Labor Day weekend, the last hurrah of summer and the nation’s pause to observe the responsibilities and honest endeavors of the men and women who contribute to America’s “strength, prosperity and well being.”  As such, the Diocese recognized and awarded our own Deb Franzenburg for her work within our parish and Sacred Heart School.  Her integrity and faith on display whether leading a Good Shepherd class, seeking ways to implement our Catholic-Christian faith within that of our parishioners and families, or enabling supporters to share their blessings.  Congratulations Deb.  Regardless of the labor it is the integrity and honesty of the individual whose work and efforts are honored on this weekend—contributing to our society’s “strength, prosperity, and well being. 
At the same time, this national holiday recognizes the altruistic work and sacrifices of the many who volunteer for the sake of the wellbeing of others. Though their labor is not compensated through wages, their efforts are nonetheless significant to the “strength, prosperity and well being” of our country.  Thus, we are making an extra effort to encourage your willingness to share your time, abilities and faith within the various ministries and opportunities within Ascension Parish.  If you are already involved in a ministry, volunteering your time and faith: thank you!  
With the Parish Volunteer sheet in the pews and information online, may you prayerfully, willingly, offer you time and faith in some manner.  Most simply, thank you for sharing your presence and faith within our faith.  What we have and what we can offer is expressed in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr,  “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” 
Pope John XXIII once said as Vatican II commenced, “The great desire, therefore, of the Catholic Church in raising aloft at this council the torch of truth is to show herself to the world as the loving mother of all mankind; gentle, patient, and full of tenderness and sympathy for her separated children. To the human race oppressed by so many difficulties, she says what Peter once said to the poor man who begged an alms: ‘Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, that I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.’” 
 
One of the elements implemented from Vatican II was RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults),  now referred to as OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.  A gentle, patient program of gatherings to inform, teach and guide individuals through the elements of our Catholic faith and tradition, ultimately ending with their reception into the Sacramental life of the Church (most often at the Easter Vigil Mass).  
Our OCIA program will begin the latter part of September, providing information on our Catholic faith, the Sacraments, our traditions and rituals, history and virtues, seeking to answer any questions or concerns individuals may have.  If you or somebody you know is interested in joining our Catholic faith and receiving the Sacraments please contact me at the parish office.  Likewise if you have any questions or concerns.  From time to time I hear from Jon who joined the faith five years ago, now receiving the Sacraments alongside his wife.  He has a generous character and gracious heart that has been a blessing to our faith and his parish community.
As our schools begin the ‘new year’ of education and formation, we welcome back the Religious Education programs within our parish.  Thank you parents for allowing your children to participate and grow in their Catholic faith, and relationship with God.  Such is a blessing that can never be taken from them as they go through life.  And a thank you to the adults and youth who volunteer within our Religious Education programs, sharing your faith and presence.  You may never recognize the impact your faith and Christian character may have on the sons and daughters who are receiving this faith formation.  Ultimately the parents will be the guiding influence and procurer of faith for their children, sharing in our Sunday Eucharist and living out the values of our faith.  Of course, Christ Jesus is our ultimate teacher, whose patience and understanding, mercy and healing, joy and affirmation, guide us toward the purpose and integrity of our place here on earth—and to the hope of eternal life.  
In today’s second reading from James we are reminded: “Humbly welcome the Word that has been planted in you. . . .Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.”  And Arthur Ashe, the tennis player who overcame many obstacles with a joyous heart and spirit of gratitude concludes, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” (William Shakespeare)