Thursday, May 26, is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, and is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning, as Catholics, it should be a priority to gather with the other members of the Body of Christ on this day, the same as on Sundays, and celebrate the Mass.

We will have a special schedule of Masses for that occasion, as follows:

• Wednesday (5/25)
  • 4:00 PM Mass at St. Louise 
  • 7:00 PM Mass at St. Joan
• Thursday  (5/26)
  • 6:45 AM at St. Louise
  • 8:00 AM at St. Joan
  • 9:00 AM at St. Louise 
    • (please note that the students of St. Louise School will be present and thus seating will be limited)
  • Noon Mass at St. Louise 
  • 7:00 PM at St. Louise

Livestream at 8:00 AM Mass from St. Joan and 9:00am Mass from St. Louise.

What better way to recognize the awesome significance of this event, as Jesus took our humanity into heaven, then to share in the means by which heaven touches earth in the Eucharist. Celebrating the Mass this day is also a special way to begin a prayer vigil leading up to Pentecost! There are nine days between the time Jesus ascended back to the Father and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Scripture tells us that the Apostles, our Blessed Mother, and others spent this time in prayer (Acts 1:13-14). This is the foundation of the ancient Catholic prayer tradition of the NOVENA (from the Latin for “nine”). To devote time to prayer over those nine days, asking the Holy Spirit to come upon us, can have amazing results. Look at the transformation it brought about in the lives of the apostles! (see Acts 2:1-47). There are several “Holy Spirit Novenas” around, some with unique prayers for each of the nine days. Here is a sample of a prayer that one could use during those nine days (or everyday, for that matter), asking for a more powerful experience of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

(for May 27 thru June 4)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your holy gifts. Let my weakness be penetrated with Your strength this very day that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously, that I may do what is right and just.

Let my charity be such as to offend no one, and hurt no one's feelings; so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.

Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life, enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs, protect me in temptations and console me in afflictions.

Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour Your light into my heart, my soul, and my mind. Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace. Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!