Author: websexton

Newsletter

Parish News: April 19-20

For the liminal space of Holy Saturday, Mother Liz offers a prayer by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley (pictured above). Then it’s on to Saturday night and the Great Vigil of Easter (8 pm) followed by Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection, with Holy Eucharist at 9 am, Festal Eucharist with the full choir at 11 am, and the service of Meditation & Sacrament at 6 pm. And following the 11 am celebration, a festive brunch in the Parish Hall! Join us!

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Illustration of Jesus on a donkey, by Matthew Snow
Newsletter

Parish News: April 13

As Holy Week begins, Mother Liz invites us to walk with Jesus through the powerful events that lie at the heart of our faith—from joyful hosannas to heartbreak, from betrayal to hope. The liturgies of this week mirror both the beauty and pain of our world today, calling us to reflect, pray, and open our hearts to God’s presence. By fully entering into the Holy Week journey, we may discover new insights, deeper compassion, and the enduring truth that love is stronger than death. Let this sacred week surprise and transform you.

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Manuscript illumination: Mary Anoints Christ's Feet, by Ilyas Basim Khuri Bazzi Rahib
Newsletter

Parish News: April 6

As Holy Week approaches, our rector reflects on the tender, powerful moment when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume — a gesture of love, sorrow, and deep knowing. In a world full of suffering and injustice, we are invited to follow Mary’s example: to recognize the presence of Christ in the needs around us, to respond with compassion, and to offer what we can in love.

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Newsletter

Parish News: March 30

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on the life and witness of Saint Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, whose courage grew as he spoke out against injustice and stood in solidarity with the poor. Romero’s prophetic call to challenge systems of oppression resonates deeply today, as vulnerable immigrants face threats both at our borders and abroad. Inspired by his example, we are called to cultivate compassion, listen to the suffering around us, and respond with courage and love — even in these unsettling times. May love make us brave.

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Events

Holy Week at Ascension

Join us for our Holy Week observances on Palm Sunday; the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; the Easter Vigil; and Easter Sunday. Follow along on Jesus’ journey — from acclaimed prophet to enemy of the state and, ultimately, Risen Lord — through the ancient rhythms of Christian liturgy and sacred music.

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drawings: bread and a chalice; Jesus' crucified palm; a resurrected Christ emerging from the tomb
Archived

The Paschal Triduum
and Easter Services

The Paschal Triduum (Paschal from the Hebrew פֶּסַח, transliterated as “Pesach,” meaning “Passover,” and triduum from the Latin for “three days”) refers to the three days from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, sundown to sundown. They are among the holiest days of the year for Christians and observed with great sincerity and preparation at the Church of the Ascension. Join us as you are able for the most reflective, somber, expectant and joyful services of the Christian year, in person at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street or online at ascensionnyc.org/webcasts.

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