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Letter from Father tom FATHER MICHAEL GUASTELLO Deacon John STANley Reflections on ascension’s stained glass windows Game page Fall 2017 Adult Faith Course Catalog registration forms

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9510 West 127th St. • Overland Park, KS. 66213 (913) 681-3348 • www.kcascension.org • [email protected]

LETTER FROM THE PASTOR BY FR. TOM TANK

August 2017 Dear Fellow Parishioners,

“Invite and welcome someone!” That simple statement pretty well sums up our parish pastoral plan for reaching out to share our faith with others. Nothing is stronger than the personal invitation and nothing is more engaging than a welcoming spirit. As part of an archdiocesan pilot project on evangelization, our parish has been challenged to come up with some creative ways to become a more inviting, welcoming parish. A wonderful group of parishioners has been meeting each month for the past several months studying and reflecting on this challenge. Currently they have come up with four basic recommendations for our parish which I am happy to share with you at this time. #1 Renew and strengthen our current ministries of Greeters and Welcomers. Also create a group (around 25 parishioners) of Ascension Ambassadors. The role of the Ambassadors is to model for all of us what it means to be a welcoming parish. Ambassadors will be present at parish functions to be aware of new people and to engage with them as an expression of welcome and hospitality. Some special training will be afforded the Ambassadors, but the primary requirement is to be an outgoing person interested in engaging visitors to our parish. #2 Create more opportunities during our parish prayer to focus on developing a heart for spreading the Good News. Most of us are getting the message that we need to invite and share our faith with others, but sometimes we think we need special training and expertise to do so. That isn’t necessarily so. We don’t all need to be apologists or theologians. The best evangelizers are ordinary folks who witness by living their faith actively in their daily lives and inviting others into a relationship with Christ themselves. The Sunday homilies and an occasional video will try to bring this message home so that we can all become more effective missionary disciples. Sometimes people are hesitant to invite others to Mass because they cannot share in the Eucharist. However, there are so many parish activities that we can invite people to join us including our upcoming parish mission, our Advent Lessons and Carols, the Seven Last Words, Good Friday Tre Ore, Bible studies and adult education classes. #3 Provide a parish mission next January to engage parishioners in inviting friends and neighbors to visit our parish. Many times we don’t think of inviting others (especially those not engaged in their faith) to come with us to parish events. This mission will be a great opportunity to not only grow spiritually ourselves, but to engage others as well. The mission will be followed up with an invitation to join small faith sharing groups during Lent, 2018. #4 Create a workshop in collaboration with the School of Faith to provide ongoing formation and skill development for inviting and sharing faith with others. This will be a special workshop for all parishioners, especially our Ascension Ambassadors, Greeters and Welcoming Ministry. While brief in duration – around three hours – it will have lasting results in helping participants to feel more confident in inviting and engaging others. All parishioners will be welcome! In a sense there is nothing revolutionary about any of these four goals. At the same time each can help us move forward to become more effective missionary disciples, feeling more confident to “Invite and Welcome” someone into our parish life and more importantly into deeper relationship with Christ Jesus. God’s blessings! Fr. Tom

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FATHER MICHAEL GUASTELLO

DEACON GUASTELLO FOLLOWED THE CALL THAT WOULDN’T QUIT

By Joe Bollig [email protected]

When Deacon Michael J. Guastello went off to the seminary in October 2010, he was certain that his stay would be short. “I told my mother while I was at the seminary checking it out, “This isn’t going to happen,” he said. “I felt that God wanted me to come look at this. Now that I satisfied my curiosity, my plan was to go back home and resume my life.” During an interview at the seminary, one of the priest faculty members said, “Now, I don’t want you to be nervous.” “Nervous?” thought Guastello. “I don’t even want to necessarily be here. I was waiting for someone to tell me that I shouldn’t be here, so I could tell God, ‘See, I’ve done what you asked me to do. I’ve seen this through, and now I’m going back to my life, thank you very much.’ “I fought this thing the entire way.” As it turned out, God’s call is pretty hard to resist. Deacon Guastello will be ordained a priest by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas. “I couldn’t get [the idea of priesthood] out of my heart and my mind, no matter how hard I tried to push it aside,” said Deacon Guastello. “I kept coming up with all kinds of reasons: I’m older, I won’t fit in, my education isn’t geared toward this kind of study, and I’m selfish — I want to make money.” He had plans — for marriage and a family, a good income, and to have his own company and be his own boss. The irony is that as a priest he’ll never have a wife and family, won’t make a lot of money and he will always have a boss — the archbishop. “In that irony I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “This is what God has called me to do. And at this point in my life, there’s nothing else that I’d rather do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Deacon Guastello, 44, is the second child and oldest son of Mike and Frances Guastello of Kansas City, Missouri. The family belonged to Holy Cross Parish there, and the entirety of Deacon Guastello’s education was in Catholic institutions, although it wasn’t planned that way. Even as an altar server while growing up, the thought of the priesthood never entered his mind. Nor did his parents encourage him or mention it as a vocational possibility. Following graduation from Rockhurst University in 1997, he worked in pharmaceutical sales for a couple of different companies. He helped launch a couple of new products and was doing very well for himself — at least in terms of professional success and material acquisition. He was, in his own words, just “a nice guy.” His faith life? Not so great.

