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

February 18, 2018

ParishNews

LENTEN REGULATIONS Fasting & Abstinence: Catholics aged 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent. In addition, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics from ages 18-59 fast, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day. Prayer: Catholics are encouraged to pray more during Lent, especially with scripture. Lent is also an ideal time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for the celebration of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection. Almsgiving: Moved by the sacrifice of Christ, many Christians combine almsgiving with fasting, giving the poor the money they saved by eating, drinking or buying less as they rely more upon God's abundant grace.

AdultFaithFormationNews

FaithFormationNews

Know your Faith Trivia Question of the Week Answer to last week’s question: What word is never said or sung during Lent? Alleluia Look for the answer to the following question in next week’s bulletin: Question: What snack originated during Lent because it contains only flour, water, and salt and is shaped to symbolize prayer? A. Hot Cross Buns B. Crackers C. Gold fish D. Pretzels

2018 AFRICAN MISSION APPEAL Bishop David D. Kagan has announced March 3-4 as the 2018 African Mission Appeal weekend in our diocese. This special appeal gives you the opportunity to join our Mission Team in ministering to our brothers and sisters in Africa by making a generous gift in two weeks. Fr. David Morman, our missionary, is currently living and working on our behalf in Kisii, Kenya, East Africa. You are invited to read the exciting articles in our Kenya Connection newsletter which is found inside the Dakota Catholic Action newspaper. It contains interesting news and pictures of our mission in action. You are also encouraged to follow our missionary in action at https://www.facebook.com/BismarckCatholicMission. If you are interested in serving as a member of the Diocesan Mission Team or would like more information, please write to Chuck Reichert, Diocese of Bismarck, PO Box 1137, Bismarck ND 58502-1137.

ST. ISIDORE’S CORNER

App of the Week: “Pray as you Go” - This free app will take you out of the realm of this earth and into the Divine for a few moments of prayer, music, and reflection. A new prayer session is produced every day of the working week and one session for the weekend. It is not a “Thought for the Day” a sermon or a bible-study, but rather a framework for your own prayer. It is founded in Ignatian Spirituality and uses the imagination to enter more deeply into prayer. Allow your smart phone to take you on a mini daily retreat! https://pray-as-you-go.org/home/

NEW ARRIVAL IN OUR LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA KIOSK Glimpses Along the Way of the Cross—In these three beautiful talks, Msgr. James Shea guides us along the Stations of the Cross, teaching us how to better open our hearts to the suffering and loneliness of Jesus on His way to Calvary. Weaving together the insights of keen believers like Fr. Richard Neuhaus, Caryll Houselander, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and Dr. James Edwards, these powerful meditations take us into the depths of Christ’s agony, and back out again into the relief and joy of what His sacrifice means for us.

The next adult Faith Formation Class session has been changed due to scheduling issues with the leaders. For the

next five sessions, we will be watching a FORMED movie followed by a short discussion. Each movie will be played

twice, once Wednesday morning (9:00-10:00 am) and again Wednesday evening (7:00-8:00 pm). The focus is “men and

women who inspire us to live holy lives.” We will start with a film on the Shroud of Turin.

ASCENSION PARISH MISSION—FEBRUARY 25th FROM 2:00 to 4:30 PM FR. JOHN GUTHRIE WILL LEAD “PRAYING WITH THE PSALMS”

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

Count Offering Team #6

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Sarah Eberle—Plate Sharon Finneman—Plate** Carol Preskey—Plate** Jan Sitter—Plate

Wayne Hatzenbuhler—Plate Ellen Klein—Plate** Rose Senger—Plate**

Jean Kraft—Plate Scott LeBlanc—Plate Deb Wald—Plate** Rod Wald—Plate**

Lynn Burgard—Plate** John Knox—Plate** Shawn Meier—Plate Melanie Schwab—Plate Jay Uhlman—Plate

