Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
New Year Brings Both
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Hope and Opportu
here is something undeniably continue to be offered both in-person exciting about the hope and and online. Also, Faith Formation optimism that come with the beginning Director Blane Schriock plans on of a new year. Following the season of increasing the activity of both the preparation during Advent and the middle school and high school youth joyous celebration of the birth of Christ, groups. we are invited to pause once more and “Middle school and high school are reflect upon our goals and dreams a key transition point,” he says. “This for the coming year. As a parish, we is when they are forming opinions on look forward to continuing to provide God, the faith, and Catholicism. If we the faithful of Ascension with many don’t step in to guide them, they will opportunities for spiritual growth. have nothing to support their faith Deacon John Paul Martin views life. They need to both know and the new year as a particularly unique love the faith, and if we have a young time to take stock of our faith lives Catholic community for them, it will The New Year offers all and begin a process of renewal. root them in the faith.” of us an opportunity for “The New Year can be a renewal, a Adult faith formation will also spiritual renewal. rejuvenation of our faith,” he says. “Of remain a priority at Ascension. course, every day is a good day to do that, but along “We’re not done being formed until the day we with those secular resolutions, you could say, ‘I’m die,” Blane says. “We want people to have the richest going to try to attend a daily Mass even once a week’ and best experience of their lives here on earth so or ‘I’m going to try to attend Adoration.’ We don’t need they can get ready for that world to come. As adults, to wait until Jan. 1 to do that because God is always we still have the ability and the responsibility to waiting with open arms, but often we do tend to wait form ourselves in the faith.” for a new birthday or Jan. 1 to start something.” A new year is always a fitting time to step back With the recognition that faith formation is and take stock of our lives and where we hope to be 12 greatly beneficial to all parishioners — old, young, months from now. As Catholics, this process includes lifelong Catholics and brand-new ones — Ascension a prayerful discernment of how Christ might be hopes to build upon the existing opportunities inviting us to enrich our faith by living as intentional for faith formation this year. The Kindergarten disciples in 2021. For many, this may be the year that through 9th grade Wednesday evening classes will God is asking us to step out of our comfort zones and
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