“I had a reconversion in 2007,” he said. “I went back to the sacrament of reconciliation. I recognized my faith walk wasn’t all that great. We sometimes fall into a mindset that, ‘So long as I haven’t killed anybody, I must be doing OK.’” “That’s not really what God calls us to,” he continued. “God calls us to be as holy as we can be, and to discipleship — not just being nice guys and gals.”

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE LEAVEN

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The priest in the confessional, hearing that he’d been away from the sacrament for more than 10 years, said something stunning. “Welcome back,” the priest said. “While I hadn’t left the faith, mentally I had checked out,” he said. “I was just pursuing [membership in] the millionaire’s club.” Until that time, he had gone to Mass sporadically — not out of love or devotion, but to “get my name checked off in the divine attendance book in the sky.” And a funny thing happened to him as he began to live the Catholic life again: He began to have thoughts about becoming a priest. He met with his pastor and the archdiocesan vocations director, thinking, “This is crazy.” But he felt compelled to follow this line of inquiry. And many baby steps followed. Eventually, he was sitting in front of archdiocesan vocations director Father Mitchel Zimmerman with an application to enter the seminary in his hand. “Are you willing to take it?” asked Father Zimmerman. “Yeah, I’ll take it,” Deacon Guastello replied. He told himself he’d take it, but he didn’t have to look at it. It sat on his desk for weeks. And then he thought he’d look at it, but he didn’t have to fill it out. And then he thought he could fill it out, but he didn’t have to turn it in. And next he thought he could turn it in, but he didn’t think they’d accept him. And if they accepted him, he didn’t have to go. At one point, he even got a little peeved at God. “Lord, why did you wait so long to call me to do this?” he prayed. “I have my own dreams, plans and desires. You can’t make me do this. I don’t want to do this, so you’re going to have to make me feel better about this.” “The Lord heard that prayer,” said Deacon Guastello, “and put it into my heart to have peace about it.” He also told the Lord that his salvation was not predicated upon becoming a priest. “It was almost as if I heard back in prayer, ‘You’re right — your salvation isn’t predicated upon you doing this. But others’ [salvation] might be,’” said Deacon Guastello. “‘I will be able to use you if you say ‘yes.’ “And that really got to me.” He even grew to understand the answer to his question: “Why so late?” It was because he wasn’t ready until later. He was ordained a transitional deacon on May 22, 2016, at St. Peter Cathedral. He looks forward to his priestly ordination and administering the sacraments. His advice to others seeking direction in their lives is simple: Spend time asking the Lord. In time, he will reveal it to you. “Be open,” said Deacon Guastello. “Pray. How do we become close to Jesus? How do we know what His will for our life is? Spend time with Him. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and go to daily Mass if you can. Develop a devotion to the Blessed Mother.” “God can work with a ‘maybe.’ . . . Avail yourself of the sacraments and just ask.” “Sometimes there’s a misunderstanding that a ‘yes’ to the seminary is a ‘yes’ to the priesthood,” he added. “No, it’s a ‘yes’ to discernment. “Plenty of guys come to the seminary and learn that they’re called to marriage. Good for them. The system worked.”

FATHER MICHAEL GUASTELLO (CONT’D.)

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INTRODUCING DEACON JOHN STANLEY

On June 3, 2017, our fellow parishioner, John Stanley, was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese. He has graciously shared a bit of his journey with us.

Dear Parishioners of Ascension, I am humbled to have the privilege and honor of serving you as permanent deacon at our wonderful parish. Most who read this have probably never met me…but I hope that changes soon. I hope you will take a moment to introduce yourself to me. Allow me to tell you a little bit about me and my family. My wife, Connie and I have been parishioners since 1999. For many years we have attended the 8:15 a.m. Mass along with three of our four children, their spouses, and a brood of grandchildren that now totals 12. It is a wonderful tradition to attend the same Mass together followed by brunch at Grandma and Grandpa’s - where cousins become friends. My mother-in-law, Janice Sutton lives with us and joins us every Sunday as well. My children/grandchildren are: David and wife, Kristan Stanley plus four children; Amanda and husband, Mike Menghini plus six children; and Andrew and wife, Samantha plus two children. My daughter Sarah and her husband Nate live in Alaska.

