The Ark - Latest Information
The Ark Cafe hours have changed.
Monday through Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 7:00pm - Midnight
Saturday- 5:00pm to Midnight
Sunday - 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Click here to see photos and read about the Blessing of the Ark!
The outpouring of support and encouragement towards the Ark in
the past 6 months has been truly remarkable. It will be nearly impossible to
recognize all those who have become the backbone of the Ark as many are unknown
intercessors, constantly supporting the Ark through prayer and many wish to
remain anonymous in their contributions and generosity.
There are, however, several groups and individuals whom I would
like to publicly thank for their unwavering support of the Ark.
Two of these groups are the Ark Advisory Council and the St.
Mary's Finance Council, along with Fr. Cecilio, for their help with various
events and programming as well as the day to day upkeep and maintenance of the
facility and it's programming, and for working together to get the Ark on track
financially.
I would like to sincerely thank the 2 families who came forward
to donate beef to the Ark. We were only able to accept one steer at this time
due to lack of space, but we are grateful nonetheless for both offers. The
family whose steer was accepted wishes to remain anonymous, and would like the
youth to name the burger. Fr. Cecilio was photographed blessing the steer prior
to slaughter, and the majority of suggestions from the youth indicate that the
new burger will be called "The Holy Cow." So, stop in the Ark for a
Holy Cow with a side of fries!
I would also like to thank the family who donated a brand new
chest freezer to house "the holy cow." Initially they were going to
donate a 14 cu. ft freezer, but the Holy Spirit had other plans. They ended up
donated an 18 cu. ft. freezer, into which the holy cow fits exactly!
I would also like to make a special mention of gratitude to
Jones Meats of Saranac, who through their selfless charity donated the
processing of the steer to the ARK. We are very grateful to them and encourage
you to support them next time you need freezer meat or have an animal
processed.
I would like to thank John Lehman for seemingly being "on
call" for the Ark 24/7, helping us with all of our electrical needs,
whether it's wiring a new circuit for the new freezer, new circuits for roasters
at the super bowl party, or a new circuit outside for the Cruise-In. Thanks
John!
I would also like to thank all of those who volunteered their
help with the Cruise-In. I would especially like to thank Jack Bedenbender for
helping me to fry 230 gravy burgers and for grilling 150 brats, all of which we
sold out of!
Thanks also go to the 4 anonymous donors to the Ark ministry,
who through their donations purchased a new digital piano for the Ark so that we
can better praise the Lord! It will be put to good use!
I would also like to thank the couple who donated a new Nintendo
Wii to the Ark. The youth have already been using that often.
Thank you also to the Breakfast Burrito crew! This is a selfless
group of adults who on their own came up with a wonderful, unique way of
supporting the Ark and the youth while providing a great service to the
community. Think about grabbing some extra burritos for your next camping trip
or on your way to work every Friday morning!
A special thanks goes to the Shock Troops. These are the young
adults who are helping me to implement various programming and who have
chaperoned the youth on trips as the March for Life and the Steubenville Youth conference.
Your zeal for the Lord is truly contagious, especially for the youth! (For an explanation
of "Shock Troops" look on the new Ark website in the near future or
read the book, "The Soul of Apostolate.")
Speaking of the new Ark website, I would lastly like to extend
an invitation to everyone to check out the new site at www.arkyouth.net.
I still have some work to do on it, but it is up and running and has lots of
neat pages, including the Arkives page, where you can check out pictures of some
of the events that the Ark has hosted.
Thank you again to all who have supported the Ark and we pray
the Ark will continue to be a beacon to the youth of our area and beyond!
--Brian Flynn
