LITURGY❏ LECTORS proclaim the Scripture at all weekend Masses. A Lector should be comfortable and skilled at speaking in public and have the ability to proclaim the Word of God with dignity and clarity. Lectors attend a brief workshop to familiarize themselves with the rubrics of reading the Word of God at Mass. Joe Bartel | (858) 560-9312 | [email protected]
❏ EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST help distribute Communion under both species, that is to say, bread and wine, at all parish Masses. Extraordinary Ministers attend a brief training program to familiarize themselves with the rubrics of distributing Communion. Fran Lebron | (858) 442-1826
❏ CHOIR members enhance the beauty of our four weekend Masses with their vocal or instrumental talents. We have four unique choirs with four talented choir directors: Sat. 4:30 pm (Adult Contemporary): Billy Fallon | (858) 576-4908 | [email protected] Sun. 8:30 am (Contemporary Choir): Michael Schaefer | (858) 220-4715 | [email protected] Sun. 10:30 am (Traditional Choir): Marianne Gutierrez | [email protected] Sun. 5:30 pm (Youth Mass): John Sperrazzo | (858) 361-4495 | [email protected]
❏ ALTAR SERVERS (CHILDREN) are boys and girls who assist the priest at Mass. They should be at least 8 years old and have received their First Communion. Thomas Tomp | (858) 496-9267 | [email protected]
❏ ALTAR SERVERS (ADULTS) are welcome to assist the priest at 8am weekday Masses. Carlos Bacerra | (858) 560-7323 | [email protected]
❏ THE ALTAR COMMITTEE helps with laundering of altar linens and cleaning and decorating of the church. Marilyn Kachok | (858) 278-3155
❏ ALTAR FLOWERS COMMITTEE provides flowers and plants to keep our altar and worship space beautiful. Rosa Germain | (858) 279-7397 | [email protected]
❏ MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY (USHERS) make each person feel welcome when they arrive for Mass. They also direct families with young children to the St. Joseph’s “cry room” and playroom, choose people to bring up the gifts, take up the collection and pass out bulletins at the end of church services. Ray Pantua | (858) 663-2438 [email protected]
❏ FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION is a group of parishioners who sign up monthly for a 1-hour time slot to pray before the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Maxima Agnas | [email protected]
GOVERNANCE❏ THE PASTORAL COUNCIL assists the pastor in the administration of the spiritual, social and educational aspects of parish life. Presently, the Pastoral Council is comprised of the pastor, two deacons, four elected members and eight appointed members. The council meets six times a year. Yolanda James | (858) 715-8697
❏ THE FINANCE COUNCIL assists the pastor with the administration of the temporal aspects of parish life. Members should have some level of expertise and/or experience with one or more of the following areas: accounting, law, fund-raising and facilities management. Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the pastor for a limited term of service. The council meets four times a year shortly after the end of each quarter. Joe Kennedy | (858) 279-8413
WORKS OF MERCY❏ THE MINISTRIES OF CHARITY has a ministry to the poor and the homeless. We feed them, clothes them and provide many articles that they need. They are responsible for the special projects which give our parishioners the opportunity to serve the poor. These projects include, but are not limited to, the “Angel Tree” Christmas Project, collection of clothes, shoes, blankets, snack items among other items for the homeless, serving dinner at St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen and collecting baby shower gifts for pregnant military moms. This committee meets as needed to plan and execute each of their projects. Deacon Jim Scull | (858) 279-2735 [email protected]
❏ OUR LADY OF ANGELS FOOD DRIVE is comprised of volunteers who transport our monthly collection of non-perishable foods to the Our Lady of Angels Food Pantry. Joyce Muinos | (858) 278-5279 | [email protected]
❏ THE BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY supports the families of those who have died by helping them plan the funeral and vigil services. They also serve as ushers at the Funeral Mass. At the family’s request, the Bereavement Ministry can also help the family plan a reception in the parish hall or the pavilion after the church services. Patricia Berkebile | (858) 278-5497 | [email protected]
❏ THE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP believes that before we know it, God brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as He was there for us. Sandra Canzoneri | (858) 565-2101 | [email protected]
❏ THE PRO LIFE GROUP helps our parish participate in events and projects that promote the Church’s teaching that human life, from conception to death, is sacred. Robert Manzuk | (858) 279-4790 | [email protected]
❏ MILITARY OUTREACH MINISTRY (M.O.M.) helps junior enlisted families with food, household goods, children’s supplies, baby showers and family and holiday events all free of charge. The Military Moms Baby Showers are done by SDMOM in conjunction with MOC. Rick Kania | (858) 405-3013 | [email protected]
❏ MINISTRY TO THE SICK help distribute Communion to those who are seriously ill or home-bound, as well as, provide prayer quilts to the sick. Rosie Struyk | (858) 268-9566 | [email protected]
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES❏ FIESTA! is our oldest and most popular social event. Dating back to 1981, Fiesta is a three-day fundraiser on the first full weekend in June. This mega event involves the entire parish and draws thousands of our neighbors who join us for a weekend of music, dancing, a wide variety of ethnic food, games for the kids, bingo and a huge bake sale, not to mention the biggest White Elephant and book sale in all of Tierrasanta. We need hundreds of volunteers to help continue the tradition. This is something that your whole family can get involved in together.
