Familia 2011 October

Familia The Newsletter of the Ascension Parish Family

IN THIS ISSUE Ascension Book Group: Descent Into Hell and The Power and the Glory Page 2 Ascension Family Spotlight Page 3

Annual Parish Picnic October 2 Page 4

October 2011

A message from the Rector

M

y dear People and Friends of Church of the Ascension:

I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God’s saving power…. Our temptation is to be distracted by them…. When I have no eyes for the small signs of God’s presence – the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends – I will always remain tempted to despair.

The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises.

around us, and focus solely on how we would like things to be. But that is impossible, as impossible as it is to avoid empty claims and promises when money and power are involved.

That is the world in which we live. To retreat into ourselves as a buffer against hard realities would be a denial of the life we are called to in Christ. Jesus was born into the world in order to redeem it. He may not have offered tranquility, but He has given us a promise of peace that we can live into even if the world around us chooses otherwise.

So, where is our attention directed?

Where do we find signs of God’s presence?

Those signs are abundant, but we will miss them if we are distracted. Attention requires discipline and even more importantly, desire.

The choice is ours – another one of God’s gifts.

May you be richly filled with signs of God’s presence in your lives.

God bless.

—Henry Nouwen, from “Gracias! A Latin American Journal 1983) Faithfully yours,

Garden Party Winning Recipes

Where is our attention directed? The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.

It is tempting to try to ignore the unpleasantness and destructiveness we see and hear

Page 5

October Ordo Kalendar Page 6

Birthdays and Anniversaries Page 7

Christian Education Classes now meeting on Sundays For Adults: Lectionary-based Bible Study: 10 a.m. in the church basement For Children and Teens: Sunday School (Ages 7-12): 11 a.m. in the Library Sunday Discussion Group (Ages 13 and up): 11 a.m. in Wheeler Hall Nursery care is also available during the 11 a.m. Solemn High Mass

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Familia The Newsletter of the Church of the Ascension Parish Family The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee Bishop of Chicago The Rev. Gary P. Fertig Rector The Rev. Kurt Olson Assisting Priest Michael Vales Senior Warden David D. Schrader Junior Warden James Baran Avril Hector Scott Knitter Jett McAlister Doug Mose Carol Noren Cheryl Peterson Sylvia Sorgel Sonja Smith Members of the Vestry

Ascension Book Group Next meetings: October 6, November 3 at 6:30 For its October meeting, the Ascension Book Group will read Charles Williams’s “theological thriller” novel Descent into Hell. Generally regarded as Williams’s masterpiece, the novel follows a group of amateur thespians as they attempt to stage a new play in their London suburb. Published in 1937, the novel is a harrowing account of pride and self-absorption, as well as the dangers of shutting oneself off from the love of God. A novelist, literary critic, and theologian, Charles Williams (18861945) was a longtime editor at Oxford University Press. Williams was also a member of the Inklings, an informal literary society at Oxford comprising such luminaries as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein.

On November 3, the group will discuss Graham Greene’s 1940 novel The Power and the Glory. This masterful novel tells

Charley Taylor Director of Finance and Administration

Familia is produced and edited by Jett McAlister, Doug Mose, and Sonja Smith. To contact Familia, send email to: ascension.familia@gmail.com Church of the Ascension 1133 N. LaSalle Boulevard Chicago, Illinois 60610-2601 (312) 664-1271 http://www.ascensionchicago.org/ office@ascensionchicago.org

the story of a Roman Catholic priest in the Mexican state of Tabasco, living under the persecution of the country’s revolutionary government in the 1930s. Like many of Greene’s novels, The Power and the Glory is a profound exploration of the relationship between human frailty and the possibility of holiness.

Ascension Book Group has previously read Rose Macaulay’s The Towers of Trebizond and Flannery O’Connor’s short story collection Everything That Rises Must Converge. We invite suggestions for future selections; texts can be of any genre, but should be in print and widely available.

The Book Group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., in Wheeler Hall. Light refreshments are served. Parishioners, friends, and visitors are all welcome to join us.

