Parish Office Phone ................................... (701) 223-3606 Hours (Mon.-Fri.) ............... 8:30 am-4:00 pm Education Office ............................ 258-5692 Fax ................................................. 223-5783 E-mail .......... ascension@midconetwork.com Web .......................... ascensionbismarck.org

Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. Jim Braaten…………..….Pastor Ray Grabar……………………………Deacon Tony Finneman………………………Deacon Doyle Schulz…………………………Deacon Beth Kathol…...…Parish Business Manager Kathy Lewis………………... Music & Liturgy Jan Sitter………………………...Bookkeeper

Julie Luger & Rita Ritter ........... Secretaries Bob Urlacher…………………. Maintenance

Eucharistic Liturgies Saturday ........................................... 5:00 pm Sunday ...................... 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Weekdays (Mon.-Fri.) ....................... 8:00 am Holy Days ....................... 8:00 am & 7:00 pm

Sacraments Reconciliation Tuesday-Friday ........... Before 8:00 am Mass Saturday .................................. 3:30-4:30 pm Baptisms Please call the Parish Office to schedule. If possible, contact the office three months prior to the due date. Marriage Arrangements are to be made with the Pastor at least nine months prior to the wedding.

Newcomers

Welcome to the Parish! Contact the Parish Office to register.

As a people of God, of Ascension Catholic

Parish, we are united by Baptism and

committed to meeting the needs of our

faith community. In union with the whole

Church, we will build the Kingdom of

God by proclaiming the Good News,

worshipping God, creating community,

and promoting social justice.

1825 SOUTH 3RD STREET • BISMARCK, ND 58504

Ascension C H U R C H O F T H E

December 3, 2017

FaithFormationNews

ParishNews

DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION JOB OPPORTUNITY

Ascension Parish has a job position open for a Director of Faith Formation. The Director of Faith Formation is responsible for the development, coordination, and promotion of a comprehensive plan for the spiritual growth and faith development of 1st grade through adult parishioners. Must have a passion and creative energy to enable others to live out their baptismal call personally, within the family, parish and greater community. Qualifications: Individual must be an active Catholic who is organized, committed, creative and has a degree with classes in theology, education and/or pastoral ministry. Experience teaching within a parish faith formation program is preferred. Possessing good communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively with pastor, parish staff, catechists, parents and students is vital. A complete background check is required by the Diocese of Bismarck. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Beth Kathol, Parish Business Manager, Church of the Ascension, 1905 South 3rd Street, Bismarck, ND 58504 or bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org.

FAITH FORMATION CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Wednesday, December 13th in Community Room

All Faith Formation Sessions

During each of the Faith Formation sessions, 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00, we will host a little Christmas party for the students. There will be caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa! Little brothers and sisters are invited as well. Parent volunteers are needed at each session; email Beth at bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org if you can help!

2018 STEUBENVILLE ST. PAUL FOR GRADES 8-12

The Diocese of Bismarck Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is coordinating a trip to Steubenville St. Paul on July 26-29, 2018 for youth in grades 8-12. The Steubenville Youth Conferences, an outreach of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, are a series of 25 conferences across North America that help teens encounter the love of Christ every summer. This summer, the Diocese will coordinate a trip to the conference held on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, which will feature Chris Padgett, Sonar, Fr. John Parks, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Albers, Matt Regitz, and Katie Prejean McGrady. The cost for the trip is $375 for participants and $205 for chaperones. The deadline to register is December 15th. Contact Carrie Davis, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at 204-7208 or cdavis@bismarckdiocese.com.

9th GRADE ATTENDS THE “ROCK”

Wednesday, December 13th from 7:00-9:00 pm at St. Mary’s Central High School

Confirmation class this evening for 9th graders will be held at St. Mary’s Central High School where they will be able to participate in the

ROCK (Reaching Out for Christ’s Kingdom). This does count towards their attendance!

Calling all willing to share their time, talents and/or treasure for the Christmas Eve Dinner. The Church of the Ascension is holding its 11th Annual Christmas Eve Dinner with serving time from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 24th. The Dinner is another example of our stewardship as we minister to those without a home or family to celebrate Christ's birth or are alone during the holiday. It is a community celebration of God the Father gifting his Son to us.

