Category Archives: Ascension

Wichita State University's College of Health Professions and Ascension Via Christi's Wichita hospitals announced today the creation of a strategic initiative to provide a critical pipeline of qualified health care professionals to the region.

Through the affiliation, Ascension Via Christi's hospitals will provide office and classroom space to Wichita States College of Health Professions School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences, expanding WSU students close access to working health care professionals directly in the hospital setting.

Additionally, the affiliation will provide a framework for WSU and Ascension Via Christi to help fuel the pipeline of trained health care professionals entering the field and further enhance professional growth opportunities for current and future Ascension Via Christi associates and WSU students.

"As Wichita State strives to live its mission to be an educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater good, it's crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of our community as a vital component in our overall success and prosperity," said Wichita State Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Shirley Lefever. "This collaboration connects our students with advanced professional opportunities, addresses the need for qualified health care workers in our state, and further establishes Wichita as a health care hub for our region. It also increases access and affordability to working health care professionals looking to enhance their education through Wichita State."

Kevin Strecker, ministry market leader for Ascension Via Christi, said the affiliation aligns well with the health care systems mission and efforts to recruit and retain the associates needed to ensure high-quality, compassionate care.

WSU wants to expand the enrollment capacity of its College of Health Professions degree programs, and we hope many of those students will choose to pursue their calling at Ascension Via Christi, Strecker said.

For WSU, the agreement will provide a robust collaboration for advancement of education, innovation and discovery, and community engagement, including:

It is an exciting time of change in academic health, biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, said Dr. Greg Hand, dean of the WSU College of Health Professions. Our university-teaching hospital affiliation is a major step forward in the march toward establishing Wichita and south central Kansas as a hub for innovation and collaboration in health care and health care education. This collaboration is a bold effort to address the major health challenges of our Wichita communities and to improve the wellness of Kansans across the state.

Ascension Via Christi and its associates will benefit from having an expanded pool of qualified health care professionals from which to recruit, many of whom will have trained with them in on-site clinical rotations and other learning opportunities.

Qualified Ascension Via Christi associates also will have expanded access to professional development and interprofessional and continuing education, including:

This is another example of our commitment to ensuring that our associates have on-the-job opportunities to grow and enhance their skills throughout their healthcare career, said Laurie Labarca, hospital president of Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa, who serves on WSUs Board of Trustees and on its College of Health Professions Deans Advisory Board. This strengthens our organization and our community.

The WSU and Via Christi affiliation also includes a commitment to continuing its collaboration in other ways, including research and innovation, public health initiatives, and youth education on health-related careers.

Ultimately the primary beneficiary of this affiliation will be the patients, patients families, and communities throughout Kansas that WSU and Ascension Via Christi serve, Strecker said.

Wichita State President Dr. Rick Muma says WSU is committed to serving the community through this and similar health care initiatives, such as theWichita Biomedical Campus, a plan by WSU, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas to build an approximately 470,000 square foot, $300 million shared biomedical campus in the heart of downtown Wichita.

This affiliation with Ascension Via Christi is just the latest example of that commitment.

Wichita State is heartily committed to being a driving force and advocate for the people and businesses of the communities we serve, and we are thrilled to be aligned with an organization whose values align so precisely with our own, Muma said.

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WSU, Ascension announce partnership to bolster health care ... - The Derby Informer

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) More than 2,000 vacancies are listed for registered nurses across Kansas.

Ascension Via Christis recent partnership with Wichita State University (WSU) will provide classroom and office space to WSUs School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences. It will also give WSU students an advantage in clinicals.

All of us have to fight for clinical space because theres just not enough to meet the demand. And so having preferential placement in a facility is a big deal, explains Brandy Jackson, WSUs director of Undergraduate Nursing.

Its very important to have the book knowledge in the back of your head, but outside of the books, you learn so much in clinicals, said WSU nursing student Destanee Brigman-Reed, Id say Ive almost learned more in clinicals than I have in the classroom.

