This Week at Ascension + July 14, 2021
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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Please see Notes from Verger Mary Beth Hwang, below, for
All Ministers’ Re-Orientation to the Solemn High Mass
(in preparation for the July 25 SHM) AND
Ministry Scheduler Pro
Zoomed Orientation and Q&A Sessions
For those who schedule and those scheduled - Pick one: July 16, 19, 21
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This evening,
Wednesday, July 14
Commemoration of Bonaventure,
Bishop of Albano
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
In-person &
Live-streamed Mass
Image: Saint Bonaventure by the Veronese painter, Paolo Morando Cavazzola (1486-1522)
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Thanks to those who have noticed that Wednesday evening masses are now in-person as well as live-streamed ... and who are showing up!
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Sunday, July 18, 2021 + The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 a.m. In-person & Live-streamed Mass
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Image: Feeding of the 5000, detail from an Armenian illuminated manuscript,
The Walters Museum, Baltimore
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Confessions
A long and laudatory article concerning [Ascension] was published in the Evening Post of September 5, 1892 …. A complete history of the parish up to that time was given in a most favorable light along with an accompanying note to the effect that the principle observed at the Ascension was that the Episcopal Church was a part of the Catholic Church and must maintain the traditions that had been universal in Catholic Christendom …. The article further reported that the Sacrament of Confession was practiced. Of the 612 voluntary confessions made during the previous year, many were by "members of the sterner sex."
From Chapter 5 of 'History of the Church of the Ascension, Chicago, Illinois, 1857-1982,' George Giles, Jr.
Dear people of Ascension,
Ascension’s witness and legacy has long included the availability of sacramental confession. As noted in last week’s newsletter, there was a time when columns in our Service Record Books were devoted to a count of how many persons had made a confession to a priest prior to the mass.
When I became priest-in-charge here, in 2016, Confession remained regularly available on Sundays between 10:30-10:45 a.m.. Our assisting priests and I took turns, week-to-week, in one of the two traditional confessionals at the back of the nave. Enough souls availed themselves of the sacrament that it was well worth our waiting, listening, responding and absolving.
This customary availability ended with the pandemic and has not been resumed ‒ yet. I want you to know, though, that I am praying and determined that this loss not be permanent. By summer’s end, I aim to renew this important ministry and include it once again in our regular Sunday schedules. I welcome your thoughts.
I also want to make clear that, even in pandemic, sacramental confession is available to you. It presently requires a little extra work: make contact with a priest and arrange a place and time. A proper confession may be heard in the formal confessional or, as needed and requested, at the Communion rail or a hospital bed, or in a home, or on a park bench.
For my failure to make this clearer over the past year ‒ forgive me.
Patrick +
PS The image of sacramental confession above shows one of six clerestory windows in the Ascension sanctuary, each depicting a sacrament. There is no window for the Eucharist, as it is represented by the altar and tabernacle.
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More about Confession
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For those unfamiliar, two forms for the Reconciliation of a Penitent are found in the Book of Common Prayer. One begins on p. 447, the other on p. 449. The notes ‘Concerning the Rite’ on p. 446 can be a helpful starting point for some. A similar rite with additional/traditional Catholic elements is often used at Ascension, and the form is framed and visible on the penitent’s side of the church confessionals.
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Preparing for a sacramental confession requires a learning curve, but excellent resources are available. I can recommend Confession: Preparing for Reconciliation in the Episcopal Church, by the Rev. Martin Smith, or a booklet by Roman Catholic Redemptorists, How to Make an Examination of Conscience. (I have free copies at the church). Many souls I know are greatly helped by ‘4th Step’ resources used in AA and other 12-Step programs, many of which are available online. The basics of intention are simple, however, and begin with a clear and good intention. A good priest-confessor can walk you through the most important features of confession in a few moments.
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One or both confessionals in the church will be renovated in coming months, with a principal aim of remediating a recurring mold issue and improving ventilation and lighting. Please be in touch with me if you would like to make a contribution toward the related expenses.
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Should YOU 'go to confession'? I'm generally in alignment with guidance well-known among Episcopalians: 'All may. None must. Some should.' Feel free to ask me or our other clergy for guidance. And if you're uncomfortable with a member of your own parish clergy hearing your confession, I or others can recommend some gifted confessors outside the parish.
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AA meetings resume this evening at Ascension, as has been reported in some recent newsletters. What was not known at last report was extensive water damage in the 'AA room' (below Wheeler Hall and with the same footprint). The damage resulted from leaks below the powder room in the priests' sacristy. Sexton George Panice has put in many hours over the past week making needed repairs (in the AA room and upstairs). Meanwhile, I realize that many Ascension parishioners may have never seen the AA room, accessed by an outdoor stairwell at the back of the garden ...
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Parishioner Edward Minieka and I had a chance on Sunday to compare notes on the value of sharing images of local interest when choosing religiously-themed art for bulletins or elsewhere. The exchange was prompted by the image of the prophet Amos used on the cover of Sunday's bulletins and shown below. Edward reminded me of a recent acquisition by the Art Institute of Chicago, William Holman Hunt's painting titled 'The Shadow of Death' (1873-1874), pictured here. The related page on the Art Institute website with more information may be viewed here.