❏ KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS is an international fraternal organization established to serve the Church and the community. Membership is open to all practicing Catholic men, 18 years and older, upon the recommendation of a current Knight. Members meet on the first Thursday of the month and officers meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. David Akers | (858) 565-6028 | [email protected]
❏ “BEADS AND BREW” Men’s Fellowship is open to all adult men of the parish. They gather on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in St. Mary’s Room to pray together, encourage each other to live one’s faith and fellowship over a beer or soda. Just show up and bring a rosary and a friend. Deacon Adam Curtis | [email protected]
❏ LADIES OF ASCENSION is open to women of all ages who would like to promote Christian fellowship here at Ascension through social gatherings, parish projects and outreach to our local community. The Ladies of Ascension meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Sharon Freeman | (858) 531-6005 | [email protected]
❏ MOMS’ GROUP welcomes mothers of all ages and stages to a time of laughter, faith sharing, reflection and fellowship. The Moms’ group gathers once a month on a Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Child care is provided. The rewards of joining are quality conversations, quiet moments, a warm environment and a time to pray with women who have similar experiences. Mary Ann Tilos Schwartz | 619-206-3554 | [email protected]
❏ THE GOLDEN CIRCLE is a social group for parishioners 55+ years of age whose activities include a monthly potluck dinner with games (usually on the third Friday of each month), evenings at the theatre as well as several day and overnight bus trips every year. The Golden Circle sponsors our annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Collection. Chuck Rhoades | (858) 278-7416 | [email protected]
❏ SINGLE SENIORS GROUP is a group for single seniors who gather together for fellowship in Jesus’ name. They have a variety of activities which include movie night, game night and lunch or dinner outings. Danielle Deaton | [email protected] or Cheryl Staples | [email protected]
❏ ASCENSION PARISH FELLOWSHIP is a gathering of parishioners who meet monthly after the Saturday 4 pm Mass to share a potluck meal and grow in our Catholic faith. The program after dinner may include a video or guest speaker. Childcare is provided. Henry & Mari Ng | (858) 467-0205 | [email protected]
❏ LOVE OUR PRIESTS MINISTRY exists to thank, honor and show appreciation to our priests. We gather quarterly here at Ascension, invite a priest to share with us his fascinating journey to the priesthood, and follow with a potluck lunch. During the past 17 years, we have had the privilege to meet many wonderful priests and hear many amazing stories. Jean Hosencamp | (858) 560-7132 | [email protected]
❏ SAFE PLACE FAITH COMMUNITY (SPFC) is a ministry available to the Ascension parish community to address issues of domestic or relationship violence. Volunteers provide assistance to parishioners who find themselves experiencing domestic abuse at home, in the community or at work. As non-professionals, they act as liaisons between a person or family experiencing abuse and the many agencies that offer assistance. Angela Elfman | [email protected]
❏ ASCENSION GARDEN CIRCLE is a group focused on the landscape of the church grounds. Their mission is to enhance and upgrade the appearance of the Church’s landscape beyond that of our regular maintenance services. No gardening experience necessary. Catherine Gambacorta | [email protected]
❏ MARIAN PRAYER GROUP invites all to pray the rosary on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:15 am in the chapel. Rosa Germain | (858) 279-7397 | [email protected]
❏ SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS: On the first and third Sunday of each month, we host a coffee, doughnut and juice box social in the parish center. Volunteers set-up before attending Mass, host the event and then clean-up. Sharla Hank | (619) 315-5553 | [email protected]
FAITH FORMATIONAscension Catholic Parish is always looking for dedicated men and women who will serve our parish community by volunteering in our religious education programs as teachers, small group leaders, mentors and classroom aides. For those who have never taught religion before, there is an opportunity to assist a seasoned teacher for an entire year and then teach your own class.
❏ CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: In addition to our regular religious education programs, Ascension has a special program for children from kindergarten to fourth grade who attend the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday mornings. While their parents remain in Church, volunteers lead the children to a separate area to teach them a Bible lesson that reflects the Gospel reading for that Sunday. Marilyn Timmons | (858) 279-2735 | [email protected]
❏ ELEMENTARY (Grades 1 through 5): Our children attend Religious Education on Monday evenings from 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm. Two years of First Communion preparation is a part of this ministry. Marilyn Timmons | (858) 279-2735 | [email protected]
❏ MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6 through 8): Our middle school faith formation program, called “The Edge,” also meets on Monday evenings from 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm. John Sperrazzo | (858) 361-4495 | [email protected]
❏ HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9 through 12): Our high school youth ministry program is comprised of formational, social, spiritual and service-oriented events for teenagers in grades 9-12. Included in this ministry is our two-year Confirmation preparation program, a high school core team for grades 11-12, regular youth group gatherings and other events. Youth Group & Confirmation Classes alternate weekly Sunday evenings 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm, beginning with the 5:30 pm Youth Mass and dinner at 6:30 pm. John Sperrazzo | (858) 361-4495 | [email protected]
❏ YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY provides opportunities for the 18-39 year old Catholic young adults to meet monthly for praise and worship, catechesis and prayer, and socialization. A retreat will be the highlight of their faith journey each year. John Sperrazzo | (858) 361-4495 | [email protected]
❏ THE ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE provides speakers and programs for adults to grow deeper in their Catholic faith. Deacon Adam Curtis | [email protected]
❏ RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS, best known by its abbreviation (R.C.I.A.), is the spiritual process which prepares adults to receive one or more of the “Sacraments of Initiation.” R.C.I.A. needs volunteers who will help with hospitality and act as “sponsors.” Deacon Jim Scull | (858) 279-2735 | [email protected]
Ascension Catholic Church • 11292 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. • San Diego, CA 92124 • (858) 279-2735