With more opportunities for hands-on experience and mentorship, Via Christi believes the collaboration will encourage Shockers to work locally after graduating.

Its our goal to educate local kids who become professionals and keep them in this market in the city of Wichita, explains Kevin Strecker, CEO of Ascension Via Christi.

The need for professionals at healthcare facilities is clear.

Were starting to see a decline in individuals wanting to go into nursing. And that is a first-ever, said Jackson.

WSU alumnus Brook Jenkins has seen an impact at her local health clinic.

Whenever theres a shortage anywhere, it just kind of delays the care for everybody. We cant get our patients taken care of because there are delays in sonography and stuff too, explains Jenkins.Its very exciting to keep future nurses in Wichita, and also just providing more educational opportunities and allowing them to further their clinical experience within the hospital, says Destanee Brigman-Reed. She hopes to encourage others to join the field.

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Wichita State and Ascension Via Christi partnership works to alleviate nursing shortage - KSN-TV

Not far from the Pater Noster Church on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the diminutive Chapel of the Ascension. The famous fourth-century diarist Egeria, who reached this spot during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, describes the footprints of our Lord still visible on Ascension Rock, which, once housed within an impressive Byzantine church, is now surrounded by a small, stone edicule.

The stark simplicity of this venerable shrine is a fitting monument to the admonition of the two men dressed in white on the day of Jesuss Ascension: Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven (Acts 1:11).

As we await His return, where do we turn our eyes? Where do we see Jesus? To what do we direct our attention?

To answer these questions, we must acknowledge two integrally related theological aspects of the mystery of the Ascension. The first is that Jesus ascended into heaven in order to empower the apostles for their mission in the world. Jesus returned to the Father so that the Father could send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, in his name (cf. Jn 14:25) so as to strengthen the apostles for their ministry.

The second aspect is equally fundamentally and perhaps theologically prior. Namely, Christ took our human nature up to heaven so that we would now live with the Father mysteriously in Jesus, even while still dwelling on this earth. This is a basic element of Saint Pauls experience of Christ and a central message of His preaching. Having been crucified with Christ, Paul no longer lives, but Christ lives in him (Col. 2:20), and the Apostle constantly reminds us that Christ lives in us as well (2 Cor. 13:5; Rom 8:10; 2 Cor. 4:6-7; Gal. 1:15-16; et al.). It is precisely our human nature dwelling in Christ with the Fathers divinity in heaven that makes possible a new, spirit-filled life after Jesuss ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples of Jesus are not exhorted to stop looking for Him in the sky simply so that they can get busy with the Masters work on earth. They are certainly called to do that. But what empowers them to do that is precisely the conviction that they, too, are already mysteriously present with the Father in the humanity of Christ now reigning in heaven. They were able to perform miracles in His name not only because they have been granted His divine power, but because Jesus Himself was now present with God the Father in His human nature, thus presenting their human nature as a continual gift to the Father. If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth (Col. 3:1-2). We, like the disciples who watched Jesus ascend into the heavens, will not be persuaded of our presence with the Father in heaven and Jesuss presence with us on earth through the physical sense of sight, but rather through a spiritual sense by which we are convinced of our spiritual adoption as Gods children (cf. John 1:12).

In a homily delivered on the Ascension, Saint Leo the Great (c. 400 461 A.D.) ardently reminded his audience that our poor human nature was carried up, in Christ, above all the hosts of heaven, above all the ranks of angels, beyond the highest heavenly powers to the very throne of God the Father (Patrologia Latina, 54, 397). How breathtaking! Although we await the end times and the fulfilment of all things in Christ, our human nature is already there, gloriously reigning in the Person of Jesus Christ seated on the heavenly throne. Only when we contemplate this marvelous truth do we become fully aware that Jesus, after His ascension, is indescribably more present in his divinity to those from whom he was further removed in his humanity (ibid.).

