Acting as representatives of St. Ambrose Parish we bring support and comfort to those who are facing some of life’s most serious challenges. Sometimes we just say prayer with the person or offer a kind word. We try to remember that we are the Disciples of Christ extending His healing ministry. These volunteers are ordinary people called to minister to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. 

This ministry provides cheer and well wishes through cards, small gifts, and visitations to sick and homebound parishioners.  The Eucharist is provided on a regular basis to those unable to attend Mass.

The essence of this ministry is to listen and respond, to share prayer and sacrament, and to make present God's love and the Church's care to those in need. Performing the vital role of taking the Holy Eucharist to members of the parish who are too ill or elderly to attend Mass regularly and offering prayer time, encouragement, and a friendly ear. In addition, they often pray with the homebound, encourage and listen to them, and share parish and local news. Additional Homebound Ministers are always welcome. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion formation and instruction are required before being commissioned to be a Homebound Minister. Because the homebound are considered a vulnerable adult population, Homebound Ministers must also take part in the diocese's Safe Environment Policy VIRTUS Training (more information available at https://doy.org/safe-environment/). Please contact the Pastor, Deacon Gerry (330-569-4795), or the Office of St. Joseph & St. Ambrose Parishes (330-274-2253) for more information.

The elderly are a treasured gift and presence in our Catholic faith community. They are your family members. They are our parishioners who are no longer able to get to Mass. They are neighbors you visit and watch out for. Sometimes, however, they are lonely, without family near, their only companions are television people. The elderly are not "receivers." They have much to teach and much to give. They are participators in life, at a different stage.

Do you know someone to include in our Homebound Ministry roster?
Could you inquire whether a church visitor would be welcome?
Do you feel this is a parish involvement to which you are drawn?
Are you presently bringing communion to someone unable to attend church?

If you know of anyone who is homebound and may wish a communion visit, please speak with them first, then contact Deacon Gerry Scopilliti (330-569-4795) or call the Office of St. Joseph & St. Ambrose Parishes (330-274-2253). 
The pastor is available to visit any parishioners who would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in their home, at the hospital, or health care facility. Please contact the Office of St. Joseph & St. Ambrose Parishes to arrange.

This ministry provides information and involvement on issues of human life and social justice, such as the Right to Life, assisted suicide, the death penalty, and other justice and human rights issues. Examples of social action ministries personally chosen and provided by individual parishioners are feeding the homeless, volunteer work in social agencies, and referrals to agencies for those who need professional help or emergency assistance.

This ministry provides to the members of St. Ambrose Parish, the Church's teachings, and information about issues of charity, equality, and justice in our parish, community, and world. Parishioners are encouraged to become involved in providing spiritual and corporal works of mercy to those in need through parish and individual ministries. For more information, please contact Judy Macek (330-398-5000).

Community Assistance
Assistance is provided for the welfare of those in need. Examples of parish-sponsored programs are the food collections for the Nelson-Garrettsville Community Cupboard held on the first weekend of the month. First Step for Change and the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Giving Tree programs provide holiday assistance to families in need.  

Blood Drives
The American Red Cross of Portage County holds a blood drive in the church hall every eight weeks. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate. The need is constant – the gratification is instant. Listings of dates and times are placed in the parish bulletin and local newspapers.
2025 Drives (Noon-6 p.m.):  Jan. 16, Mar. 13, May 15, Jul. 10, Sept. 4, Nov. 13
   

Did You Know You Can Schedule Your Appointment Online?
Simply click on Account Login, create an account, and schedule. There’s also a free Red Cross Blood App available for download on devices through Ap Store^SM and Google Play™ (or text “BLOODAPP” to 90999). For more information, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Food Bank Collection
The first Sunday of the month is always the time parishioners show their generosity by “brown bagging” donations for the local food pantry. If you have never donated before, perhaps next weekend you will consider bringing a bag of non-perishable food or cleaning products. Please check the expiration date of the food items before you donate them!
 
Sister Parish
Since 1999, St. Ambrose parishioners have reached out in prayer to the members of our sister parish, St. Rafael, located in the mountains of Chalatenango, El Salvador. Information is shared between our parishioners and the parishioners of this impoverished parish. Monetary support is given yearly to help the members of our sister parish in their ministry. In your Nov./Dec. contribution packets, there is a specially marked envelope for those who wish to make a monetary donation to our brothers and sisters at our “sister parish” in San Rafael, El Salvador. You can be assured that whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated and will help further the mission of the Church in one of the poorest areas of our world.

Respect Life Issues
As Catholics, we believe that every life is sacred, from the moment of conception until natural death. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and so each and every person has inherent dignity. Each October during Respect Life Month, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops launches a new cycle of the Respect Life Program—a year-round, nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and help cultivate respect for human life. As a Church we are called to help create the conditions that will lead to a better life for everyone on the planet and a better life of the planet which is essential to all life. This is what it means to be pro-life in the 21^st Century. The Social Action Ministry provides information and involvement on issues of human life and social justice.