c hurch of the a scension · 2020-07-07 · have some summer fun during this pandemic mixed with...

scension hurch of the A C

9510 W. 127th St. • Overland Park, KS 66213

(913) 681-3348 • www.kcascension.org • [email protected]

Sunday Masses Saturday: 4:30pm, 6:30pm Parking Lot, (Weather Permitting) Sunday: 8:15am., 10:00am., 11:45am, 5:00pm,

Weekday Mass Monday-Friday: 7:00am, 12:00pm Saturday: 8:30am

Eucharistic

Prayer TimE Monday-Friday: 12:30pm-8:00pm

Reconciliation Thursday: 6:30pm-7:30pm Saturday: 3:00pm-4:00pm

Baptisms Please contact the parish office or website for information and scheduling.

Marriage Couples should contact one of the parish priests at least six months prior to the wedding date Annulments: Contact Fr. Tom or Fr. Viet

Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-4:00pm Friday: 8:30am-12:00pm

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ASCENSION THIS WEEK

Church of the Ascension 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 26, 2020

STEWARDSHIP

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Do you really trust God? Do you really believe that God will provide all that you need? Faith is a challenge for everyone at times. Putting our trust in God, in everything we do, in good times and in bad, means that God’s plan for our lives may be quite different than what we planned. When one door closes, another one opens. Trust in God, His plan is always better.

Weekly Offertory: July 18-19 $ 35,626.00

Monthly Autodebit: June $207,944.81 695 Families on Autodebit

Fiscal YTD: June, 2020 $6,339,903.18

Registered Families 3,316

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, July 26 AA Mtg., St. John Rm., 1:00PM Al Anon, Zoom Mtg., 4:00PM Monday, July 27 Boy Scout Troop Mtg., Soccer Field, 7:00PM

Tuesday, July 28 8th Grade Graduation Mass, Church, 9:00AM Shalom House Dinners, Offsite, Deliver desserts by 3:00PM Project Chrysalis Via Zoom Mtg., 7:00PM Wednesday, July 29 AA Mtg., St. John Rm., 7:00PM Thursday, July 30 No events scheduled.

Friday, July 31 Men of Ascension, St. Mark Rm., 6:00AM Saturday, August 1 School Supply Drive, All Day, Gathering Area Legion of Mary, St. Luke Rm., 6:15AM Public Square Rosary, Parking Lot, 12:00PM

Sunday, August 2 School Supply Drive, All Day, Gathering Area Baptisms, Church, 1:00PM AA Mtg., St. John Rm., 1:00PM Al Anon, Zoom Mtg., 4:00PM

MEN OF ASCENSION July 31, 6:00AM St. Mark Rm.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE August 1-2, All Day Gathering Area

Please see Page 3 for additional information.

PRO-LIFE VIDEO

Live Action video has produced a powerful pro-life video that addresses the Value Them Both Amendment; it features Dustin Colquitt (Chiefs punter for 15 years.). The video is a little over 2 minutes. Here is the video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ1XtrlShPQ Please watch this video and share with your friends.

VIRTUAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) LAST WEEK

This program is only available one more week for anyone who would like to take advantage of it. Just go to the front page of the website, kcascension.org, to get the log-in access.

PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY August 1, 12:00PM Parking Lot

Come join us as we pray the Rosary for God’s help with our country and its leaders with adopting God’s plan. The United States is suffering from our country's secularism attempts to remove God from our society. The public rosary is held the first Saturday of each month at noon.

SHALOM HOUSE Sign Up Today! July 28 by 3:00PM Drop Off St. John Hallway Entrance

Shalom House dinners are back! Shalom House is the only homeless shelter for men in Kansas City, Kansas. We serve dinner and bake desserts for our homeless brothers at Shalom House on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Our next date is Tuesday, July 28. If you feel called to serve, please go to the Church of the Ascension website at kcascension.org, and click on the bookmark Volunteer Signups, then click on Shalom House, to help serve or bring desserts.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS MEETING July 28, 7:00PM Via Zoom

Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope through Sacred Scripture and community to parents/grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. While this ministry is not a bereavement group, our mission is to offer support and hope through scripture in a time of transformation. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, July 28, via Zoom. Deacon Ken Billinger is our speaker for the evening. For more information and the Zoom invitation link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at 913-634-4210 or email [email protected]. The group is open to parents who have lost a child or grandparents who have lost a grandchild.