Many are needed to make this event happen. Sign-up for volunteer opportunities is available online at www.ascensionbismarck.org as well as sign-up sheets in the church foyer. Wrapping gifts and preparing gift bags will be done Saturday, December 16th, starting at 10:00 am. Set up of the Community Room is planned for Friday, December 22nd, starting at 7:00 pm. Meal preparation will happen throughout the day on December 24th. Monetary donations can be placed in the offertory with a notation of "Christmas Eve Dinner". Gift donations can be dropped off at the Education Building during business hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Gift ideas include items for men and women such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, lotions, soaps, hair care, shaving cream/razors, washcloths/towels, hats/gloves/scarves/socks, small gift cards to restaurants/general stores, as well as fun items for men, women, and children. The majority of attendees are adults. For more information or to share suggestions, call or text Mike Kraft at 226-3915 or John Paul Martin at 527-3469.

CHILDREN’S ENVELOPES

Children’s envelopes are available in the church gathering space for those who are not in Faith Formation classes. If you have had envelopes in the past, a box is labeled for you. If you are picking up envelopes for the first time, please sign your name by the number on the sheet that matches the number on the box. Thank you for sharing your treasure with Ascension Parish.

5:00 PM 8:00 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM

Count Offering Team #6

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Sahlenia Braun—Plate Ken Jarolimek—Plate Heather McCoy—Plate Marlene Zimmerman—Plate Sharon Finneman—Cup** Sarah Eberle—Cup** Jan Sitter—Cup

John Bitz—Plate Michelle Schmidt—Plate** Mark Weigel—Plate Pete Baumgartner—Cup**

Bobbie Grassel—Plate Paulette Heringer—Plate Danita Deichert—Plate Deb Schon—Plate Pam Moormann—Cup Mary Neigum—Cup** Mike Neigum—Cup**

Howell Flowers—Plate John Knox—Plate Catherine Erickson—Plate Sue Mock—Plate** Mark Dosch—Cup Shirley Schafer—Cup** Dave Charles—Cup

Hospitality

Aaron Mahlmann JoAnn Mahlmann Patti Wangler

Jan Daffinrud Terry Daffinrud Al Lick

Bob Heringer Gene Jordan Troy Schon

Steve Berg Genny Berg Lina Gaab

Lector Hannah Cahoon Wanda Rose Denise Jordan Celia Vetter

Altar Server Katie Volk Matthew Volk

Milla Weigel Alex Schon Joe Schon

Erica Haberlock Trey Haberlock

Video/Audio Operator

Leona Kuntz Nancy Hoselton Dan Hopfauf Dave Charles

Music Ministry Joan Backes Renee Loh

Barb Hokenson Lynne Dolajak

Raising Praise Pat Anderson Kay Larson Lisa Atkinson

Serving the Assembly December 9th and 10th: Second Sunday of Advent

Did You Know? To help meet the needs of the hungry in our

community, Ascension has an ongoing food

drive. Blue grocery totes are located in the

foyer with our parish name on them. Please

take a bag, place food items in it and return

it to the church.

Food is donated to the following:

Ministry on the Margins

Ruth Meiers

Aid, Inc.

Community Action

Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry

Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry

WOMAN IN LOVE RETREAT

The Woman in Love Retreat, coordinated in collaboration with the Office of Family Ministry, will be held December 8-10 at Assumption Abby in Richardton and is open to girls in Grades 7-12 and their mothers. This is a purity retreat, based on the book “Woman in Love” by Katie Hartfiel. It includes video sessions with Katie, along with time for mothers and daughters to participate in discussion, reflection, and fun activities. For further information, please contact Carrie Davis, the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at the Bismarck Diocese.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

We are a group of women from Ascension Parish who have experienced the loss of loved ones. Our next luncheon will be our Christmas party at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 7th at the Ascension Community Room. It will be potluck. If you are planning to attend, please call Lil at 255-7610 or 202-5594 or Linda at 223-0802. Hope to see you there!

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL IN MANDAN

The St. Joseph School Holiday Baking Extravaganza, Home Products and Craft Show will be held Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th in the St. Joseph School Cafeteria, 410 Collins Ave, Mandan. The hours are Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, 9 am to 12:00 pm. Please come to purchase freshly baked Christmas goodies to meet your holiday needs. Caramels, fudge, divinity, cut-out cookies, spritz cookies and popcorn cakes, just to name a few. We have over 20 area business vendors showcasing products and placing orders for Christmas gifts for family and friends. The St. Joseph PTO will also be serving breakfast Sunday morning from 9:00 to 12:00.

