St. Ambrose Parish Report Presentation, September 2024
St. Ambrose Christmas 2024
The Jesse Trees in our Sanctuary, December 2024
You will notice that in our sanctuary we have two Jesse Trees, which were set up for the St. Ambrose School Advent Mass. Centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold that a Savior would come who was a descendant of King David. In the book of Isaiah we read, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall bloom”. (Is. 11:1) Isaiah was referring to Jesse, the father of King David.
A thousand years later, Jesus would be called the Son of David, the Saviour, who would save us from sin and fulfil all of God’s promises. There are twelve Jesse Tree symbols on those 2 trees. Each symbol refers to various events and persons that are part of salvation history, which would culminate with the birth of the long- promise Messiah, Jesus. The 12 symbols are as follows: 1) the Apple; 2) the Ark; 3) Jacob’s Ladder; 4) the Stone Tablets of the 10 Commandments; 5) the Grain of Wheat; 6) the Crown; 7) the Key; 8) the Lamb; 9) the Shell; 10) the Angel; 11) the Star of Bethlehem; and 12) the Nativity.
A big thank you goes to our school, for sharing these trees with our parish for this Advent!
A thousand years later, Jesus would be called the Son of David, the Saviour, who would save us from sin and fulfil all of God’s promises. There are twelve Jesse Tree symbols on those 2 trees. Each symbol refers to various events and persons that are part of salvation history, which would culminate with the birth of the long- promise Messiah, Jesus. The 12 symbols are as follows: 1) the Apple; 2) the Ark; 3) Jacob’s Ladder; 4) the Stone Tablets of the 10 Commandments; 5) the Grain of Wheat; 6) the Crown; 7) the Key; 8) the Lamb; 9) the Shell; 10) the Angel; 11) the Star of Bethlehem; and 12) the Nativity.
A big thank you goes to our school, for sharing these trees with our parish for this Advent!
Jesse Tree Symbols
The Apple
We start with an apple as our first symbol. In the Book of Genesis, God loved Adam & Eve so much that He provided everything they needed in the Garden of Eden. But they were expelled after disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit, the apple. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, who is forgiving and saves us from our sins.
The Ark
Next, we continue with the symbol of Noah’s Ark. God instructed Noah to build the Ark to save his family and pairs of each animal species from the Flood. The Ark reminds us that God always makes a way to save His people, just as He did with Noah and his family. Help us to keep our faith strong just as Noah did.
The Ladder
The next symbol we bring up is Jacob’s Ladder, which appears to Jacob in a dream. In this vision, Jacob sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels on it. God told Jacob, “I will be with you and protect you everywhere you go.” The ladder symbolizes God’s presence among His people, and the pathway to heaven.
The Stone Tablets
Another important Old Testament symbol is the stone tablets. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which were God’s laws or rules. God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His journey with God is a journey of faith, obedience and courage. Thank you for the Ten Commandments that teach us how to love God and love other people.
The Grain of Wheat
Now, we present the symbol of the grain of wheat. In the Old Testament, God provides bread from heaven, manna, to sustain the Israelites in the desert, showing how much He loves and takes care of His people. This reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life. We receive the Eucharist, Jesus’ body to nourish our soul and strengthen our faith.
The Crown
Next, we present the symbol of the crown. David was a shepherd boy chosen by God to be a king and rule God’s chosen people. He became a great king because he put God first. Jesus is the King of Kings. He came forth to teach us about the kingdom of God.
The Key
Another significant symbol in the Bible is the key. The key represents the promise that God would send a Messiah from David’s ancestors. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. He loved us so much that He gave us His one and only Son. Jesus is the key to salvation and gives us the gift of eternal life with Him in Heaven. Thank you for the gift of Jesus.
The Lamb
Next, we continue with the symbol of the lamb. During Passover, the Israelites were asked to sacrifice a lamb. It reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is also the Good Shepherd who takes care of His people.
The Shell
Another important symbol is a shell with water. John the Baptist had a special job. He was the one to tell people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. He baptized people with water. He even baptized Jesus. We are reminded of our own Baptism and that we belong to God’s family.
The Angel
The Jesse Tree would not be complete without an angel. It reminds us of the Angel Gabriel that appeared to Mary to announce She was to be the Mother of Jesus. It also reminds us of the angels that appeared to the shepherds to tell them about the birth of Christ. The angels are the messengers of God. An angel said, “Jesus is to be Emmanuel, God with us.” What an amazing gift that is.
The Star
One of the most important symbols is the star of Bethlehem. It is the star that guided the three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. The star signals the arrival of a great King. The star connects us to the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament and in the New Testament with Jesus’ birth. The Star and the Magi’s worship remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. He guides us on our journey to Bethlehem.
The Nativity
The last symbol is the Nativity, the very first Christmas when Jesus was born. It reminds us of Jesus’ family, Mary, His Mother and Joseph, His earthly Father. Jesus, the King of Kings, was humbly born in a manger in a stable. As we enjoy time with our family and friends, let us remember the reason for the season, Jesus’ birthday.
Final Reflection
We know that God was faithful to His promise, a new King was born in Bethlehem. We can exclaim with Simeon: “My eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before all people, a light of revelation to the nations, and for glory to Your people Israel!”
As we reflect upon this beautiful Jesse Tree, we are reminded of our place in the greater story of God’s love, mercy and grace. The Jesse Tree connects us to the past and points us toward the future, when Jesus’ kingdom will come in fullness. May the Jesse Tree inspire us to live in hope, gratitude and faithfulness, knowing that we are all part of God’s ongoing story of salvation.
The Apple
We start with an apple as our first symbol. In the Book of Genesis, God loved Adam & Eve so much that He provided everything they needed in the Garden of Eden. But they were expelled after disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit, the apple. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, who is forgiving and saves us from our sins.