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DRIVE UP FOOD COLLECTION AUGUST 8, 10:00AM-2:00PM

PARKING LOT

The Ascension Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities is offering an opportunity to help feed the hungry in our community. On Saturday August 8, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, we are hosting a “drive up” food collection. The Catholic Charities truck will be in the Ascension parking lot. Just pull your car up and “pop” the trunk and our volunteers will take your food donations and load them into the truck! Thank you so much for your generosity!

The items needed most continue to be: macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pancake mix, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice, canned meat, canned tomatoes, canned black beans, canned tomato soup, canned tuna, canned peas and canned fruit. For questions, call Joe or Johnette Martin 913-481-8663.


FRESH CANTALOUPE AND WATERMELONS FOR SALE August 9, following 8:15AM, 10:00AM and 11:45AM Masses Parking Lot

The Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ in Kansas City, Kansas are selling delicious hand cultivated cantaloupe in the Ascension parking lot after the morning Masses (8:15am, 10:00am and 11:45am) on Sunday, August 9. A limited number of watermelons will also be available for purchase. The sisters are very grateful for your support.

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ST. MARY’S FOOD KITCHEN August 14, Before 9:00AM Drop off by St. John Rm. Hallway Entrance

We need your help!! Due to the COVID-19 virus, St. Mary's Food Kitchen has discontinued their hot meal service for the homeless in our communities. In lieu of the hot dinner, sack lunches are being distributed to the hungry to take with them.

How can you help? We are looking for 15 individuals who are willing to commit to making 15 sack lunches. This will entail shopping for food items, preparing the sandwiches, assembling and delivering completed sack lunches to the hallway located outside of the St. John Room no later than 9:00am on August 14. A driver(s) will deliver the lunches to the food kitchen for further disbursement. To volunteer or for further information, please call Dee Winters at 913-681-6112.

Suggested lunch items are as follows: bread of any kind (except bread that is very dark or heavily seeded), ham, roast beef, chicken, turkey, lunch meat, cheeses, lunch size potato chips, oranges, apples, packaged cookies or brownies, etc. Other creative ideas are certainly welcomed! Since paper tears easily, it is suggested that you use plastic bags to assemble these lunches. Please include an 8 ounce bottle of water (room temperature) in each bag. You are welcome to save your grocery receipts and present them to the parish office for reimbursement at a later date. Thank you so much and may God bless you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

GARAGE SALE 2020 CANCELLATION

Due to the COVID-19 virus and the inability of our charitable organizations to take leftover merchandise, the 2020 Church of the Ascension garage sale is officially cancelled.

UPCOMING EVENTS (Continued) / IMPORTANT INFORMATION

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION THIS FALL

We have sent a survey out for feedback. Thank you to all those who have shared your feedback. We will let you know as soon as possible how we will provide faith formation for your children. Thanks for your patience.


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DIAPER DRIVE August 15-16, All Day Gathering Area

Ministry of Care and the Church of the Ascension Chapter of the American Heritage Girls is holding a diaper drive to benefit the Catholic Charities rural Emergency Assistance Centers in our archdiocese. Since diapers do not qualify under government assistance programs, many families must choose between buying food, paying rent, or buying diapers. Babies are often left in soiled diapers much longer than is sanitary or humane.

Please help us provide clean diapers for babies by dropping off any brand or size diapers to the gathering area during the weekend of August 15 and 16. If your child has outgrown a size, we will gladly accept open packages. Many thanks for your generosity!

FAITH SCAVENGER HUNT

Due August 17

Have some summer fun during this pandemic mixed with some faith. Go to our website, kcascension.org, and click on the Scavenger Hunt tab for the details, due August 17. The winner will be announced afterwards!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR YOUTH FAITH FORMATION

Our Youth Faith Formation Programs need catechists and aides for the fall. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for this important ministry. Although things will be different this year we are hoping to provide some in-person sessions. We have programs on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. Please let us know if you can help or for more information call 913-681-7683.

HAVE YOU MOVED, CHANGED YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS RECENTLY?

