December 16, SOUTH 3RD STREET BISMARCK, ND C H U R C H O F T H E

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1 C H U R C H O F T H E 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 SOUTH 3RD STREET BISMARCK, ND December 16, 2018 Parish Office Phone... (701) Hours (Mon.-Fri.)... 8:30 am-4:00 pm Education Office ascension@midconetwork.com Web... ascensionbismarck.org Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. Jim Braaten...Pastor Ray Grabar...(Retired) Deacon John Paul Martin. Deacon Tony Finneman Deacon Doyle Schulz Deacon Beth Kathol... Business Manager Jessica Mattson...Faith Formation Julie Ternes... 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.

2 FaithFormationNews KNOW YOUR FAITH TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK Answer to last week s question: Which Gospel will we be hearing mostly from in the new church year (year C)? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. John Look for the answer to the following question in next week s bulletin: Question: What does the word Gaudete mean on this Third Sunday of Advent? A. Third in Greek B. Rejoice C. Rose D. Christmas is almost here! CATECHISTS NEEDED The Faith Formation program is in need of full time 1 st and 6 th grade catechists to fill sudden vacancies. Please contact Jessica Mattson for more information at or jmattson@ascensionbismarck.org. ADULT FAITH FORMATION CLASS As no sensible person would make a long road trip without first consulting a map, so the person intent upon gaining Heaven should first resort to a competent guide to reach that Goal of all goals. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales ( ). Tan Books A book discussion group will start Tuesday, January 8 th at 5:45 pm in the Conference Room in the Ascension Education Building. The discussion will continue for eight weeks. The book cost is $5. Contact Jessica Mattson with any questions or to register at or jmattson@ascensionbismarck.org. LightofChristSchoolNews HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT Search for Christian Maturity is a weekend retreat experience sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck. The weekends are for anyone of high school or college age (at least 15 years old). Search weekends are held at the Badlands Ministries Camp just south of Medora. Upcoming weekends for 2019 are January 11-13, March 8-10, and April More information can be found at MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH CONFERENCE Is your middle schooler searching for a challenge to rise up to live their faith radically? This conference is what they need! The Diocese of Bismarck is excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2019 Middle School Youth Conference. The conference is for grades 6 th to 8 th and will take place in the Twin Cities March 22-24, The conference will include a service project, Nickelodeon Universe, Rise Up Conference, and Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Conference cost is $250 for students and $150 for chaperones. Opportunities to raise money through a Caramel Roll sale will be offered in January; it will not be a financial burden for anyone! Contact Jessica Mattson to register or if you have any questions at jmattson@ascensionbismarck.org or call her at PARISH ENROLLMENT OPENS ON DECEMBER 17 Join our community of families with a strong conviction in the importance of a high-quality, safe, secure and faith-filled education. Tuition assistance may be available. Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3-5, full and half day programs) and Kindergarten Grade 5 at St. Mary s, Saint Anne and Cathedral Grades 6-8 at the Academy/Grades 9-12 at SMCHS GRADE SCHOOLS OPEN HOUSE JANUARY Open House after all Saturday evening Masses and the following Sunday morning Mass times: St. Mary s Grade School 10am to 1pm Saint Anne School - 9am noon Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Elementary 9:30am-noon Register to win a $100 tuition credit during the Open House Weekend! ST. MARY S ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE EVENING ON JANUARY 17 Tours available 6-8pm. Presentation at 7pm. GEARING UP FOR KINDERGARTEN Join Light of Christ Catholic Schools for Gearing Up for Kindergarten, an educational series for parents and children preparing for Kindergarten in the school year. This FREE 6 week session is a school readiness and parent involvement program. It is open to everyone and helps every child get off to a good start! Look for more information or register online at lightofchristschools.org/gearing-up-for-kindergarten.

