As you look over the Annual Report for our parish please remember our mission as a Catholic community nurtured by the Eucharist: "We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace. . . .We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God (Pope Francis).” Thus, we are grateful for the freedom to gather, to share in the Eucharist and the Sacramental life of our Catholic faith, to willingly share and use our blessings for those who are struggling, to keep alive a spirit of Christian hospitality for all who seek Christ Jesus, and to walk as people of the Light. Thank you, thank you for your stewardship of time, talent and treasure for the ongoing mission of our Ascension Parish, Sacred Heart School, and the Spirit of our Catholic faith within our daily lives. We as a parish are more than a financial report, of profit and loss. With gratitude for the many who support us through tithing, donations and memorials, our Catholic parish exists within the Sacramental life we share, the prayers we collectively lift up, and the evangelization of our Christian values within our homes and communities. Included with the general spreadsheet of our tithing and financials are the Sacraments celebrated within the past year. Within the Sacraments received and shared we find the presence and grace of Christ Jesus, especially nourished through the reception of the Eucharist. I’m grateful for our Financial Board’s commitment to guiding our parish resources, and those who willingly offer their time and faith as members. Along with the pastor, our board consists of two representatives from each church: Keith Kudej and Vince Ewald, St. Malachy; Pete Thomsen and Jess Christiansen, St. John; Rita Phillips and David Eastland, Sacred Heart. Our two directors—Emily Schieltz and Eric Seeman—are ex-officio members. Sue Eldridge, Sacred Heart School principal sits on the board along with the school board representative, James Flattery. Alayna Longhorn, parish bookkeeper attends all meetings for the breakdown of the financials. As you look over the annual report if you have any questions or concerns please contact me or the office. And again, thank you for your stewardship, especially your presence and faith shared within the Eucharist that binds us together. Our primary asset as a parish, beyond the investments and memorials and savings, is the staff. Regardless of their respective responsibilities and ministries, they each desire to share and strengthen our Catholic-Christian faith, whether at our liturgies, in our families, homes or daily encounters. They bring forth integrity in their ministries and responsibilities, and a presence of hospitality for parishioners & visitors alike who desire to grow in their relationship with Christ Jesus. Whether at St. John church or St. Malachy, Sacred Heart church or Sacred Heart School, they aspire to lift up our Catholic faith, and the hope of our mission as a parish: “to restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor; to include the excluded and preach peace.” Through the efforts of the Social Justice Committee at St. Malachy, a percentage of the Dollar Collection at Sacred Heart, the Food Drives or other outreach efforts in support of agencies and those in need, Ascension Parish hopes to be attentive to the blessings we can share as God provides us to do so. I include part of a letter written to our parish from Dismas Ministry, a national Catholic outreach for prisoners, victims, their families, those released from prison.
“Dear Ascension Catholic Parish, 
Thank you for your donation to Dismas Ministry. Because of your kindness, we can support the men and women in custody who seek spiritual guidance, helping them grow in their spiritual lives. What warms my heart the most is the circle of support created through your donation. Your generosity not only impacts the lives of those we serve but also inspires a ripple effect of hope and transformation, reminding incarcerated individuals that they are not forgotten and that God’s love is ever-present. Beginning in 2025 we are planning to expand our reach to include those who were formerly incarcerated. . . .helping them stay on the path to rehabilitation. May God bless you during this Holy season. With gratitude and blessings, Juliann Joerres, Executive Director” As Pope Francis shepherds us into this Jubilee “Pilgrims of Hope” Year, may his words inspire us: “ We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, and spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace. . . .We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI for Valentine's Day: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” (Charles Schulz, creator of Charlie Brown)