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My faith journey has been probably pretty typical for someone who was a child of the 60’s and 70’s. I was a marginal Catholic in my teens and college years. I was blessed with wonderful, loving parents but was more influenced by the cultural forces of the day. I wish I could tell you that my faith trajectory was steady and upward, but in fact, it has been a winding road with ups and downs. Meeting Connie and her agreeing to marry me was pivotal in my faith journey. Another key event in my pathway toward holiness was March 2004 – and Team 1 of Christ Renews His Parish. Eight years later, in 2012, the deaconate formation process began which culminated in ordination on June 3, 2017. It was an intense time of spiritual formation and theological academics. The formation involved one weekend per month (Friday night through Sunday noon) for five years. We had a wide array of instructors: priests, professors from St. Benedict College as well as theologians from throughout the nation. Going into the program I was not equipped to be a deacon, but now I know that God does not “call the equipped; rather, He equips the called”. I remain His unworthy servant but each day I ask for the graces to become the man God has called me to be: A husband; a father; a grandfather; a friend – but most of all, God has called me to be the servant of our Lord, Jesus. Along the way, there are so many people to thank. First and foremost, my thanks go out to Connie, for her love and support. Thanks also go out to my children and their families. I owe a huge amount of gratitude to Fr. Tom. Back in 2004, he challenged me to be the man God intended me to be. In 2010 he further challenged me to reach out to “go deeper” and reach out to the incarcerated. His example and challenges have propelled me along the path of the diaconate. I am blessed to continue in prison ministry as my archdiocesan assignment. My parish assignment is still to be determined. Fr. Tom is allowing me to first get my “sea legs” before committing to any one ministry at Ascension. Finally, I want to thank you, the parishioners of Ascension for your prayers and so many words and acts of kindness in accepting me as your deacon. I am in awe of so many of you for what you do at and for the parish – both out front and behind the scenes. You have inspired me. I pray that Jesus will continue to form me so I can one day say with Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” Deacon John Stanley

Interested in learning more about the Diaconate Program?

Visit https://www.archkck.org/deacon or speak to Fr. Tom with any questions.

INTRODUCING DEACON JOHN STANLEY (CONT’D.)

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REFLECTIONS ON STAINED GLASS WINDOWS - PART 3

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This is the third part of my series of reflections on the 16 stained glass windows on the sides of the worship space at Ascension. We arrive now at the right (east) side of the church, with windows showing eight scenes from the New Testament (including three Joyful Mysteries of the rosary, one Luminous Mystery, and one Sorrowful Mystery). The first four of these windows, depicting scenes from before Jesus’s public ministry, are discussed below. As before, in each case I have copied the Scripture verse that appears at the bottom of the window (cropped from the corresponding photo). The Annunciation Do not fear, Mary. You have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a son… “Let it be done to me as you say.” (Luke 1:30, 31, 38)

We ordinarily (and correctly) think first of Mary and her fiat in contemplating this mystery, but I want to focus on various symbols included in this particular depiction. The artist has included elements that indicate the presence of God in all three persons of the Trinity: the Father represented by the cloud, as at the Transfiguration; the Holy Spirit represented by the dove, as at the Transfiguration and Jesus’s baptism; and Jesus, being conceived. Luke doesn’t actually mention the appearance of a cloud or a dove, but surely the Father’s voice is heard through the messenger Gabriel, and the Holy Spirit is specifically mentioned in the gospel as the instrument of conception. Moreover, although Gabriel uses the future tense (“you will conceive…”), the event may be considered as including the very act of conception at the same time – as this artist suggests, with the shining rays of power extending from the Holy Spirit to Mary – and as the Church implicitly recognizes in setting this feast exactly nine months before Christmas. Gabriel’s hand gesture also suggests the Trinity, as he is shown adopting a sign of blessing or benediction used throughout the history of Christian art, in which the extended fingers and thumb are intended to represent the three persons of God. Finally, I would note the inclusion in the scene of lilies, a common symbol of Mary’s purity often used by artists in renderings of the Annunciation.

