  Watch Video

   

            

Sacrament of Marriage
 

"Christian couples, therefore, nourish and develop their marriage
by undivided affection, which wells up from the fountain of divine love… 
[as] they remain faithful in body and in mind, in good times as in bad."

                                   

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.          Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601

This sacrament, received when a husband and wife pronounce their marriage vows, gives the grace for two people to join their lives together until death. The husband and wife perform this sacrament for each other. The priest is only the official church witness of this sacrament. To learn more about this sacrament, please visit The Vocation of Marriage.

Is a Wedding in Your Future?
    

In recent years, the Catholic Church has increasingly recognized the importance of thorough religious preparation for engaged couples before they enter Christian marriage. Couples desiring to be married at St. Joseph Parish are to contact the priest at least 6 months before the intended wedding date. The pastor meets with prospective brides and grooms and by using interviews, questionnaires, and retreats, the parish priest helps them understand the importance of the step they are taking as they enter this lifelong covenant. The bride and/or groom must be a registered, active, and participating member of the parish. This means that the Catholic party(ies) are presently registered in the parish; attend weekend Mass regularly; and support and participates in the life of the parish through the sharing of their time, talent, and treasure. Those who belong to a different parish but are requesting marriage here must furnish a letter of permission and verification of parish membership from their pastor. In addition, the couple must participate in a parish-sponsored marriage preparation program.

One of the first things to do when planning your wedding
at St. Ambrose Church is to contact the Parish Office 
(330-527-4105 or [email protected]).

You'll be asked to complete and return our Pre-Marriage Registration Form.

Engaged couples must contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of the intended wedding date. Marriage preparation includes sessions with the priest and Sponsor Couple.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
 

                                                                         

What is the Difference Between Anointing the Sick and Last Rites?
At times even some "seasoned Catholics" get stumped by the question. Many of us get confused and believe it is the same thing just a different way of naming it. Well, there are differences, and it is important for us to know these differences so that we can better understand and take full advantage of this Sacrament and this Apostolic Blessing (Last Rites).
Most of us usually think of asking for this anointing only when we are nearing death through sickness or old age. However, if this is the case, we would be missing the opportunity for God to heal and help us at times when we might need Him the most - when we are having surgery, dealing with a physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual affliction. It is during these difficult times that we need the Holy Spirit's gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage. It is during these times, as well, that we should seek to receive this God-given sacrament.

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  "The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare
  of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise…
  since then, the Church has never ceased to celebrate this sacrament
  for its members by the anointing and prayer of its priests,
  commending those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord…"

  General Introduction to the Pastoral Care of the Sick

                                                        
  This sacrament (like all sacraments) is a community celebration. It is for those with sickness whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. Anointing is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death but is intended for those asking for the healing touch of Christ. Today we are all aware that tension, fear, and anxiety not only affect our minds but our body as well. Anyone wishing to receive the Sacrament of Anointing is welcome to remain after Mass for this special blessing. The parish typically holds an Anointing of the Sick opportunity annually. Elderly people and people whose health is seriously impaired are urged to come and celebrate together in this Eucharistic liturgy. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is an action of the community whereby all members are concerned for one another. St. Paul tells us, "As one member suffers, all suffer, and as one member shares in the joy of the Sacrament, all share in the joy of the Sacrament." The group, coming together for communal anointing, is a great sign of a concerned community celebrating a joyful Sacrament. The parish typically holds the Anointing of the Sick Masses annually. 
  
  We pray for those that are sick or need healing whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. This sacrament of healing derives from the ministry of Jesus and has been practiced in the Church from its earliest days as we find recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. It calls upon the power of the Holy Spirit, the prayer of the believing community, the ministry of the ordained, and the baptismal faith of the individual presented for anointing. This sacrament carries the promise of the strengthening presence of God who says to the sick, "Be not afraid. I am with you." Further, when the Anointing is celebrated in a Eucharistic Liturgy, our communion in the Body of Christ is both affected and witnessed. "You are not alone," Christ speaks through his Body, both in sacrament and in the people of God.
  
  Reasons to ask for the anointing include having a chronic illness, mental or emotional illness, the infirmity of old age, impending surgery, a condition of permanent or temporary disability, or diagnosis of serious ill health.
  