—Jett McAlister

 We remember those who have finished their course in Your faith and fear, especially, on the anniversaries of their deaths:

Arelys Greene-Vasquez Director of Christian Education Susan Schlough Coordinator, St. Antony of Padua Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry

October 2011

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15 20 21 25 26 31

Gladys Schlough (mother of Susan) Albert & Mae Creuziger James F. Maclear James Grayson Duggan Arthur Taylor III (father of Charley) James Delano Abbott (father of Andrew) Margaret Leonard Mary Potter David L. Brooks Jean D. Gehrke (mother of Gary) John W. Cracraft, Priest, First Rector of this Parish Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: Let light perpetual shine upon them.

May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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Ascension Family Spotlight Interviews with Parishioners and Friends of the Parish Familia is featuring a regular series of interviews with various members of the Ascension family, to help us get to know each other better. Maybe you’d like to be interviewed!

Email ascension.familia @gmail.com to learn more.

This month, the Familia sat down with parishioner Arelys Greene-Vasquez. Areyls was recently named Church of the Ascension’s new Director of Christian Education.

In this role, she supervises the Sunday School and nursery programs.

Familia: Arelys, for many people, you are one of the most familiar faces at Church of the Ascension. Every Sunday we see you lead all the children up to the altar rail.

Arelys: Yes, I really love working with children—especially the little ones; they are very special to me.

Familia: How long have you been working in the parish nursery?

Mass.

Arelys: We have fun! We read Bible stories; we pray. I teach the children simple prayers, like the Our Father and the Hail Mary. The children have lots of questions that I try to answer in ways they will understand.

Familia: What kind of questions?

Arelys: A big one recently was “How did God create me from my mom”?

Familia: I would have liked to hear the answer to that one! How old are the children who come to the nursery?

“The thing about Church of the Ascension is that everybody gets to know each other— people really take care of you.”

Arelys: More than 10 years, now. I started out as a volunteer. I had little children of my own and helped Sister Mary Cecilia, making formula, things like that. And then, about 5 years ago, I was asked if I was interested in becoming the official nursery care provider. I said “yes” right away—and took a few classes to become certified.

Familia: Working with children seems to come naturally to you.

Arelys: I guess it does. My mother was a teacher and I’ve always liked helping children learn.

Familia: So, for those of us sitting in the pews on Sunday morning, tell us what happens in the nursery while we’re at

Arelys: Anyone from 6 months through 6 years is welcome in the nursery. For older kids (7-12-year-olds) we have Sunday School that meets in the library, and a discussion group for teenagers that meets in Wheeler Hall.

Familia: You were recently named to become the parish’s new Director of Christian Education—what are your plans for the Sunday School?

Arelys: I want to continue to build on the good work that Cynthia Perrizo did. We are going to use the same curriculum— which focuses on the lessons that are read in church each Sunday. That way, the children study the same parts of the Bible that their parents hear at Mass.

Familia: Do you have any other plans for the year for Sunday School?

Arelys: We are talking about holding a Christmas party for the children this year.

And we’re looking for other activities for them to do together, so they can build friendships with their Sunday School classmates.

Familia: If people want to help out with the Sunday School, what can they do?

Arelys: Well, we could always use more supplies: crayons, colored pencils, paper, coloring books and other things for crafts. We’d be glad to take any donations. And we could use some more people to volunteer to be teachers—it could be something as simple as one Sunday a month.

Familia: We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the nursery and the Sunday School, since you are so involved with both of them. Was that what first drew you to Church of the Ascension?

Arelys: No, not at all. Like a lot of people, I first came here because of the music. I had read in the newspaper that the choir was good, so we came to Mass on Christmas in 1995. I still remember it; the choir sang a Mass setting by Beethoven, and I thought “Wow, what a choir!” I really liked it, and started coming every couple of weeks. And then I became a member.

Familia: Was that a hard decision for you? You were raised Roman Catholic.

Arelys: No, not at all. The thing about Church of the Ascension, is that everybody gets to know each other—people really take care of you. And I wanted to be part of that.

Interview by Doug Mose

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October 2011

Please join us for the

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Hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the parish!

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Please consider bringing a side dish!

Last names beginning with A-P, please bring a salad; last names Q-Z, bring a dessert.

Sign-up sheets are posted in the narthex.

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In case of rain or chill, the picnic will be moved to St. Michael’s Hall.