We are in the midst of updating our parish database and want to ensure your contact information is accurate for communication efforts and the upcoming annual parish directory! If you have recently moved, changed your home phone number to your cell number or changed your email address, please complete the form on our website at kcascension.org under About/Request Forms/Contact Information Update or notify the parish office of these changes by contacting Maggie Wright at [email protected] or 913-681-3348. You are also welcome to use AccessACS, which is located on the Home Page of our website at kcascension.org under LOGIN.

SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION LIFETEEN MISSIONARY

Throughout this mission year, I will be working with teens and young adults through retreat ministry, summer camp, foreign missions and community outreach. When a teen comes to a camp or retreat at Lifeteen, they have a great conversion, but they also go back to their parishes and communities to continue to spread the gospel! In order to volunteer and serve as a missionary with Lifeteen, I need to build a support team, for no mission is ever done alone. I would be honored for you to prayerfully consider joining me ‘On Mission’ by considering a sacrificial gift and time in prayer as a Mission Partner.

Go to donate.lifeteen.com/marywhitehead to learn more about the mission and become a Lifeteen mission partner. If you have any questions, contact Mary at [email protected] or 913-754-6576.

CAR ANYONE?

Do you have a car that you would like to donate to a person in need? It can be a great car or a ‘junker’ and worth very little. Someone is in need of a car to get to and from work. He is able to do repairs if needed. If you know of a car that might be donated, please contact Fr. Tom at [email protected]. Many thanks!

ENTERING CHURCH FOR WEEK DAY MASSES AND PERSONAL PRAYER TIME

Due to construction on our new canopy, please enter and exit through the lower level side doors and use the stairs or elevator. This will be in effect Monday through Friday until mid-August. Thank you for your understanding as this is for your safety.

mailto:[email protected]

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Dear Friends,

In a democratic society, an essential part of Christian discipleship is to exercise our right to participate in choosing those who represent us in government. We have a responsibility to be engaged citizens who work actively for the common good. For the Catholic, voting is not just a good thing to do, but a moral responsibility. Many people have made heroic sacrifices to give us the freedoms we enjoy. We have a duty as Americans, Kansans and Catholics to take advantage of our right to vote.

Moreover, we are called not simply to vote, but to be well informed voters who in casting our ballots apply the moral principles and priorities of our Faith. Since the beginning of our nation, the Catholic Bishops have chosen not to endorse political candidates or parties. The Catholic Church does not tell its members how to vote. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the Church to help form the consciences of her members to understand the principles and priorities that should guide their decisions as voters.

There are many important moral issues facing our society. For the sake of brevity, I wish to reflect upon three that are particularly timely. Racism is an intrinsic moral evil that results in grave injustice to its victims, but also is an offense against God who has created every human being in the divine image. We must choose leaders who not only oppose racism but are committed to healing its festering wounds.

Peaceful protests are constitutional rights that need to be respected and protected. However, violent riots resulting in the deaths of innocent victims and the destruction of public monuments and private property are also grave evils. Our leaders have a responsibility to protect citizens and preserve civil order.

This past November, the Catholic Bishops of the United States again identified the protection of unborn children as the pre-eminent moral priority because: 1) abortion attacks the most vulnerable and innocent, 2) abortion occurs within the family destroying the most precious human bonds thus harming parents, and 3) the sheer number of human lives destroyed, nearly 1 million annually, adds to abortion’s societal importance.

Tragically, the Kansas Supreme Court has claimed to have discovered a right to abortion in our State Constitution. To correct this grave injustice imposed by the Court, the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment needs to be adopted by the citizens of Kansas. We need elected officials who will take action to defend the innocent life of the unborn and their mothers.

The Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment, while not prohibiting abortion, returns to our State Legislature the ability to enact laws that place restrictions on the abortion industry, protecting both mother and child. Passage of the Value Them Both Amendment requires affirmative votes by 2/3 of both the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives.

On August 4, primary elections will be held in Kansas. The first step to exercise your right to vote is being registered. The Kansas Catholic Conference has organized a voter registration drive. You can access an on-line voter registration form at kansascatholic.org. To vote in the August primary you must be registered by July 14. In this COVID-19 environment, you may wish to take advantage of the opportunity to vote by mail.

Become knowledgeable about candidate positions and voting records on issues with important moral implications. Let your voice be heard. Vote in the upcoming August Primary and in the November General elections. Thank you and God bless. Archbishop Naumann

VOTING IS A MORAL RESPONSIBLITY


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HUNGER HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE….. PLEASE HELP!