The Visitation “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby stirred in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out . . . “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:40-42)

In this depiction of the mystery, the placement of Mary’s hands suggests to me that she is greeting not only Elizabeth, but also John the Baptist – who returned that greeting by leaping in Elizabeth’s womb. I also like the look of pure joy and satisfaction on the face of Elizabeth. I cannot help, however, but think about the scene’s third figure, Zechariah, whose story mirrored Mary’s in so many ways – he was an unlikely candidate to be a parent; he experienced his own annunciation involving Gabriel, who told him not to be afraid; he asked how it could be that he would have a child; and he eventually delivered a canticle praising God. The difference was that Zechariah did not believe the message, and thus was rendered mute until after John’s birth. Elizabeth herself noted that difference, telling Mary, “Blessed are you who believed.” Thus, I am encouraged to be more like Mary than like Zechariah, in having faith in God and in trusting His message. Finally, a note again about the flowers – the purple blooms beneath Mary’s feet are likely periwinkle, which was sometimes called the “virgin flower” and was often used with Mary in Christian art.

BY DAVE REMPEL

REFLECTIONS ON STAINED GLASS WINDOWS - PART 3 (CONT’D.)

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The Child Jesus in the Temple Why did you search for me? Did you not know I had to be in my Father’s house? (Luke 2:49) Although taking place before His public ministry had begun, this scene previews Jesus’ ministry as a teacher. After three days (not a coincidence), the 12-year-old Jesus was found in the temple listening to the teachers of that time, but in this depiction of the mystery, Jesus’ gestures reveal Him as the true master, as He appears to be explaining God’s word. The importance of Scripture is denoted by the prominent display of the holy book in the center of the window. I am struck by the seemingly diverse reactions of the three teachers who were “astounded” by Jesus’s understanding and answers: the first appears content to listen to Jesus; the second (with his own hand gesture) looks to be engaging with Jesus; while the third seems dismayed that he is being taught by a child. Which kind of student and listener am I? Am I dismayed, feeling constrained by God’s commands? Do I try to argue or reason or negotiate with God? Or am I content to accept and trust God’s teachings? The Wedding at Cana Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” His mother instructed… “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:3, 5) We normally think of this mystery as Jesus’s first public miracle, in which He prefigured His institution of the Eucharist by transforming water into wine. This, however, is also a story about Mary (or simply “the mother of Jesus”, as the evangelist John calls her throughout his gospel), who told the servers to do as Jesus commanded. In this window’s depiction of Mary, with her eyes nearly shut, the artist has captured her supreme confidence that Jesus would take care of the problem, despite His initial protestation that his hour had not yet come. We are thus reminded that Mary has such confidence as our intercessor when she implores all of us to “do whatever He tells you.” The artist has also taken some liberties with the story by depicting Jesus with the newlyweds (with joined hands and roses at their feet), even though the gospel has Jesus addressing only the servers. (Is the other man the host? A father? The headwaiter who wondered why the best wine had been kept for last?) Thus, this scene suggests another sacrament, with Jesus seeming to act as a priest witnessing their marriage (and blessing the couple using the aforementioned Trinitarian gesture). As Father Tom is fond of saying at Ascension weddings, every Christian marriage must include God as the third participant. Is God always present in my marriage?

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FIND ALL THE UNDERLINED WORDS

H U N D E R S T A N D I N G T A E B E G I N B F E H L M Q A U H A B L G G W M W J Z E A L I V K R H J O F B O D Y K P N Y C S D T R E D Z N J E S U S E C A R G S Y R Z D S A E D S A H W X N P R A Y E R S P G R R I B L E S S T P R A I S E E C L M W R O D U E S M F P B H H D A M T B R V A F T F I D C R R W I S D O M C E U A R P A I E Y G B I L D E G F T I R E S N Z H O V E M I N D S T C T T M C T U W K A S E A R C H F A M E N C L O O H C S D T E S

Prayers to Begin a School Year God of wisdom and might,

we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body and spirit.

Be with our children as they begin a new school year.

Bless them and their teachers and staff.

Give them strength and grace as their bodies grow;

wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal to their hearts.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Church of the Ascension Fall 2017 Adult Faith Course Catalog

Join us! Invite a friend to sign up with you!

There is something for everyone. .

Two registration forms are located inside. These may be detached and turned into the Parish Office or placed in the return boxes in the Gathering Space.

In order to ensure the ordering of books and materials,

please register by the deadline.

Late registrations are welcome, but no guarantee that materials will be available your first day of class and there will be a late fee of up to $10.

Thank you.

