This ministry is intended to meet the need of prayer requests that are directed to the parish.  There are three prayer groups, consisting of 7-8 persons.  Calls go to the leader of each group and requests for prayers are passed on to group members.  All requests are confidential.  Contact Us Here.

This ministry is to bring Christ to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is not meant to take the place of professional counseling. This ministry will be provided by individuals who are trained to do visits, use social media, offer supportive phone calls and by writing cards or letters to reach out to those who have lost a loved one. The ministry is envisioned to include both one on one contact as well as group meetings.    Coordinated by: Deacon Hal and Father Albert

The purpose of this ministry is to bring Christ to those who are sick in hospitals, nursing homes, independent living centers, other care facilities or the homebound.  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) and other volunteers will visit to distribute the Eucharist.  Additionally these visits can be helpful by reconnecting the sick and their families to the parish and providing relief from loneliness.  Coordinated by: Deocan Hal and Father Albert

Temporary on hold due to COV ID-19 pandemic .
This ministry involves a variety of activities for senior members of St. Ambrose, including luncheons, holiday events and service opportunities.  There is also opportunity for outreach to the Plainwell Pines Nursing Home including social events, movies and popcorn, holiday activities and collecting needed items for residents. Coordinated by: Jan Stycos

St Ambrose maintained a sister parish link to San Gaspar Parish in Chajul, Guatemala for 8 years while the parish was led by Father Santos Perez Martinez. Father Santos has visited St Ambrose on three different occasions over the last 8 years. In January 2015 Father Santos was transferred to Chinique and St Ambrose chose to follow Father Santos there, although St Ambrose will continue to sponsor 13 students in San Gaspar Chajul until they complete their studies.
 
The parish in Chinique is new; although the church is more than 400 years old and the community is a very faithful and engaged one, Chinique had no priest of its own until Father Santos arrived. The parish also owns an old community building and both the church and community buildings are in poor repair. St Ambrose is helping to raise some of the money needed to support parish volunteers who are restoring both buildings and will sponsor students in Chinique as those presently sponsored in Chajul graduate.
 
Father Jim O’Leary, the pastor at St Ambrose, visited Central America many years ago. He reminds all of us that we are part of a universal church that is in communion across national borders and that its important to offer encouragement and solidarity to one another. We offer Chinique monetary support and they inspire us with their gratitude and steadfast commitment to our faith.
 
Bruce Martin and Vicki Nelson help St Ambrose maintain close contact with its sister parish by visiting there two or more times each year. Two delegations from St Ambrose visited Chajul during the last 8 years and future delegation visits to Chinique and another visit by Father Santos are being planned. 

Visit our Sister Parish page for more information.

The purpose of this ministry is to coordinate with the Diocese of Kalamazoo in pro-life initiatives such as annual donations to the Caring Network Playpen. Coordinated by Gail Russell with assistance of Marilyn Thornburg.

1. Paper Supplies 

   • Thank you for your generous donations to all who have assisted the refugees in our community. We need donations of toilet paper and unscented laundry detergent. We will be making deliveries monthly to the refugee communities so please consider making regular donations of these greatly needed items by dropping them off in the basket under the bookcase in the vestibule. We are told that supplies at the distribution center are running low.

2. Rosie's Garden

   • In collaboration with St Ambrose, Lemkin House, Samaritas, Russell Farms, and the Sisters of St. Joseph, a vegetable garden ( 60 ft. by 60 ft. ) was planted , maintained, and harvested by St Ambrose parishioners throughout the growing season of 2020.  The fresh produce from the garden was iniitlaly delivered to refugees throughout Kalamazoo.  Because of the COVID pandemic the produce was given to Loaves and Fishes and Gosple Mission to better serve the community at large.  Approximately 40 lb of vegetables were delived weekly during the growing seasion.  Planning has begun for ythe 2021 season.  Help is needed next year to tend to the garden and deliver the produce.  Contact: Paul Rahn or Carmelie Miado

In coordination with the American Red Cross, our parish hall is made available for blood drives and is staffed by parish volunteers. Red Cross provides supervision and direct service.  Coordinated by:  Marilyn Thornburg