The Catholic Charities food bin is always located in the vestibule (hallway) by the St. John’s room entrance. Those who are without continue to need your food donations. The items that are most needed are as follows: macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pancake mix, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice, canned meat, canned tomatoes, canned black beans, canned tomato soup, canned tuna, canned peas and canned fruit.

The St. John’s room entrance is open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Will you please help??

FORMED Who Am I to Judge? by Edward Sri How do you discuss moral issues with family and friends? When is the Catholic Faith going to get with the times? Do you believe rules and commandments are so we can earn our way to Heaven or are they here because of God’s love for us? Dr. Sri will give you 5 keys to help discuss the Love and Logic of what Pope Benedict XVI called the “dictatorship of relativism.” I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did. Log on FORMED.org and visit the site below to watch to Who Am I to Judge? https://watch.formed.org/who-am-i-to-judge-responding-to-relativism-with-logic-and-love-by -edward-sri-1 Facing Your Fears by Mark Hart In this time of COVID-19 and the worries in the world, Mark Hart’s “Facing Your Fears” is a great inspirational talk. In his talk Mark reveals how our fears will pursue us if we do not meet them head on. He encourages us to not only face the proverbial giants in our lives but to slay them as David did Goliath, thereby finding freedom in Christ. It seems in today’s time we have been spending a lot of time telling God all about our fears. As Mark says, maybe it is time “To tell our fears how big our God is.” Log on FORMED.org and visit the site below to watch “Facing Your Fears”. https://watch.formed.org/talks-explore-the-catholic-faith/videos/facing-your-fears

Extraordinary Stories for Children about Blessed Solanus Children as young as 5 and adults of all ages will enjoy the colorful, engaging stories about Blessed Solanus. Each segment features a child who tells a fascinating and true story about his life. Log on FORMED.org and visit the site below to watch “Extraordinary Stories for Children”. https://watch.formed.org/extraordinary-stories-for-children If you are not logged into FORMED then visit this link and sign up today. https://formed.org/signup

https://formed.org/signup

July 27 +Claire Mazarin & Josaphat Coismain by Family +Marjorie Minnis by Kwapiszeski Family

July 28 +Sheila Strecker by Bob Moritz +Cori Brown by Molly Ryne

July 29 +Dinh Vu by Thomas Vu +Matt Arnes by Pat Ward Family July 30 Daly Family by Lorraine Foster McEwen +Angelo & Linda Micheletto by Daughters +Sheila Strecker by Pat & Dotty Healy +Gene Brownback by Sheri Monaldo, Kate Hodel, Lisa Kane, Angela Leikam and Peggy Flucke +Crystal Miller by James & Marilyn Schugel +Thomas Roberts by Carl & Jann Faltenmeier Reconciliation

July 31 +Sheila Strecker, +Richard Gress by Knights of Columbus +Henry Quigley III by Larry & Michele Gress

August 1 +David Stewart, +Mary Zontini +Jim Gottardi by Maggie Wright Reconciliation +Mike Wall by Linda Pickert Fr. Charles Fr. Tom August 2 +Cori Brown by Gomez Family Fr. Viet +Pat Bins by Family Fr. Tom +Daniel Dorris by Dianne Karis Fr. Viet Ascension Parishioners Fr. Tom

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WEEKLY PRAYER

Monday 7:00AM 12:00PM

Tuesday 7:00AM 9:00AM 12:00PM

Wednesday 7:00AM 12:00PM Thursday 7:00AM 12:00PM

6:30PM

Friday 7:00AM 12:00PM

Saturday 8:30AM 3:00PM 4:30PM 6:30PM

Sunday 8:15AM 10:00AM 11:45AM 5:00PM

Prayer Partners Intention Voicemail Number

1-888-684-6555 Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE: SICK LIST

We will retain the names on the prayer list for 6 months. The names of those removed from this publication will be sent to the Ascension Prayer Line for ongoing prayers. If you have any updates, please email Patty at [email protected].