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All are welcome— bring a friend!

Annual Parish Picnic In the Our Lady of Victory Garden Sunday, October 2 following the 11 a.m. Solemn High Mass

SCOTT SMITH

Pictures from the July Ice Cream Social ALL PHOTOS BY SONJA SMITH

From left: Parishioners LaVerne Saunders, Chris Raymond, and Lynn Belding serve as contest judges at the July Ice Cream Social; Cheryl and Jay Peterson share a dance; Sister Mary Cecilia, Ted Saunders, and Cliff Green enjoy conversation and fellowship.

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Recipes from the Garden Parties Many thanks to all who contributed their wonderful pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, salsas, cheese platters, and other dishes for this summer’s garden parties.

Here, two of our contest-winning chefs share their culinary creations with us.

Happy cooking!

Lady Baltimore Cake A winning recipe from July’s Ice Cream Social.

For the Cake Ingredients 3 ½ c cake flour ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder 1 c. butter, softened 2 c. sugar 1 c. buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp. almond extract 8 egg whites

5 T cold water ¼ tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 c. walnuts or pecans ½ c. each of raisins, currants, chopped apricots, and chopped dates In a double boiler over rapidly boiling water, beat together the egg whites, sugar, cold water, and cream of tartar.

After 6 minutes, the mixture will become voluptuous and take form. Add vanilla

Whip a second batch of frosting while the crumb layer dries, omitting the fruit.

This batch is lathered on the top and the sides generously and may resemble waves on the sea, or a bad hair-do. Keeping your spatula cleaned and heated by dipping it in hot water helps. Don't bother smoothing it out—it will look store-bought, and you’ll never win a contest looking like that!

Recipe by Dan O’Connell

Mango Avocado Salsa The winning recipe from August’s Salsa and Sangria party.

Ingredients 3 ripe mangos, cubed 2 ripe avocados, cubed 1/2 medium red onion, diced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 2 T garlic, minced Juice from 1/2 lime 1-2 jalapenos, seeds removed Preheat oven to 375 deand diced (vary amount you grees, and bring all ingrediused depending how much of ents to room temperature. a kick you like) Butter and flour three 8-inch 1/4 cup mint, diced cake pans.

SONJA SMITH Sea salt to taste Sift together the flour, Baking contest winners Dan O’Connell and Carol Noren at July’s Ice Cream 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Social Garden Party. salt, baking soda, and baking 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper powder; set aside. extract and continue to beat until the tex- Pinch nutmeg In a larger bowl, cream together the ture becomes shiny and silky, about one butter and sugar. Add the dry ingredients minute. Be careful not to overbeat—the Pinch cinnamon to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating frosting will become grainy and rough. Pinch ginger with the buttermilk, and ending with the (You can ruin it in just a few extra seThe recipe is simple—basically, you dry ingredients. Beat until just com- conds!) just mix everything together! But it’s best bined—be careful not to overbeat. Add Divide the frosting into fourths. To to start with the basic ingredients, letting vanilla and almond extracts, stirring in two portions, add walnuts or pecans, them sit covered, refrigerated, for about without overbeating. along with raisins, currants, apricots, and an hour. This lets the flavors develop and In a medium-sized bowl, beat egg dates. These portions will be spread bemeld together. As the salsa sits, the citrus whites into stiff peaks; fold them into the tween the layers of your cooled cakes. juice and the mango will help intensify batter until just combined.

The other two portions, roughly half the flavors of the spices and seasonings.

Divide the batter evenly among the the total frosting, will be the crumb layer, pans, and bake 20 to 25 minutes. As the once the cakes and filling layers are as- Serve with tortilla chips, or put over chicken, fish, or pork, or perhaps couscous cakes bake, prepare the frosting. sembled. Evenly spread the remainder of or rice. the frosting over the sides, then top the Recipe by Stacey High For the frosting cake, coating thinly, covering any gaps in (Stacey High and Dan Shaw, Ingredients the sides. This just gets you to the fun who live in the parish coach house, 2 egg whites part. were married by Fr. Fertig last July.)

1 ½ c. superfine sugar

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October 2011

Ordo Kalendar—October 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30

Remegius, Bishop of Rheims, c. 530 (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.)

THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS: MICHAELMAS—THE PATRONAL FEAST OF THE PARISH (Annual Parish Picnic following 11:00 a.m. Mass; Solemn Evensong and Benediction at 4:00 p.m.)

Teresa of Lisieux, 1897 Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1226 Bruno, Abbot, 1101 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.)

William Tyndale, Priest, 1536 The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Votive of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.)

THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 23) Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for Peace, 1954 Philip, Deacon and Evangelist Wilfrid, Archbishop of York, 709 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.)

Edward the Confessor, King of England, 1066 Our Lady of Walsingham Teresa of Avila, Nun, 1582 (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.)

THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 24) Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, and Martyr, c. 115 ST. LUKE, EVANGELIST (Low Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 6:20 p.m.)

Henry Martyn, Priest, and Missionary to India and Persia, 1812 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.)

Votive of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.)

THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 25) ST. JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BROTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND MARTYR, c. 62 (Low Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 6:20 p.m.)

Crispin and Crispinian, Martyrs, c. 285 Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, 899 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.)

ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE, APOSTLES (Low Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 6:20 p.m.)

James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1885 THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 26)

LOOKING AHEAD< 1 NOV THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS (Low Mass at 7:00 a.m., Sung Mass at 6:30 p.m.)

2 NOV THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED: ALL SOULS’ DAY (Low Requiem Mass at 7:00 a.m., Solemn High Requiem Mass at 6:30 p.m.)

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” —Revelation 12:10

The Solemnity of St. Michael and All Angels: Michaelmas The Patronal Feast of the Parish Sunday, October 2 Solemn Procession and High Mass with Full Choir, 11:00 a.m.

Annual Parish Picnic following the 11:00 Mass Evensong and Benediction, 4:00 p.m.

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October Lectionary October 2 — THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS: MICHAELMAS Genesis 28:10-17 Revelation 12:7-12 John 1:47-51 October 9 — THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Isaiah 25:1-9 Philippians 4:4-13

Matthew 22:1-14

October 16 — THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Isaiah 45:1-7 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22

October 18 — ST. LUKE, EVANGELIST Ecclesiasticus 38:1-4, 6-10, 12-14

Luke 4:14-21

2 Timothy 4:5-13

October 23 — THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Exodus 22:21-27 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Matthew 22:34-46

October 24 — ST. JAMES OF JERUSALEM Acts 15:12-22a 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Matthew 13:54-58

October 28 — ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE, APOSTLES Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Ephesians 2:13-22

John 15:17-27

October 30 — THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Micah 3:5-12 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20

Matthew 23:1-12

October Birthdays and Anniversaries 1|

Bob and Angie Barbour (wedding anniversary)

2|

Dedication of the Order of Saint Anne

3|

Trevor Peterson Anthony William Clark Gianluca Butticè and Maria Devens (wedding anniversary)

4|

Mike Vales

5|

Richard Connaughton

7| 9| 10 |

Ted and LaVerne Saunders (wedding anniversary) Jim and DiAnne Walsh (wedding anniversary) David Alan Robertson

13 |

Larry Myers Scott Smith Colin Louis DuClos

14 |

John Mulcare

16 |

Abraham Bassford David and Jenna Jones (wedding anniversary)

17 |

Jim Drury Charles Michael Clark

18 |

Scott Knitter

22 |

Matt and Kim Keller (wedding anniversary)

24 |

Jack Johnston

30 |

Cynthia Perrizo Michael Bonnett

Church of the Ascension 1133 N. La Salle Boulevard Chicago, Illinois 60610-2601

Church of the Ascension AUTUMN WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays 7:30 a.m.

Morning Prayer 8:00 a.m.

Low Mass 9:00 a.m.

Sung Mass 11:00 a.m.

Solemn High Mass 4:00 p.m.

Solemn Evensong and Benediction (first Sunday of the month, Oct. and Nov.) Evening Prayer (other Sundays) Weekdays 6:40 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:20 p.m.

Morning Prayer (M-F) Low Mass (M-F) Evening Prayer (M-F) Low Mass (W and Holy Days)

Saturdays 9:40 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

Morning Prayer Public Mass of Healing Evening Prayer

ALL ARE WELCOME.