On this Feast of the Ascension, we celebrate Christ’s triumphant return to the Father after perfectly accomplishing His mission on earth. But we also can also view this Feast as a celebration of the “launch day” of our commissioning as Christ’s disciples.
Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the clear instructions that Jesus gave His disciples (and to us) just before ascending to the Father: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."
Embracing a stewardship way of life, with its emphasis on the use of time, talent and treasure, helps us to live in such a way that our very lives speak as a witness of the Good News of the Gospel. While we take time to reflect and renew our commitments in these three areas annually as a parish family, it is of great benefit to take some time individually throughout the year to take stock of the commitments we have made — looking at both our strengths and our need for continued growth in each area.
On this Feast of our "launch day," take some time to celebrate your victories as Christ’s disciples and renew your commitment to remain faithful to Him and the unique mission He has entrusted to you!
© Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2022
Pastoral Pondering
As summer arrives, school is ending and summer plans are beginning. It’s a good time to, hopefully, renew family ties, take some time for rest and relaxation, and look for opportunities to do some of the things that we are too busy to do the rest of the year. At the parish, the summer brings ordinations, Totus Tuus, Fraternus Ranch and Fidelis Inspire along with all of the other activities that continue regardless of the time of the year.
Our summer seminarians this summer will be the soon to be Deacon Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Christian Goduti. The Diaconate Ordination will take place here at St. Mark next Saturday at 10 am. Since it is First Saturday, there will be a parish Mass at 7 am. In addition to Chinonso, Christopher Brock and Peter Rusciolelli will be ordained deacons as well. Two weeks later on June 18 the Bishop will ordain Deacon Darren Balkey and Deacon Aaron Huber as priests for the Diocese of Charlotte. Please keep all of these men in your prayers.