Pray for Our Sick Please let us know when your loved one is better! Parishioners: Jim Baldwin, Bill Culpepper, Karen Elliott, Megan Freking, Scott Graham, Baby Harrison Higginbotham, Corky Jacobs, Wade Johnson, Kate Jones, Larry Judy, Dorothy Kapler, John Krim, Joe Martin, Kelly Mayer, Michael Mayerske, Neal McCaffrey, Sally McCaffrey, Fr. Charles McGlinn, Sarah Millsap, Alice Mumford, Fr. Viet Nguyen, Cathy Oxley, Becky Reed, Mark Reed, Vince and Suzy Santa Maria, Barbara Schulte, Fr. Tom Tank, Bill Thomas, Lindsay Walsh, Marilyn Wheeler, Emy Yabut Relatives & Friends of Parishioners: Salma Akhter, David Angelo, Paul Armijo, Pam Bond, Amanda Brower, Colton Joseph Brower, Adalynn Brunton, Dianne Burns, Molly Debocelle, Debbie Duddleston, Kay DuPree, Roberta Edgett, Randy Edwards, Harold Ehlert, Don Emig, Michael Fong, Cole Fletcher, Jim Fredrickson, Kat Fredrickson, Kelly Fry, Larry Furguson, Martha Gazley, Maureen Godar, Carol Grago, Larry Giovannoni, Jim Gloriod, Trisha Godar, Greg Gundlach, Tim Hanlon, Ernie Hansford, Martha Hansford, Laurie Harris, Judy Hotze, Ronnie Janky, Stephanie Klein, Maurya McLellan, Jenn Miller, Rodney Moyer, Kevin Nestor, John Ortmeier, Machel Perry, Bobbi Peterson, Ray Peterson, Alex Pujado, Sue Radke, John Rempel, Nancy Rohla, Barbara S., Pete Sahm, Catherine Shario, Rita Sheftall, Peggy Shukairy, Molly Spanos, Nicholas Staber, Dana Stehno, Ed Stehno, Clare Steinlage, Mitch Thomas, Pat Trumm, Mickey Tylicki, Cindy VanLeeuwen, Ellen Weber, Ernesto Valencia, Tera Wolfe


COVERED IN PRAYER

Do you have a family member or friend who needs prayer and support? We have a group of ladies who lovingly make beautiful lap blankets which are blessed by our priests. Ministry of Care sends these blankets to people who are in need of encouragement and comfort during illness or a tragedy to remind them that they are ‘covered in prayer’ for healing and strength. If you have someone in your life who could use a reminder that they are loved, please contact Patty in the office at 913-681-3348, or [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

July 27-August 2

Monday: Jer 13:1-11; Dt 32:18-21; Mt 13:31-35 Tuesday: Jer 14:17-22; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Mt 13:36-43 Wednesday: Jer 15:10, 16-21; Ps 34:2-11; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42 Thursday: Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1b-6ab; Mt 13:47-53 Friday: Jer 26:1-9; Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14; Mt 13:54-58 Saturday: Jer 26:11-16, 24; Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 14:1-12 Sunday: Is 55:1-3; Ps 145:8-9, 15-18; Rom 8:35, 37-39; Mt 14:13-21

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WEEKLY PRAYER

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A Truly Wise Person The ending of today's Gospel speaks about "the new and the old." Jesus is saying that a person "instructed in the kingdom" has wisdom both old and new; in other words, that person learns from the past as well as from the present. Let's look at each of those. We learn from the past by studying it. So the wisdom of the Kingdom comes first from the scriptures. The more familiar we are with the word of God, the more wisdom we possess. Along with studying the scriptures, we must pray over them and ask the Spirit to show us how they apply to our lives. We can also learn from the lives of the saints and writings of the Church. The saints may have lived extraordinary lives, but they all began as ordinary people who gave their lives to Christ. The writings of the Church, though sometimes very technical, contain the wisdom of centuries of living the faith. If you only have time to go to Mass on Sunday, just listening to the homily can help to apply the scriptures to your life. One way we can learn from "the new" is to learn from our mistakes. That includes learning from our sins. When we are truly sorry, we make an effort to change our ways. You might say we have to learn a new way to respond to that situation. In the Bible, the word repentance itself means a change of heart, a new way of seeing and doing things. We can also learn from the mistakes and the successes of our friends. As we share our faith with them, we share the stories of our lives, both good and bad. These stories can teach how to live our faith (or how not to!). One of the advantages of having friends whom we trust enough to confess our faults to is that we do not have to figure out life on our own. God can speak to us through a friend or relative whose advice we seek. A truly wise person is one who has received a lifetime of good advice.

