Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
Inside
Meet Char and Bernie Ficek:
February 2021
Embracing Opportunities to Get Involved at Ascension
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ometimes when you receive a great gift, the blessings overflow in your life in such a way that you can’t help but turn around and pass it on to others. For parishioners Char and Bernie Ficek, that was their experience of hospitality at Church of the Ascension. Originally from Dickinson, N.D., the couple moved to Bismarck in 2015, and upon arriving at Ascension, found a warm welcome and a unique sense of community and family. In turn, they couldn’t help but want to become involved. Char and Bernie, both of whom were raised Catholic on farms near Dickinson, met on a blind date that was set up by Char’s sister and Char and Bernie Ficek enjoy brother-in-law. The couple celebrated 51 years being part of the parish of marriage in 2020 and have three children, six community at Ascension. grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Upon retiring, Char and Bernie decided to become more involved in their parish, and haven’t looked back since. “As we retired, we had more time and we thought, ‘Let’s start devoting our time to doing things with the church,” Char says. The couple had been involved in their former home parish, St. Wenceslaus in Dickinson, where Msgr. Braaten was previously assigned, so the transition to service at Ascension came fairly natural. “We really and truly enjoy our faith,” Char says. “It seemed like serving helped us to grow closer to our faith.” Both Bernie and Char serve as hospitality ministers at Ascension and enjoy
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2 Highlights of the 2020 Stewardship Renewal 3 A Letter From Our Pastor: Sharing Love in Different Ways 4-5 Parish Lenten Mission To Promote a Timely Message During this Penitential Season 6 Seminary Life: An Introductory Look 7
Church of the Ascension Semi-Annual Financial Report
Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
Highlights of the 2020 Stewardship Renewal
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his past August, our Ascension par ntinued)2020 ish leadership conducted (co the d = Interested in Serving Stewardship Renewal. The Stewardship = Currently Involved = Interested in Serving Renewal parish community the opstries (con tinued) gave our Sacramen ta l M in to discern how we are using our ry’s Centralportunity ist rie s High School al Dia conate gifts of time, talent, and treasure in service nquet Marrito to the parish and in return ageGod. Preparation Sponso ring Couples on Wheels This month, we are happy to share Pre-Baptism Pro gra of Insthe tructors inistries with you some of the highlights m Stewardship Renewal. Pastoral
ith Formation rmation Committee • rmation Volunteer mation Catechist ticipant • nsors Committee
Stewardship
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Parish Finance Council There were 272 commitment cards Parish Pastoral Counactive cil received from 36 percent of Stewardship Co mm
ittee households. Ascension Catholic Chu There Na were committiona1,072 rch l Catholicprayer Or ga ni za tio 2020 Stewardship Re ments — the of nstime stewardship Catholic Daughters newal of America Adult Commitment Ca — from 88 percent rd (ages 16 to adult Knightsofof participating ) Columbus #7602 households. • There Wewere 1,021 ministry realize tha t our parishioners ha ool Youth Activities ve many more First & Last Name gifts to share— commitments the than what is listed hool Youth Activities in the ministry ca tal og . stewardship Ifofyoutalent —wardship have a ste gift you would lt Leader e to share tha Phone from 83likpercent oft is par not- listed in the mi nistry catalog, please list ticipating households. Of below. Saints e inistries h t h g u o Em __ r ______ these, 175 were new minail ______ ______ __________________ Th iends _____ istry commitments, while __ __________________ n Ministry __________________ _____ 846 were re-commitments __________________ ncheons Spouse: First & Last __ __ __ Name __ __ __ to parish ministries. _____________ Food) There were 172 offertory cheons (Serving• ) Spouse: Phone commitments — the stewcheons ardship of treasure — from ood) Spouse: Email 63 percent of participating Visitation households. The average cension pledge was $1,887. nters
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We thank everyone who As ce ns participated in our Stewardship io n Catholic Church rns Committee 1905did continued on nex Renewal. If you not the S. 3rd St. • Bishave t panel marck, ND 58504-7118 1-223out -3606and • www.a opportunity to70fill return scensionbisamarck.or g commitment card, we invite you to consider the ways you may share your gifts of time, talent, and treasure with God and the parish community!
