“Why do we on earth not strive to find rest with him in heaven even now, through the faith, hope and love that unites us to him? While in heaven he is also with us; and we while on earth are with Him. He is here with us by his divinity, his power and his love. We cannot be in heaven, as he is on earth, by divinity, but in him, we can be there by love.”

–St. Augustine, Sermo de Ascensione Domini (taken from the Liturgy of the Hours, Vol.II)

 

The final days of the Easter season are here. But before the season of celebrating the joy of the resurrection closes we are gifted two solemnities to celebrate: Ascension and Pentecost. Easter ends with a bang! The grand finale of the grand season of feasting. 

In our diocese Ascension was transposed to the Sunday following. Whether you choose to celebrate on Thursday or Sunday, I hope the plan below will help take you and your family deeper into the depth of this high holy day.

If you’re new here, click over to the post on Holy Days at Home to see what this is all about!

The Plan

Scripture Reading

Read the Gospel, or all the readings, for the Mass. You can find the readings for this year’s cycle at the USCCB website. 

Alternatively, if you have little ones, read the story in a picture book Bible of the Ascension of Jesus.

Depending on the ages of your children this can be either an introduction in the basic story or can be a springboard into unpacking the significance of what we recall on this day. What does it mean that we should go and make disciples? How do we do it?

 

Prayer

Good Christian Men, Rejoice and Sing!

Prayer from Morning Prayer

“God our Father,

Make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ.

May we follow him into the new creation,

For his ascension is our hope.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever. Amen”

 

Activity and Coloring Page

Bubbles! Riffing on Christ’s rising and disappearing I thought it could be fun to get outside and blow some bubbles. In fact, take the whole celebration outside to read the story, sing the song, blow the bubbles, pray the prayer and enjoy your treat al fresco!

As always, I love Catholic Playground’s coloring pages.

Here’s another fun one from St. Anne’s Helper.

Please click on the preferred image to download from their websites.

 

Treat

Strawberry (or raspberry) Fool

This simple dessert reminds me of the clouds. It’s essentially whipped cream with macerated and crushed berries folded in. For this one I like the idea of raspberries or strawberries to symbolize Jesus. If using strawberries slice a few lengthwise to look like hearts for garnish!

 

Ingredients

2 cups strawberries, sliced, or raspberries, reserving a few for garnish

½ cup of granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

2 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

1. Place berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Sieve the mixture to remove seeds. Set aside.
2. Whip cream and vanilla in a stand mixer, with hand mixer or by hand with a whisk just until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold berry  mixture into whipped cream. I like to keep it a little streaky. Garnish with reserved strawberry slices or raspberries and serve!

 

Shortcut versions: 

-Purchase whipped topping or whipped cream and serve with fresh berries! Voila! 

-Top storebought shortcake, angel food cake, or any white cake or cookies with whipped cream and berries.

It’s great to be back in the swing here. Looking forward to celebrating this day at home and looking forward to seeing how you do. Share your celebrations here in the comments or on social media with #holydaysathome and #hdahascension.

Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints!