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 10, 2017

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.

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.

YEAR END DONATIONS

A reminder that any year end donations to Church of the Ascension are to be postmarked by December 31, 2017, to be included in the 2017 calendar year.

CHRISTMAS AND FEAST OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MASSES

Christmas Masses will be on Sunday, December 24th at 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm and Monday, December 25th at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary Masses will be on Sunday, December 31st at 4:00 pm and Monday, January 1st at 9:30 am. Liturgical Ministers are needed for all of these Masses. You may sign up on Ministry Pro, email jcsitter@ascensionbismarck.org or call Jan at 223-3606.

YEAR END GIVING OR ESTATE PLANNING

Ascension Catholic Church has an endowment fund that enables individual, families, businesses, and organizations to provide permanent support for our parish to help meet current and future needs. Please call the Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Foundation office at 701-204-7229 to discuss an opportunity to create your individual or family endowment.

ND STATE TAX CREDIT Individuals and businesses that pay state income tax may receive a 40% ND tax credit up to $10,000 for contributions of $5,000 or more to our Ascension Endowment Fund. God bless you for remembering Ascension Catholic Church.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

Congratulations to Ashley Salwei, Josh Hager, and Dan Hopfauf, our newly elected Parish Council members. Thank you for your willingness to represent our Ascension parishioners on this advisory committee.

Your time and talent are greatly appreciated.

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

Count Offering Team #1

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Mary Fornshell—Plate Ellen Holt—Plate Meredith Holt—Plate Bonnie Sanders—Plate Linda Charbonneau—Cup Renee Jangula—Cup** Carol Preskey—Cup**

Wayne Hatzenbuhler—Plate** Michelle Schmidt—Plate Mark Weigel—Plate** Pete Baumgartner—Cup

Dan Hopfauf—Plate Sharon Malm—Plate Alice Ternes—Plate Rod Wald—Plate Deb Wald—Cup Jean Kraft—Cup** Berna Vetter—Cup**

Grady Martin—Plate Sue Mock—Plate Julie Ness—Plate Kiaya Schwab—Plate Shawn Meier—Cup** Melanie Schwab—Cup Jay Uhlman—Cup**

Hospitality

Michael Kern Joletta Kern Kendall Preskey

Kelvin Kosse Dorothy Kosse Louis Rose

Tanya Hopfauf Troy Walker Dina Walker

John Bryan Pam Bryan Elsie Seeberg

Lector Irene Howard Wanda Rose Jean Kraft Donna Davidson

Altar Server Katrice Kern Karston Kellar Audrey Vetter

Brandon Vetter Avery Prokop Katarina Sevart

Video/Audio Operator

Brandon Holt Patrick Kellar Mark Malm Kiaya Schwab

Music Ministry Barb Hokenson Lynne Dolajak

Julie Ternes Jeanne Jankowski Mary Bachmeier Brent Geiss

Cheneniah

Serving the Assembly December 16th and 17th: Third Sunday of Advent

FaithFormationNews

CommunityNews

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Today, December 10th at 1:00 pm, St. Mary’s Parish will be hosting a Pinochle Card Party. There is a $5 entrance fee; lunch will be served following the games.

• Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 pm, at St. Mary’s Central High School, the Academy and High School Jazz Band will present a concert.

• Friday, December 15th at 7:00 pm, Christ the King Church in Mandan will be hosting Lessons and Carols. Come listen to the song of the O Antiphons, listen to readings from Scripture, and join in singing classic Advent hymns. Enjoy refreshments afterwards!

• Saturday, December 16th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, Creative Kitchens from CDA kitchens, Court Immaculate Conception 322 is having a bake sale at St. Anne’s Church. Kuchen, baked goods, and candy will be available. Please use the SW door.

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 11 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday, December 12 8:00 am †Joe Masseth by Family Wednesday, December 13

8:00 am Ladies of Ascension Thursday, December 14 8:00 am †Joseph Johs by Gene & Judy Krebs Friday, December 15 8:00 am †Charles and Sue Franchuk by Don & Catherine Franchuk Saturday, December 16 5:00 pm †Don and Jeanine Heck by Shirley Heck Sunday, December 17 8:00 am People of the Parish 9:30 am †Glorian Heidrich by Lane Heidrich 11:00 am †Louis Bertrand by Doyle & Pat Schulz

Weekly Schedule Monday, December 11 8:30 am Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday, December 12 7:00 pm KC Meeting Wednesday, December 13 8:30 am Ladies of Ascension meeting 12:00 pm Finance Council meeting 4, 5:30, 7:00 Faith Formation Classes 7:00 pm 9th Grade students attend The Rock at SMCHS Saturday, December 16 10:00 am Wrap gifts and prepare treat bags in the Community Room for the Christmas Eve dinner

Readings for the Week of December 10th:

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

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

Monday: Is 35:1-10/Ps 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14/

Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday: Zec 2:14-17; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13:18bcde, 19/

Lk 1:26-38

Wednesday: Is 40:25-31/Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10/Mt 11:28-30

Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Ps 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13ab/

Mt 11:11-15

Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6/Mt 11:16-19

Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19/

Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54/

1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

WEEK COLLECTIONS BUDGET

December 3,

2017

$13,778.76 $13,002.00

Fiscal Year

to Date

$296,366.55 $299,046.00

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Adult: With whom could you be more patient this week, as God has been patient with you? Youth: With whom can you be more patient?

Our readings from Holy Scripture on this Second Sunday of Advent remind us of what we are supposed to be doing during Advent, in fact throughout our lives. The reading from Isaiah anticipates the coming of Christ and John the Baptist as it proclaims “… prepare the way of the Lord.” This is a time of preparation for us. That message is repeated in our Gospel from St. Mark. Today’s Gospel is the absolute beginning of Mark’s Gospel and it immediately gives us that same signal by declaring, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Of course, we all realize that the path to the Lord may not always be straight for us, but now is a time to correct that. God is waiting for us. St. Peter in his Second Letter, from which our Second Reading is drawn, indicates that God, however, “is patient with you.” You might say on this Second Sunday of Advent that the Lord is giving us a second chance to respond to His call. One of the basics of St. John the Baptist’s messages was that we need to get ourselves right with the Lord, perhaps turn our lives in a different direction. We can change; now is the time to do that. Pope St. John XXIII once stated during a homily in Advent, “We are all part of an immense family. This is proven by what is in our hearts during Advent and Christmas.” Now is the time to put love in our hearts and to truly prepare the way of the Lord.