How Jesuss humanity something we would expect to be only experienceable within the dimensions of space and time and matter exists in a realm beyond those dimensions is no less mysterious than how His divinity something that infinitely transcends the dimensions of space and times and matter becomes substantially present in the earthly elements of bread and wine in the Most Holy Eucharist. I fear the Western Church has considerably less appreciation for the first of these mysteries than the Eastern Churches. In the Western Church, we tend to focus on the Body of Christ in the Eucharist (which it certainly is!) and on the Body of Christ as the Church, but we often overlook that both are based on the Body of Christ dwelling eternally in heaven at the Fathers right hand. Yet whenever we profess in the Creed that that indeed is where Christ dwells, we are professing that he lives there bodily, as Saint John Damascene teaches: By the Fathers right hand we understand the glory and honor of divinity, where he who exists as Son of God before all ages, indeed as God, of one being with the Father, is seated bodily (smati) after he became incarnate and his flesh was glorified (Patrologia Graeca, 94, 1104C; cf. CCC 663). All the more reason to avail ourselves of the spiritual food of Holy Communion and to seek opportunities to contemplate both mysteries i.e., that of our human nature in heaven and that of the divine nature on earth through Eucharistic Adoration.

But we must beware. Acknowledging that our human nature dwells in heaven with the Father in Jesus neither lessens our free-will nor eliminates our tendency to sin. Mastering the former and extirpating the latter from our lives are the keys to holiness, and the job is never done. Dietrich von Hildebrand wisely wrote that even after the Redemption earthly existence has remained a status viae. In many respects, the painful duality inherent in our earthly situation endures unchanged (Transformation in Christ, 449).

Hence the need to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption every year. Hence the need to keep our eyes fixed on the Eucharistic Lord: i.e., the Christ whose human nature and in whom our human nature now dwells with the Father in heaven.

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Our Human Nature Attains Heaven in the Ascension - Catholic Exchange

Editor's Note

This article is brought to you by Ascension Episcopal School.

During any given week at Ascension Episcopal School, youll likely find students moving between engaged discussions in classrooms to student versus faculty games in the gym; from the sports field to the art studio; rehearsal for an upcoming musical to reflection in chapel as they enrich their spiritual lives. This has been especially true for the Class of 2023.

When I think about Ascension, what comes to mind is the number of opportunities that are available to our students, and that has been very evident in this senior class over the last four years. They find that they can call various aspects of the student learning experience their own, and thats something we celebrate, said Sarah Davenport, Ascensions Upper School Director. Our core philosophy of educational excellence is about finding balanced opportunities for students and making sure we support all of those avenues equally.

While the focus at Ascension is good teaching and deep learning, Davenport noted that school leaders encourage students to do their best in all areas of student life, including athletics, the arts, spirituality, and social contributions. The result is that Ascension students are often able to discover themselves during their time at the school and better understand their own strengths and interests.

I think it allows them to explore and discover passions before those big decisions are required at the next level, Davenport said. Its the perfect environment for them to figure out what they want to do beyond the walls of Ascension. We provide academic advising through the college counseling process starting in eighth grade. Our team provides them a lot of support throughout high school while at the same time encouraging them to pursue many opportunities on campus.

Senior Madeleine Sorrell said that participating in numerous activities at Ascension has allowed her to meet new people, broaden her horizons and learn how to work closely with others.

I loved being on the student leadership team, the volleyball team and in performing arts casts, she said. At Ascension, we all worked together collaboratively to create something unique, and Ill miss that teamwork that drove us all forward. Ascension has also helped me develop strong time management skills and become an assured person who isnt afraid of standing out or speaking up for myself. Ill be more confident and hardworking because of Ascension.

Another senior, Meagan Huff, said she was most appreciative of the welcoming environment at Ascension and how both students and teachers embraced others who wanted to participate in activities and push themselves academically.

