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Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926
Gathering and Welcome:
Presider: Suzanne
Welcome, beloved companions on the journey, to our celebration of the Ascension of Jesus and to this sacred gathering of our inclusive Catholic community. Today we celebrate the profound mystery that Christ has not left us behind, but lives within us and among us in a new way through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, may we open ourselves to the Spirit moving within us and through us. May this liturgy strengthen us to become living witnesses to Gospel equality and inclusive love everywhere we go.
Welcome to all. We are blessed by your presence among us. Alleluia!
Opening Song: Sing a New World into Being by Mary Louise Bringle (Please stop around 2.50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21jh93Z8VsQ
Transformation Rite
Presider: Bridget Mary: Let us pause now and open our hearts
to the transforming presence of the Holy One among us.
(Pause for silence.)
Presider: Suzanne
Spirit of the Living God,
you call us beyond fear and limitation.
All: Bridget Mary
Transform us into courageous disciples of love.
Presider: Suzanne
When we fail to recognize Christ
in those who are poor, excluded, or suffering:
All: Bridget Mary
Open our eyes and awaken our hearts.
Presider: Suzanne
When we cling to old patterns
of domination, inequality, or exclusion:
All: Bridget Mary
Renew us in the vision of a community of equals.
Presider: Suzanne
When we doubt our gifts
or resist the Spirit moving within us:
All: Bridget Mary
Empower us to live the Gospel boldly.
Presider: Suzanne
Jesus promised: “I am with you always.”
In trust and hope, let us embrace our sacred mission
All: Bridget Mary
Amen.
Gloria: Linda Lee Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbarqE9o8QY
Opening Prayer: Suzanne
Holy One of boundless love,
in the Ascension of Jesus
we celebrate the presence of Christ alive within us and among us.
As Jesus entrusted the mission of compassion, justice, and peace
to the community of disciples,
so now you call us
to be bearers of hope in our world today.
Strengthen us to continue the work of Jesus:
welcoming the forgotten,
healing the wounded,
building communities of equality,
and proclaiming your inclusive love to all.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
our brother and companion on the journey.
Amen.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
First Reading Acts 1:1-11
Reader: Joan Meehan
In my first book, Theophilus,
I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning
until the day Jesus was taken up into heaven,
after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom Jesus had chosen.
After suffering, Jesus presented many convincing signs of being alive,
appearing to them over forty days
and speaking about the reign of God.
While sharing a meal with them, Jesus instructed them:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift promised by God,
the promise you heard from me.
John baptized with water,
but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit before many days have passed.”
When they had gathered together, they asked Jesus,
“Are you now going to restore the kin-dom to Israel?”
Jesus replied:
“It is not for you to know the times or seasons that God has established.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
After speaking these words, Jesus was lifted up before them,
and a cloud took Jesus from their sight.
While they were gazing into the heavens as Jesus departed,
suddenly two people in radiant garments stood beside them.
They said:
“People of Galilee, why do you stand looking toward heaven?
This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven,
will return in the same way you have seen Jesus go into heaven.”
These are the sacred words in the Acts of the Apostles and we respond by saying Thanks be to God/Amen.
Reader: Jane Shugrue
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 47
Response:
God rises among us with joy and shouts of gladness!
Clap your hands, all peoples!
Sing to the Holy One with cries of joy.
For the Creator of all is awesome and compassionate,
embracing every nation and every people.
Response:
God rises among us with joy and shouts of gladness!
God ascends amid joyful song,
with music, trumpet, and dancing hearts.
Sing praise to the Holy One, sing praise!
Sing praise to the Spirit who lives among us.
Response:
God rises among us with joy and shouts of gladness!
For the Holy One is Sovereign of all the earth;
sing songs of wisdom and hope.
God’s reign is a reign of justice and peace,
where all are welcomed at the table of love.
Response:
God rises among us with joy and shouts of gladness!
The leaders of the peoples gather together
as one human family.
For the earth belongs to the Holy One,
who calls us into unity, compassion, and peace.
Response:
God rises among us with joy and shouts of gladness!
Reader: Joan Meehan
Second Reading Ephesians 1: 17-23
(Expansive reading of inclusive text by Bridget Mary)
Holy One of Love,
may you bless us with wisdom and sacred insight
so that we may awaken more deeply
to your presence within us and among us.
Open the eyes of our hearts
to the hope that calls us forward,
to the treasures of grace shared among your people,
and to the transforming power of your Spirit alive in the world.