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A Letter from our Pastor
Sharing Dear Parishioners,
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Love in Different Ways
hat’s the most widely observed saint’s day in February — the one that’s kept even by those who aren’t practicing Catholics? Undoubtedly, it would be St. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The irony is that his feast isn’t even on the General Roman Calendar of feasts to be observed throughout the world. That doesn’t mean that he’s not recognized as a real, historical person, or as a genuine saint, but only that his influence throughout the Church has not been as significant as that of other saints. So who was St. Valentine? There are several St. Valentines, as the name was not a rare one in the ancient Roman Empire, but the saint we celebrate was a priest of Rome martyred in the late third century. Still, that doesn’t explain how his feast came to be celebrated as the day one sends letters, cards and presents as expressions of romantic love. The truth is that the custom of sending tokens of love comes not from any direct connection with St. Valentine, but from the ancient belief that birds begin to pair off on Feb. 14. And if courtship in the natural world occurred then, it must be appropriate for humans, as well. The association between St. Valentine and love notes is a later development. Nevertheless, it’s not wrong to connect the two. Love has many aspects, and our conception of it is richer if we keep more than one of them in mind. Martyrdom is the result of loving God more than our earthly life. St. Valentine was a martyr because of his love — his love for Jesus Christ and His Church. If he had not loved God so much, he could have repudiated his Lord and saved his life. We, in turn, express our love by sending cards and gifts on St. Valentine’s Day. But isn’t that what stewardship as a way of life is — a little martyrdom? Not to push the image too far, but when we are faithful stewards, we give up a little portion of our lives out of our own love for Christ. Most Christians will not be
called on to be martyrs, in the sense of forfeiting our physical lives for God. But we are called to give up some of our comforts, indulgences and riches because of our love for Him. So then, as you prepare to celebrate and share your love with your Valentine this month, remember St. Valentine and his love for Christ. As well, keep in mind that God loves us, and return that love with your own toward Him. Loving God will be reflected in how you prioritize your use of the time, talent and treasure God has entrusted to you. As St. John wrote (1 Jn 4:19), “We love because he first loved us.” Happy St. Valentine’s Day! Sincerely yours in Christ, Msgr. Jim Braaten Pastor
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Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
Parish Lenten MissionTO PROMOTE A
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he pandemic has wreaked havoc on our ability to come together for the celebration of Mass, as well as for all parish activities that bring us together as a family in Christ. But our traditional Parish Lenten Mission, scheduled in March, will be an opportunity for us to safely gather to build our connections and move forward with renewed faith. Msgr. Braaten chose the theme in 2019 before the virus struck — “Strengthening Our Faith When It’s Stormy.” The speaker for the mission, Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, appreciates this serendipity. “We need to reconnect to the Church,” Dr. Burgwald says. “Whenever difficulties arise, at some point we have to be able to ask, ‘What is the Lord doing in this? What is there for me in this?’” Dr. Burgwald will speak during each of the three days of the mission, which will begin at 3 p.m. on March 7 and continue over the evenings of March 8 and 9. His message will build on the understanding that the Lord reminds us that we are not in control of our lives and that we must turn back to Him amid this loss of control. “That is my plan,” he says. “I intend to spend all three nights looking at the different ways we can strengthen our faith amid difficulties, hardship, the loss of a loved one, or anything.” Dr. Burgwald acknowledges that the loss of celebrating Mass together would fall under the definition of “hardship and difficulties.” “We found that absence makes the heart grow fonder,” Dr. Burgwald says of missing in-person Mass. “This was a re-awakening of how we value the participation in Mass to receive our Lord in Communion. At our parish, when we resumed
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Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, will speak during each of the three days of the mission, which will begin at 3 p.m. on March 7, and continuing over the evenings of March 8 and 9. His message will build on the understanding that the Lord reminds us that we are not in control of our lives, and that we must turn back to Him in the midst of this loss of control.
