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

November 26, 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.

STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL

Have you turned in your Commitment Card? Even if you have no changes to make to your time, talent, or treasure commitments, we would appreciate receiving your response. We now have an online option! Visit www.ascensionbismarck.org to fill out the form online.

FAITH FORMATION GRILL-OUT

Wednesday, November 29th from 4:45 to 6:45 pm in the Community Room

All Faith Formation families and parishioners are invited to have supper together here at Ascension before or after their child’s Faith Formation class. This meal is generously provided by our Knights of Columbus council and is a free-will offering. Leave the cooking to us and come enjoy a family meal together. They are serving spaghetti!

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Saturday, December 2 an 10:00 am in Church

Our 2nd grade students, along with a few older students, will be making their First Reconciliation on December 2nd.

Please keep them in your prayers!

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.

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

Count Offering Team #5

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Michelle Fitterer—Plate Renee Jangula—Plate Loretta Scherr—Plate Bob Scherr—Plate Linda Charbonneau—Cup Tammie Johnson—Cup** Ken Johnson—Cup**

Wayne Hatzenbuhler—Plate** Rose Senger—Plate Mark Weigel—Plate Pete Baumgartner—Cup**

Dan Hopfauf—Plate Doug Mormann—Plate Susan Mormann—Plate Berna Vetter—Plate Freddie Frank—Cup Mark Malm—Cup** Sharon Malm—Cup**

Shawn Meier—Plate Howell Flowers—Plate Julie Ness—Plate Jay Uhlman—Plate Mary Fornshell—Cup Grady Martin—Cup** John Paul Martin—Cup**

Hospitality

Michael Kern Joletta Kern Lil Krance

Lori Engleson Jeff Engleson Greg Power

Tim Kaiser Joan Kaiser Alisha Neigum

Carl Ness Nicholas Ness DJ Ness

Lector Linda Charbonneau Rita Ritter Kaye Andersen John Paul Martin

Altar Server Katrice Kern Wylie Vetter

Adriel Vetter Jami Bachmeier Edmund Peliska

Austin Martin Noelle Martin

Video/Audio Operator

Leona Kuntz Dee Baumgartner Val Frank Deb Kuntz

Music Ministry Joan Backes Keylee Hertz Barnett

Kathy Lewis Renee Loh

Cheneniah Steve & Susan Harmon

Serving the Assembly December 2nd and 3rd: First Sunday of Advent

MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE

The March for Life Pilgrimage will be held January 16-21, 2018 and is open to youth in grades 9-12. We have had many students from our Diocese attend March for Life through our area Catholic Schools, but we want to make sure ALL high school youth in our Diocese have the opportunity to attend this amazing event. The event will include participation in the March for Life, as well as the Life is Very Good Youth Rally, and will provide numerous opportunities for visiting the national monuments, museums, and well-known Catholic venues including the Basilica of the National Shrine, St. John Paul II Shrine, and more! For further information, please contact Carrie Davis, the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at the Bismarck Diocese by emailing cdavis@bismarckdiocese.com or call 204-7208.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS WOMEN’S RETREAT

The Catholic Daughters, Court Saint Cecelia of Mandan, will host a women’s retreat, which will be held from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 2nd. It will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Mandan. We will begin the retreat at 8:00 am with Father John Paul Gardner celebrating the Mass. He will have two sessions on Prayer & Meditation with Adoration and a break in-between. Lunch will be served in the school cafeteria with music by Kim Bauer. From 1:00 to 2:00 pm, a representative from Roberts Floral will come to show us Holiday Flower Arranging. This retreat is open to all women. The registration fee is $10.00 which includes a copy of the Magnificat Advent Companion. Pre-registration is required. Please consider joining us. Contact Bonnie Quast at 663-5305 or Carla Ressler at 667-2965. Respond by November 28th.

CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS GROUP

“The History and Significance of Vatican II” will be presented Friday, December 1st. The Bismarck Mandan Catholic Young Adults will host Fr. Greg Luger from Cathedral of the Holy Spirit to discuss this topic at a new location—3090 Manchester Street in Bismarck. The group and event have new hosts, Brian Mager and Nora Ulmer. Fellowship will begin at 6:00 pm and Fr. Greg will present at 6:30 pm. The group serves young adults ages 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 Catholic Young Adults on our Facebook page or contact Bri Weisbeck at 426-0456.

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, by emailing cdavis@bismarckdiocese.com or call 204-7208.

