May 17th, 2021

The Ascension: Time for “Behind-the-Wheel” Experience

As Christians, we believe in the ascension of Jesus Christ. We profess the ascension in both the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed when we say: “I believe in Jesus Christ” who “ascended into heaven and is seated at God’s right hand.” But, concretely, what does the ascension mean in our lives? What should we practically make of our belief that Jesus Christ physically departed from our world? Hint, Our arrival in the world.

Like any other Easter story, the Ascension of Christ deepens our understanding and our experience of the resurrection. Easter says that Christ died and rose from death so that you and I may die to sin and rise to live a new life in the spirit. The Ascension says the time has come to practice that new life. Learning to drive begins with a period of theories on how parts of the automobile function. Then, at some point, the learner gets a behind-the-wheel experience. For us Christians, after seeing and learning what Jesus did for us, we celebrate that point or that moment when we hear the words: “your turn… take the wheel.”

This Sunday’s gospel reading clearly tells us the meaning contained in Christ’s physical departure: Christ sends forth the disciples to go into the world. Christ tells them: “it’s your turn… take the wheel.” Go teach, worship, and serve. So, Christ’s ascension means Christ is sending us forth. He physically leaves so that we may represent him in our physical world. He physically leaves us so that we may learn to be with his spiritual presence…in the Mass, and in the manner of our daily practical living.

Interestingly, this understanding of the ascension gave us the word “Mass” to describe the celebration of the Eucharist. Mass is the English word coming from the Latin Missa. Missa or Missio which comes from the Greek word Apostello which is the original New Testament language, and Apostello means to send forth. It therefore makes sense that in every Mass we celebrate the ascension where Jesus Christ sends us forth. In every Mass we are told the moment has come for us to go into action, into the world, to teach, worship, and serve by our lives. This happens at the end of the Mass: The deacon or priest says: “The Mass is ended; go in peace to glorify God by your lives.” Or, in Latin, it simply says “Ite Missa est.” This is the sending forth of Jesus Christ at the moment of his physical departure.

In a nutshell, we need to stop holding onto the physical Jesus and find Christ in the spirit. The understanding of the ascension is our commissioning ceremony, our “graduation.” This means it is our moment to be inspired, feel energized, eager, empowered, charged, filled with zeal, etc. We must take note of the authority given to us. We must have a clear understanding the work is a spiritual work rooted in love, justice, and other fruits of the Holy Spirit.

We live at a time when Christians are afraid to act simply because many do not know what exactly the Christian faith is about. Sometimes we do not feel “authorized”, sent or commissioned to speak out, to act, and to live. This happens when we do not continue to learn beyond the shallow and material meaning of our faith and work. Sometimes we are afraid to dialogue with other human beings because we have an insecure, outdated, and irrelevant understanding of the work Jesus Christ did and what He has commissioned us to do. This leads to our inability to share our faith.

It is the Ascension; Learn to know your Christian task, embrace your commission, let Jesus Christ physically depart from you. So, you may spiritually experience him, and be Jesus Christ to other people in the world.

Fr. Kwame

We would like to Congratulate the third group of children

who received First Communion on Saturday!

Watch the video HERE.

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WEEKDAYS:

Tuesday through Friday: Mass at 9:00 am - SIGN UP
(Communion Services are held on Mondays)

FRIDAY: May 21st Mass at 9:00 am - SIGN UP

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May 22nd between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm

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Option 2: 9:30 am in the Church - SIGN UP

Option 3: 11:30 am in the Church - SIGN UP

May

18

Tuesday Evening COME AND SEE on Zoom

Are you going?

Yes

No

Maybe

going.

not going.

might be going.

Adult Faith Formation Zoom Meeting

"COME AND SEE"

Topic: Pentecost

We welcome all who are interested in walking with Jesus
Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM

Each meeting lasts about 40 minutes and includes a brief discussion on a topic basic to the Catholic faith. You don't have to go to one meeting to be able to go to another. The meeting format will accommodate discussion, so please bring your questions.