This is the same liberating power
revealed in Jesus the Christ—
a power stronger than fear, violence, exclusion, or death.
Christ lives beyond every system of domination and control,
beyond every empire and hierarchy,
calling humanity into communion, justice, and compassion.
And we, the community of believers,
are Christ’s living body—
the fullness of Divine Love
present in the world today,
as together we become
a community of equals
rooted in hope
and rising in love.
These are the sacred words in the Letter to the Ephesians and the community responds: Thanks be to God/Amen.
Alleluia Jan Phillips, Video by Mary Theresa Streck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC4nbwmQDVw
Presider: Suzanne Bires
Gospel: Matthew 28:16–20
The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had summoned them.
At the sight of Jesus, they worshiped, though some doubted.
Jesus came toward them and said:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been entrusted to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.
Baptize them in the name of the Creator, and of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.
And know that I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
These are the sacred words of the writer known as Matthew and the community responds: Thanks be to God/Amen.
Homily: Bridget Mary Meehan
The Ascension is often misunderstood as Jesus “going away” to some distant heaven far removed from ordinary life. But the readings today invite us into a deeper and more transformative understanding. The Ascension is about is about the risen Christ alive within us and among us now.
In the reading from Acts, the disciples stand gazing upward into the sky after Jesus disappears from their sight. Then the messengers ask them a challenging question: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words: Do not remain frozen in nostalgia or fear. Do not wait passively for God to act. The Spirit is already moving within you. Now it is your turn to continue the mission.
This is the heart of the Ascension.
Jesus does not abandon the disciples. Jesus empowers them. The Spirit they experienced in Jesus now becomes their Spirit too. The compassion they saw in Jesus must now become their compassion. The justice Jesus preached must now become their work for justice. The inclusive table gathering that Jesus practiced must now become the way they live as community.
The Ascension is a commissioning.
And perhaps this is why some doubted, as Matthew’s Gospel honestly tells us. Even after encountering the risen Christ, some doubted. I find that comforting because it reminds us that faith is not certainty. Faith is trust. Faith is showing up with open hearts even when we do not have all the answers. This is why we are here today.
The disciples were ordinary people—fearful, imperfect, questioning people. Yet Jesus entrusted them with the dream of God’s reign on earth. And the same is true for us.
Today, Christ entrusts the Gospel to us.
Not just to popes or bishops or clergy.
Not just to theologians or institutional leaders.
But to all the baptized.
To women and men.
To young and old.
To LGBTQ+ persons and allies.
To seekers and believers alike.
In inclusive Catholic communities, we recognize this profound truth: we are all called and empowered by the Spirit to be the Body of Christ in the world today.
The Ascension reminds us that Christ is no longer confined to one physical body in first-century Palestine. Christ now lives through millions of bodies—through us. Through our hands that serve. Through our voices that speak truth. Through our courage to challenge injustice. Through our communities that welcome all to the table.
Whenever we feed the hungry, accompany the grieving, work for equality, protect Earth, or create communities of radical hospitality, the risen Christ is present.
This is why the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement is, at its heart, an Ascension movement.
We do not wait for permission from hierarchical systems to affirm our baptismal equality. We already know the Spirit has been poured out on all flesh. We know that the gifts of the Spirit are not limited by gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. We know that the risen Christ continues to call women to ordained ministry and prophetic leadership in the Church today.
The institutional church may still stand looking toward the sky—waiting, hesitating, fearing change. But the Spirit keeps moving forward through communities of equals, through inclusive liturgies, through open tables, through Gospel-centered justice movements, and through all who dare to embody Christ’s love in our wounded world.
The Ascension calls us to stop looking for Christ only “up there” and begin recognizing Christ right here:
in one another,
in our communities,
in acts of compassion,
in courageous resistance,
and in the sacred work of building a more just and loving world.
The final promise of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel is breathtaking in its simplicity:
“I am with you always.”
Not sometimes.
Not only in churches.
Not only in sacraments.
But always.
Christ is with us in our joy and heartbreak,
in our struggles for justice,
in our questions and doubts,
in every act of love,
and in every inclusive Eucharistic table where all are welcome.
And so today, the Ascension is not an ending.
It is a beginning.
It is the birth of a Spirit-filled community commissioned to live the Gospel boldly and compassionately in our time.
May we trust that the Spirit who moved through Jesus now moves through us.
May we become the living presence of Christ in our world today.