I will miss my friends from other grades. The students are inclusive, even across grade levels, Huff said. Ive learned how to meet new friends and I have improved my social skills. Ive also enjoyed how much the teachers care about us.

Senior Thomas Bond said his relationship with his teachers is one of the things hell miss most about Ascension, since they created a positive environment that made going to school fun and filled with connection. As the Spiritual Life Prefect, varsity football player and all-round academic headed to the University of Tennessee this fall, he stepped out of his comfort zone and decided that he would audition for the musical his senior yearthis is Ascension.

Ive enjoyed the freedoms and opportunities at Ascension as well as the positive family feel of the school community, he said. Ill miss being around all of my people.

Davenport said the Ascension faculty and staff works to ensure students have the chance to become both leaders and servants on campus and in the community. Students take part in service projects both as groups and as individuals. The school also uses a Prefect class leader model to serve the student body through social events and community service all with school-spirit. Prefects and Class Leaders are also enrolled in a leadership class.

We call on our students to give chapel talks throughout the week based on a message that resonates with them and their peers, Davenport said. A lot of our seniors gravitate towards being club leaders, where they work with a faculty sponsor. I would say that more often than not, a student will bring up an idea about a club or activity they want to do. By the time they get to their senior year, they feel really comfortable proposing and pitching ideas and figuring out ways to make those happen. Thats a life skill.

Senior Madeleine Justus agreed, noting that Ascension has helped her become more confident, open-minded and willing to put her ideas into the world. As she reflected on the schools environment, Justus said she considered the campus a family that was passionate, loving and bold.

The thing I am definitely going to miss most is the community at Ascension, she said. Nothing compares to the community and family within these walls.

Davenport said interactions at Ascension are encouraged through the lens of the schools values of being gentle, generous, truthful, kind and brave words that are prominently displayed around campus. There is also an emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, community commitment, Christ-centered consciousness and complex communication the profile that every Ascension senior is expected to exhibit once they cross the graduation stage.

I think a lot of that starts with the fact that we call on our teachers to put our students first. Students are at the cornerstone of every decision we make, Davenport said. We know our kids and our families and that lets us point out specific opportunities or academic courses that might be right for them. We value small class size and right-fit course recommendations for our standard, accelerated, dual enrollment, and advanced placement courses.

Ascension Episcopal School offers educational excellence in a Christian environment for students in pre-K through 12th grades. The River Ranch campus has classes for PK3 through kindergarten. The Downtown campus on Johnston Street has classes for first through seventh grades. The Sugar Mill Pond campus in Youngsville has classes for eighth through 12th grades.

For more information or to schedule a campus tour, visit http://www.ascensionbluegators.org.

The Ascension Episcopal School Class of 2023 have demonstrated leadership, bravery and unique talents in many diverse areas. They have embraced the opportunities at Ascension that allow them to prepare for their future and become independent individuals. Here are nine seniors who have made their mark at Ascension.

Ella Dupuie

The 2023 Salutatorian, Ella has achieved much in her time at Ascension. She served as the editor-in-chief of both the Authored Ascension and the all-school yearbook. She has been a devoted swimmer, claiming a 2022 State Champion title in the 400m relay. She is a member of BETA, the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Science National Honor Society, and Rho Kappa. Her drive and creativity empowered her to create her own jewelry-making business, Polar Opposite Designs. In the fall Ella plans to attend Scholars College of Northwestern State University and will major in English.

Madeleine Sorrell

From arts to academics to athletics, the 2023 Ascension Episcopal School Valedictorian, Madeleine, did it all. Madeleine served as Ascensions Spiritual Life Prefect during 11th grade and as Academic Prefect during 12th grade. She is extremely talented on the volleyball court, has been in every Ascension theater production since 8th grade and enjoys playing piano in her free time. Madeleines school involvement and the academic rigor of Ascension has prepared her to succeed as she attends the University of Tennessee to study Aerospace Engineering this fall.

