The one who came from heaven now returns to heaven. Today celebrates the completion of the Divine-human story. When God became one like us, humanity was divinely kissed. The message was clear: mortal human beings, once seen as insignificant and expendable, radiated with the presence of God and revealed the intimacy of the Divine Mystery. The poor were raised up and given dignity, the sick healed, and justice proclaimed. The human story is understood as a partnership, a true and new covenant, celebrating a love relationship between all created beings and things and their Creator. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father as the Christ of God. In this ascended state, we see what we are all meant to become and have before us the transformed life that awaits all of creation. While we are still moaning and expressing sighs of incompleteness as we continue our journey, we see and know the glory that awaits us and the inheritance that will one day satisfy the longing of our souls. This feast of the Ascension is truly a celebration that can bolster our faith, deepen our love and renew our hope.

Last weekend we are introduced a parish-wide initiative to create a Marian Grotto and prayer garden between the church and the parish office. This setting will offer a prominent, visible inspiration for our community, serving as a call to prayer and an encouragement to explore the wisdom and grace emanating from our Blessed Mother. The total cost of this endeavor is estimated at $20,000. Please join our effort to spread our prayer life outdoors!

Donations may be made towards the “Behold Your Mother” group via the OSV ONLINE GIVING portal or by placing your donation in the provided BLUE envelopes in the Gathering Space.