Home

he Ascension of the Lord

May 20th, 2012

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION

The theological unity, or perhaps even the temporal experience of the early community, made it seem that Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension were inseparable aspects of a single mystery. Only in the later writings of Luke and John has further theological reflection helped the Christian community to distinguish different dimensions of the mystery. Liturgical tradition has followed the forty-day chronology formulated by Luke. We would miss the point, however, if we were to demand a precise historical chronology of events such as the Resurrection-Ascension that are primarily spiritual in nature and that clearly surpass the bounds of time and space as we know them.

What is important for us to grasp is the significance of the Ascension. For Luke, it is the decisive turning point that marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples’ Spirit-led ministry and thus the ministry of the whole church down to our own day.

SUNDAY’S READINGS
(May 20th, 2012)

First Reading — Jesus tells the disciples that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:1-11).

Psalm — God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord (Psalm 47).

Second Reading — God seated Jesus at his right hand in the heavens (Ephesians 1:17-23) or Ephesians 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13].

Gospel — The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven. (Mark 16:15-20).

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Links Courtesy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website
( May 14th to May 20th 2012)

Monday: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Jn 15:9-17

Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11

Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22 -- 18:1; Jn 16:12-15

Thursday: Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20 (for Ascension);
or Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20

Friday: Acts 18:9-18; Jn 16:20-23

Saturday: Acts 18:23-28; Jn 16:23b-28

Sunday: Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26; Ps 103; 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 17:11b-19 or for Ascension
Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23 or
Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Monday: St. Matthias
Tuesday: St. Isidore
Thursday: The Ascension of the Lord (unless transferred to Sunday)
Friday: St. John I
Saturday: Armed Forces Day

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Today’s celebration varies from place to place. In some parts of the United States, people gather for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, while other places celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Several years ago, regions of bishops were permitted to decide whether to retain Ascension Day on Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter, or to move the celebration to the nearest Sunday. This new flexibility in the Christian calendar has to do with the desire to gather the Church to celebrate its central feasts fully, and with the Eucharist. Increasingly, as priests serve remote and scattered parishes, this is not always possible mid-week.

The Ascension is a key moment for grasping what life in Christ is all about. It is not about a departure, but rather a plan for presence. We who are nourished by the Lord’s body and blood in the Eucharist are transformed to be his abiding presence in the world. That is a truth so worth celebrating that we can adjust our calendar in order that the fullest possible gathering of the Church can be achieved.

MONDAY – May 14th

8:00 AM Mother’s Day Novena

5:30 PM Mother’s Day Novena

TUESDAY – May 15th

8:00 AM Mother’s Day Novena

5:30 PM Mother’s Day Novena

WEDNESDAY – May 16th

8:00 AM Mother’s Day Novena

5:30 PM Mother’s Day Novena

THURSDAY – May 17th

8:00 AM Mother’s Day Novena

5:30 PM Mother’s Day Novena

FRIDAY – May 18th

8:00 AM Mother’s Day Novena

5:30 PM Mother’s Day Novena

SATURDAY – May 19th

4:00 PM †Robert Dominguez by the Dominguez Family

6:00 PM †Socorro/Maria Gpe/Estela by the Valencia Family

SUNDAY – May 20th

7:00 AM Pro Populo

9:00 AM †Oralia Andrade by her Family

11:00 AM Intentions of Jimmy Gonzalez by his Mother

1:00 PM †Guadalupe Alvarez by Family

5:00 PM Int. of Valerie McGregor by the Ruiz Family

7:00 PM Community Mass

Scheduke of Weekend Ceremonies

Thur, May 3rd – Fri, May 4th

Thurs: 6:00 PM CONFESSIONS

Fri: 6:00 PM CONFESSIONS

Saturday, May 5th

9:00 AM – English Baptisms

11:00 AM – First Holy Communions - Spanish

1:00 PM – Wedding

2:15 PM – Wedding

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASSES

Baptism preparation classes are offered in English and Spanish on Mondays. Please call the office for more information. Registration fees to attend class are accepted in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only.

Joel Bañuelos & Jessica Zamora		May 19
Mark Torres & Angela Avalos		May 19
Juan Medina & Adriana Ramirez		May 26
Jaime Hernandez & Maria Aviña		June 2
Claudio R. Moncada & Miriam Machorro		June 9

Parish Improvement and Development Fund Collection THANK YOU To Those Who Have Contributed To Our Painting Fund!

We would like to start a new project to paint the Church, bathrooms, parish office, and the religious goods store. We anticipate that cost to be approximately $35,000.00. If you would like to make a contribution, you can contact John Kauffman or Father Miguel. Once again, thank you for your generosity and helping improve our parish by making it more welcoming for everyone.

The Ascension of the Lord
May 20, 2012
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.
— Mark 16:16

LITTLE THINGS
Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.
—St. John Chrysostom

THE LOAN
We didn’t inherit the earth from our parents. We’re
borrowing it from our children.
—Chief Seattle

SILENCE
Silence is a gift of God, to let us speak more intimately with God.
—St. Vincent Pallotti

AT WORK
Christianity is the spirit of Jesus Christ at work in the world.
—Anonymous

WINGS
Faith furnishes prayer with wings, without which it cannot soar to Heaven.
—St. John Climacus

CHURCH
God sends no churches from the skies, Out of our hearts they must arise.
—Anonymous

RCIA’S LITTLE BOOK SALE

The ‘Little Books’ are here again in time for the season of Lent! They will be on sale after selected Masses in February, or if you wish, you may call the RCIA ministry office at 327-7715 and leave a message to place your order.

Ramon Gonzalez	Jose Cervantes	Donald LaPan
Carlos Rodriguez	Luis Zepeda	Esteban Lopez
Sofia Jimenez	Tony Ortega	Mrs. Leroy
Celeste Valenzuela	April	Gloria Godinez
Chief & Maria Juarez	Lula Sanchez	Janelle Rivas
Andi Monroe	David DeSantiago	Refugio Marquez