LIGHT OF CHRIST CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

• Beginner Band debut on December 4th at 7:00 pm at SMCHS. The Wind Orchestra and the Steel Drum Band will also be featured.

• Academy Advent Choir concert on December 6th at 7:00 pm at SMCHS.

• Academy and High School Jazz Band concert on December 12th at 7:00 pm at SMCHS.

TimeTalent&Treasure

Prayer Line Call the Parish Office at 223-3606 or Pauline Mueller at 226-9471. The Prayer Line is a group of parishioners who pray for requested intentions. The names of those requests and/or the intentions are not made public. Names of people listed in the bulletin have given permission to use their name.

John W. Bitz, Mildred Schall, Marjorie Bitz, Jerry Feist, Larry Sackman, Don Hopfauf, Tim Heidt, Erna Jacobchick, Michelle Niska, Viola Bitz, Bill Feist, Jolene Klein, Richelle Knudson, Daryl Wanner, Mary Shaffer, Kathy Lewis

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS

ParishCalendar

Monday, December 4 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday, December 5 8:00 am Deacon Taylor Leffler by Mike & Julie Luger Wednesday, December 6

8:00 am †Mary and Louis Franchuk by Don & Catherine Franchuk Thursday, December 7 8:00 am †Felix and Katie Silbernagel by Bob & Cathy Silbernagel Friday, December 8 8:00 am †Al Stockert by Connie Stockert 7:00 pm People of the Parish Saturday, December 9 5:00 pm †Clarence and Pauline Schmitz by Family Sunday, December 10 8:00 am People of the Parish 9:30 am †Bernhard and Katie Weigel by Joe & Berna Vetter 11:00 am †Lucinda Schneider by Chuck & Mary Vetter

Weekly Schedule Monday, December 4 8:30 am Eucharistic Adoration 6:30 pm Social Concerns Meeting Wednesday, December 6 4, 5:30, 7:00 Faith Formation Classes Thursday, December 7 11:30 am Circle of Friends Christmas Potluck in Community Room Saturday and December 9 & 10 Sunday Ladies of Ascension Bake Sale after all Masses

Readings for the Week of December 3rd:

Sunday: Is 63:16b-17,19b; 64:2-7/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16,

18-19/ 1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37

Monday: Is 2:1-5/Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9/

Mt 8:5-11

Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17/Lk 10:21-24

Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6/Mt 15:29-37

Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a/

Mt 7:21, 24-27

Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4/Eph 1:3-6,

11-12/Lk 1:26-38

Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/

Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14/

2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8

WEEK COLLECTIONS BUDGET

November 19,

2017

$9,411.23 $13,002.00

November 26,

2017

$11,962.05 $13,002.00

Fiscal Year

to Date

$282,587.79 $286,044.00

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE FUND

November 2017 Collections $2,493.50

POOR FUND DONATIONS

November 2017 Collections $3,453.22

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Adult: How do you know when you’re following Christ and living his teachings faithfully? Youth: What good thing might God be asking you to do right now?

This First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. All the readings during this period of waiting and anticipation concentrate on making us aware that it is time for us to awaken our lives as Christians. Jesus opens our Gospel Reading from St. Mark by saying “Be watchful! Be alert!” and closes it with an intense “Watch!” For many Advent and Christmas are times of light, whether it is the light of the candles on Advent wreaths or the lights on a tree or the festive lights which decorate many houses and businesses. Jesus brings light into our worlds, but we must allow this light to permeate our own lives, to enter into the dark and sinful parts of our lives to illuminate and cleanse them. This should be a time of renewed prayer and penance which truly prepares us to “watch” for the Lord, not just at Christmas but throughout our lives. There is a natural wonder among children at this time of year, but sometimes as we age, we lose that sense as if we are sleeping. It is time to awaken. Our minds may say “Let go” but our spirituality tells us to “Awaken.” We are filled with spiritual depths. It is time to seek them, find them, and awaken them. It is Advent, time for us to awaken and become aware of the gifts of love we have received from God and others. Or as Jesus reminds us: “Watch.”