THE ASCENSION

The Solemnity of the Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to heaven forty

days after His Resurrection. Thus, it falls 40 days after Easter, on the 6th

Thursday of Easter, on 10 May in 2018. In some parts of the world, as was the

case in this country, the feast is transferred to the Sunday after the traditional date.

However, the Feast Day has been transferred back to the Thursday in England and

Wales.

Evidence from John Chrysostom, Egeria, Gregory of Nyssa, and Church historian

Socrates, suggest that Ascension Day probably originated in the 4th century AD.

However, Augustine says the festival is apostolic. Often the feast was celebrated

with a procession, symbolizing Christ's journey to the Mount of Olives. Until

rather recently, the Paschal Candle (lighted at the Easter Vigil) was extinguished

on Ascension Day. It is often celebrated as an Octave, the proper preface and

Ascension collect being used until the Saturday before Pentecost.

The Ascension is an important Christian holiday that attests to the reality of Jesus

Christ, God and man, returning to the Father, to return again in the future Second

Coming. It is the final component of the Paschal Mystery, which consists also of

Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Along with the Resurrection, the Ascension proves Jesus’ claim that he

was the Messiah. The Ascension is also the event whereby humanity

was taken into heaven, and the “final blow” against Satan's power,

and thus the lion (Jesus) conquering the dragon (Satan) is a symbol

of the Ascension. Early Christian iconography portrayed the

Ascension frequently, showing its importance to the early Church.

Indeed, the image remained little changed over the centuries.

The Catholic Catechism gives three important theological aspects of the

Ascension:

It marks the definitive entrance of Jesus' humanity into God's

heavenly domain, whence he will come again (cf. Acts 1:11); this

humanity in the meantime hides him from the eyes of men (cf. Col 3:3).

Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's

glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the

hope of one day being with him for ever.

Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all,

intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the

permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit (665-667).

Today Jesus returns to the Father, but He promise that He will not leave us orphans, but will send another advocate to be with us forever: the Spirit of Truth.

ASCENSION ICON (see article on back page)

WEEK COMMENCING 6 MAY 2018

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – YEAR B

DIVINE OFFICE week 2

SOLEMN FEAST OF THE ASCENSION IS ON THURSDAY AND IS A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

15th Century Icon of the Ascension, Novgorod

One of the earliest surviving

illustration from the 6th Century

Syriac Rabbula Gospels

MASS TIMES WEEK COMMENCING 6 MAY 2018: 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Saturday Vigil 5 6.30pm St Edward’s

Sunday 6 9.30am

10am

11.30am

5pm

St Peter’s (Polish)

St Joseph’s

St Peter’s

St Peter’s

See printed copy for Mass Intentions

Monday 7 6.30pm St Edward’s St John of Beverley

Tuesday 8 9.30am

6.30pm

St Joseph’s

St Peter’s

Wednesday

HOLY DAY VIGIL

9 9.30am

7pm

St Peter’s

St Edward’s ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

Thursday

HOLY DAY OF

OBLIGATION

10 10.30am

7pm

St Joseph’s ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

St Peter’s (Confirmation Mass)

Friday 11 9.30am St Peter’s Ss Nereus & Achilleus/St Pancras

Saturday 12 9.30am St Peter’s Parish Centre

SYRO-MALABAR MASS: normally 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm at St Edward’s Church Avenue Victoria.

MORNING PRAYER OF THE CHURCH (Divine Office) 15 minutes before morning Mass: St Peter’s – Saturdays; St Joseph’s - daily

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confessions):

Saturdays St Edward’s 5.45 - 6.15pm

Sundays St Joseph’s 9.15 - 9.45am

Saturdays St Peter’s 10 - 10.30am

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:

Tuesday St Joseph’s 8.30-9.30am

Thursday St Edward’s 5.30 - 6.30pm

Saturday St Peter’s 10 - 10.30am

BOOKINGS of our Parish communal areas should be made only

through the Parish office, thus avoiding double booking and upset.

REGULAR PARISH GROUPS (more information from Parish Office)

FATIMA ROSARY St Peter’s: 9am Fridays; St Joseph’s: Thursdays after Mass

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Fridays after Mass (St Peter’s)

SACRED HEART Devotion Fridays after Mass (St Peter’s)

OUR LADY of Perpetual Help devotion 3rd Wed. monthly (St Peter’s after Mass)

MOTHERS’ PRAYERS Tuesdays 12.30pm (St Peter’s Parish Centre upper room)

DIVINE MERCY Devotion Fridays at 2.45pm (St Peter’s Church)

LEGION OF MARY Saturdays after Exposition (St Peter’s Parish Centre)

LIFE ASCENDING prayer group: 2nd Thursday monthly 10am (St Joseph’s bungalow)

EMMAUS Scripture sharing fortnightly 2pm Thursday afternoons (St Edward’s)

SVP (St Vincent De Paul Society) 7.30pm first Monday of month (St Peter’s Parish Centre)

UCM (Union of Catholic Mothers) 1.30pm (winter), 7pm (summer) third

Tuesday monthly (St Peter’s Parish Centre)

PARENTS & TODDLERS Term time weekly Mondays 9.30am (St Joseph’s Bungalow).