And may we rise in hope and love to continue the mission of Jesus.
Amen.
Statement of Faith – Jane Shugrue and All
We believe in God,
Creator of galaxies and grains of sand,
Holy Mystery beyond every name and image,
whose Divine Presence dwells within all creation.
We believe in Jesus the Christ,
who revealed the face of compassionate love
through a life poured out for justice, healing, equality, and peace.
In his life, death, resurrection, and ascension,
we see the promise that love is stronger than fear
and that nothing can separate us from the Holy One.
We believe that the Ascension is not about Jesus leaving us,
but about Christ living within us and among us.
The risen Christ calls us
to continue the work of Gospel love
as a community of equals.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
Wisdom Sophia moving through all people,
renewing the earth, empowering the marginalized,
and calling the Church continually toward inclusion and transformation.
We believe that every person is created
in the image of the Divine
and is worthy of dignity, welcome, and love.
Therefore, we celebrate an open table
where all are welcome:
women and men, LGBTQ+ persons,
married and single, divorced and remarried,
believers, seekers, and doubters alike.
We believe that we are the Body of Christ in the world today,
called to be companions on the journey,
building justice, practicing compassion,
protecting Earth,
and living as witnesses to hope.
Amen.
Prayers of the Community – Joan Meehan
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 1. For the Church throughout the world,
that it may become ever more fully
a community of equals rooted in compassion, inclusion, and Gospel justice, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 2. For all who lead communities of faith,
especially women called to ordained ministry and all prophetic voices seeking renewal in the Church, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 3. For our world,
that nations may turn away from violence, greed, and domination
and work together for peace, healing, and care for Earth, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 4. For migrants, refugees, and all who feel excluded or forgotten,
that they may find safety, dignity, welcome, and loving communities, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 5. For all who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit,
especially those burdened by illness, grief, loneliness, or fear,
that they may experience comfort and healing, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 6. For this inclusive Catholic community,
that the Spirit of the Ascended Christ may move through us
as we continue Jesus’ mission of love and justice in our world today, we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
- 7. For the intentions we now hold in the silence of our hearts
or speak aloud within this sacred circle…
(Pause)
we pray:
Response:
Christ lives in us and through us.
Closing Prayer
Holy One,
through the Ascension of Christ
you remind us that heaven is not far away
but alive within and among us.
Send us forth strengthened by your Spirit
to be witnesses of compassion, equality, and joy in our world.
May we become the living presence of Christ everywhere we go.
Amen.
Liturgy of the Eucharist for Ascension
Preparation of the Gifts
Presider: Bridget Mary
Blessed are you, Holy One, through your goodness we have this bread to share, fruit of the earth and work of human hands. It will become for us the bread of life.
All:
Blessed be God forever.
Presider: Suzanne Bires
Blessed are you, Spirit of Love, through your goodness we have this cup to share, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us the cup of blessing.
All:
Blessed be God forever.
Presider: Bridget Mary
As Jesus gathered friends around open tables of welcome, justice, healing, and compassion, so we gather now as a community of equals. Here all are welcome and all belong
My sisters, brothers, and friends in Christ, let us pray together that our loving God will bless this bread, this wine, and our lives offered in service to the world.
Eucharistic Prayer
Presider: Suzanne
God dwells within you.
All: Bridget Mary
And also within you.
Presider: Suzanne
Lift up your hearts.
All: Bridget Mary
We lift them up to the Holy One.
Presider: Suzanne
Let us give thanks to our loving God.
All: Bridget Mary
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Preface
Presider: Bridget Mary
Loving God, Creator of galaxies and grains of sand,
through the mystery of the Ascension
you reveal that Christ is alive everywhere.
Prayer Leader: Jane Shugrue
Jesus did not leave us orphaned or abandoned,
but breathed Spirit-fire into the hearts of disciples
and called them to continue the mission
of compassion, equality, healing, and peace.
Presider Suzanne:
Now Christ lives through us—
through every act of justice,
every welcome offered,
every table shared,
and every courageous witness to Gospel love.
Prayer Leader: Joan Meehan
Therefore, with saints and ancestors,
with Mary Magdalene, Junia, Phoebe, and all holy companions,
we sing our hymn of joy:
Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3r-3TFB6wI&t=8s
Epiclesis: All
Presider: Suzanne and All
Holy One, send your Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine.
May they become for us the living presence of Christ among us.