Ashley Lunsford and Brendan Baier Katelyn Pascuzzi and David Wiedeman

Banns of Matrimony

Please pray for our active duty service members:

Captain David Baska, USAF; First Lieutenant Tyler H. Cordry, US Army, Captain Stephen Cuff, US Army; PFC Matthew Fischbach, USMC; PVT Jacob Hearron, US Army; Senior Airman Courtney Hinemeyer, USAF; Larry Homan, Army; Captain Jacob Morin USAF; Captain Dan Prior, US Army; Lance Corporal Jonathan Scavuzzo, USMC; 2nd Lt. Tom Stivers, US Army; Sergeant Luke Talken, USMC; Captain Mitchell R Willis, Pilot, USAF.

INVITATION

As baptized Catholics we are called to go out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. When was the last time you invited a family back to church or to become involved again in faith formation? Consider reaching out to invite a friend back to practicing their faith. The little things can make a big impact.

Angelo Pascuzzi, Husband of Carol Alison Smeltzer, Wife of Scott

Judith Hildreth, Mother of Kim Gnoinski

From Death to New Life

Elizabeth Clum and Joshua Schmitz

Together for Life


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Catholic — Academic — Community

ASCENSION CATHOLIC SCHOOL


“The Holy Spirit comes where He is loved,

where He is invited, where He is expected.”

Saint Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church Feast Day: July 15

We invite the Holy Spirit into our school every day with prayer. We expect the Holy Spirit to guide us because we HOPE.

Do you want this for your child?

Enroll for 2020-21. Call 913-851-2531.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Join the Knights! - The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s fraternal organization open to all Catholic men ages 18 and over. Interested in joining the Knights? Contact Brian Kellerman at [email protected] or 913-515-6454.

Knights Choir - Contact Dan Tira at [email protected] or 913-451-2341 if you are interested in joining.

Pitching for Priests! Update: This event has been cancelled.

UPCOMING EVENTS (Sign up on our website www.ascensionkofc.com for activities).

Council Meeting: Monday, July 27, at 7:00pm in the Church parking lot (west side).

Officers Meeting: Sunday, August 9, at 6:15pm (virtual meeting).

August 15: Ascension Catholic School (ACS) back-to-school breakfast 9:00am-11:00am in the parish hall.

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY Desecration

A growing hostility towards churches/Christians has manifested itself in a series of attacks on church property and buildings in recent weeks. A partial list of these ghoulish acts includes: the decapitation of a statue of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Miami on July 14/15; in Chattanooga at St. Stephen Catholic Church a statue of the Blessed Mother was beheaded on July 11; while in Boston, on July 11, there was an arson attack on a statue of the Blessed Mother at the church of St. Peter. On the same day, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida, a man crashed a minivan through the front doors of the church, poured gasoline in the foyer and ignited it while people inside were preparing for morning Mass (no one was injured). Yet another fire, on July 11, decimated the Mission of San Gabriel, a 249 year-old mission founded by St. Junipero Serra. The fire is under investigation for arson.

The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of recent attacks on church properties and yet there is no major discussion by the national media of these events. So where is the national media? Hiding? On July 13, the Ancient Order of Hibernians told the Catholic News Agency that “This absence of coverage is particularly glaring given that this attack (Ocala) is only the latest in a wave of wanton destruction targeting Catholics …”. The Hibernians statement went on to criticize the national media for their “silence on the rising tide of anti-Catholic violence.” These despicable events must not discourage us, for as Christians we follow One much greater than the self- appointed media brahmins of today-we follow our King and Lord Jesus Christ. During these trying times, we are called to pray, fast and be vigilant to protect our faith.

(Sources: Numerous)

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THE 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION AND “THE VALUE THEM BOTH” AMENDMENT

Voting began July 21 for many primary elections in Kansas. As Catholics, we are called not simply to vote, but to be well informed voters who in casting our ballots apply the moral principles and priorities of our Faith. The Catholic Church does not tell its members how to vote. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the Church to help form the consciences of her members to understand the principles and priorities that should guide their decisions as voters.

The Catholic Bishops have once again identified the protection of the unborn as the pre-eminent moral priority. Archbishop Naumann states, “The Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment needs to be adopted by the citizens of Kansas. We need elected officials who will take action to defend the innocent life of the unborn and their mothers.” To see Archbishop’s full statement on the moral responsibility of voting and to learn more about the “Value Them Both” Amendment, please visit www.archkck.org/prolife. The USCCB’s Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm.


