Spiritual Pathways:  Discipleship Mission Map

Start your journey today by identifying where you are and what is the next step.

• Where do you place yourself on the Discipleship Mission Map currently?
• Where do you feel God is calling you to be on this journey?
• What is it going to take to get there?
• What needs to change so you can make the necessary changes or sacrifices to commit this to God?

Simply select any opportunity below for more information.

Beginning Disciple

Someone new to the faith or someone that has not encounter Jesus would begin.

Understanding the Purpose of Lent

Purpose of Lent –

  • 40 in the Bible represents trial or suffering or a long time of training or testing.
  • Purification – What is still in my life that can’t be in my life if I’m going to follow Jesus?  I need to be purified of that.
  • Enlightenment – I need to take steps to follow Jesus and conform my life after His. How can I use this time in me to make me the person He wants me to be.  How does giving up chocolate make me a saint? Or does it?

Pick one thing in these three areas and be intentional about it:

  • Prayer
  • Fast – The church only asks us to fast on 2 days: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. A fast is about what will conform our heart to Jesus. What kind of fast do I need in my life? It doesn’t have to have anything to do with food. What is keeping me from being present? So consider this in addition to the fast the Church asks of us.
    • Picking something to give up or fast from should not be arbitrary and unnecessary (it is not causing you a problem or getting in the way of the Lord). Choose a Lenten penance that grows out of a need of where God wants you to grow.
  • Almsgiving – how can I allow God to use me to bless others?  It could be time, money, or writing a note or making a call each day.  Pick 40 people who need to hear from you and do 1 each day of Lent.

To learn more about Lent, watch the following videos by Fr. Mike Schmitz!

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at different questions around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome!

Invite someone who has been away from prayer/God/Church to join you in the ALPHA online program.  ALPHA is about a fresh and renewed start in your walk with the Lord.  An invitation may be all it takes.

2 hours. Once a week.

Questions? Email KKocuba@StAmbrose.us or GOboy@StAmbrose.us or DHeilman@StAmbrose.us or call (330) 460-7300.

Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm for 11 Weeks | Starts on January 11, 2024

Baby Bible Time with Caregiver & Me

1st Monday of the Month October – May (2nd Monday in January) | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Fr. McGivney in Lehner Center

For Children ages 0-4 and their caregivers.  Non-Parish members are welcome too.

God’s Word tells us in Proverbs to train up our children in the way of the Lord.  It is never to early to start teaching them God’s way.  Science tells us that from birth to (approximately) age six, your child’s brain works like a sponge, soaking up huge amounts of information from the environment.  Unlike other story times offered, we will focus on Christian stories from the Bible, Christian songs, crafts, and fellowship. Build the foundation of Jesus Christ early in their lives.

Contact Gayle Oboy at GOboy@StAmbrose.us or 330.460.7322 with questions.

Is GOD calling you…to a deeper faith?

Saint Ambrose Parish invites you to join the RCIA journey.  RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is for people interested in learning about our Catholic faith and traditions as a means to discern if God is calling you to become Catholic.

Ladies First

Last Tuesday of the month 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm from September through April, except when holidays call for a different date.

We are ladies from the community who come together each month for prayer, songs of praise, food, growth in faith, and fellowship. It’s a welcoming, pressure-free atmosphere.

Ladies First offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can come and enjoy inspiring speakers, great company, and delicious food and refreshments. Each month there will be a short presentation and guided discussion related to the topic of the month.

For more information contact Denise Daugherty at mathdenmom@aol.com.

Love Dare Marriage Enrichment

Fridays, beginning September 29th | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Mother Teresa (9/29)

Join us for our marriage enrichment program! We will begin September 29th with the Fireproof movie night for married couples.

The Love Dare, the New York Times No. 1 best-seller, was a major plot in the popular movie, Fireproof, and it gives weekly challenges for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love.

Whether your marriage is hanging on by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey worth taking. It is time to learn the keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage.