3 ParishNews WE DID IT! Or, should I say, YOU DID IT! Because of the tremendous outpouring of baked goods and the generosity of everyone who made purchases, we were able to buy the refrigerator and freezer, for which the bake sale was intended. The Ladies of Ascension are so appreciative of the continued support of our Ascension parishioners. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LADIES OF ASCENSION! 2018 YEAR END DONATIONS and PLANNED GIVING As this year draws to a close, please remember Church of the Ascension: 1) PLANNED GIVING allows you to share the blessings you have received by investing in the mission of our parish and making a smart and generous financial decision. - List Church of the Ascension as part of your will bequest, charitable gift annuity, life insurance policy or retirement plan assets. - Make a gift to our parish Endowment Fund individually or as a family by calling the Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Foundation office at ) YEAR END DONATIONS can be made for the 2018 calendar year if post-marked by December 31, You can mail your donations to the parish office or place in the collection basket by January 1, PENANCE SERVICES MONDAY, December 17th, ST. MARYS, 7:00 PM TUESDAY, December 18th, CORPUS CHRISTI, 7:00 PM WEDNESDAY, December 19th, CATHEDRAL, 7:00 PM THURSDAY, December 20th, ASCENSION, 7:00 PM SUNDAY, December 23rd, ST. ANNE S, 3:00 PM LITURGICAL MINISTERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS AND SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Christmas Masses will be on Monday, December 24th at 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm and Tuesday, December 25th at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary Masses will be on Monday, December 31st at 5:00 pm and Tuesday, January 1st at 9:30 am. Many liturgical ministers are needed for all of these Masses. You may sign up on Ministry Pro, call Rita at or rritter@ascensionbismarck.org. Liturgical Ministers: December 22nd and 23rd: 4th Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM 8:00 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Sahlenia Braun Plate** Grady Martin Plate Susan Mormann Plate Doug Mormann Plate Linda Charbonneau Cup** Renee Jangula Cup Bonnie Sanders Cup John Bitz Plate** Rose Senger Plate** Mark Weigel Plate Pete Baumgartner Cup Josh Hager Plate** Sharon Malm Plate Deb Salwei Plate Alice Ternes Plate** Deb Schon Cup Rod Wald Cup Deb Wald Cup Mary Fornshell Plate Sue Mock Plate Melanie Schwab Plate** Kiaya Schwab Plate** Dave Charles Cup Paulette Heringer Cup Jay Uhlman Cup Hospitality Patti Wangler** Al Wangler Conni Schafer Marlene Zimmerman Lori Engleson** Jeff Engleson Jan Daffinrud Terry Daffinrud Joe Schon** Alex Schon Troy Schon Tanya Hopfauf Bob Heringer** Steve Berg Genny Berg VOLUNTEER Lector Sahlenia Braun Rita Ritter VOLUNTEER Donna Davidson Altar Server Wylie Vetter VOLUNTEER Margaret Kathol Blaise Kathol Maya Haider Grace Haider Avery Prokop Nathan Tena Video Operator Ken Jarolimek Lauren Weigel Mark Malm Edmund Peliska

4 John W. Bitz, Mildred Schall, Marjorie Bitz, Jerry Feist, Larry Sackman, Don Hopfauf, Michelle Niska, Viola Bitz, Richelle Knudson, Dennis Barnhardt, Steve Wetzel, Mary Ellen Jesse Prayer Line Call the Parish Office at or Pauline Mueller at 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. StewardshipCorner GOSPEL REFLECTION Today s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same. LIVING STEWARDSHIP We are all stewards managers of the many gifts God has bestowed upon us. Our challenge as Christians is to make good use of those gifts. A bequest in your Will is important for the future of Ascension. If everyone made a gift, we would be assured of being able to continue our services to the community. ParishCalendar Monday, December 17 8:00 am Communion Service Tuesday, December 18 8:00 am Don Franchuk by Robert and Jeanette Pechtl Wednesday, December 19 8:00 am John Gross by Bruce and Kristie Schumacher Thursday, December 20 8:00 am Bertha Sticka by Bob and LaVerne Fichter Friday, December 21 8:00 am Marion Sitter by Ben and Jan Sitter Saturday, December 22 5:00 pm Don Heck and Jeannie Dunten by Shirley Heck Sunday, December 23 8:00 am People of the Parish 9:30 am Darien Loeb by Doug and Della Granrud 11:00 am Msgr. Jim Braaten by Isabelle Feist Weekly Schedule Monday, December 17 8:30 am Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday, December 18 7:00 pm RCIA Wednesday, December 19 12:00 pm Finance Council 4:00, 5:30, 7:00 Faith Formation Classes Thursday, December 20 7:00 pm Penance Service Friday, December 21 7:00 pm Set-up and Treat Bag Prep for Christmas Eve Dinner/Community Room FINANCIAL BLESSINGS WEEK COLLECTIONS BUDGET December 9, 2018 Fiscal Year to Date $17, $13, $313, $331, Readings for the Week of December 16th: Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6/Phil 4:4-7/ Lk 3:10-18 Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17/ Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19/Mt 1:18-25 Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17/ Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6/Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21/Lk 1:39-45 Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd/ Lk 1:46-56 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19/Heb 10:5-10/ Lk 1:39-45 Question of the Week Adult: What might John the Baptist challenge you to do differently in your life? Child: Do you have extras that you can share with others this week?