CRAFT GROUPS: St Peter's 7-9pm last Tuesday of month (Parish

Centre; St Joseph's normally 2-4pm fortnightly (bungalow).

BARROWCLIFF CHURCHES TOGETHER LUNCH 12pm to 1pm

every 4th Tuesday of the month at Wreyfield Methodist Church

OUR LADY’S PRAYER GROUP 1st Thursday of the month 2pm to 4pm

(St Joseph’s Bungalow)

YOUTH CLUB Fridays, term-time weekly 6.30-8pm at St Augustine's

Schools. For children in Years 5,6,7 & 8. £1 subs. Lots of activities.

ICONOGRAPHY GROUP Thursdays, fortnightly 2-4pm, with

breaks at term ends (St Peter’s Parish Centre).

OFFERTORY COLLECTION St Edward’s 6.30pm: £119 St Joseph’s 10am: £215 St Peter’s 11.30 & 5pm: £407 Gift Aid envelopes total £523 Standing orders (weekly av.): £524 Total: £1,788

NOTICES FOR VISITORS TOILETS St Peter’s: in the Parish Centre (across the car park); St Joseph’s & St Edward’s toilets in the church building. ST PETER’S CHURCH IS OPEN at certain times during the weekdays. Call in and say a prayer. CCTV is in operation. SIGN VISITORS BOOK IN THE PORCH

MASS ATTENDANCE St Edward’s Vigil 98 St Joseph’s 10am 191 St Peter’s 11.30am 188 St Peter’s 5pm 68 total (including 87 children) 545

300 CLUB WINNERS See printed copy

MASSES RECEIVED: see printed copy

RECENTLY DEAD: see printed copy

ANNIVERSARIES: See printed copy

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT As we approach Pentecost and Confirmation Mass , pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit (see right).

HOMEMADE CAKE SALE in aid of the Restoration Fund after the Vigil Mass this Saturday 5 April at St Edward’s Church. Donations also welcome.

MAY PROCESSION TODAY Sunday 6 May 10.45am from St Marys church via Castle Road. As we carry Mary adorned statue we are reminded that she walks with her people through the Journey of Life Pilgrimage. Mrs Joan Salt (birthday girl) will crown Our Lady’s statue. Photo display at the back from last year’s procession. O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today. Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May

MAY, MONTH OF MARY Images of Our Lady, under the various titles under which she is known, on display on window ledges of St Peter’s for the month of May

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Join in praying the Novena for Pentecost. Free prayer leaflets are at the back of church. The Novena begins Friday 11 May. Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, is one of the three great Feasts in the liturgical year, so what better way to prepare for it! Please invite the Holy Spirit to come in a deeper way into your lives, our homes, our parish family, our town!

PRAY & PLAY: INTRODUCING CHILDREN TO ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT For children aged 0-7 in St Edwards Hall. Saturdays: 10am–11.30am on 12 May & 7 July. Games, songs, & craft alongside prayer & guided Adoration of Blessed Sacrament. Donations invited. Children must to be accompanied by an adult throughout.

SCRIPTURE FESTIVAL Joy, the Surprise of the Gospel: 10am-4.30pm on Saturday 12 May at All Saints Lower School in York. Experience the Bible afresh. Inspiring talks, workshops, and worship. Fee £5. Book via www.scripturefestival.org/ or turn up on the day.

ANTHONY STOREY MEMORIAL LECTURE 11am on Saturday 12 May at Canham Turner Building, Hull University, Cottingham Rd, Hull HU6 7RX. See posters for details.

UCM next meeting 7.15pm on Tuesday 15 May at St Peter’s Parish Centre. LEARN ITALIAN For enquiring parishioners, one of our parishioners will again be teaching Italian at Scarborough Sixth Form College. Call 380726 for info.

ROYAL WEDDING will be shown in The Parish Centre Saturday 19 May with a Party. This will be for anyone but especially for those on their own. The wedding service itself from Windsor Castle Chapel begins at 12noon.

MISSION APPEAL last weekend raised £760 the Missionary Society of St Columban (Columban Missionaries). Thank you and well done!

SECOND COLLECTION at all Masses this weekend for the Priests’ Training Fund - it is also a good time to hand in your collection boxes, if you have one.

COFFEE MORNING held 28 April raised £285. Thank you.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS In order to help us comply with Safeguarding regulations, please ALWAYS accompany your child to the toilet when in church.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES of the recent meeting are on display on noticeboards.

PETITIONS FOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE Write and put in the box in church (no money).

SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PARENTS’ MEETING 7 pm on Thursday 17 May in St Peter’s Parish Centre. RETREAT DAY for children, parents & Catechists at Madonna House Thursday 24 May departing 9.15am from School and returning for 3pm. FIRST COMMUNION MASSES: Sunday 3 June at St Joseph’s 10am or Sunday 10 June at St Peter’s. 11.30am

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION with Bishop Terence Drainey: 7pm on Thursday 10 May at St Peter’s Church (Ascension Day – Holy Day of Obligation) for 28 candidates (26 from Scarborough and 2 from Bridlington) . All welcome. Party & eats in St Mary’s Hall afterwards. PARENTS please bring food for a shared table (nibbles, cakes, crisps, pizza, sausage rolls etc).