Rebeka Vega

Regardless if a student starts at Ascension in PK3 or their junior year like Rebeka, all students feel the sense of family and find their place. Upon joining the Blue Gators, Rebeka immediately became involved in soccer and track and proceeded to break four school records: scoring 40 goals in a single soccer season, the long jump, the 400m dash, and the 4x400 relay. While athletics has a huge piece of her heart, Rebeka is also a member of the National Honor Society and shares the advice to work hard to achieve your goals, believe in the talents God gave you, and trust Gods plan for your life. During her senior year, Rebeka had the incredible experience of playing soccer on the Venezuelan national team against Dominica and Nicaragua. She will attend Southern Mississippi in the Fall playing soccer and majoring in Polymer and Science Engineering.

Thomas Bond

Christian values, leadership, athletics, academics, and arts opportunities have molded Thomas character since he began at Ascension in preschool. Thomas served as the Spiritual Life Prefect his senior year, competed in football, basketball, tennis, track, and powerlifting, earned acceptance in Beta and National Honors Society, and landed a lead role in the theater production his senior year. In addition, Thomas earned academic all-state in both football and tennis and was named defensive end on the second-team all-district for football. At Ascension, Thomas learned a valuable lesson and shares it with others. Dont change yourself to fit someone elses image. Be yourself, and do whatever makes you happy. Thomas will study Business Management at the University of Tennessee in the fall.

Peyton Woodring

A strong athletics program with inspiring coaches helped to shape Peyton Woodring into the student athlete and scholar that he has become. In addition to having a 4.0 GPA, Peyton played multiple sports during his time at Ascension, including tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball and most importantly, football. Peyton is known statewide for his record-breaking 60-yard field goal and is currently ranked as the number one kicker in the United States. Peyton doesnt reserve his hard work for the court and field. He is also a member of Beta and National Honor Society and members of several Ascension student clubs. In the fall, you will find Peyton on the field in Athens, Georgia, as he has signed with the University of Georgia to play football.

Zach Belle

At Ascension, we are an AND school. You can be an athlete AND a scholar. During his time at Ascension, Zach Belle won three golf state championships and played in two state playoff semi-final soccer games. As an Ascension student since Pre-K, the curriculum at Ascension prepared Zach to succeed academically, earning him a place in the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, National History Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and the National Science Honor Society. In his senior year, Zach completed both a Drafting and Design class and a Metals and Jewelry class that furthered his interest in creativity and solidified his career choices. This fall Zach will attend the University of Alabama and majoring in Architectural Engineering. After college, Zach plans to own his own architecture firm.

Kendalyn Morgan

Kendalyn Morgan, a student at Ascension since 7th grade, has a heart for service. She served as a member of the student leadership team, Beads for Needs, and leads the SADD club as vice president. She volunteers at Acadiana Animal Aid and Foster the Love, where she wrote a grant and earned over $100,000 to help fund Foster the Loves new headquarters building. In addition, she is a member of the National English Honor Society, National Beta Club, National History Honor Society, and National Honor Society. This fall Kendalyn will attend Texas Christian University to study economics. After college, she plans to work in the private equity field.

Madeleine Justus

Put yourself out there and dont be afraid to participate in anything, is Madeleine Justus advice to others- something she learned on her journey at Ascension. Madeleine began Ascension in PK3 and has led by example on the court, in clubs, and in the classroom. During her senior year, Madeleine served as Lead Prefect, the highest leadership position in the upper school, with the important job of leading all student activities all year for grades 8-12. Additionally, she served as team captain in girls tennis and basketball and participated in soccer during her time as a student. In the fall, Madeleine will attend Auburn and plans to major in finance and minor in International Business.

