Familia The Newsletter of the Ascension Parish Family
IN THIS ISSUE 2012 Annual Giving Campaign Page 2 Ascension Family Spotlight Page 3
Thanksgiving Dinner: Food and Volunteers Needed! Page 4
St. Anthony of Padua Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry Update Page 5
Birthdays and Anniversaries Page 5
November Ordo Kalendar Page 6
November 2011
Bringing the Harvest Home All Saints, All Souls, and November
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t is often pointed out that, although it is mostly part of what our Roman Catholic friends call “Ordinary Time” (that long stretch of “green” Sundays after Pentecost), the month of November has its own special liturgical character. We begin the month with the great festival of All Saints’ Day and, one day later, the solemn observation of All Souls’ Day with its requiem Masses. And we end November with the first Sunday of Advent. In between, comes the Feast of Christ the King (the second-tolast Sunday of the month) and Thanksgiving. Seen together, these observances have something in common: a focus on the “heavenly harvest” of redeemed souls. Whether it is All Saints’ Day, with its celebration of apostles, martyrs, prophets, all the great men and women of God … or All Souls’ Day, with its remembrance of those who have gone before us … or Christ the King’s and Advent Sunday’s heralding of the coming Kingdom of God, these holidays all deal with what theologians call “eschatology”—in simple terms, the study of “what comes next.” And maybe there is no better time than November to think about what’s next for all us. It is easy to proclaim the resur-
rection at Easter in April, when the whole world is coming to life. But in November, with its shortening days and grey skies? When the world around us is preparing for winter’s cold, it’s hard to sing “Now the Green Blade Rises.” And yet our faith tells us that it does—that the grave is not an end, but a passage to new life. And, despite the chilliness of death, we can anticipate the warm love of a new heaven and a new earth. Perhaps the hymn says it best: But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia. Alleluia! There are many opportunities to celebrate November’s hopeful vision here at Ascension: multiple observances of All Saints Day (a low Mass on November 1 and the festival celebration transferred to the following Sunday, November 6), two requiem Masses on All Soul’s Day (November 2), the Feast of Christ the King on November 20, a sung Mass on Thanksgiving Day, and, finally, Advent Sunday on November 27, with Masses in the morning and our great choir’s annual festival of Lessons and Carols at 4:00 pm. Please make plans to join us!
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Familia
Familia The Newsletter of the Church of the Ascension Parish Family The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee Bishop of Chicago The Rev. Gary 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
Church of the Ascension
2012 Annual Giving Campaign The mission of the Church is to witness to the Good News of God in Jesus The 2012 Annual Stewardship Cam- Jesus to sustain and to build the foundapaign is now underway. On Sundays, you tion He laid. The stewardship of Christ’s have been hearing personal remarks on Church is the responsibility of all Christhe importance of Church of the Ascen- tians. Christ revealed to us His genuine sion from fellow parishioners, explaining commitment to us through His loving to you why and how sacrifice of Himself on Church of Ascension is Each of us is personally the Cross and His an important part of mighty resurrection. their lives. Hopefully asked by Jesus to sustain Similarly, your pledge you will find these re- and to build the of financial support is flections moving and foundation He laid. The your sincere commitinspirational in your ment to love and sacriown contemplation of stewardship of Christ’s fice, and is an expresour Church’s meaning Church is the responsibilsion of your gratitude and value in your own ity of all Christians. for the salvation Our life. Lord won for us. It is We, at Church of your private prayer. It is the Ascension, are a community whose between you and God, and it is a ministry works of Christian stewardship are real- that immeasurably secures and advances ized through the dedication of our mem- the community at Church of the Ascenbers who commit time, talents, and finan- sion. cial support. Please be generous as the Church Each of us is personally asked by seeks your commitment for another year.
Charley Taylor Director of Finance and Administration Arelys Greene-Vasquez Director of Christian Education Susan Schlough Coordinator, St. Antony of Padua Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry 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
November 2011
We remember those who have finished their course in Your faith and fear, especially, on the anniversaries of their deaths: 2 6 10 17 18 19 21 26 27 29
Alice Louise Stoskopf Betty Lee Cox Peter Fertig James Avery King (father of Judy Mintel) Alvin Joyner Mary Margaret Skanes, Religious Richard Earl Pistole, Priest John C. Hedley (husband of Joan) Leona Delores Jones Glovenia A. Orr F. William Orrick, Priest, Thirteenth Rector of this Parish Enid C. Smith (grandmother of Scott Smith) Clara Smith Hayes Norman C. Chylinski Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: Let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
November 2011
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Ascension Family Spotlight Interviews with Parishioners and Friends of the Parish Familia is featuring a regular series of interviews with 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, Familia sat down with David and Jenna Jones, who recently celebrated the first anniversary of their marriage at Church of the Ascension. Familia: David and Jenna, thanks for agreeing to talk to us—and congratulations on your first anniversary! I hear your wedding was a big one. Jenna: I guess it was. We each had eight people stand up with us—plus two flower girls, and two ring bearers. David: And a 6-voice choir. Familia: It’s fortunate we’ve got plenty of experience with elaborate ceremonies. Is that why you chose Ascension to be married in? David: I had been attending Ascension regularly for a couple of years—and our traditional liturgy is why I joined the parish. So, after I invited Jenna to come to church with me and we started attending Mass as a couple—we knew there was no other place we would want to be married. And the ceremony was beautiful. In fact, afterwards one of my co-workers told me, “David, I’ve been an atheist all my life—but that service was amazing.” That’s one reason I’m so glad we were married here—now, each Sunday when we come to Mass, I’m reminded of that beautiful service and the promises we made each other then. Familia: Jenna, I understand you were raised in the Methodist church. How did you feel about joining Church of the Ascension? Jenna: Yes. I used to be a member at First United Methodist in the Chicago Temple Building in the Loop. But I appreciated
the worship services at Ascension right away—my home parish had a formal worship style, so I liked that about Ascension. And, of course, the music here is just outstanding, which is important to me—I love hearing David Schrader and the choir … and singing the hymns and liturgy. David: Jenna is being modest: she trained in musical theater in New York, and has an outstanding voice. Familia: I’ll have to remember to sit in front of you in church some Sunday so I can listen! So, you’re both from Tallahassee—did you start dating there and then come to Chicago? Jenna: Not at all. Although we did meet when we were teenagers in Tallahassee— we were both part of the same theater group. But we went to different high schools and didn’t spend a lot of time together.