If you have questions about a particular class, please feel free to call or email the Adult Faith Office:

Liz Willman [email protected] 681-3348 ext 139 Denise Greene [email protected] 681-3348 ext 142

Please register by August 28, 2017

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Course Title

Page Number

A Taste of Igna an Prayer 19

Called to Life …. Exploring God’s Path to Personal Happiness and Fulfillment in Today’s Direc onless World 15

Catholic Divorced Survival Course 18

Catholic Movie Night Igna us of Loyola on 9/5/17**Silence on 9/26/17** St. Bakhita on 10/17/17**The Le ers on 11/7/17** Blessed Duns Scotus-Defender of the Immaculate on 11/28/17** Case For Christ on 1/16/18

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Catholicism 101-Refresher Course! 13

Christ Renews His Parish Retreat 17

33 Days to Morning Glory 16

Consoling the Heart of Jesus 16

33 Days to Merciful Love 16

Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace University 18

Forgiveness Class 15

Holy Conversa on Book Club 14

Men of Ascension 17

Pivotal Players in Catholicism 19

Read, Study and Apply the Bible to Your Everyday Life 13

Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults (RCIA) 17

True Reformers 14

ALPHA LISTING OF COURSE CATALOG

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Catholicism 101-Refresher Course! Are you new to your faith? Or has it been a while since you’ve refreshed your knowledge of the catholic faith? Or are you up-to-date but looking for more? If you answer yes to any of these questions , this course is for you! Utilizing the Symbolon DVD series, we will explore the catholic faith. Each week’s session stands alone so you don’t have to worry if you miss a class! 16-Week Course Thursdays 9:30AM-11:00AM OR Thursdays 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: September 14, 2017 Start Date: September 14, 2017 Does not meet on 11/23, 12/21, 12/28 Does not meet on 11/23, 12/21, 12/28 (last class 1/18/18) (last class 1/18/18) Location: St. Matthew-St. Mark Room Location: St. Matthew-St. Mark Room Facilitators: Kim Sutton Facilitator: Katie Kuckelman Cost of Materials: $0.00 Cost of Materials: $0.00 Read, Study and Apply the Bible to Your Everyday Life Reading the Bible leads us to study more, but how will you act on what you learn there? What does it mean to “pray the Scriptures”? The challenge is to apply what you read, study and pray in the Word of God to your everyday life. Wherever you are in your faith journey, with this course you can get more from the Bible.

Please bring your Bible to class

10-Week Course Mondays 7:00PM-8:00PM OR Fridays 10:30AM-11:30AM Start Date: September 11, 2017 Start Date: September 15, 2017 Location: St. Luke Room Location: St. Luke Room Facilitator: Bill Thomas Facilitator: Bill Thomas Cost of Materials: $0.00 Cost of Materials: $0.00

ADULT FAITH OFFERINGS

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Holy Conversation Book Club Men and women... join us for book club at Ascension! We will meet twice a month to discuss various Catholic authors, theologians and philosophers. Our first book will be The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen It will be distributed at the first class and reading will begin after that. Approximately 2 to 3 chapters will be covered at each meeting so as to allow plenty of time for sharing and "holy conversation". Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Time: 10:30AM-11:30AM Starts: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 through May 15, 2018 Location: St. John’s Room Facilitator: Tamara James Cost of Materials: $10.00 True Reformers This six-episode series explores the lives of Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas More, Francis de Sales, Philip Neri, Charles Borromeo, and Teresa of Avila. As True Reformers introduces you to these great saints, you’ll want to stay friends with them for life, even unto eternity, as you discover how they spearheaded the Church’s rebirth after the turbulence and confusion caused by the Protestant Reformation. Dr. Christopher Blum presents the first comprehensive study program to present a specifically Catholic worldview that addresses the Protestant Reformation, 500 years later. 6-Week Course Tuesdays 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: October 24, 2017 (skips 11/21) Location: St. Matthew/St. Mark Room Facilitator: Joyce Grashoff Cost of Materials: $15.00


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Called to Life …. Exploring God’s Path to Personal Happiness and Fulfillment in Today’s Directionless World In his new book, author Jacque Philippe provides answers and suggestions for learning how to identify and respond to God’s special call for each of us. In this five week book course, participants will study, reflect, and prayerfully examine how God’s calls take place in the everyday events of life, the Word of God in Scripture, and interior promptings of the Holy Spirit. Learning to recognize and follow these calls can lead to a happy and fulfilled life. 5-Week Course Tuesdays 9:30AM-11:00AM OR Tuesdays 7:00PM-8:30PM Start date: September 19, 2017 Start date: September 19, 2017 Location: St. Matthew-St. Mark Room Location: St. Matthew-St. Mark Room Facilitator: Marge Sosna Facilitator: Marge Sosna Cost of Materials: $10.00 Cost of Materials: $10.00 Forgiveness Class FORGIVENESS is such a natural, spiritual, necessary and complicated process. Come explore the dynamics of the process of Forgiving. Personal stories and scripture will be used in studying this beautiful process. Is someone in your family holding a grudge against someone? Perhaps for years? Have you been upset with someone for a long time? Do you remember exactly why? Is there possibly a failing or sin in your past that you’ve ignored and has put a wedge between you and the One Who loves you most? 4-Week Course Time: 7:00PM-8:30PM Starts: Thursday, September 14, 2017 Location: St. John’s Room Facilitator: Chuck Jansen Cost of Materials: $0.00


