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August 9, 2019Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven
Vigil Mass on Wednesday at 6pm – Feast day Mass on Thursday at 8am
Thursday, August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. This is one example of a Catholic belief not found in the Bible. When it comes to beliefs, Catholics look not only to the written word of God, the bible, but also to the Apostolic Tradition, that is to the faith that has been passed down from one generation to the next since the time of the Apostles. Catholics believe that when Mary's life on earth was completed, she was assumed body and soul into heaven. In 1950, when Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma or doctrine of the church, he was not proposing a belief that Catholics had never heard of before. Belief in Blessed Mother's Assumption into heaven goes back centuries in the Church.
If Mary was without sin there was no reason for the resurrection of her body to be delayed. The church believes that it was "fitting" that the body which housed the Savior of the World should not suffer decay. It is "fitting" that she who gave birth to Jesus should be with him bodily in heaven where she adores him in the glory of his risen and glorified body. In the doctrine of the Assumption, the church tells us that God wishes to save not just our souls but also our bodies. Mary in her heavenly state stands as a symbol of the first fully redeemed person-soul and body. Mary's assumption is a reminder of what is in store for all of us.
The church celebrates this feast of Mary on August 15. Unlike Holy days such as Christmas and Easter, The Assumption falls on a work/school day. I don’t want to add any more burdens to your already busy life, so I never try to keep good faithful Catholics for more than a half hour. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and Masses will be on Wednesday evening at 6pm and Thursday morning at 8am.
Bishop Hartmayer signed the contract this week, so that we can begin the work needed to turn our beautiful little Church into a most beautiful little Church. Artists from the Conrad Schmitt Studios will start working on the statues of Mary and Joseph this week. Scaffolding will be going up in a couple of weeks. We will be worshipping in the midst of renovation chaos for about two months. I am sorry for the mess, but I am grateful for your understanding and support.
ADT has been working on installing cameras and security systems this week.
One of my joys as pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church is standing outside after weekend Masses and having visitors thank me for such a wonderfully welcoming parish. It’s not just the great music or the attention that our liturgical ministers give to their duties, it’s the friendliness of the entire parish. When you move over to make room for visitors, when you introduce yourself and ask them where they’re from, when you actively participate in Mass, you are creating a joyful, welcoming Faith Community. And then I get thanked for all of your good work. It’s wonderful.
Here is one more article from my vacation in Ireland. I picked it up at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church on City Quay, Dublin.
Our Church threshold is a sacred passage
May its door be wide open to receive all who hunger for love, all who are lonely for fellowship.
May it welcome all who have cares to unburden, thanks to express, hopes to nurture. May the doors of this church be narrow enough to shut out pettiness and pride, envy and enmity.
May this sanctuary welcome all who seek serenity, renewal, and truth; may it be, for all of us, the gateway to a richer and more meaningful life. Amen
Fr. Jerry Ragan