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

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS

ParishCalendar

Monday, November 27 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday, November 28 8:00 am †Art Mueller by Pauline Mueller Wednesday, November 29

8:00 am †Cheryl Heck by Family Thursday, November 30 8:00 am †Don & Jeanine Heck by Shirley Heck Friday, December 1 8:00 am †Irene Ternes by DeWayne & Sharon Ternes Saturday, December 2 5:00 pm †Deceased Members of the Schiele Family by Dennis & Jane Schiele Sunday, December 3 8:00 am People of the Parish 9:30 am †Sonia Balliet by Carol Schwartz & Family 11:00 am †Charles Mann by Light of Christ Academy Staff

Weekly Schedule Monday, November 27 8:30 am Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday, November 28 7:00 pm Stewardship Committee meeting Wednesday, November 29 4, 5:30, 7:00 Faith Formation Classes 4:45-6:45 pm Faith Formation Grill-out Thursday, November 30 6:30 pm Missalette Changing in Church Foyer Friday, December 1 8:30 am First Friday Fellowship in Community Room Saturday, December 2 10:00 am 1st Reconciliation Service

Readings for the Week of Nov. 26th:

Sunday: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17/Ps 23:1-3, 5-6/

1 Cor 15:20-26, 28/Mt 25:31-46

Monday: Dn 1:1-6, 8-20/Dn 3:52-56/Lk 21:1-4

Tuesday: Dn 2:31-45/Dn 3:57-61/Lk 21:5-11

Wednesday: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28/Dn 3:62-67/

Lk 21:12-19

Thursday: Rom 10:9-18/Ps 19:8-11/Mt 4:18-22

Friday: Dn 7:2-14/Dn 3:75-81/Lk 21:29-33

Saturday: Dn 7:15-27/Dn 3:82-87/Lk 21:34-36

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

WEEK COLLECTIONS BUDGET

November 19,

2017

N/A $13,002.00

Fiscal Year

to Date

N/A $260,040.00

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Adult: Who are the least of our sisters and brothers for whom you do care? Who are those whom you ignore? Youth: To which person did you especially try to show the love and care of Jesus?

We celebrate today what is popularly and traditionally called the Feast of Christ the King. This is also the beginning of the last week of our Catholic Liturgical Year, as the New Year begins with Advent next Sunday. We often mention that time is a gift to us; this idea of measuring Church time is also a gift, but do we truly appreciate it? People tend to say “I go to church.” In reality, Christ does not call us to “go” to church; He calls us to be Church. We should live our lives in such a way that it is clear we are Catholic and Christian and part of Christ’s Kingdom, for He is our King. Were you aware that the name “Christ” is a royal title in itself? In Greek it means “the anointed king.” St. Paul referred to the Lord as “king of kings and lord of lords,” a phrase with which we are familiar. If we accept Christ as our King, and if we live our lives as His disciples and followers we are certainly part of His Kingdom. Pope Pius XI instituted today’s solemnity in 1925 at a time when many countries were struggling with total loyalty to secular royalty. Pius XI wanted Catholics to recognize that their loyalty was to a higher power, their spiritual king in heaven. Pius XI wrote at that time, “For Jesus Christ reigns over the minds of individuals by His teachings, in their hearts by His love, in each one’s life by the living according to His law and the imitating of His example.”

CommunityNews&Events

The flowers near the altar have been

donated by Mike and Julie Luger,

in memory of their granddaughter, Sarah Catherine Lents.

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!

FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is

Friday, December 8th. It is a holy day of

obligation. Masses will be at 8:00 am and

7:00 pm. Liturgical Ministers are needed

for these Masses. You may sign up on

Ministry Pro, call 223-3606, or email Jan at

jcsitter@ascensionbismarck.org. Thank you

for your service.

THANK YOU FROM THE KC’S

The KC’s would like to thank the parish

members and guests, who helped us raise

$550 at the November KC breakfast,

benefitting the Giving Tree and other

KC Christmas charities. Also, thank you

to the youth who assisted with the break-

fast.

UNIVERSITY OF MARY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The University of Mary Music Department will perform the

annual Christmas at Mary Concert on Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 3rd

at 3:00 pm. The concert will feature the Concert Choir, Vocal

Jazz, and Gabrieli Brass. The concerts are free and open to the

public; early arrival is encouraged for seating in the chapel.

Gifts of non-perishable food will be donated to Ministry on

the Margins.

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.

ST. MARY’S GRADE SCHOOL PTO

The St. Mary’s Grade School PTO is holding a “Breakfast with

Santa” event on Sunday, December 3rd at St. Mary’s parish/

school from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Santa will be available to

take photos with children and hear Christmas wishes, while the

KC Council #1604 will serve a breakfast. In addition, the St.

Mary’s Santa’s Store will have many gifts available after all

Masses on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December

3rd. Vendors include Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef,

Avon, Ladybug Painter, Susan’s Crafts, Judy’s Greeting Cards,

Handmade Crafts by Margaret, Al’s Wood Turnings, Sewly 4

U Crafts, and Guatemalan products.

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 or-

ders for Christmas gifts for family and friends. The St. Jo-

seph School PTO will also be serving breakfast Sunday morn-

ing from 9:00 to 12:00.

BISMARCK CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS

The Bismarck Catholic Daughters will meet for their Christmas potluck on Tuesday, December 5th at 6:00 pm at Cathedral. A

meeting will follow. Guests are welcome. Call Delores at 221-2818 for more info or visit the website at www.bismarckcda.org.