David: I guess Facebook gets the credit for bringing us together. A couple of years ago, I saw Jenna’s profile on Facebook and recognized her from when we were kids—so I asked her out for lunch. After lunch, I asked her out again. And, pretty soon, two dates turned into three … four … five … six. And, the next thing you know, I asked her to marry me! Familia: That’s a sweet story. Tell us a little bit more about the two of you. David: Well, we live pretty close to the church, near the corner of Division and Halsted. I work in the legal department at Exelon—and Jenna is a massage therapist and instructor. We’re the proud owners of an extremely headstrong Weimaraner named Wallis—so headstrong that, last week, we had Chicago’s equivalent of the “Dog Whisperer” come meet with her about her attitude toward other dogs. See INTERVIEW, Page 5
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November 2011
Annual Neighborhood Thanksgiving Dinner Large crowd expected on Nov. 20; volunteers are needed! Celebrate Thanksgiving—and be an early bird! Church of the Ascension will host Thanksgiving dinner for our neighbors on Sunday, November 20. That’s four days before the national holiday, and we need some “early birds” (i.e., roasted turkeys) to make it possible. Can you contribute a turkey and/or help set up, serve the meal, or clean up? Last year we served about 200 meals, and we expect a larger crowd this time.
PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMITH
Above: Parishioners Lynette Hector, Jim Berger, and Brad Creighton help prepare food for the 2010 Thanksgiving Dinner. Left: Friends from the neighborhood enjoying the meal.
To volunteer and get more information, telephone Carol Noren at 773 267-8864, or send email to cnoren@northpark.edu. Contributions of money would also be greatly appreciated; checks may be made out to the church, indicating that they are for the Thanksgiving dinner fund. A sign-up sheet for volunteers will also be posted on the bulletin board near the church kitchen. —Carol Noren
Book Group to read Greene, L’Engle Next meetings: November 3, December 8, at 6:30 in Wheeler Hall The November selection for the Ascension Book Group is Graham Greene’s masterpiece The Power and the Glory. This 1940 novel follows a Roman Catholic priest in revolutionary Mexico, as he tries to elude government persecution. The novel is a powerful exploration of the possibility of redemption and holiness in a deeply sinful world. We will meet to discuss The Power and the Glory at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 3. Our December selection is Madeleine L’Engle’s fantasy classic A Wrinkle in Time. L’Engle was a well-regarded author of young-adult fiction, and was for many years writerin-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. A Wrinkle in Time is a memorable adventure about a young family discovering their role in the cosmic conflict of good and evil. We’ll discuss the book at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, December 8 (different than the usual first Thursday). Both books can be purchased at the book stall in Wheeler Hall.
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Food pantry continues to seek donations, volunteers The St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen meets the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 AM. Parishioners and other community volunteers spend a sociable morning making sandwiches, assembling lunches, and packing bags of dry groceries. These are distributed at noon to a client base that includes elderly, handicapped, homeless, and other needy community members. The Food Pantry continues to fill an important need in the community. The number of clients served each month has increased from 120 in the early part of the year to approximately 150 now. Parishioners have generously contributed canned
fish and meat products so that we have been able to distribute them almost every month—thank you all! We have also been able to distribute toiletries, again thanks to the faithful contributions of parishioners each week. Another important source of help for the Pantry is the local Treasure Island store, which has generously contributed both plastic and paper shopping bags each month, allowing us to spend our money for food, not bags. Please continue your terrific support for the Food Pantry. And, if you have time on the first Saturday of the month, come join the fun! —Susan Schlough
November Birthdays and Anniversaries 1|
Fr. David Belding (Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood)
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Olive Milewczyk
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Fr. Gary Fertig
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Bob Chaney
13 |
Ray Patrick
14 |
Jett McAlister
15 |
Shakira Malone
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Jana Holt
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Cheryl Peterson
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Bob Barbour Danae Adames (friend of Abraham Bassford)
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Bill Kolb
22 |
Carnola Malone
24 |
Harold Paul
27 |
David Duggan
Andrew Abbott Bp. Jeffrey Lee (Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood)
Are you receiving Familia by first-class mail? Have this newsletter delivered straight to your e-mail inbox, saving the parish printing and postage costs. If you have e-mail, send one to office@ascensionchicago.org to sign up for email delivery. We are happy to mail Familia to those without e-mail and to those who just want a paper version. Thanks!