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33 Days to Morning Glory Want to Grow in Holiness, But Too Busy? Want to transform your work, your marriage, your family, and your life, but don't have time? Looking for the quickest, surest, and easiest way to holiness, but don't know where to begin? In our hectic day and time, Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa knew that the quickest way to be transformed into a saint is through a relationship with Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Mary leads us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Starting with the book 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration, you can begin this journey. 6-Week Course Tuesday 9:30AM-11:00 AM Tuesday 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: September 12, 2017 Start Date: September 12, 2017 Location: St. Luke Room OR Location: St. Luke Room Facilitator: Dick Kane Facilitator: Dick Kane Cost of Materials: $10.00 Cost of Materials: $10.00

Consoling the Heart of Jesus (A Sequel to 33 Days) This course combines the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius with the teachings of Saints Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, and Louis de Montfort. The author, Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, has a remarkable gift for inspiring little souls to trust in Jesus, The Divine Mercy. 10-Week Course Tuesday 9:30AM-11:000AM Tuesday 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: October 24, 2017 Start Date: October 24, 2017 (Skips 11/21 & 12/26, 1/2/18) (Skips 11/21 & 12/26, 1/2/18) Location: St. Luke Room OR Location: St. Luke Room Facilitator: Dick Kane Facilitator: Dick Kane Cost of Materials: $10.00 Cost of Materials: $10.00

33 Days to Merciful Love Live the extraordinary "Jubilee Year of Mercy" to the full! Get your copy of 33 Days to Merciful Love, the stirring sequel to the international best-selling sensation, 33 Days to Morning Glory. Using the same 33-day preparation format, 33 Days to Merciful Love journeys with one of the most beloved saints of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux, and concludes with a consecration to Divine Mercy. 6-Week Course Tuesday 9:30AM-11:00AM Tuesday 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: February 13, 2018 Start Date: February 13, 2018 Location: St. Luke Room OR Location: St. Luke Room Facilitator: Dick Kane Facilitator: Dick Kane Cost of Materials: $10.00 Cost of Materials: $10.00


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Christ Renews His Parish Retreat Parish sponsored retreat program offering a Sat./Sun. retreat at the parish in the Fall and in the Spring. There are separate weekends for Men and Women. It is a program designed to bring parish members together in Christ, and emphasizes your continued growth in Catholic Christian life. It initiates this through small group participation. If interested, check out the parish website or Adult Faith Bulletin Board in the Gathering Space where you will find a registration form. Weekend Retreat-Men Weekend Retreat-Women Sat. 8:00AM thru Sunday 5:00PM Sat. 8:00AM thru Sunday 5:00PM Dates: September 9 & 10, 2017 OR Dates: September 23 & 24, 2017 Location: Ascension Location: Ascension Cost of Materials: $0.00 Cost of Materials: $0.00 Men of Ascension Are you looking for a way to get more meaning out of Mass? If so, join with other men of the parish to meet each week and discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. This group discusses the Sunday readings followed by discussion on their applicability to the lives of men. New members are invited to join at any time. Fridays 6:00AM-7:00AM Date: Ongoing Location: St. Luke Room Facilitator: Ken Jennison Cost of Materials: $0.00 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Join us for classes this fall to see if this is right for you! We will meet on Monday nights for 8 weeks to present basic topics of the faith. At that point, you will decide if you would like to continue coming to class each Monday evening to learn more about Catholicism. Adults are welcomed into the Church at Easter in the spring. We also would love to have parishioners volunteer to serve as a sponsor for someone going through RCIA. Registration date and time: August 28, 2017 from 7:00PM-8:00PM Regular day and time: Mondays 6:00PM-8:00PM First regular session: September 25, 2017 Location: St. Matthew & Mark Room Cost: $0.00