  By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.      Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
  
  The Oil of the Sick

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  The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.

  Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.  
  The Anointing of the Sick is available upon request. If hospitalized, please notify the rectory. The Eucharist is distributed regularly to the homebound by the priest and Eucharistic Ministers.
  
  Last Rites - Last Blessing
  The Last Rites, on the other hand, are the last rites a person receives on this earth. The Last Rites can include three Sacraments:  Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist or viaticum, which means “food for the journey.” These may be administered at one visit or on separate occasions, and although a lay person may administer viaticum, Reconciliation and Last Rites must be done by a priest.
  
  If a person close to death is not able to communicate or swallow, the Last Rites may consist of only the Sacrament of Anointing. Since death is close, the priest may include special prayers for the dying.
  
  After the administration of the sacrament of anointing, the last rites, which is an apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person, are performed. The apostolic blessing is given along with the anointing and that is considered the last rite, since it is, most likely, the last time the person will receive it.

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  "Loving and merciful God,
  we entrust our brother/sister to your mercy.
  You loved him/her greatly in this life;
  now that he/she is freed from all its cares,
  give him/her happiness and peace forever.
  Welcome him/her now into paradise,
  where there will be no more sorrow,
  no more weeping or pain,
  but only peace and joy
  with Jesus, your son."

Sacrament of Holy Orders and Religious Life


 

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus, it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.   Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536

This sacrament gives priests the power to forgive sins, anoint the sick, change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, and perpetuate Jesus' sacrifice, which is the Mass. Through Holy Orders, priests and bishops receive the Spirit's grace to guide the church and take care of the people of God. For information on religious life, please contact the Diocese of Youngstown's Director of Vocations, Rev. Scott Kopp, or visit the Diocese Vocations website.                                       

                                                                                                   

What Is Religious Life?
Religious life deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord is a gift of God to the Church. It is a lifestyle to which one freely responds to the call of the Holy Spirit to follow Christ with an undivided heart by leaving everything behind in order to be with Christ and to put oneself as he did at the service of God and his/her brothers and sisters.

Men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or permanent diaconate and women discerning a call to religious life are invited to call the rectory.
 

• Funerals
  
  

  “The Church through its funeral rites
  commends the dead to God’s merciful love
  and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins…
  [and] brings hope and consolation to the living.”

  – General Introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals, nos. 6-7
   

  The staff at St. Ambrose will assist you in every way in planning the funeral for your loved one. Our Funeral Planning Guide will help you choose appropriate readings and music, and a meeting with the pastor or a member of the staff will help you complete the liturgy planning process. You may also choose to have a visitation at the church prior to the Mass. Free use of St. Ambrose Hall is available (schedule permitting) as a way of expressing our support in your time of sorrow.

  Please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible after the death of your loved one so that we may help you during your time of sorrow. One of the first steps for a Roman Catholic is to contact a priest so that the last rites can be administered. The standard procedure for a funeral at St. Ambrose Church is that a funeral director works with parish staff to set up the details of the visitation, funeral Mass or liturgy, luncheon, and interment. Normally the procedure is that, after news of death, the funeral home is contacted first. The funeral home will then contact the Parish Office to determine times and dates for a funeral Mass/Liturgy. The family will meet with the funeral director. Family members should then contact the Parish Office (330-527-4105) to arrange for a meeting with the priest or pastoral minister to help choose scripture readings, hymns, and other details of the funeral liturgy.

  Funeral Planning Steps

  • Contact Parish to notify of the death

  • Set up a meeting with the funeral home director to make arrangements

  • Choose Readings (one Old Testament, one New Testament, Gospel)
    & readers

  • Choose Music (Opening Song, Responsorial Psalm, Preparation Song, Communion Song, Processional or Closing Song)

  • Choose people to bring forward the gifts at Communion time

  • Decide if someone will say Remarks of Remembrance

Plan luncheon or reception arrangements
 

Stipends

• All parishioners are entitled to our ministries without charge. Also, we would not exclude anyone who is not formally registered or has not been able to contribute financially to the parish. However, you may make arrangements with your funeral director for the customary offerings:
•  Offering to the presider: $150.00
•  Offering to the church: $100.00
•  Offering to the parish musicians (pianist & cantor): $100.00 each 
•  Viewing at the church: $150