with Mass, I saw a return to our parish. Some aren’t ready to return, but we also know we have to reach out, as well.” During the mission, attendees will have a prime opportunity to experience growth as disciples and in stewardship. With the overall theme of building one’s faith in the face of difficulties, Dr. Burgwald plans to offer concrete takeaways. “There are two central aspects,” he says. “These are growing in your relationship with God and using all the gifts He’s given to you in your life. The people attending usually see a
TIMELY MESSAGE DURING THIS PENITENTIAL SEASON deeper understanding of their faith. Their faith is awakened and they want to learn more. They receive an understanding of how faith can help in their daily life.” Dr. Burgwald’s talks will be geared to adults, but high school and junior high school students will be able to appreciate the messages. Those attending will be able to practice social distancing and most likely will be required to wear masks. “We are fortunate that we have a large worship space and we can adequately space everyone out,” says Beth Kathol, Ascension Parish Business Manager. “Even though we will not be able to have refreshments afterward, being together for this Parish Mission will be fruitful. Our sacramental life is based on material elements and spiritual elements. It’s important
to stay true to it and be connected in-person if we can. “We now have the capability to livestream which will be a nice bonus for those who are physically unable to attend,” she adds. While those who have attended past Lenten Missions know the benefits it has to offer, those new to the mission this year will find that it is a good spiritual refresher. "I strongly encourage parishioners and teens to attend all three evenings. This is an opportunity for serious spiritual reflection and growth. Many people are feeling disconnected and lost, especially amid this recent pandemic, and this Lenten Parish Mission will help us re-focus and ground ourselves in the paschal mystery and redemption that we are preparing for during Lent."
“We are fortunate that we have a large worship space and we can adequately space everyone out. Even though we will not be able to have refreshments afterward, being together for this Parish Mission will be fruitful. Our sacramental life is based on material elements and spiritual elements. It’s important to stay true to it, and be connected in-person if we can.” — Beth Kathol, Ascension Parish Business Manager There is no registration to attend. There is also no fee, although there will be a freewill offering basket available at the end. For more information, please call the parish office at 701-223-3606.
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Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
SEMINARY LIFE: An Introductory Look BY JOE SCHON, SEMINARIAN
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ello, my name is Joe Schon. I am a seminarian from the Diocese of Bismarck. I had the idea to write a monthly letter to the parishioners at Ascension Church to summarize what I have been doing over the past month and what college seminary (the first four years) is like. This first issue will briefly summarize my first semester at St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C. I would say that a college seminarian has a similar lifestyle to a college student in many ways. We both go to class, spend time with other students, and participate in different sports and activities. However, as a seminarian, we have a rule of life that is supposed to allow us to grow in virtue and live the interior life, which is unlike college. This includes daily Mass and adoration, conferences, days of retreat and recollection, apostolic work, and time for study and recreation. More specifically, we play sports (football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc.) every week, have spiritual direction and formation meetings, watch movies on weekends, have time to talk and relax in the evenings, have various times of silence and recollection (40 hours of silence being my favorite part of the semester), go on trips to the beach
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or camping, participate in street evangelization, and have speakers talk to us (just to name a few things). Additionally, we live a 'family lifestyle' that promotes charity and better allows us to grow in virtue. Essentially, college seminary forms seminarians into Christian men. There are four areas of seminarian life that a seminarian focuses on. Those areas are intellectual, human, spiritual and pastoral formation. These areas of formation form men to be holy priests. This first semester came with many struggles, but also many areas of growth. Most of my struggles came from creating and sticking to a daily schedule, finding valuable friendships with my brother seminarians, and having various stresses with school. However, with struggles, comes knowledge of oneself and growth. I definitely grew in those areas of struggle (said above) as well as many other ways. My two favorite parts of my first semester as a seminarian had to do with relationships. In addition to the many activities and leisure time with my brother seminarians, I was able to go on a camping trip with the three other Bismarck seminarians at JPII and another seminarian from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. That trip really showed me how valuable friendships can be. I would say that those four men on that camping trip are now some of my best friends. Most importantly though, I grew in my relationship with God. Having adoration and Mass every day as well as having spiritual direction has allowed me to see where God works in my heart and has allowed me to better realize just how much He loves me. The 40 hours of silence (as said above) was a big turning point in my spiritual life, as it prompted me to truly accept God into my life and to really think/pray about my relationship with Him. God has given me the grace to see that every part of my life, whether that be the struggles or joys and everything that is between, is created with love. Everything is love if it is with Our Lord. I truly believe this, and I pray that you (the parishioners) may be able to experience God’s overwhelming love as well. Thank you for your support and please continue to pray for vocations! God bless you all.