COMMUNITY NEWS

MINISTRY NEWS

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND July 31-August 2

Behold, I make all things new! Has all of that “togetherness” from weeks of unplanned stay-at-home orders exposed some rough edges in your relation-ship? Have you discovered that your communication skills are not as good as you thought they were? Are the two of you adrift in the uncertainty of the future? Be not afraid, for our Lord has promised to make all things new! Join us on the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, July 31-August 2, at the Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, or to apply for a weekend, visit: wwme4youandme.org, or call/email Tony & Barb Zimmerman, at 816-741-4066 or [email protected].

GAUDEAMUS EVENT Save the Date October 24, 6:00PM Overland Park Convention Center Overland Park, KS.

Please join us Saturday, October 24, for Gaudeamus, a gala benefiting scholarships for K-12 Catholic school students with financial need. Gaudeamus (meaning "let us rejoice") is the signature fundraising event for the Catholic Education Foundation, and is one of the Kansas City area's premiere charity events. Sponsorship and registration information coming soon. Contact Amy Meara at 913-721-1574 for more information.

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Please go to kcascension.org to see a full listing of all our ministries under Get Involved/Ministry Directory/Ministry Guide.

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PARISH OFFICE Phone: 913-681-3348 Fax: 913-681-3517

[email protected] Pastor………………………………… Monsignor Thomas Tank 913-681-3348, x137 [email protected]

Parochial Vicar………………………. Reverend Viet Nguyen 913-681-3348, x138 [email protected]

Senior Associate..……………………..Monsignor Charles McGlinn 913-237-8549 [email protected]

Deacon……………………………….. Ken Billinger 913-634-4210 [email protected]

Deacon……………………………….. Kris Kuckelman 913-278-9393 [email protected]

Deacon……………………………….. John Stanley 913-488-8448 [email protected]

Business Manager…………………….Sharon Weems 913-681-3348, x135 [email protected]

Music…………………………………..Dorothy Brandwein 913-681-3348, x154 [email protected]

Ministry of Care……………………... Patty Billinger 913-681-3348, x131 [email protected]

Parish Life……………………………..Dawnlee Maurer 913-681-3348, x134 [email protected]

Adult Faith & RCIA………………….Liz Willman 913-681-3348, x139 [email protected]

Adult Faith & Parish Life Asst……... Karen Newkirk 913-681-3348, x142 [email protected]

Adult Faith Coordinator…………….. Ed Bellamy 913-681-3348, x133 [email protected]

Family Life…………………………….Sarah Streitwieser 913-681-3348, x151 [email protected]

Young Adult Ministry……………….. Joe Passantino 913-681-7683, x115 [email protected]

Media/Messaging…………………….. Ray Martin 913-681-3348, x149 [email protected]

Receptionist……………………………Jan Montalvo 913-681-3348, x130 [email protected]

Communications……………………... Maggie Wright 913-681-3348, x132 [email protected]

Maintenance/Head Custodian……….Virgil Crumpton 913-681-3348, x145 [email protected]

ASCENSION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Phone: 913-851-2531 Fax 913-851-2518

Principal……………………………… Becky Wright 913-851-2531, x101 [email protected]

Vice Principal………………………… Luke Jennison 913-851-2531, x106 [email protected]

Preschool Director…………………… Lynnette Rempel 913-851-2531, x116 [email protected]

Administrative Assistant……………. Janet Eckert 913-851-2531, x100 [email protected]

Administrative Assistant……………..Molly Johnson 913-851-2531, x112 [email protected]

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION Phone: 913-681-7683 Fax: 913-681-7634

Director………………………………..William OLeary 913-681-7683, x105 [email protected]

Administrative Assistant……………..Tricia Baldwin 913-681-7683, x103 [email protected]

YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth Ministry………………………. Annastasia Eftink 913-681-7683, x104 [email protected]

Youth Ministry………………………..Lee McMahon 913-681-7683, x119 [email protected]

COUNCIL CHAIRS Parish Pastoral………………………..Dan Lorenz [email protected]

Finance……………………………… John Kmetz [email protected]

School Advisory……………………… Evan Ryan [email protected]


c hurch of the a scension · 2020-07-07 · have some summer fun during this pandemic mixed with...

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