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INTERVIEW, from Page 3 Some of our friends with children have said that their kids are less work than Wallis—and I believe them. Jenna: Wallis is a handful. Besides taking care of her, we also like to take advantage of Chicago’s wonderful theater scene. That’s one of the first reasons I moved to the city. And I still perform professionally from time to time as a cabaret singer—in fact, a friend and I are working on an show that we hope to open at Davenport’s next spring. David: My interests are less glamorous. I grew up hunting and fishing – and still take annual trips to do that. My dad and I go to Wyoming to hunt every year, and we like to deep sea fish on his boat in Florida—in fact, Jenna caught her first big fish, a Spanish mackerel, this year. I’m also interested in photography and genealogy—and I like to think the photos I take will be a part of how our story is told to future generations. Familia: Last question for you— how would you describe the Church of the Ascension to somebody? David: The first thing that comes to mind is the liturgy—orthodox, traditional, and beautiful. If you want praise bands and projected words on a screen, then it won’t be for you. But for people who are looking for a traditional worship service, I think they’ll fall in love with the parish, just like we did. Jenna: And it’s more than just the worship. Things like our food pantry ministry—which David and I have enjoyed being a part of—really show the kind of work a church should be doing in the city. We combine worshiping God with serving our neighbors. —Interview by Doug Mose
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November 2011
Ordo Kalendar—November 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS (Low Mass at 7:00 a.m.) 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.) Richard Hooker, Priest, 1600 Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, 1854 Elizabeth and Zechariah, 1st Century (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.) THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS’ DAY (Masses at 8, 9 amd 11 a.m.) Solemn Procession & High Mass at 11 a.m., Organ Recital at 3:30 p.m., Evensong and Benediction at 4:00 p.m.) Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary to Frisia, 739 The Saints and Martyrs of the Anglican Communion Feria (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.) Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, 461 Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397 Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836 (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.) THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 28) Consecration of Samuel Seabury, First American Bishop, 1784 Albert the Great, Bishop of Ratisbon and Friar, 1280 Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.) Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200 Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680 Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary, 1231 (Saturday Public Mass of Healing at 10:00 a.m.) THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: THE FEAST OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING (Proper 29) The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cecilia, Martyr at Rome, c. 230 Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100 (Wednesday Low Mass at 6:20 p.m.) THANKSGIVING DAY (Sung Mass, 10:00 a.m. Parish office closed; no public recitation of Evening Prayer) James Otis Sargent Huntington, Priest and Monk, 1935 Votive of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saturday Public Mass of Healing, 10:00 a.m.) THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (The Great Litany in Procession and Solemn High Mass at 11:00 a.m., Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m.; Beginning of Mass Lectionary Year B, Office Lectionary Year 2) Kamehameha and Emma, King and Queen of Hawaii, 1864 and 1885 Advent Feria ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE (Low Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 6:20 p.m.)
“Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.” —Mark 13:35-36
The First Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 27 The Great Litany in Procession and Solemn High Mass, 11:00 a.m. Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m. with music of Palestrina, Ravenscroft, Lassus, Sowerby, Howells, Praetorius, and others Reception to follow
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November Lectionary November 2 — THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED: ALL SOULS’ DAY Wisdom 3:1-9 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 John 5:24-27 November 6 — THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-36
November 13 — THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 28) Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 November 20 — THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: THE FEAST OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING (Proper 29) Ezekiel 34:11-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Matthew 25:31-46 November 24 — THANKSGIVING DAY Deuteronomy 8:1-3, 6-10, 17-20
James 1:17-18, 21-27
Matthew 6:25-33
November 27 — THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Beginning of Mass Lectionary Year B) Isaiah 65:1-9a 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Mark 13:24-37 November 30 — ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE Deuteronomy 30:11-14 Romans 10:8b-18
Matthew 4:18-22
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS at the Church of the Ascension Experience the beauty and mystery of the season through the richness of traditional music and prayer. All are welcome! ADVENT SUNDAY, NOV. 27 Masses at 8, 9, and 11 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Solemn High Mass Plainsong Mass
4:00 p.m.
Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DEC. 4 Masses at 8, 9, and 11 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Solemn High Mass G.P. da Palestrina Missa Brevis
4:00 p.m.
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
CHRISTMAS EVE 11:30 p.m.
Christmas Midnight Mass: (Prelude at 11 a.m.) Solemn Procession to the Crèche and the First Mass of Christmas Mozart Missa Solemnis in C, K. 337
Reception to Follow
CHRISTMAS DAY Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m., Sung Mass at 10 a.m.
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 & Benediction (First Sundays, October through May) 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.