The Ark
Next, we continue with the symbol of Noah’s Ark. God instructed Noah to build the Ark to save his family and pairs of each animal species from the Flood. The Ark reminds us that God always makes a way to save His people, just as He did with Noah and his family. Help us to keep our faith strong just as Noah did.
The Ladder
The next symbol we bring up is Jacob’s Ladder, which appears to Jacob in a dream. In this vision, Jacob sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels on it. God told Jacob, “I will be with you and protect you everywhere you go.” The ladder symbolizes God’s presence among His people, and the pathway to heaven.
The Stone Tablets
Another important Old Testament symbol is the stone tablets. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which were God’s laws or rules. God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His journey with God is a journey of faith, obedience and courage. Thank you for the Ten Commandments that teach us how to love God and love other people.
The Grain of Wheat
Now, we present the symbol of the grain of wheat. In the Old Testament, God provides bread from heaven, manna, to sustain the Israelites in the desert, showing how much He loves and takes care of His people. This reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life. We receive the Eucharist, Jesus’ body to nourish our soul and strengthen our faith.
The Crown
Next, we present the symbol of the crown. David was a shepherd boy chosen by God to be a king and rule God’s chosen people. He became a great king because he put God first. Jesus is the King of Kings. He came forth to teach us about the kingdom of God.
The Key
Another significant symbol in the Bible is the key. The key represents the promise that God would send a Messiah from David’s ancestors. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. He loved us so much that He gave us His one and only Son. Jesus is the key to salvation and gives us the gift of eternal life with Him in Heaven. Thank you for the gift of Jesus.
The Lamb
Next, we continue with the symbol of the lamb. During Passover, the Israelites were asked to sacrifice a lamb. It reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is also the Good Shepherd who takes care of His people.
The Shell
Another important symbol is a shell with water. John the Baptist had a special job. He was the one to tell people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. He baptized people with water. He even baptized Jesus. We are reminded of our own Baptism and that we belong to God’s family.
The Angel
The Jesse Tree would not be complete without an angel. It reminds us of the Angel Gabriel that appeared to Mary to announce She was to be the Mother of Jesus. It also reminds us of the angels that appeared to the shepherds to tell them about the birth of Christ. The angels are the messengers of God. An angel said, “Jesus is to be Emmanuel, God with us.” What an amazing gift that is.
The Star
One of the most important symbols is the star of Bethlehem. It is the star that guided the three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. The star signals the arrival of a great King. The star connects us to the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament and in the New Testament with Jesus’ birth. The Star and the Magi’s worship remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. He guides us on our journey to Bethlehem.
The Nativity
The last symbol is the Nativity, the very first Christmas when Jesus was born. It reminds us of Jesus’ family, Mary, His Mother and Joseph, His earthly Father. Jesus, the King of Kings, was humbly born in a manger in a stable. As we enjoy time with our family and friends, let us remember the reason for the season, Jesus’ birthday.
Final Reflection
We know that God was faithful to His promise, a new King was born in Bethlehem. We can exclaim with Simeon: “My eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before all people, a light of revelation to the nations, and for glory to Your people Israel!”
As we reflect upon this beautiful Jesse Tree, we are reminded of our place in the greater story of God’s love, mercy and grace. The Jesse Tree connects us to the past and points us toward the future, when Jesus’ kingdom will come in fullness. May the Jesse Tree inspire us to live in hope, gratitude and faithfulness, knowing that we are all part of God’s ongoing story of salvation.
St. Ambrose Best Bazaar Ever
October 5, 2024
St. Francis of Assisi
October 4, 2024
Blessing of the Animals
St. Ambrose 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance - December 8, 2018
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - Blessing of the Animals October 4, 2018
St. Anthony of Padua Mass June 13, 2018
St. Anthony’s Bread - The excellent expression of devotion to St. Anthony, known as St. Anthony’s Bread, goes back to the Thirteenth Century. It has been a source of many favors and graces, and has also been of great aid to the poor and the needy. According to the most ancient chronicles a child of Padua, even while the great basilica was building, fell into a barrel of water, and was drowned. In her grief the mother called on St. Anthony for help, and promised she would donate the child’s weight in grain for the poor if she were restored to life. While the mother was still praying, the child arose as if from sleep. This miracle gave rise to the pious practice of giving alms to the poor as a petition or in return for favors received through St. Anthony’s intercession. The practice received its present name from a favor received by a pious girl named Louise Bouffier at Toulon in France in the last century. She promised loaves of bread for the poor in exchange for St. Anthony’s help. Her shop later became a center of devotion to the Saint; the alms of those whose favors were heard were given to the numerous poor families of the city.
Thank you to Il Paesano Pizzeira for donating the bread and also Ida & Biagio Abruzzese. God bless you for your devotion to St. Anthony.
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Corpus Christi 2018
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Happy 10th Ordination Anniversary Father Donatello - We pray that God will grant you strength and grace as you undertake good works for the parish community. May you forever be sustained by His grace and may your life in God's serve always be filled with joy.
We thank the Catholic Women's League who presented Father Donatello with a Spiritual Bouquet and our parish community for their well wishes and prayers.
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Fathers of Mercy Mission -May 2018 Thank you to all parishioners who attended and supported the 5 evenings of the parish mission. A big thank you to Fr. Joseph Aytona who led the mission. May God continue to bless Fr. Joseph in his ministry of preaching the Truths of the Catholic Faith. |
EASTER 2018
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CHRISTMAS 2017
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FATIMA SHRINE 2017
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Martyrs' Shrine, Midland 2016
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Father Donatello's Installation Mass 2015
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