Take the dare and make your marriage better. 

Download Full Schedule

Contact Gayle Oboy at GOboy@StAmbrose.us or Kim Nemet at KNemet@StAmbrose.us with questions.

Synoptic Gospels with Father Bob

Once a Month on Mondays | 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm | Mother Teresa

Dates: 10/23, 11/27, 1/29, 2/19, 3/25, 4/29, 5/27

Join our very own Fr. Bob for his teachings on the Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke. He will look into their accounts collectively and comparatively and share his insights.

Walking with Purpose: Opening Your Heart

Sessions begin September 19, 2023

Walking with Purpose is a ministry of Jesus Christ.  We exist to help all women and girls to know Jesus Christ personally by making Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church relevant and applicable.

Opening Your Heart is the starting point. This 22-lesson Bible study will take you on an exciting journey closer to the heart of God! Opening Your Heart is an incredibly effective guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart and we encourage all participants new to Walking with Purpose to begin here, regardless of previous experience with Bible study.

Join us as we explore the core questions that we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us.

Women’s Welcome Weekend (Formerly Renewal)

April 13 – 14, 2024

Saturday, starting at 8:00 am until Sunday at 4:00 pm

Do you feel you need a break from everything?
Are you overwhelmed with the business of the day?
Have you felt like something is missing in your life?

Come to Saint Ambrose Women’s Welcome Weekend.

This is an opportunity to disconnect from your daily stressors and reconnect with your faith. Hear about the heartfelt spiritual life journeys of fellow parishioners, sharing what has helped others ignite their faith, and to create lasting friendships within our community. Be refreshed, recharged & renewed!

This event is at no cost, the Parish provides all materials, meals, and overnight accommodations.

Please accept the gift of the Holy Spirit with this invitation to attend!

SIGN UP OR ASK QUESTIONS!  Nelly Quiñones 216-262-0883, Nellypto@yahoo.com

Men’s Renewal Welcome Weekend

February 24-25, 2024

Welcome, A Spiritual Renewal For Men is a one and half day opportunity to get away from the distraction of our busy world, to listen to the spiritual life stories of fellow parishioners, and to create lasting friendships with our community.

There is no lecturing, just heartfelt sharing of things that have helped fellow parishioners ignite their faith.  You’ll be inspired by these talks and be given a chance to relate to them on your own journey. Real world conversation with ties to scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Before you know it, the weekend will be over and your new journey begins.  The sharing, the friendships, the trust in faith, all come from the weekend through your own spiritual growth

This event is held on the Saint Ambrose campus and includes a one-night stay. 

Download Brochure

Growing Disciple

Someone who has encountered Jesus, has a developed prayer life and is still seeking and growing.

Bible in a Year

1st & 3rd Tuesday of Every Month | 12:00 – 1:30 pm | Father McGivney

1st Wednesday of Every Month | 7:00 – 8:30 pm | Saint Ambrose Church

Watch or listen to Ascension Press’ #1 podcast on your favorite app. Bring your bible and journal to each session. 

The Bible Timeline – The Story of Salvation

Beginning October 2023

Wednesdays:  10:00 am – 11:30 am
Morning session only, evenings canceled.

The Bible Timeline® 24 week study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins will show you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and will give you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture.

The Bible Timeline will teach you how to read and understand the entire Bible and introduce you to the wonderful narrative of Scripture in a way that will transform your life.

Book Club

Wednesdays, beginning September 27 | 1:30 – 3:00 pm | Fr. McGivney

Book Club is a wonderful way to grow deeper in your faith.

We will be reading 2 powerful books that could be game-changers for your life and understanding.

  • Be Healed by Bob Schuchts (September – November)
  • Coming Soon Unlocking the Book of Revelation and Applying Its Lessons Today by Michael Barber (November – April)

Download full schedule. Books can be purchased at the class but register to join us!

