Catechesis and Conversion

Children/Youth Formation

The wise among the people shall give understanding to the many. Daniel 11:33

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word invites the children of the parish to experience Mass in a way that has a deeper meaning to them. We leave the general Mass with a blessing from the priest after the opening prayer and return during the offertory. In the chapel, during our Children’s Liturgy, we, as ministers, give the weekly reading and gospel from the children’s lectionary, a mini-homily and the prayers. It’s a wonderful experience to interact with the children and hear their reaction and response to God’s word.  We offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 4:30 pm Saturday Vigil Mass and on Sunday at the 9:00 am and 10:30 am Mass. For each Mass, there is an Adult Leader that does the readings, the homily and the prayers; an Adult Helper that aids the leader with the children; and a special volunteer to lend a helping hand wherever needed.  The Children’s Liturgy Ministers use a leader’s guide publication to give us a background on the readings and to help us gear a homily toward the children. There is no formal training needed.  We have a special place for everyone who loves interacting with children and we’d love to have you join us…from as simple as supporting and guiding our children during the liturgy to the excitement of putting together the homily and interacting with the children. The more wonderful people we have, the more we can offer this priceless gift to our parish.

Children’s Liturgy (Christmas)

We organize the older children as readers and participants for the Christmas liturgies at the children’s Mass(es). We also invite the parish children of all ages to partake on a large scale in the liturgy.  We are currently looking for someone to organize the Christmas Children’s Liturgy.

Children’s Liturgy (Easter) & Lenten Journey

Our program provides a yearly Lenten theme of classes each Thursday, progressing to the teaching about Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Each week, the children have prayer time, snack time, a lesson, review time, and an activity or craft. We meet from 4:00 pm – 5:30pm each week throughout Lent.  Volunteers help during class aiding the children, and helping with snack. The leader plans the lessons and then coordinates and teaches the classes, sometimes with help from the aides. The leader needs to prepare 6 – 7 lessons for the Lenten theme that year; aides must be willing to help with the children, and will earn service hours as a result (student aides).  Our children, if available, participate in the Easter Sunday Children’s Mass(es) by reading petitions, doing the offertory procession, passing out eggs, and wherever else possible.

Confirmation Catechists

Saint Ambrose offers Confirmation for students in grade 9, as well as for older students and adults. Each year we confirm approximately 160 candidates and the preparation program runs September through April. An integral part of the Confirmation program is the Confirmation catechists who serve as small group leaders. We are looking for adults who can commit to one Sunday afternoon per month and who want to help our young people grow in faith. All materials are provided. Nothing is more rewarding than helping a teen set their life on fire with Christ!  If you would consider serving as a Confirmation catechist or would like more information about the program, please contact Religious Education Office at 330-460-7300.

Faith In Action Teens/FIAT

FIAT is alive! It is our Saint Ambrose Youth Ministry, open to anyone in grades 9-12 who wants to grow, lead, serve and have fun! We meet most Sunday nights (except for holidays and retreat weekends) for an upbeat 5:00 pm Mass, then afterwards for dinner and a FIAT night. We also have two retreats a year, lots of fun social events (laser tag, dodge ball, Kalahari, and paintball, just to name a few), service opportunities, and more! There is something for everyone!  All teens are invited to find their niche and be a part of our Alive youth ministry.  We have a Teen Leadership Core for juniors and seniors who are ready to take the lead.  Be a part of FIAT – make it yours!

FIAT Core Team

Our youth ministry is always in need of young adults and adults who have a heart for working with teens. Our goal is to lead teens closer to Christ! Serving on the Core Team is a year-long commitment to attend Sunday FIAT nights, other FIAT activities, and meetings at least twice a month.   Each Core Team member is called upon to use his or her strengths to do what they do best in service to the teens of St. Ambrose. This often includes inviting new teens, planning events, leading small groups, giving witness talks, or mentoring teens, always having fun while helping the teens grow in faith.

FIAT Tutoring Club (Success in Learning)

Success in Learning is a volunteer tutoring program. Our mission is to help change the lives of students who struggle academically. By offering our time and talents through faithful actions, we are able to help students overcome their challenges.  Our volunteer tutors consist of high school students who excel in their studies. These dedicated individuals rank in the top of their class. Many are National Honor Society members, class representatives and are very active in their community who believe in giving back.

Junior High Ministry

Junior High Ministry is open to all 7th & 8th graders registered in the parish and attending Day School or PSR. We provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership, service projects, social events, and spiritual growth.  Adults & high school students are encouraged to get involved and volunteer where needed on the last Monday of each month, and especially during our summer camp activities. We are in need of honest, creative, and energetic people to support our youth.

