The new year is filled with hope and promise as we seek to grow our vital ministries, explore new ways to share the good news of Christ’s love, and reflect His care and mercy to those in need throughout the community. To continue to make a difference in 2026, Roman Catholic Church of Ascension is reaching out to our parishioners.

Begin the new year with eGiving to help sustain and build ministries throughout 2026 that reflect the steadfast promise of God’s love. The need is great in our community, and your generous online gifts will help people all around us.

We prayerfully request that you consider signing up for eGiving from your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift. Sign up today by visiting faith.direct/NY588, or text ‘Enroll’ to (Text-to-Give Number). Thank you for your continued support of our parish family.

God Bless You,   
Fr. Kearney

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Ascension:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. .” (Hebrews 12:1)
 
During this month of August, the Church celebrates several important feast days, like the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Assumption and the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Passion of St. John the Baptist.  We also remember this month important saints who have paved the way for our faith – St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. John Vianney, St. Dominic, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Augustine and St. Monica, among others.  They make up “the cloud of witnesses” that surround us.  We are reminded of the rich tradition and history of the Catholic Church.  These ancestors of our faith share many things in common and especially the grace available to us in the sacraments of the Church.  Through the sacraments, God fills us with divine grace and prepares us for eternal life with Him.  We read in the Catechism, “The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life.”  Through the sacraments, our faith is renewed, strengthened, deepened and nourished, as Christ Himself continues His Presence with us.
 
If you were never baptized and would like to be baptized; if you’re a baptized Catholic adult but never received First Communion and/or Confirmation; if you’re Christian from another denomination considering becoming Catholic; if you’re from another faith or searching for faith, please consider joining OCIA at Ascension.  
 
OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.  OCIA is a faith sharing journey for adults who are considering becoming Catholic or who would like to receive the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.   The name for this ministry changed recently from Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults to Order of Chistian Initiation for Adults to better reflect the progressive nature of the process participants go through in this ministry.  This journey has roots in the early Church.   OCIA meetings include interactive discussions about the different aspects of the Catholic faith.  Together, we can question and support each other as we seek to learn more about what it means to be Christian and Catholic, and how the liturgy and our rich history unite us and inspire us.  Our meetings are led by parishioners, and we often have special guests who present on topics related to our Catholic faith.  
 
Last year, 20 adults participated in OCIA at Ascension and received sacraments at the Easter Vigil in late early April.  Six participants were baptized and received the other two sacraments of initiation at the Vigil.  
 
OCIA at Ascension meets every Tuesday night at 7 PM beginning on September 15^th, 2026.  Meetings last about an hour and a half and are usually in person.  We have meetings in both Spanish and English, with the Spanish meetings being held on Sundays.  Please join us for what promises to be a spiritually rewarding journey.
 
For more information about OCIA, please e-mail the OCIA team at :
rcia@ascensionchurchnyc.org 
Sincerely,
Deacon Nelson Falcon, Peter Steinfels, Meredith Henderson
OCIA at Ascension Team

We are reminded as Christians to pray, fast, and give alms to the less fortunate. St. Paul tells us that we must, “Bear [our] share of hardship for the gospel.” In living a Christian life, we are asked to make sacrifices for the good of others and for the good of the Church. 

Many parishes will experience financial hardship in the near future, and most will struggle to meet critical needs. We understand that the financial circumstances of many of our families are uncertain, but please know of our deep gratitude for whatever you can contribute to support our Church during this challenging time.

If you would like to make a gift to the Cardinal’s Appeal to support the broader needs of our archdiocese, you can do so at

https://cardinalsappeal.org/donate.

We are truly grateful for your generosity. Please know that we will continue to pray for those caring for the sick, and those that are the

most vulnerable among us.