For more information or dates and location, please contact Gayle Oboy at GOboy@StAmbrose.us.

Centering Prayer

Wednesdays, beginning September 27th (except for holidays) | 5:00 – 6:30 pm | Family Room

This method of silent prayer prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.  This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.

The CHOSEN 3: This 8-week TV series, The Chosen and interactive study guide, The Way of the Chosen, allows you to delve more deeply into each episode as you explore the life of Jesus.

This Faith & Fellowship Group that meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, beginning October 16th at 10:30 am – 12:00 pm in Lehner Center, Fr. McGivney.

Dates:  10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 11/27, 12/11, 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22

During the study we will Readers will be challenged to move from knowing who Jesus is to living out their faith by going the way of the Chosen in the following ways:

  • Forgiving the way Jesus does
  • Going when and where He says to go
  • Grieving what He grieves
  • Standing firm on His words and character
  • Delighting in the things that please Him
  • Asking because He says to
  • Welcoming those He welcomes
  • Trusting His will and way

Dennis Dives Into The Word

Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Join Dennis Koeth as he dives into God’s Word. Dennis will lead his group as they discuss an array of topics and look to the Bible for answers. This is a topic-driven Bible study. Each meeting begins with prayer as we ask for the Holy Spirit to guide our discussions. Participants are asked to bring their Bible.

October 11 – Lehner Center, John
November 8
– Lehner Center, Luke
November 29 – Lehner Center, John
December – NO SESSION
January 10
January 31
February 21
March 13
April 3

For questions, contact Diane at DHeilman@stambrose.us or 330-460-7322.

Divine Mercy Cenacle

Monthly | Second Monday of the Month | 11:00 am or 7:00 pm

We are parishioners praying for the dying. When our priests go to offer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, especially for the dying, you will receive an email with the first name of the person receiving the Sacrament, for whom at that time you will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. As you are able, pray the Chaplet during Eucharistic Adoration for those who will be dying that hour.

We have small groups called cenacles, which meet…
– to pray for and encourage the vocations of the priesthood and the religious life.
– to also pray and work for an end to the scourge of abortion in the world.
– to experience the splendor of our Catholic Faith through the study of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism and the Diary of Saint Faustine Kowalska.
– to encourage members in the exercise of the Faith through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, and to help people to become sensitive to the gift and beauty of all life, especially through the care for the “lepers” of today.

Faith & Fellowship Groups

Meets Various Times throughout the Year

Faith & Fellowship groups are the core of the church. People stay with a church longer if they have roots and friends. Join a group to build your faith and connection with the Church. There are dates, times, and groups for everyone.

Hearts Afire

We are a group of individuals who have consecrated themselves to Mary in order to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. A Parish-based program from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (HAPP) is a bold and fresh approach to small groups, parish-based, faith renewal programs. It is designed to help us live the complete Catholic life of faith, charity, and the sacraments. It is designed to set our hearts on fire with the love of God and neighbor and to inspire us to works of mercy in our families, parishes, and our community. The goal of Hearts Afire is to help bring the parish community more deeply into the burning love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the fire of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

It is a program with three stages:

Stage 1: The Two Hearts
Stage 2: Wisdom and Works of Mercy
Stage 3: Keeping the Hearts Afire

Our next session is focused on Consoling the Heart of Jesus beginning January 31, 2024!

If My People Pray | Prayer for Our Nation

Monthly on Second Wednesday | Noon to 1:00 pm | Chapel

Dates: 10/4, 11/8, 12/13, 1/10, 2/7, 3/13, 4/10, 5/8

Are you discouraged by the news, division and chaos taking place in our great country? It is not hopeless. There is something we can do about it and God tells us exactly what that is. In 2 Chronicles 7, the Father says: “If my people humble themselves and pray I will revive their land”.

Let us gather monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 noon for an hour of prayer for the United States.

