May 29, 2022
The Ascension in Brief
Christ’s Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain, whence he will come again (cf. Acts 1:11); this humanity in the meantime hides him from the human eyes (cf. Col 3:3).
Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him for ever.
Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Source: The Catechism of the Catholic Church #665-667
-Fr. Bill
May 22, 2022
“If you are traveling on May 26, that day may or may not be a Holy Day of Obligation for you, depending on what part of the country you are in.”
– Fr. Bill
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord May 29
Your calendar may indicate that Thursday, May 26 is the Solemnity of the Ascension. In some parts of the world it is, but not on the west coast of the United States. Here, this solemnity has been transferred to the 7th Sunday of Easter, May 29. In some parts of the world, the Ascension is also a civic holiday, making it easier to attend Mass. The United States bishops could not agree on the best date to celebrate the Ascension, so it was left up to the different regions of our country. If you are traveling on May 26, that day may or may not be a Holy Day of Obligation for you, depending on what part of the country you are in.
-Fr. Bill
May 15, 2022
“Savoring your last experience of Holy Communion just might help you throughout the week and even deepen your experience of your next Communion. ”
– Fr. Bill
Celebrating First Communion;
Celebrating Every Communion
This weekend we welcomed 24 children to the Eucharistic table. A couple more will be making their First Communion at a later date. We suggested the children continue wearing their First Communion attire for the month of May, so you may see them at our Sunday liturgies.
What I remember from my first communion is fear. Back then, the Catholic school kids and the public school kids have separate programs and separate practices. We came together on the day of the celebration, so the procession was much larger than what it was during the practice. I feared I was out of order in the procession. It was not like what we practiced. That is my main memory. I am not sure what is says about my personality!
What is the memory we want to foster in our children today? I hope they will remember they were surrounded by a community of love to receive the gift of love. I hope they will feel a deeper connection to their families and to their parish family. I hope they will remember feeling close to Jesus.
Your memories of your First Communion may be vague and incomplete like mine. But what about your memory of your last Communion? Maybe during the week it would be good to think back to your sharing in Communion on the previous Sunday. Remembering last Sunday would be a lot easier than remembering your First Communion. Savoring your last experience of Holy Communion just might help you throughout the week and even deepen your experience of your next Communion. Let us never forget the great gift of Love in which we are invited to share.
-Fr. Bill