5 CommunityNews ADVENT PARISH MIS- SION Msgr. James P. Shea, President of the University of Mary, will conduct a three day mission at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson on December from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The topic is The Blessed Virgin Compared to the Air We Breathe. We will learn and experience how Mary reveals Christ to us, how Mary is the Channel of God s Mercy and how Mary is the Mother of all the faithful. The Mission will be a great preparation during Advent for the coming of our Lord by learning and experiencing how our Blessed Mother reveals her LESSONS AND CAROLS Christ the King Church in Mandan is having their annual Lessons and Carols program on Monday, December 17 th at 7:00 pm. Come listen to Father Schneider chant the O Antiphons, listen to readings from Scripture, and join in singing classic Advent hymns! Refreshments and cider will be served afterwards. This is a great event for children. All are welcome! LIFE IN THE SPIRIT RETREAT AT ST. CE- CELIA S Deepen your relationship with the third person of the Blessed Trinity and awaken the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life. January 11-13, 2019 at St. Cecelia s in Harvey (registration begins at 6pm, seminar begins at 7pm on Friday and finishes at 3pm on Sunday) Weekend includes: Mass; Praise & Worship; Talks & Testimonies; Small Group Discussion; Eucharistic Adoration; Healing of Hurtful Memories. Spiritual Director for the weekend is Fr. Neil Pfeifer. Cost: free will offering. Pre-registration appreciated by Jan 8. Register at raxtman@gondtc.com or call or the parish office at , stcecilia@gondtc.com. Housing: Cobblestone Inn: R & R Motel: Artos Motel: No cost housing available in St. Cecilia s Social Center or in private homes. Please contact Rosalie prior to the weekend for arrangements using the or phone numbers listed above. BACEF FOUNDATION SUNDAY UPDATE BACEF Foundation Sunday contributions now total over $38,000. Your financial support to Catholic Education is greatly appreciated. Please help us reach our goal of $75,000. Please leave your BACEF contribution in the Sunday collection basket. Contributions received thus far are as follows: Ascension $ 2,520 Cathedral $ 8,650 Corpus Christi $13,669 St. Mary s $ 4,920 St Anne s $ 6,380 Other $ 520 LIGHT OF CHRIST JOB OPPORTUNITIES Afterschool Program Aides 2:45 to 5:45 pm, M-F, no nights or weekends PT custodian (St. Anne) 4:00 to 7:00 pm, M-F, to be filled as soon as possible Bus Drivers needed for week day field trips and/or weekend high school activities Please contact Kate Bleth at or go to lightofchristschools.org/employment for more information. CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT The Catholic Church must be exemplary: clergy, staff, whether diocesan or parish, and volunteers are held accountable for their behavior. To enable the highest level of accountability, there must be a clear and unambiguous definition of appropriate behavior. To this end, this Code of Pastoral Conduct is defined for the Diocese of Bismarck and it provides a foundation for implementing effective and enforceable standards for all personnel. View the Code of Pastoral Conduct at PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN The Diocese of Bismarck is firmly committed to the health and protection of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. With the hope of healing the pain and suffering from sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, we encourage anyone who has suffered from this abuse to please come forward. To report allegations of sexual abuse, please contact Dale Eberle, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, PO Box 1575, Bismarck ND Dale s phone number is or The complaint form and policies can be found on the diocesan website at