Solemnity of The Ascension of The Lord

My dear friends in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of The Ascension of The Lord which has been transferred from Thursday, May 13, 2021 to Sunday, May 16, 2021, replacing the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This change is only for the present year. Jesus ascended into heaven on the 40th day after His Resurrection. The Feast of The Ascension ranks with Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost in the universality of its observance among Christians. For Christians, the meaning of The Ascension is derived from the belief in the glorification and exaltation of Jesus following His death and Resurrection. The Apostle John writes that this indicates a new relationship between Jesus and His Father and between Him and His followers, rather than a simple physical relocation from earth to heaven. One distinct feature of the liturgy of this Feast is the extinguishing of the Paschal candle, first lit on Easter, after the Gospel has been read, as a symbol of Christ’s leaving the earth. Christ was lifted up into heaven so that He might make us partakers of His Godhead. May the Risen Lord guide us and remain with us always!

Please keep Deacon Mike Hagan in your prayers as he celebrates his 18th Anniversary to the Diaconate. Please keep all of the Deacons to be ordained on May 15, 2021 in St. Mary’s Cathedral in your prayers. ACA update: We are getting close to half-way in meeting our Parish goal of $50,000. If you have already made a pledge, thank you sincerely. If you haven’t and would like to, there are cards available in the Sacristy and on-line at www.dioceseoftrenton.org.

May God bless you all,

Father John