Parish School of Religion (PSR) & RCIC

The Parish School of Religion (PSR) is an extension of the educational mission of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, which actively assists parents in the spiritual development and faith formation of their children. As persons involved in religious formation, we minister so that others may grow in Christian faith and experience a living and loving relationship with God. We strive to teach, model, and promote the Gospel values so as to nurture a desire for all to achieve the fullness of life.  Our Catechists and Aides are volunteers who give of themselves freely and devote their time to our PSR program because of their love of children and desire to pass on their faith. All Catechists are fingerprinted, and have taken a VIRTUS training course on Protecting God’s Children.  They have also read the Diocesan Policies for the Safety of Children and the Code of Conduct in Ministry.

Elementary/Junior High PSR: Meets on Saturday from 9:00 am – 10:30 am, Monday from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm and Wednesday from 4:30 pm, – 6:00 pm.  Students in grades 1 though 8 are expected to participate in classes at their grade level.

RCIC: There is a special program for those students who are entering the PSR program for the first time and are in the 3rd-7th grade, called RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children). If the student would like to receive their First Eucharist, they would attend these classes for two years and receive their First Eucharist after completion of both sessions, Introduction to Catholic Faith Year I and II.

Preschool Parish School of Religion: Our program assists children, ages 3, 4 & 5, in knowing Jesus. The mission of our program is to experience God’s unconditional love in an accepting and fun community setting. Our program is geared to the social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of the individual angel.  The emphasis of the 3-year-old program is belonging. Basic concepts of self-awareness and appreciation are incorporated.  The emphasis of the 4-year-old program is exploring. Basic concepts of interacting with nature and discovery are covered. The emphasis of the 5 year-old program is caring.  Basic concepts of people in the world along with celebrations and holidays are explored.  Our program meets on Sundays, September through April.  We meet from 8:50 am -10:00 am. For volunteers and leaders, the time commitment consists of two hours per week. Please join us if you love children, have patience and have a desire to teach our little children about a loving and caring Father!  On a yearly basis, our program celebrates Parents’ Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Special Day and Community Day.

Special Education:  Our program provides religious instruction for both children and adults with mental and/or physical disabilities.  Students celebrate the sacraments and learn how to participate in the Mass.  We meet on Saturday mornings, September through April, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am in the Lehner Center. We have a Special Education Mass in December and April. The students participate in whatever way possible.  Volunteers to work with these special children and adults need to be organized, compassionate and flexible.  If you prefer your student to participate in our inclusion program, please call Pattie Batchman, Director of Religious Education, at 330-460-7300, to discuss your specific needs.

Vacation Bible School

Our ministry sets children, ages 5 – 10, on fire about their faith! We energize them and get them excited to learn about Jesus!  Vacation Bible School is held the last week in June each summer. It lasts for five days, three hours per day.  For volunteers, there will be three additional meetings prior to VBS for organizational purposes. A love of children is a must! Strong, faith-filled leaders are also a must!

Young Adult Ministry

Saint Ambrose Parish would like to develop a vibrant young adult ministry (ages 18-30) in conjunction with other regional parishes. We welcome suggestions and input from the young adults of our parish about what you want, what you need, and how we can best serve you.  Help us create a life-giving ministry to young adults, a valued and essential part of our community!

Adult Faith Formation

Adult Faith Formation is a group of committed Catholic adults who value educational and seek to offer creative and meaningful ways to explore processes and programs that will assist others in their faith journey.  Meetings are as needed, depending on time needed for preparation and implementation of various programs and processes. Throughout the year, we host different events, such as evenings of spiritual enrichment, retreats, etc. We seek adult men and women who see a need and have a desire to help others grow in their Catholic faith.

Catholic Belief Series

This is not really a ministry, but rather a class taught by qualified staff members. It provides Adult Faith Formation on topics of essential Catholic beliefs. Sessions are held once a month during the months of January, February, April, May, September, October and November.  Individuals seeking a leadership role would need to know Power Point and have the ability to teach adults.

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)

Our group is an effective spiritual renewal process which calls together the members of the parish. A team of parishioners is properly formed in prayer and love, and instructed in the total process of becoming committed to spiritual growth and ministerial formation. There are no requirements — prayerfulness, loving concern, and simple service are all that’s needed. Jesus is the medium. As the Way and Truth, attention is called to Him.  Come and enjoy a weekend that leads you to friendship and growth in your personal relationship with Jesus. After the Renewal weekend, you will be asked to continue to meet in prayer, song, and formation to put on a Renewal weekend for the next group of men or women who are called to personal growth in being an active member in Christian community.