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.

Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.

AMEN (St Augustine of Hippo)

PARISH DINNER Celebrating 160 years of St Peter’s Church (1858-2018): at South Cliff Golf Club at 7pm on Friday 29 June (Patronal Feast Day). £15 per person (subsidised by the parish) for a 3 course dinner. All invited from our churches of St Peter’s, St Joseph’s and St Edward’s, and also St George’s. Add your name to the list at if you wish to attend. Menu choice available in the coming weeks.

AMPLEFORTH SUMMERTIME at Ampleforth Abbey for 10-15 year olds: Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 July. Sports, talks, prayer, walks, and a trip to Flamingoland. Application forms are available from Youth Club or St Augustine’s School. Would anyone be able to make a DONATION TO SUBSIDISE our young people. Some of our families are struggling to pay for their children to go. Speak to Fr Gubbins.

PARISH TALKS FOR THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST Led by Fr Albert 10am Wednesdays after 9.30am Mass in St Peter’s Parish Centre: 9 May: Adoremus; 16 May: The Mass. Eucharistic Prayers; 23 May: The Eucharist and the Saints; 30 May: Exposition and Adoration: Respect and behaviour in front of the Eucharist.

DAY PILGRIMAGE to Our

Lady's Shrine Walsingham

Tuesday 3 July. We will join up with the UCM National pilgrimage that day. Departs 5.30am, back 11pm-ish. Cost £20pp (subsidised by the parish). Add your name to the list. Journey approx 4 hrs 30 mins.

SUNDAY SMILE: An Irish Priest was transferred to Texas. He rose from his bed one fine spring day in his new west Texas mission parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of the beautiful day and noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn. He promptly called the local police station. The conversation went like this: "Good morning. This is Sergeant Jones. How might I help you?" "And the best of the day to yourself. This is Father O'Malley at St Ann's Catholic Church. There's a jackass lying dead in me front lawn and would ye be so kind as to send a couple o' yer lads to take care of the matter." Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit and recognizing the accent, thought he would have a little fun with the good Father, replied, "Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of the last rites! "There was dead silence on the line for a long moment. Then, Father O'Malley replied, "Aye, 'tis certainly true; but we are also obliged to notify the next of kin first, which is the reason for me call."

PRAYER INTENTIONS OF POPE FRANCIS FOR MAY Evangelization: The Mission of the Laity: That the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

RAISE FREE DONATIONS FOR OUR PARISHES

when you shop online via www.thegivingmachine.co.uk

ASCENSION ICON (see images on front cover) In the Scriptures, Jesus is described simply as being “taken up” into the skies

and disappearing from sight behind a cloud. However, the icon shows Christ in glory: surrounded by a circle or a mandorla (Italian for Almond) of light, flanked by angels, and arrayed in brilliant golden robes. There is a striking similarity between this image and the appearance of Christ at His Second Coming (as given in the Book of Revelation (Rev 4:2-3). The reason comes from the words of the angels present at the Ascension: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The Icon depicts Jesus’ Ascension “in like manner” with His Second Coming. Not that the confused disciples below fully understand these words yet.

The icon contains both confusion and peace: confusion is borne of worldly reasoning, whilst peace comes from the divine, heavenly, order. This distinction is most clear upon the Mount of Olives: The Apostles look up in fear and wonder, arms waving about in symphony with the olive trees behind them. In the centre, the two angels “in white apparel” exhort the men to cease their gazing into heaven and return to Jerusalem to receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.

Between the two angels stands Mary, Mother of God, hands raised in peaceful prayer, not staring up, but gazing peacefully toward us. Mary appears to understand the deep mysteries of her Son’s birth, death, resurrection and ascension, already hoping on Christ’s return. This hope brings her the divine peace shared by Jesus Christ and the angels: they all have halos signifying the grace and glory of God, whereas the disordered Apostles do not. Mary’s gaze towards us invites us to share in her understanding, her hope, and her peace.

As well as showing the historical event of Christ’s ascension, the icon also

symbolically depicts the Church, as can be evidenced by the presence of the Apostle Paul, despite the Ascension occurring before Paul’s conversion (as told later in the Book of Acts). This ahistoric depiction is present, too, in the icon of Pentecost (see Pentecost Sunday newsletter), which also shows Paul, as it too is an icon of the Church.

EXAM PRAYER

Pass on this prayer to family members taking exams. Best wishes to all students.

Lord, as I sit my exams help me to remain calm and at peace, so that I may be able to make the best use of my talents. Help me to study well and achieve the results I deserve. I thank you for all who support and encourage me through their love and prayers. Amen

Ascension Day Prayer O King of Glory, Lord of Hosts, Who didst this day ascend in triumph above all the heavens! Leave us not orphans, but send upon us the Spirit of Truth, promised by the Father. Alleluia!

Grace is when God

gives us good things we

do not deserve.

Mercy is when He

spares us from bad things

we do deserve.

Blessings is when the

Lord is generous with

both.

Truly we can never run

out of reasons to thank Him.

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