Father Jack Siefert
Dear Folks:
Items for this week of October 17, 2021:
**HVAC: This is the time of year when the complex has to decide when to switch the air-conditioning to boiler heat in the school, Church, rectory, and hall. This is always a guessing game. Right now the boilers are being tested and service maintenance performed on them to be ready to go when needed. I talked with Greg Maloney from C.&R. HVAC and he let me know that when the boilers are ready to go, he would just need a very short notice when to make the switch. What makes this time of year harder is that the St. Louis weather can turn on a dime; one day it can be 90 degrees and the next day 40 degrees. However, when the time comes for this to happen, the parish will be prepared as best she can!
**Italian Heritage Day: I wish to thank the Hill 2000 and all of the businesses, volunteers and participants who made Italian Heritage Day such a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was perfect, and the joy in Italian Culture was wonderful. Several people asked me whether this celebration will remain at St. Ambrose or go back to Berra Park. I said that I didn’t know but am sure that there would be a discussion—pro’s and con’s—about what to do next year. Personally, I’m fine with whatever decision is made. Since St. Ambrose is an essential part of the fabric of the Hill, I fully support keeping it there; and if the decision is made to go back to Berra Park, I fully support that as well!
**Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: This program meant to evangelize those who might be interested in joining the Catholic Church has now begun. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in joining the faith, please let me or Deacon Joe Fragale know. The process for this program is for people to learn about the Catholic Faith and the community of believers, discern whether the fit is a good one for possibly coming into the Church, at a given point deciding to move in that direction, and then celebrating full communion into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
**Eucharistic Adoration Chapel: Brothers and sisters, St. Ambrose has a beautiful Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in the Church. The goal is always to have that chapel accessible 24/7. Now, how to do that? Well, a keypad and a security camera are being installed on the south parking lot door into Church. When the keypad is installed, this will allow people to gain access 24/7 into the Church to go and pray in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. So, who will have the access code for the door keypad? Well, to get that code, one will have to contact the parish office or a member of the clergy. I would ask that anyone who wants that code please let the office know but please do not give that code out to just anyone; everyone who wants that code will have to be, “vetted (?)”. I’m not trying to be a jerk here but the security is also a priority. Lights will be left on in the Church in the evening for security. When will this all happen? As soon as possible. I’m trying to get this organized before Advent so that the spiritual opportunities for Advent can include Eucharistic Adoration time.
Why do this? Well, to be honest, when I was a kid most Churches were open all day; but then things changed and Churches began to get locked up. I understand the security but also regret that people can’t get into a Church to pray, a Church they support. Hopefully this will work and people can come any time of the day or night to spend time with Jesus. The lock will be secure and the video camera will be on and hopefully the Church can remain accessible. Let’s please be pa tient and try this.
**Scouting Program: St. Ambrose is most lucky to have a scouting program. However, it seems that right now the scouting program is struggling for membership, including adult leaders. I am speaking specifically about the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. I am working with the parish scouting leadership and the marketing director to try and help the scouting program grow. Please be on the lookout for upcoming marketing for the scouting program. What this program teaches young people about respect for the environment, maturity, discipline, and hard work is most beneficial to anyone; it is a wonderful program.
Have a good week!
Fr. Jack