Bulletin for January 20, 2008

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK

SUNDAY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Gospel: John 1:29-34

7:00 For Our Ascension Family
9:00 Mary Ann Fortkamp (Baldasare)
10:30 Bernie Melvin (Family)
12:00 Bill Shine (Wife)

MONDAY-ST. AGNES
9:00 Stella Thomas (Hopkins)

TUESDAY-ST. VINCENT
9:00 Alonza Parker

WEDNESDAY-WEEKDAY
9:00 Mary Micciche (Micciche)

THURSDAY-ST. FRANCIS DESALES
9:00 Ray O’Connor (Wife)

FRIDAY-CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
9:00 Richard & Margaret Saaler

SATURDAY-STS. TIMOTHY & TITUS
9:00 Helen Kane (Schnuth)
5:00 Ralph & Nancy Hinders (50th Wed. Ann.)

SUNDAY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
7:00 For Our Ascension Family
9:00 John Bellert (Wife)
10:30 Robert & Barbara Murray (Family)
12:00 Richard Kelch (Brown)

SICK AND SHUT-IN LIST
As a parish family concerned for one another, we ask your prayerful support of our hospitalized members.
KETTERING: Phyllis Wagner, Margie Klosterman, Bert Dexter
MIAMI VALLEY: Mike Schement, Sister Agnes Kramer

LENT
Ashes to Ashes program includes prayer service with choir members from Ascension and Greenmont Oak Park, burning palms for ashes for Ash Wednesday, activities and King Cake. This program is on Sunday, February 3 from 1:15-3:15 p.m. at Greenmont Oak Park Church. To make reservations call Lois Keil at 299-0257.

GET READY FOR A FRUITFUL LENT!
All women are invited to a Women’s Day of Reflection on February 2, from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Ascension. The day will include talks, Mass, lunch, reflection time and opportunity for confession. Speakers include Jeanne von Erden, Psy.D, and Fr. Ron Haft. The focus of the day will be strengthening marriage and family life, and offer practical advice and insight for growing in our roles as wives and mothers. This day of fellowship and prayer is a wonderful way to prepare for Lent! Cost $15.00 pre-registration, $20.00 at the door. Call Karen Connair at 433-2783 for more information.

2008 GOLDEN/SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
The 2008 Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass for couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary will be held March 29 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Christopher Parish in Vandalia. Couples celebrating their Golden or Silver Wedding Anniversary during 2008 should notify the parish by February 15.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Classes WILL meet on January 20-21.

Volunteers Needed on Sunday mornings as a Scripture Catechist to discuss the Sunday gospel with students. And on Monday afternoons as a substitute catechist in the Elementary program. Please call the RE Office at 254-0622.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! If you have a child not currently attending Ascension School or in the Religious Education program Grades 1-8, please contact Sue Graham in the RE Office to register.

YOUTH MINISTRY
Family Ski Trip – Sunday, January 27 at Perfect North Slopes. Overnight retreat option Saturday at YMCA with games, swimming and retreat activities. Open to JH and HS youth and family members. Flyers at church doors.

Souper Bowl Party-9-12th grade teens come out for an afternoon charity challenge. Enjoy lunch then complete in crazy games for monies to donate to your team’s favorite charity. Bring a friend, $5 and a canned good. Sunday, Feb. 3, 1:00-4:00 p.m. WC.

WHY CATHOLIC?
Our Why Catholic? small groups will restart the week of January 27 for six weeks of Lent beginning January 27. Study of Scripture and Catholic teachings will continue with Life in Christ: Walking with God. If you are interested in joining a small group see sign-ups in the narthex January 13 and 20 or contact Jim Murray 253-1997 or jmurray@ascensionkettering.org.

FISH FRY 2008
Ascension Athletics Fish Fry fundraiser is on Friday, February 1 from 6:00 p.m.-Midnight in the PAC. Presale tickets will be available after all Masses next weekend for $12.00. The cost at the door is $15.00. Tickets may also be purchased at the Parish Office. Carryout is available from 4:30-5:45 p.m. for $7.00. Please come and enjoy a fun night out with great food (prepared by Hechts) and games of chance for your entertainment. You must be 21 or older.

WOMEN’S GUILD REMINDER
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Mardi Gras Celebration. Women’s Guild will meet on January 30 at 7:30 p.m. This is a change from our usual first Wednesday of the month meeting date due to Ash Wednesday falling on that date. New faces are always welcome.

ANSWER THE CALL – 2008
The 14th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference will be held Saturday, March 1st, at Music Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prayerful, spirit-filled, life changing! The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. following Mass with our local Bishops and Priests con-celebrating. A dynamic line-up of speakers is scheduled, including: Brian Kelly, University of Cincinnati head football coach; Tarek Saab, a 28 year old CEO, author, and finalist on the reality TV show, “The Apprentice,” Bro. Loughlan Sofield, who has devoted his life to working with the clergy and the laity to expand their knowledge and effectiveness in the church; and Fr. Phillip Chavez, a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity who “strives to call men toward their natural duty to mentor younger men.” Fr. Mark Burger will also return this year to lead the inspirational Reconciliation Service that has been an integral part of previous conferences. Ticket price is $40.00 for adults including lunch, scholarships are available. Look for ticket order information in the narthex or contact Mike Wager at 435-5974 or mwager@aol.com.