Infant of Prague

  • Monthly on the second Thursdays of the month at 6:00 pm (except holidays and Holy Days)
  • Lehner Center, Luke Room

The Infant of Prague Guild are Catholics who promote a deeper love of the Infant Jesus. This is accomplished through the recitation of the Chaplet of the Infant Jesus, teaching school children about the Child Jesus, and preparing small bags for those who are being Baptized. We are a newer ministry who are trying to reintroduce the beloved Infant to our parish.

Membership is open to all Catholics, active members meet monthly.

Auxiliary members, (those unable to attend) commit to daily prayer recitation of the chaplet and are not required to attend meetings but are included in our monthly emails.

For questions, contact Christine Sherman cass71@gmail.com.

Deacon Tom leads us in a scripture study that changes with every meeting.  We open and close with praise and worship music, and we almost always end with Healing prayer.  New members are always welcome.

Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 7 pm in the Chapel.

Join us in praying the Rosary on Thursdays at 6:00 PM in the Chapel. 

You can become an active Legion of Mary member through a balanced program of prayer and service, advancing the growth of faith, understand and true devotion to Christ and His Blessed Mother.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: If you consider yourself a learner or love to read, contact Mary! Mary Vadini | 330.273.1113

Social Justice Issues with Deacon Matt

Once a month on Mondays, | 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm | Mother Teresa

Dates: 9/11, 10/9, 12/4, 1/15, 2/12, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13

Deacon Matt has a heart for the Church’s social teaching and the rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Deacon Matt will discuss the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching:

Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Rights and Responsibilities
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Solidarity
Care for God’s Creation

Walking with Purpose: Touching the Divine

Sessions begin September 19, 2023

If you are returning to Walking with Purpose for the second year, register for Touching the Divine.

Touching the Divine focuses on the many qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality.

Saint John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” As we study, John will teach us how much Jesus loves us, and how His love is the true satisfaction of our souls. Knowing Christ more intimately, as John did, will touch your heart and fill you with hope!

Discipleship Maker

Follow Jesus’ model of making disciples and sending disciple makers into mission.

Faith & Fellowship groups are the core of the church. People stay with a church longer if they have roots and friends.  Help that become a reality by offering to host a FFG at your home or church.  You can pick the day, time, regularity and material.  The Adult Faith Formation Coordinator can help you find the right materials.  Remember you are not teaching.  It is ok to not have the answers.  You are just facilitating the group.  Training is available.

Sign up here.

REACH MORE teaches you to follow Jesus’ model of making disciples and sending disciple makers into mission. During the three years of his active ministry, Jesus chose to devote the majority of his time and attention to a small group of followers. By investing in a few, Jesus used the power of personal relationships and apprenticeship to mobilize a group of people who could carry out his mission and build the Church. This is Jesus’ mission process, and yours. If you have reached this far in the path, it’s now time to follow God’s call to all of us and go make disciples.  This course will teach you how.

If you have had the amazing experience of a Welcome/Renewal weekend, you know what wonderful care and love went into making that weekend amazing. Now it is your turn to give back.  Sign up to be a considered for the next team.  Email goboy@stambrose.us.

Lent Faith & Fellowship Group

Bible in a Year Club

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory

Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Events

Baby Bible Time with Caregiver & Me

April 1 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Bible in a Year Club

April 2 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

The Bible Timeline

April 3 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Book Club

April 3 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Centering Prayer

April 3 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Dennis Dives Into The Word

April 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Consoling the Heart of Jesus

April 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Bible in a Year Club

April 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

The CHOSEN 3: Faith Study Group

April 8 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

The Bible Timeline

April 10 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

If My People Pray

April 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Book Club

April 10 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Centering Prayer

April 10 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Something for Everyone!

Adult Faith Formation & Faith Studies

Wonderful ways for adults to grow in faith and walk closer to the Lord each day!  Opportunities for all adults are below. Find opportunities specifically for women or men by clicking the buttons. Scroll down for upcoming events, groups and resources that are always available to you. May God bless your journey!