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Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace University Learn practical steps to beat debt, take control of your money, build wealth, give generously, and secure your family's future! Dave Ramsey and his teaching team will walk you through each lesson, providing practical steps to take control of your money and prepare for the future. 9-Week Course Tuesdays: 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: September 12, 2017 Location: St. John’s Room Facilitators: Rick Lane with Jim Baldwin, Mark Chandler Cost of Materials: $80.00 (Scholarship available upon request) If you would like more information, please email Rick Lane at [email protected] Catholic Divorced Survival Course This is a 12 week study/support/prayer program for men and women dealing with the pain and changes this change in life causes on adults and kids. Join us as we help you navigate this life changing journey, using the program “Catholic Divorced Survival Guide”. 12-Week Course Wednesdays 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: September 6, 2017 (Skips November 22) Location: Conference Room Facilitator: Mary Vorsten Cost of Materials: $30.00 (Scholarship available upon request) Register online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a44aba7238-divorced For more info on this and ongoing support contact Jean in the office at [email protected] or go to: http://kcascension.org/divorced-or-separated-ministry


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Pivotal Players in Catholicism Bishop Barron is on a new journey to unlock the truth behind the Catholic Church's most influential people. CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players is a multi-part film series that illumines a handful of saints, artists, mystics, and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church but changed the course of civilization. 7-Week Course Wednesdays 9:30AM-11:00AM OR Wednesdays 7:00PM-8:30PM Start date: September 6, 2017 Start date: September 6, 2017 Location: St. Matthew & Mark Location: St. Matthew & Mark Facilitator: Diane Stroh Facilitator: Joyce Grashoff Cost of Materials: $0.00 Cost of Materials: $0.00 A Taste of Ignatian Prayer You are invited to join an engaging eight-week guided Ignatian prayer experience designed for you and a small group. The framework includes praying for 15-30 minutes daily, keeping a journal and meeting once a week with a small group and a prayer guide. This is unique opportunity to experience a taste of Ignatian prayer, make new friends and learn from each other in a small community group. 8-Week Course Wednesdays: 7:00PM-8:30PM Start Date: September 6, 2017 Location: St. Luke Room Facilitators: Marguerite Enlow and Shirley Chenoweth Cost of Materials: $40.00 *paid directly to Ignatian Spirituality Center (scholarships are available) Register online at www.ignatiancenterkc.org


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Join us in the Youth Center at 7:00PM Bring your own snacks and drinks. No cost to attend. Dates below. Space is limited so register early.

Ignatius of Loyola This modern and very human take on the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, often called "The Saint of Second Chances" is an incisive and thrilling look at the life of the real man behind the legend. In his lifelong quest to become the heroic knight of his fantasies, Ignatius stares death in the face again and again, having his leg shattered by a cannonball in battle; driven to near suicide by his inner demons; finding himself imprisoned, accused of being an illuminati; and finally finding his life in the hands of the Inquisition. Through it all, he would come to see the hand of God working in his life, shaping the self-obsessed sinner into the loyal and passionate soldier-saint. Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 7:00PM-Youth Center

St. Bakhit In 1948 Aurora Marin arrives with her family at the convent of the Canossian Sisters of Schio, Italy, where Sister Bakhita has just died. Aurora was hoping to see her before she died. She gathers her children around the picture of Bakhita and tells them of the incredible life of the woman that had raised her as her nanny. Born in a village in Sudan, kidnapped by slavers, often beaten and abused, and later sold to Federico Marin, a Venetian merchant, Bakhita then came to Italy and became the nanny servant of Federico's daughter, Aurora, who had lost her mother at birth. She is treated as an outcast by the peasants and the other servants due to her black skin and African background, but Bakhita is kind and generous to others. Bakhita gradually comes closer to God with the help of the kind village priest, and embraces the Catholic faith.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 7:00PM-Youth Center

Silence Two 17th-century Portuguese missionaries, Father Sebastian Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver), embark on a perilous journey to Japan to find their missing mentor (Liam Neeson). While there, the two men minister to the Christian villagers who worship in secret. If caught by feudal lords or ruling samurai, they must renounce their faith or face a prolonged and agonizing death. Tuesday, September 26 , 2017, 7:00PM-Youth Center

CATHOLIC MOVIE NIGHTS

In the Youth Center

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The Letters On Sept. 10, 1946, Mother Teresa (Juliet Stevenson) receives a message from God that tells her to help the poor, the sick and the downtrodden. Her new purpose initially causes conflict with the Roman Catholic Church and the government of India. After her death, a Vatican priest begins to recount her life's work, her political oppression and her unbreakable spirit. As her story unfolds through 40 years of personal letters, history remembers her as one of the world's greatest humanitarians, and new saint. Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 7:00PM -Youth Center