Hospitality

Lil Krance JoAnn Mahlmann Aaron Mahlmann

Terry Daffinrud Jan Daffinrud Larry Slabik

Gene Jordan Leo Kindelspire Kathi Kindelspire

Genny Berg Steve Berg Bill Wolff

Lector Irene Howard Rita Ritter Denise Jordan Al Dolajak

Altar Server Ethan Stewart Jett Warren

Elias Johnson Milla Weigel

Jami Bachmeier Edmund Peliska

Avery Prokop Chase Wanner

Video/Audio Operator

Ken Jarolimek Lauren Weigel Val Frank Kiaya Schwab

Music Ministry Ken Steckler Group

Kathy Lewis Renee Loh

Jeanne Jankowski, Mary Bachmeier, Brent Geiss

Mike Langer, Keven & Kristi Wanner

Serving the Assembly February 24th & 25th: Second Sunday of Lent

CommunityNews

JOB POSTINGS Cemetery Manager St. Mary's Parish Family, Bismarck, ND, is seeking qualified applicants for a part time St. Mary's Cemetery Manager starting May 1, 2018. Qualifications: A practicing Roman Catholic with a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. Three or more year's supervisory experience is a plus. The ideal candidate would plan, organize, implement and promote St. Mary's Cemetery burial ministry to the dead, their family, friends, and loved ones in order to offer consolation in time of grief. Cemetery Groundskeeper St. Mary's Parish Family, Bismarck, ND, is seeking a motivated applicant for a full time seasonal Groundskeeper at the St. Mary's Cemetery starting April 1, 2018. Responsibilities include providing grounds equipment repair and maintenance, general lawn maintenance, and janitorial support. Applicant must have the knowledge of grounds equipment operation, repair skills, be able to work independently, and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. This is a seasonal full time position from April 1 until October 1. For further information, contact Cressy Aberle, Parish Manager at 701-223-5562. Please submit cover letter, resume, three references and St. Mary's Parish application for employment to Cressy Aberle, 806 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501, or cressy@stmarysparishfamily.net.

BISMARCK-MANDAN CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS GROUP Please join the Bis-Man Catholic Young Adults group for the second on the seven-part series on The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Nick Emmel will be speaking on the 1st Principle: “The Life & Dignity of the Human Person” on Friday, February 23rd. Drinks, snacks, and fellowship begin at 6:30 pm with the talk beginning at 7:00 pm. The event is hosted by Brian Mager at 3090 Manchester Street in Bismarck. Please bring drinks and snacks to share! The group serves young adults 21 and up from all parishes and faith traditions who desire to live a good and holy Christian/Catholic life. There is no child care provided. Please spread the word about this wonderful opportunity for fellowship and growth. If there are any questions or you’d like updates on future events, please visit our Facebook Page: Catholic Young Adults, or contact Bri Weisbeck at 426-0456.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Fridays During Lent 5:30 pm

KC COUNCIL #7602

FISH FRY

Fridays During Lent—5-7 pm

Ascension Education Building

$9.00 Adults, $6.00 12 and

under, Family Meal of $30

This Friday, fried Alaskan

cod, baked potato,

mac-n-cheese, corn,

salad, and

desserts

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

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS

ParishCalendar

WEEK COLLECTIONS BUDGET

February 4,

2018

$13,001.65 $13,002.00

February 11,

2018

$16,623.48 $13,002.00

Fiscal Year

to Date

$456,813.18 $429,066.00

It seems fitting that our readings on this First Sunday of Lent begin with the Old Testament Book of Genesis. The book was first called “Genesis” — ΓΕΝΕΣΙΣ — in the Greek Septuagint translation, as it presents both the origin of the world and mankind, and in particular, the Hebrew people. The book in Hebrew was known by its opening expression, “In the beginning.” In today’s particular reading from Genesis 9, we hear of God’s relationship with Noah and his family. God says, “I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you.” God goes on to say, “I set my bow (rainbow) in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds, I will recall the covenant I have made between me and you and all living beings.” As is often the case, we have lost sight of the significance of the rainbow in relation to our faith. Yet it is biblically confirmed as a sign from God. Some live in areas where rainbows are common, and others in areas where they are rare. Regardless, there is something divine about a rainbow. When you look up in the sky and see a multi-colored arc looking back at you, you should be filled with wonder. It is a reminder that we live in a world of wonder, of beauty, of adventure. A rainbow should give us hope that life really isn’t just about death and taxes, but much, much more. It is a clue to the meaning of the universe and where we stand within it.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Adult: When or how could you step away from your daily responsibilities to renew yourself, so that you can do a better job of following in the footsteps of Jesus? Youth: What good habit could you work on during Lent so you could grow closer to God?

Weekly Schedule Monday, February 19 8:30 am Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday February 21 12:00 pm Finance Council meeting 4, 5:30, 7 pm Faith Formation Classes Friday February 23 5:00-7:00 pm KC Fish Fry 5:30 pm Stations of the Cross Sunday February 25 2:00-4:30 pm Parish Lenten Mission

Readings for the Week of February 18th

Sunday: Gn 9:8-15/Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9/1 Pt 3:18-22/

Mk 1:12-15

Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15/Mt 25:31-46

Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19/

Mt 6:7-15

Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19/Lk 11:29-32

Thursday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6/Mt 16:13-19

Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8/

Mt 5:20-26

Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8/Mt 5:43-48

Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Ps 116:10, 15,

16-17, 18-19/Rom 8:31b-34/Mk 9:2-10

Monday, February 19 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday, February 20 8:00 am †Joseph & Elizabeth Kuntz by George & Leona Kuntz Wednesday, February 21 8:00 am Ladies of Ascension Thursday, February 22 8:00 am †Jason Bosch by Roy Bosch Friday, February 23 8:00 am †Joseph Johs by Gene & Judy Krebs Saturday, February 24 5:00 pm †Anton and †Anna Bren by Irene Howard Sunday, February 25 8:00 am People of the Parish 9:30 am †Jake Neigum by Gary & Kim Neigum 11:00 am †Fran Braaten by Pauline Mueller