If you have a friend or family member who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith we invite you all to “come and see”.

To Join Our Zoom Meeting, Click HERE
Meeting ID: 321 832 6812
Password: Jesus2020

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, contact:

Daniel Goodman at danielgca@comcast.net

Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program

A friendly reminder that this week's bible study has been postponed.

We will return on May 27th at 7:00 pm

You May View VIDEOS of Previous
Adult Bible Study Sessions

(Including Last Week's Session)

HERE

DRESS A GIRL AROUND THE WORLD!

NEEDS your HELP

We make simple dresses for girls

in third-world countries!

We have an over-abundance of

kits ready to sew.

Please consider coming by to pick up kits.

Please call Suzanne Beck,

925-352-8447 or suzbeck@yahoo.com

to make an appointment https://www.dressagirlsfbayarea.com/about

~ Rest in Peace ~

Karen Miller

Services will be held at

St. Augustine Church in Pleasanton

May, 20th 7:00 PM

RSVP Mandatory

YouTube - Video Available Live & After the Mass

Facebook - Video Available Live & After the Mass

May

28

Young Adult Ministry

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going.

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might be going.

Young Adult Ministry ~ YAM ~

Friday, May 28th

Come be a part of this fun ministry!

The Young Adult Ministry welcomes all young adults between the ages of 18-35. We discuss topics in the faith as a way to strengthen our relationship with Jesus and our community.

On May 28th it's time to dust off your Bibles and find those scriptures that may be confusing, inspiring, or shocking. We'll discuss what God reveals to each of us.

Click HERE to join us on Zoom at 7:00 PM
May 28th!

Meeting ID: 869 5340 9723

Passcode: 834287

Come hear our own Parochial Administrator, Fr. Kwame Assenyoh, give a talk on The Apostle's Creed.

More details to come!

Jun

7

Monday, June 7th, 6:30 pm

Topic: The Apostle's Creed

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going.

not going.

might be going.

A Mental Health Discussion: It is Time to Talk About it More

By Tony Barton, Mental Health First Aid certified

When we hear the term, “Mental Health,” it has many connotations and can be surrounded by stigma. Oftentimes, when discussing Mental Health, the discussion centers around extreme cases that involve severe depression, psychological breakdowns, and suicide.

While you or someone you may know may suffer from severe cases, it is also important to discuss day-to-day mental health. The proper balance of life and a clear vision of the world around us makes daily life more enjoyable. It also prepares us for the challenges that daily life can present us. This can come in the form of a loss of a loved one, financial hardship, challenges with relationships of family and friends, and even difficulties at our place of work. The timing of these hardships is never ideal and often comes when we are already experiencing challenges. It is very important to evaluate your mental health on a daily basis and recognize the warning signs.

What are some of the warning signs of Mental Health risks?

A change in personality. If someone is acting like a different person, or not behaving or feeling like their usual self.
Uncharacteristic anxiousness, anger, or varying moods.
Socially withdrawn and feelings of isolation.
Lack of self-care or risky behaviors.
A sense of hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed.

What does excellent mental health look like?

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Prevention

Living life with a sense of purpose. Understand and write down to emphasize what intrinsically is important to you, and living a meaningful life with this purpose in mind.
Finding the proper time balance between family, hobbies and interests, work, and rest.
Understanding the impact a healthy diet can have on your mental health.
Proper exercise and fitness contribute to a stronger mental health state.
Exploring natural mental health improvement techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Talk to someone. Do you have a friend at work? Do not hesitate to speak to someone when you recognize symptoms of suicide ideation or warning signs of mental health risks.
Or use this 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

Statistics and Notes

In the U.S. there are approximately 123 suicides per day. That equates to one every 12 minutes.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for men ages 25-54.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 40 million Americans over the age of 18 are affected by anxiety — roughly 18 percent of the nation’s population.
16.2 million adults in the United States—equaling 6.7 percent of all adults in the country—have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.
It is estimated that 15 percent of the adult population will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.

Are You In a Crisis?