Case for Christ In 1980, Lee Strobel's (Mike Vogel) award-winning, investigative reporting earns him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. Things at home aren't going nearly as well. His wife Leslie's (Erika Christensen) newfound faith in Christ compels Lee to utilize his journalistic and legal training to try and disprove the claims of Christianity, pitting his resolute atheism against her growing faith. Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 7:00PM-Youth Center

Blessed Duns Scotus-Defender of the Immaculate Conception The inspiring true story of the holy Franciscan priest and theologian who won a famous debate against the Dominicans in the 13th century in which he defended Our Lady's great privilege of her Immaculate Conception, laying the groundwork for the Church to later define that as a dogma of the Catholic faith. Filmed in beautiful ancient monastery locations in Europe, Scotus is revealed as a humble and courageous apostle of the Faith against the oppressive anti-Catholic government in power. His public defense of the papacy as the head of the Church eventually got him thrown out of the country. Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 7:00PM -Youth Center

CATHOLIC MOVIE NIGHTS

Remember to bring your own snacks and drinks

21

Course Title Circle choice

Cost of Materials

Office Use

A Taste of Igna an Prayer SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

See Website

Called to Life …. Exploring God’s Path to Personal Happiness and Fulfillment in Today’s Direc onless World

AM or PM $10

Catholic Divorced Survival Course SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

See Website


Circle the movies you would like to attend.

All Movies are at 7:00 PM in the Youth Center

$0

Catholicism 101-Refresher Course! AM or PM $0

Christ Renews His Parish Retreat SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

$0

33 Days to Morning Glory AM or PM $10

Consoling the Heart of Jesus AM or PM $10

33 Days to Merciful Love AM or PM $10

Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace University PM $80

Forgiveness Class PM $0

Holy Conversa on Book Club AM $10

Men of Ascension AM $0

Pivotal Players in Catholicism AM or PM $0

Read, Study and Apply the Bible to Your Everyday Life AM or PM $0

Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults (RCIA) Inquirer or Sponsor $0

True Reformers PM $15

TOTAL $

REGISTRATION DUE AUGUST 28, 2017 Late registrations are welcome, but no guarantee that materials

will be available your first day of class and there could be a late fee of up to $10.

Church of the Ascension Fall 2017 Registration Please use this form to register for offerings at Church of the Ascension. ONE check may be used for all courses. Please make check payable to: Church of the Ascension. Return to boxes in gathering space or parish office.

Name: ____________________________________ If Couple attending class, Spouse:______________________ Phone: _____________________________________Email: ___________________________________________

Please note childcare will no longer be available due to the new Ascension Catholic Pre-School using the nursery as their classroom. Please make other arrangements for childcare.

22

Course Title Circle choice

Cost of Materials

Office Use

A Taste of Igna an Prayer SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

See Website

Called to Life …. Exploring God’s Path to Personal Happiness and Fulfillment in Today’s Direc onless World

AM or PM $10

Catholic Divorced Survival Course SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

See Website


Circle the movies you would like to attend.

All Movies are at 7:00 PM in the Youth Center

$0

Catholicism 101-Refresher Course! AM or PM $0

Christ Renews His Parish Retreat SEE DESCRIPTION FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

$0

33 Days to Morning Glory AM or PM $10

Consoling the Heart of Jesus AM or PM $10

33 Days to Merciful Love AM or PM $10

Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace University PM $80

Forgiveness Class PM $0

Holy Conversa on Book Club AM $10

Men of Ascension AM $0

Pivotal Players in Catholicism AM or PM $0

Read, Study and Apply the Bible to Your Everyday Life AM or PM $0

Rite of Chris an Ini a on of Adults (RCIA) Inquirer or Sponsor $0

True Reformers PM $15

TOTAL $

REGISTRATION DUE AUGUST 28, 2017 Late registrations are welcome, but no guarantee that materials

will be available your first day of class and there could be a late fee of up to $10.

Church of the Ascension Fall 2017 Registration Please use this form to register for offerings at Church of the Ascension. ONE check may be used for all courses. Please make check payable to: Church of the Ascension. Return to boxes in gathering space or parish office.

Name: ____________________________________ If Couple attending class, Spouse:______________________ Phone: _____________________________________Email: ___________________________________________

Please note childcare will no longer be available due to the new Ascension Catholic Pre-School using the nursery as their classroom. Please make other arrangements for childcare.

23

Church of the Ascension 9510 West 127th Street Overland Park, KS. 66213

Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE

PAID Stilwell, KS

Permit No. 707

Looking for a deeper relationship with Christ?

Looking to meet new friends?

Looking for fulfillment in a busy, hectic world?

Look inside for some answers!

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