MILAN, IL – November 2017 –Not only will St. Ambrose Catholic Church (312 West First Street) be showcasing its renovations during a Community Open House on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, but its pastor will also be shedding his three-year old beard.
“In October 2014, I promised the congregation I would not shave until we had handicap access,” said Fr. Charles Klamut. “Looks like it turned into a little more than I bargained for.”
Fr. Klamut is the ninth pastor assigned to the parish and has been a driving agent for improvements at the agent parish since his assignment in 2014. Fr. Klamut is also pastor at St. Patrick’s in Andalusia.
A raffle with $10 chances was held at both parishes to determine who would get to take the scissors to Fr. Klamut’s beard. Don Hall was the lucky winner. A barber will complete the job.
“The Open House seemed a good time to do it,” Fr. Klamut explained, “since it is a fun feature of the project and lots of people will be there.”
“We’re eager to show off our updated facilities,” said Fr. Charles Klamut, pastor at St. Ambrose. “We also want to welcome and show hospitality to our neighbors and build relationships for blessing the neighborhood.”
The evening will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. From there, visitors can see the completed work. Across the parking lot, in the Parish Center, there will be light refreshments and stories shared by some of our parishioners. From 6 - 8 pm, music will be provided the Manny Lopez Quintet in the gym, while a dozen of our church groups will share their mission.
There is no cost to attend, though non-perishable food donations for the local food pantry are welcome.
For more information about the community open house, please contact the St. Ambrose Parish Office at 309-787-4593 or stambrosemilan@gmail.com.
About St. Ambrose
Serving the Catholic community and advancing the Kingdom in Milan, Illinois since 1925.
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