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
SEMI-ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT JULY 1, 2020-DECEMBER 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position Liquid Assets Cash in Bank Gift Cards Investment-Expansion Fund Pre-paid Expense
$
97,190.01 350.00 729,321.92 3,182.87
Liabilities Accounts Payable
$
0.00
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$
830,044.80
Statement of Activities Operating Income Sunday Contributions $ 350,848.81 Special Donations 28,082.50 Faith Formation Income 12,125.10 BACEF (Bismarck Area Catholic Foundation) 9,965.83 Interest Income 5,027.62 Votive Candles 2,595.00 Flower/Environment Donations 1,227.00 Facility Income 800.00
Operating Expense Payroll & Benefits (3 FT/6 PT) Light of Christ School Subsidy Property Insurance Stewardship Office Operations Building/Grounds Operations Faith Formation Liturgy & Outreach St. Mary’s Cemetery Support Parish Events
$ 157,636.31 150,493.00 21,257.00 21,226.36 19,641.06 14,491.11 10,903.96 10,714.74 5,000.00 1,159.18
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE
$ 412,522.72
$ 410,671.86
OPERATING INCOME—EXPENSE = $1,850.86 REPAIR & MAINTENANCE FUND REPORT
Beginning Balance
45,781.85
Contributions
Contributions Total Income
35,571.50 81,353.35
Expenses Church Window Caulking Church Concrete Sealant Church Front Door Frame Other Repairs Total Expense
9,999.00 1,800.00 1,555.00 220.00 13,574.00
Local Distributions AID, Inc. Community Action Ministry on the Margins Society of St. Vincent dePaul Abused Adult Resource Center Welcome House Meals on Wheels The Banquet Meal (2)
67,779.35
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS
ENDING BALANCE
$
POOR FUND REPORT
$
$
20,980.50 4,060.00 4,060.00 4,060.00 3,045.00 2,030.00 2,030.00 1,015.00 923.41
$
21,223.41
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Non-Profit Org US Postage
PAID
Permit #164 Bismarck, ND
Church of the Ascension 1905 S 3rd St. | Bismarck, ND 58504-7118 701-223-3606 | www.ascensionbismarck.org
Address Service Requested
Meet Char and Bernie Ficek the opportunity to help people feel that same sense of welcome that they experienced when joining the parish. “The hospitality ministry just seemed like a good way to meet new people,” Char says. “When we came, the parish just seemed so friendly. “For me, it makes a big difference,” she adds. “When you walk in the door and somebody’s there to greet you with a nice smile, it’s just such a nice feeling. I just hope to be someone smiling and saying, ‘Welcome, we’re so glad you’re here with us, and we hope you come back!’” Char and Bernie also help as collection counters, as volunteers with the Christmas Supper and Spring Dinner, and as funeral dinner servers. Char also is involved with the Ladies of Ascension. As relative newcomers, service has been a great way for the Ficeks to build friendships and find
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fellowship with other members of the parish. “If you want to meet wonderful people and if you want to meet people of God, just join the church activities,” Char says. “It’s a good way to meet people, good people. It’s fun, being with people and laughing, and enjoying everybody.” Char encourages others, especially if they’re new to the parish, to consider becoming involved in service as a way to meet people and make new friends in the community. “Just try it,” she says. “We need helpers, and if you try it one time, maybe you’ll like it. “Don’t be afraid,” she adds. “It’s such a good way to meet people. It’s a fun way of getting involved. It’s just another way of worshiping God.” Char and Bernie, we are so grateful to have you as part of our parish community at Ascension! Thank you for the ways you serve and inspire us to be a more welcoming parish family.
LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturday, 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. | Holy Days: 8:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m.
Stewardship is the grateful response of a Christian disciple who recognizes and receives God’s gifts and shares these gifts in love of God and neighbor.