FR. WITZMAN SCHOLARSHIP AT ASCENSION
The Fr. Witzman Scholarship is available to any student from Ascension Parish planning to attend a Gr. 9-12 Catholic High school next school year. Three (3) scholarships will be awarded for $600 each. Application materials may be obtained by calling or stopping in the Parish, Religious Ed. or School Offices. The application deadline is Monday, March 3.

The Fr. Witzman Scholarship was founded in 1986 with the estate of founding Pastor Arnold Witzman. In addition to the winners of the high school scholarships numerous Ascension families have received elementary school and religious education tuition assistance for the 2007-08 school year through the Witzman Fund.

RESPECT LIFE
Again this year, Ascension will have two bus loads of people going to Washington, D.C. to participate in the March for Life. And as in previous years, we will gather for a prayer service in solidarity with those who will be marching in Washington. The prayer service will be Sunday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. in Ascension’s Chapel. Please join us in praying for an end to abortion as well as for healing for those whose lives have been touched by abortion.

Additionally, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, with confirmation of the Holy See, encourages that this Tuesday, January 22, “shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life…” Please keep this in mind on Tuesday, and also please remember those who by their choice of abortion are grieving their lost children – they are called to healing and reconciliation.

5TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS-EXPERIENCE EAGLE ENERGY
Grab a friend or some teammates and make it a night out at CJ. Cheer on the boys varsity basketball team as they meet the Carroll Patriots on Friday, February 1. The tailgate party for 5th-8th grade students, wearing green and blue, and their parents and coaches begins at 6:30 p.m. and tip off is 7:30 p.m. For more info call Jeanne Spitzig at 461-3740×249.

SCHEDULING PARISH FACILITIES
Please remember that all room and PAC (Parish Activities Center) scheduling/reservations for parish groups must be done through the Parish Office 253-5171 or doliver@ascensionkettering.org. Reserving rooms through the office helps to avoid scheduling conflicts. The parish calendar is updated weekly online: www.ascensionkettering.org.

INVESTING WITH A CONSCIENCE
Is your money funding abortion, pornography and other immoral activities? Learn how to invest with a moral compass. Attend a free talk by a national pro-life investment expert at St. Peter’s Family Life Center on January 30 at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker: Tom Strobhar of Pro-Vita Advisors. Free childcare will be available. Call Rachel Olinger at 233-7335 by January 20, if childcare is needed or for more information. (The Parish Family Life Center is behind St. Peter Church on Chambersburg Rd.)

ST. CHARLES USED BOOK FAIR
Over 10,000 books for all ages! Prices range from $.50-$2.00. Hours: Jan. 27 2:30-4:00 p.m.; Jan. 28 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Jan. 29 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Jan. 30 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Jan. 31 8:30-3:30 p.m., Feb. 1 8:30-10:00 a.m.

FISH FRIES
ST. ABLERT THE GREAT FISH FRY
The St. Albert the Great Athletic Association will hold their Fish Fry on January 25 from 7:00-Midnight at St. Albert the Great Cafeteria and Parish Center. 5:00-6:00 p.m. carry out, $7.00 per dinner. Pre-paid for the Fish Fry $10.00; $13.00 at the door. Adults 21 and over only.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Council 500 will hold their Winter Fish Fry on January 25, 6:00-11:00 p.m. at their hall at 267 Bainbridge St. Atlantic Cod Fish, Old Town brand sausage, Fries, beans, Mac&cheese, stewed tomatoes and refreshments. It’s all for just $12.00 at the door. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more info call 224-8566 between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. weekdays.

ST. HELEN FISH FRY
The St. Helen Booster Club will be holding their annual Fish Fry on Saturday, January 26 from 6:00-11:00 p.m. in the school gym. Carry out available 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $10.00 and will be sold at the Church Rectory and at the Barber Pole on Spinning Road. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door. Come join the fun. There will be games, instants, prizes, fish, sausage and beverages! Must be 21.

ASCENSION’S ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK
Complete calendar online: www.ascensionkettering.org/calendar.htm

SUNDAY
Food Pantry Collection
Recruit Men’s Conference-Narthex
10:15 RE Middle School
10:30 Early Childhood
10:30 Traditional Choir
11:45 HSYM LIFE Groups-YMR
1:00 Baptism
2:00 Common Sense Parenting 2-WC
5:00 HSYM LIFE Group-YMR
7:00 HSYM LIFE Group-YMR
7:00 Respect Life Prayer Service-Chapel

MONDAY
NO School
4:15 Elementary RE
6:30 RE Middle School

TUESDAY
7:00 St. Vincent DePaul Meeting-POB
7:00 Discipleship Commission Meeting-POB
7:15 RCIA-WC
7:30 Contemporary Choir Practice

WEDNESDAY
7:00 Worship Pastoral Planning-POB

THURSDAY
6:30 Bingo-PAC
6:45 Education Commission Meeting-POB
7:00 Traditional Choir Practice-Church

SATURDAY
11:00 First Reconciliation-Church
4:00 Confessions
5:00 Mass

SUNDAY
9:00 Contemporary Choir
9:00 Tri-Parish RCIA Retreat-WC
10:15 RE Middle School
10:30 Early Childhood
10:30 Traditional Choir-Church
12:00 Baptism
2:00 Common Sense Parenting 3-WC