Couple-to-Couple Ministry

Couple-To-Couple Ministry is a unique way to touch other people’s lives through your marriage. Our ministers work with engaged couples on their journey to a Catholic marriage. We help prepare engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage. We meet with the engaged couples 3-4 times, in our own homes, before their wedding to share our experiences with key aspects of a marriage. Our conversations generally last up to 1 ½ hours.  Topics that are touched upon include Communication; Finance; Expectations of Each Other, Marriage and Family Relationships; Resolving Conflict; Catholic Family Life.  This ministry is wonderful in the fact that it requires a good husband and wife team with a strong passion for this sacred sacrament. What a great way to bring this community together on such a personal level. Training is provided as a one day session at St. Ambrose, on a Saturday, several times throughout the year. This initial training is for one day and lasts about 6-hours. We meet as a group quarterly.

Jerusalem Lecture Series

Basic Catholic teachings are presented in groups of three week sessions throughout the year. Topics are advertised through the parish bulletin. All adults are welcome. The gatherings will take place on Tuesdays in the Chapel at 7:00 pm, lasting 90-minutes each, including presentation and a question/discussion period.

Legion of Mary, “Our Lady of Joy”

The Legion of Mary is a group of Christians who promote a deeper love of God through their devotion to Mary, especially through the rosary, and through the apostolic works they perform. We seek a balanced program of prayer and service, thereby advancing the growth of faith, understanding, and true devotion to Christ and His Blessed Mother.  Membership is open to all Catholics ages 18 and over, willing to serve others. Active members meet weekly on Thursdays at 7:00 pm (except holidays and Holy Days) for an hour of prayer; plus commit time to individual acts of service.  Auxiliary members, who commit to 20-30 minutes to daily prayer, are not required to attend meetings.  We are very involved with the parish and our community, as we help with: May Crowning with the Special Education PSR; “Bowing Ceremony” for the Feast of the Assumption; October’s “Month of the Rosary” promotion; support Pro-Life activities; assist with Mass once a month at Willowood Nursing Home; recite Rosary at Pearlview Nursing home twice a month; visit families with the Blessed Virgin Mary statue and other activities as needed.

Marriage Course

“How to Build A Lasting Relationship” is a seven week course open to any married couple twice a year. The program is designed to strengthen and enhance the marriage.  The course covers the following topics: Building Strong Foundations; The Art of Communication; Love in Action; Resolving Conflict; The Power of Forgiveness; and Parents and In-laws.  The course is held for a seven-week period, lasting 1 ½ hours each week. The next course will be held September 9, 2009-October 28, 2009.  The Team is comprised of couples who work well with each other and have solid and valid input to offer couples. The course is confidential.

Men’s Fellowship

A series of small group discussions are from the book, Signposts: How to Be a Catholic Man in the World Today. This course is not a scholarly Bible study, but a series of lessons that are focused on issues of concern to men in the ordinariness of their everyday lives. The series are firmly rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The sessions for the men in attendance cultivate fun and friendships within the community, and they learn from one another how to be a better husband, father, son, employee and Catholic parishioner. This is a great group, and men have grown by this experience, and helped to form stronger and happier families and to cope better with stress.  Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Hilkert Hall, Room 4. The group is open to men 18 and older from St. Ambrose and surrounding parishes.

Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)

The mission of St. Ambrose Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) is to assist moms of all stages and ages as they fulfill the holy vocation of motherhood. With Mary as our Patroness, we will meet this mission by creating a supportive, positive, Christ-centered environment filled with prayer, thoughtful meeting topics, and scripture readings.  Meeting dates and times are posted in the Sunday bulletin.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA is the Catholic Church’s process for welcoming and instructing adults on the Catholic faith. It is an inquiry process for those who may be interested in becoming Catholic and who have never been baptized or who seek, as baptized Christians, to become a member of the Catholic faith community.  Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the lower level of the Lehner Center. Classes begin in September and conclude March/April with the Easter Vigil.

Sarah’s Circle

This weekly one hour prayer group is open to adult women of all ages who desire to deepen their spiritual life. Scripture, private prayer and group discussion comprises the one hour gathering. A short guidebook guides the process. This gathering meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am.

Scripture Study

Scripture Study offers adult participants an opportunity to have a verse-by-verse interpretation and understanding of a biblical book. Notes are provided. Participants are welcome to attend all sessions or any of those that fit their individual schedules.  There are two Monday sessions offered for the convenience of participants: Mornings, 9:30 am – 11:00 am; and evenings, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.