CommunityNews&Events

SOUP KITCHEN LENTEN LUNCHEONS For the past several years, Spirit of Life Catholic Church in

Mandan has offered a series of Lenten Luncheon talks in

conjunction with our Thursday Soup Kitchen. Please join us

during Lent over your Thursday lunch hour for soup,

sandwiches, and an opportunity to deepen your relationship

with Christ as we prepare for Easter. The speakers will be

February 22nd, Deacon Randy Frohlich; March 1st, Shelly

Preszler; March 8th, Ray Morel; March 15th, Dominick

Goettle; and March 22nd, Fr. Chris Kadrmas. Soup is served at

11:30 am and the speaker begins at 12:00 noon. Everyone is

welcome to attend. Any questions, call 663-1660 or email

marijo@myspiritoflife.com.

PROM EXTRAVAGANZA St. Mary’s Central High School Pride Parents are hosting a

shopping and consignment event on Saturday, February 24th at

the high school cafeteria from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Prom

dresses, shoes, and accessories will be available for sale.

Cash or checks are accepted. For those wishing to consign,

the items will be sold for a fee of 10% of the total sale.

Consignment drop-off will be at the school library on Friday,

February 23rd from 5:30 to 7:00 pm or Saturday, February 24th

from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Reserve a consignment spot by Febru-

ary 10th. For more information, contact Jennifer Barry at 400-

1254 or jennyleebarry@hotmail.com.

WORLD YOUTH DAY INFORMATION WEBI-

NAR An informational webinar will be held on Sunday, February

25th at 7:00 pm for those young adults interested in signing up

for World Youth Day 2019 to be held in Panama January 21-

28, 2019. The webinar will provide participants with infor-

mation about World Youth Day. The registration process will

be led by the pilgrimage host, Faith Journeys. To attend the

webinar, please contact Carrie Davis at

cdavis@bismarckdiocese.com or sign up online at

https://bismarckdiocese.com/wyd. Please register by Friday,

EVER WONDER LIVE-IN RETREAT The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery invite

single women who are interested in learning about religious life

to an “Ever Wonder?” vocation live-in retreat on March 24th at

1:00 pm to 1:00 pm on March 25th. This unique opportuni-

ty allows women to participate in the monastic community life

of the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. Join the Sisters for

prayer, meals, sharing and recreation. There is no charge. For

more info or to pre-register, call or text Sister Hannah Vanorny

at 425-9734 or email Sister Hannah at hvanorny@gmail.com.

LOCK-IN YOUR FAITH Students in grades 6-8 across the Diocese of Bismarck are

invited to attend our first annual “Lock-in Your Event”, an

overnight lock-in/retreat, beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday, April

6th at St. Mary’s Church in Bismarck. Lock-in Your Faith will

include a variety of prayer experiences, small and large group

games and activities, and off site activities including SkyZone

and bowling at Midway Lanes. Pizza and other snacks and

beverages will be available throughout the night. Cost for adult

chaperones and youth is $40. You can find out more info and

register online at www.bismarckdiocese.com/lockin.

Registration deadline is March 30th. For questions, contact

Carrie Davis at cdavis@bismarckdiocese.com or 204-7208.

REAL PRESENCE RADIO PILGRIMAGE Join Real Presence Radio for a pilgrimage to the Holy Sites of

Michigan. We will focus on three early missionary priests who

traveled throughout the Upper Midwest to evangelize and cate-

chize the early settlers. We will also visit the Shrine of the

Cross in the Woods., Ave Maria Radio and Mackinac Island.

The cost is $1500 with flights from Bismarck. The deadline to

register is April 1st or until filled. To register, call Lisa at

1-877-795-0122 or email lisa@yourcatholicradiostation.com.

EASTER BASKETS OF HOPE Monetary donations are being accepted to benefit needy chil-

dren of the St. Vincent dePaul Society. 100% of the money

donated will be used to purchase educational items to fill

Easter baskets for children in need. Please prayerfully consider

a monetary donation to help those less fortunate this Easter

season. Donations will be accepted through March 18th.

Checks made out to SVdP (with Baskets of Hope in the memo

line) can be mailed to SVdP, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck ND

58501. If you have any questions or wish for your money to be

picked up, please call Cindy Levi at 471-6015.

• SMCHS Mid-Winter Band and Choir Concert on Sunday,

February 25th at 2:30 pm in the SMCHS gym.

• Potato and chili feed on Tuesday, February 20th from

4:30 to 7:00 pm in the SMCHS cafeteria. The cost is $5

for a bowl of chili or a baked potato. There will also be a

bake sale. Proceeds will benefit the SMCHS Choir, as

they prepare for their 2018 California Performance Tour.