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NOTES FROM THE VERGER
Refresher and Workshop for Solemn High Mass
New and returning acolytes, especially those taking part in the return of our Solemn High Mass on July 25, are invited to gather to review, work out questions, or walk through roles. Let's meet near the sacristy and vestries after worship this coming Sunday, July 18.
MSP Orientation and FAQ Sessions
Join MB on Zoom for a practical orientation to our new volunteer scheduling system, MSP, or ask questions and get help. Volunteers, coordinators, clergy, and all who'd like to better understand the system are welcome! We'll meet in the normal Ascension Zoom meeting room. If you can't make any of these times, please feel free to email MB to make alternate arrangements.
Friday, July 16, 10:30 A.M.
Monday, July 19, 6:30 P.M.
Wednesday, July 21, 5:00 P.M.
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CONGRATULATIONS!
to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Morris (Emily) who were married in Birmingham, AL
on Friday, July 9, 2021.
Emily is the daughter of Ascension's part-time Bookkeeper, Beth Cole,
and her husband Chris.
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The proud Mother of the Bride also sent this photo captioned "and this is them acting like themselves!"
Like Mother-Like Daughter?
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Organ Repertoire for July 18, 2021 |
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ORGAN
Fugue in e minor, D. 952 [1828]
Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828)
Sonata in d minor, op. 30 [1857]
II. Adagio
Gustav Merkel (1827-1885)
David White & David Schrader,
organ 4-hands, 4 feet
At the Entrance Procession
Hymn 478 MONK'S GATE
At the Offertory
Hymn 472 DONNE SECOURS
At the Communion
Hymn 343 ST. AGNES
At the Retiring Procession
Hymn 708 SICILIAN MARINERS
ORGAN
Sonata in d minor, op. 30
I. Allegro moderato
Gustav Merkel
David White & David Schrader,
organ 4-hands, 4 feet
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About our 2021 Repertoire
As I develop a long-range plan for repertoire each year, I choose a theme or area of emphasis, often complete works or a complete large-scale work by one composer. During 2021, organ music by women composers and African-American composers is being and will be featured in voluntaries and recitals throughout the year. There are some little-known gems waiting to be discovered, as well as music by major composers, with whom works for the organ are not generally associated. Enjoy!
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From Benjamin Rivera
Dear friends,
Our vocal music has returned to its usual (pre-COVID) summer format:
-congregational Mass Ordinary, hymns, and service
music
-chanted propers, solos, and/or motets sung by the
Schola
If you haven’t attended a summer Mass for a while, you may not be aware that many of these Masses feature a quartet or quintet of mixed voices. We hope you’ll join us in the building, or online if you’re unable to attend in person.
Peace be with you!
Benjamin
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The Treasurer and Bookkeeper continue to limit time in the parish offices. All checks received at Ascension via the United States Postal Service, not always a reliable service in our area, will be bank deposited approximately every 3 weeks. You may contact the Treasurer by email anytime at Finance@AscensionChicago.org.
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Ascension Connections
(with your click and God's help)
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Meeting ID:
792 031 7452
Password: 1133
Join-by-Phone Option: (312) 626-6799
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Weekly Ascension Schedule
For connections:
except for Morning Prayer,
SUNDAYS
9:30 a.m. Virtual Morning Prayer
10:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass
11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Low Mass
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Please give generously as you are able.
Treasurer Susan Schlough has asked me to remind you of Ascension's ongoing expenses at this time. To the extent that you are able, payment on your pledges or the offering of Holy Day or other special gifts will be greatly appreciated. You may still write a check and mail it to the church, or online payment is possible through the buttons at various places on our website. Thank you!
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For our prayers: August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, David Byerly, Steven Wallis, Sarah Ponder, Taffy Wehe, Carnola Malone, Marvin Files, Amy Peterson, Stephanie, Gwen Clark-Mason,
Barbara Wischmeier, The Rev. Canon Paula Clark, Lee Gould, Maria, Beth Hall, Alfred Raby, Claire, Inez Bahena, Gina, Catherine C., Catarina Patriarca, Steven Upmeyer
Birthdays: Paul Ahn, 7/11; Catherine Elspeth Wilson, 7/12
Requiescat in pace: Betty Lodine, 7/11/2006; Oliver William Porter, 7/13/1999; Edward Jacobs, 7/13/2000; Jerry Haapanen, 7/13/2017; Lynn Klement, 7/11/2016; Bea Haapanen, 7/16/2017, William Harvey Miller, Abbott Butler
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them;
May their souls and the souls of all the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
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The Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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Vestry of Church of the Ascension
Cheryl Peterson, Sr. Warden; Kenneth Kelling, Jr. Warden; Kelly Colomberti, Marilyn Evans, Lynette Hector, Jim Lo Bello, George Pineda, David Reeves, Samuel Sommers, Enrique Vilaseco, Amber Zelazny
Approved minutes of Vestry meetings are always available online to parishioners who request the link. If you would like Internet access to these Vestry Minutes, please email the Parish Office and request the link. Once you access the web page, you can read all recent Vestry meeting minutes.
The link remains live indefinitely. Any parishioner who has the link will not need to request a new link from month to month.
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