May your Spirit awaken us
to be the Body of Christ in the world today—
a community rooted in hope,
rising in love,
and committed to justice for all.
Words of Institution
(All extend their hands toward the bread and cup.)
Presider Bridget Mary and All:
On the night before he died,
Jesus gathered with his friends at table.
He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and shared it with them, saying:
Take this, all of you, and eat.
This is my body given for you.
Whenever you do this, remember me.
(Pause)
Presider: Suzanne and All:
After supper, Jesus took the cup of blessing,
gave thanks, and shared it with them, saying:
Take this, all of you, and drink.
This is the cup of the new covenant,
the covenant of love and justice.
Whenever you do this, remember me
Memorial Acclamation
Prayer Leader Joan Meehan and All:
Christ of glory, living in us,
you are the hope of the world.
Through your life, death, resurrection, and ascension,
love has overcome fear forever.
Prayer Leader:Jane Shugrue:
As we remember Jesus’ life and teachings,
his death and resurrection,
his ascension and continuing presence among us,
we proclaim the sacred mystery of faith:
Prayer Leader Joan Meehan and All:
Christ lives in us and through us.
(Prayer of Remembrance)
Presider: Bridget Mary
We remember all who have gone before us into eternal life,
especially those who taught us the ways of love.
United with the communion of saints and all our beloved dead,
we rejoice that nothing can separate us from Divine Love. We are one body in Christ.
(Prayer for the Church and the World)
Presider: Suzanne
Holy One, awaken your Church
to become a community of equals
where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to minister.
Strengthen all who work for justice, peace, and the healing of Earth.
Bless women called to ordained ministry
and all prophetic voices renewing the Church today.
May we live as witnesses to the risen Christ in our world.
Doxology
Presider and All: Bridget Mary
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours,
Loving God, forever and ever.
Great Amen! Linda Lee Miller
https://youtu.be/Dy76fpfkNsg
Communion Rite
Prayer of Jesus
Prayer Leader: Jane Shugrue and All:
Our Father and Mother,
who are in heaven,
holy is your name.
Your kin-dom come.
Your will be done
on Earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Do not let us fall into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kin-dom,
the power, and the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
Sign of Peace
Presider: Joan Meehan
Christ calls us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation.
Let us share a sign of peace with one another.
All: Joan
Peace be with you.
Breaking of the Bread
Presider and All: Suzanne
Loving God, you call us to live as the Body of Christ.
May we become what we receive.
Invitation to Communion
Presider: Suzanne
This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing.
All are welcome at this table of love.
All: Suzanne
We are the Body of Christ
Communion Song: The Summons by John A. Bell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0aAkOe87mo
Prayer After Communion
Presider: Bridget Mary
Holy One,
through this sacred meal
you nourish us with the presence of the risen Christ.
Send us forth now
to live the mission of the Ascension:
to be bearers of hope,
builders of justice,
and companions of compassion in our world.
May we recognize Christ within ourselves and one another
and become living witnesses to your inclusive love everywhere we go.
All:
Amen.
Gratitude, Introductions and Announcements.
Closing Prayer for Ascension
Presider: Suzanne
Loving and Holy One,
in the mystery of the Ascension
you remind us that Christ has not left us,
but lives within us and among us.
Through this Eucharist,
you have nourished us with courage, hope, and Spirit-fire.
Now send us forth
to continue the mission of Jesus—
to welcome the excluded,
to stand with the oppressed,
to heal what is wounded,
and to live as a community of compassion and equality.
May we recognize the risen Christ
in every person we meet
and in every act of justice and love.
Rooted in hope and rising in love,
may we become your living presence in the world today.
Amen.
Blessing
Presider: Bridget Mary (please extend your hands in mutual blessing)
May the God who created the vast universe
and dwells within every human heart
bless and strengthen you.
May Christ, who ascended not to leave us
but to live through us,
fill you with courage and joy.
May the Holy Spirit, Wisdom Sophia,
ignite within you the fire of justice, compassion, and peace.
May you go forth as the living Body of Christ,
bringing hope to the discouraged,
welcome to the excluded,
and love to our wounded world.
And may the blessing of the Holy One—
Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit—
be with you and remain with you forever.
All: Amen.
Dismissal
Presider: Suzanne
Go now in the power of the Spirit
to live the mission of the Ascended Christ.
Presider: Bridget Mary and All:
We will live Christ’s love in the world. Alleluia!
Closing Song: Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek (stop at 2>50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDjQEoItGzQ
