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It is traditional for parish priests to bless chalk for each family so that they may mark the names of the three Magi over their doors, in the blessing of homes as a witness of their faith and protection against evil. After Mass on the weekend of Jan. 7 & 8, 2023, you can pick up blessed chalk in the vestibule, and take it home for a traditional Epiphany House Blessing. Click to see the instructional flyer.

St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op is happy to announce our annual Advent Candle fundraiser. St. Ambrose families will be selling candles following all Masses the weekends of November 5/6, 12/13, and 19/20. Candles are $7 for a box of four 12-inch tapers. To pre-order candles, contact the co-op at [email protected] Friday pickup is also available via pre-arrangement at the same e-mail address. Thank you for your support of this Basilica ministry.

Our 2022-23 Annual Stewardship Appeal has begun. This appeal is to support the regular operation of our parish through Offertory giving. It is separate from the Under One Roof campaign to replace our roof and heating & air conditioner systems. We are aiming for 100% participation in our Offertory by all parishioners. The pledge will be conducted during Mass on October 22 & 23 (Click to view and submit the pledge on our Stewardship page at any time.) Thank you for your generous support for our parish.

Join Fr. Alex Hernandez on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain August 29-September 8, 2023. Follow this Catholic pilgrim path that has existed since the 9th century. See the relics of St. James the Greater, the Apostle. Experience the culture, history, and countryside of Spain. Cost: $4,199. Call Pro Catholic Tours at 508-505-6078 to register. Click for more information.

Autumn Ember Days of 2022 fall on Sept. 21, 23, and 24. While a fast is not obligatory, it can be a worthy and traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on these days. Click for more info at https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

The Basilica is seeking adults aged 18 and up with experience caring for pre-school-aged children to attend the nursery on Sundays from 8:45am to 1:00pm, for $45/Sunday. Reliable attendance is expected on a rotation to include most Sundays and occasional special events. Practicing Catholics preferred. Safe Environment training and background check required. Interested candidates should email [email protected]

We have finally been able to hire two nursery attendants for Sunday mornings! Provided that both our nursery attendants are able to be present, our Nursery is now open during the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses, as well as the class time between Masses, for children under 5 years old.  We are in need of gently used toddler-safe toys and board books. (Please no riding toys.)

We are starting a Saints Anna and Simeon Society, called “STASIS”, to spiritually support people in difficult or irregular marriage situations, including those divorced and separated, who desire to live in communion with the Catholic Church. Now on our Marriage page are Catholic resources to help you or someone you know. If you are interested in being a part of our STASIS network to give and/or receive spiritual support, contact the parish office.

Due to life changes our Trail Life Troopmaster has had to step back. We are in need of a volunteer Troopmaster in order to continue. The Troopmaster organizes the troop leaders, oversees troop meetings. Previous outdoor experience in any capacity is encouraged. Click for more information.  

SEEK is a 3 day conference that will have over 1200 college students seeking an encounter with Jesus while immersed in Catholic community, participating in Sacraments, receiving talks from dynamic Catholic speakers, and prayer. For many students who are on the fence about following Christ this conference is a life-changing event. Please prayerfully consider donating to sponsor a student's conference attendance. Click for more info on donating.

Travel to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey with Deacon Gaspar De Gaetano from April 25-May 10, 2022. Click for tour information and reservations.

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in our country November 7-13, 2021. Please ask Our Lord for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons and consecrated men and women. May they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith community, and respond generously to God’s gift of a vocation.

We are happy to announce that The Deacon’s Table, which was founded by Dcn. Tom McConnell and his wife Brenda, will start back Sunday, October 24th. Brenda McConnell will be leading the group, and she is looking forward to continuing this ministry that they started together. Classes will meet Sundays at 10:15am in Varallo Parish Hall, as they did before.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dcn. Tom McConnell. He died at home peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sept. 28 at the age of 75. Please pray for the repose of his soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please remember Dcn. Tom’s wife Brenda and his family in your prayers. Click here for obituary, homily, and more.

In-person VBS for preK through 6th graders will be held August 2, 3, and 4 from 8:45 to 11:45am. Registration is due to Florence Porter by July 25. Register online (click for registration form) or fill out the printed form in the vestibule. Both adult and teen volunteers are needed. Please contact Florence Porter at [email protected] to sign up to volunteer. All volunteers 18 and up must be certified with Safe Haven.

We would like to be able to re-open the Ombrellino Gift Shop, but we need several volunteers to keep it open on the weekend. Until we re-open, items can be purchased by contacting the parish office 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. For more info, contact Marina Delaney in the parish office at [email protected]

Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a pastoral letter on sin and the worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. You can read the document here: http://dioknox.org/news/pastoral-letter-holy-eucharist

Religious Education classes for all grades will resume Sundays from 10:15-11:15am beginning September 12. We need a lead teacher and an assistant for each classroom. A great way to learn about our faith is to teach it! You just need a deep desire to share the Catholic Faith, and we will support you with the tools to share it. For more information, contact Florence Porter at [email protected]

Trail Life is in need of adult volunteers by July 1st in order to be able to field a troop this year. You do not have to be a parent of a Trailman to serve. Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry for our boys and young men. (Click for details.)

On April 24, 2021, Fr. Carter interviewed Sandy Pricer, Basilica parishioner, and the Founder and Co-Director of the St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op. Click to read or watch the interview and for links to more information about our homeschool co-op.