Luke Guidry

Luke Guidry, one of Ascensions top academic students, served on the leadership team each year and as a Senior Class leader this year. Leadership is where he says he learned many new skills and found joy in making a difference and leaving an impact on others. When Luke isnt leading his classmates, you can find him on the basketball court breaking school 3-point shot records eight 3-pointers in just the first half of the game this season. Coaches describe Luke as someone who is willing to do whatever is asked of him; he always has the team in mind. He is the portrait of a Blue Gator student-athlete. Luke plans on attending LSU in the fall and will major in engineering.

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Finding the balance within educational excellence prepares Ascension Episcopal seniors to master valuable life skills - The Advocate

Staff Report| Gonzales Weekly Citizen

The Ascension Parish Council's District 7 representative Aaron Lawler announced he will not seek re-election this year.

The Prairieville area council member said in a Facebook post that the decision was made with much consideration.

"I am proud of my accomplishments. I love the friendships I have made. I have enjoyed serving the people of Prairieville and all of Ascension," Lawler wrote in the social media statement.

He added that his service will not end after his four-year term that dates back to 2019.

"I look forward to continuing to serve Ascension Parish in many ways, but especially through Ascension Parks Foundation, which has been a dream that recently became reality. Through this new non-profit foundation, funds will be raised to improve recreation throughout Ascension Parish," Lawler stated.

He said he announced his decision at this point to give the citizens of District 7 the opportunity to consider campaigning for the council seat. The election date in Louisiana will be Oct. 14.

"We have the best district in the parish and we need a strong willed, independent, passionate and creative representative that is willing to listen and consider all sides of issues," he continued.

Lawler offered to speak confidentially with anyone interested in learning more about the office.

"Thank you all for the opportunity to serve you," he concluded.

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Ascension Parish Council's Aaron Lawler will not run for re-election - Weekly Citizen

Msgr. Joseph Prior

By Msgr.Joseph Prior Posted May 12, 2023

(Readings of the Holy Mass Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Jesus makes a promise. He says: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. He says this in the context of preparation. He is preparing the disciples for his return to the Father but also for the coming of the Holy Spirit whom He refers to, in this passage, as the Paraclete (translated in the Lectionary as Advocate).

The Spirit will dwell in and among the disciples, the Church, and so Jesus remains with them, with us. We celebrate his return to the Father at the Ascension next Thursday and ten days later we celebrate Pentecost.

Jesus remains present to us always. He does so because He and the Father love us. God wants to be part of our lives.

Jesus speaks of one aspect of this love in todays gospel passage which is closely associated with His presence through the Spirit. This aspect is the keeping of His commandments, chief of which is the command to love.

He says: Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.

Keeping Christ as the center of our lives fills us with awareness that we are loved, that we are never alone. The First Letter of Peter gives us some exhortations which help to keep Christ as the center.

First, he says: Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. This is an intentional thought. Jesus is Lord. We acknowledge Him as Lord in our hearts, when we pray in all the many forms prayer takes.

We also acclaim Him as Lord when we make decisions based on Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We acclaim Him as Lord when we keep His commandments.

We acclaim Him Lord when we value Him above all else.

The emphasis that is given here is that the profession of Christ as Lord takes place, first, in your hearts. It is an internal acknowledgement which brings with it commitment, the commitment to Him who loves.

Second, he writes: Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. Here the author exhorts us to proclaim.

Living a life of hope will naturally draw questions. Living in a world where there are so many forces that try to rob one of hope (war, broken relationships, racism, hate, poverty, economic fragility, drugs, abuse, violence, killing of the innocent, etc.) that when people encounter a person of hope, they want to know the reason for that hope.

Peter is saying give them the reason, it is meant to be shared. Before he speaks of that reason, he first gives some advice on how to do so. This is important for they also help to keep our focus on Christ Jesus.

Third, Peter says to offer the explanation with gentleness and reverence. Jesus went about preaching and teaching, healing and forgiving, proclaiming and inviting. He did so as a Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and leads them with compassion and love. Jesus was gentile so when speaking of our hope we do so with gentleness.

The call for reverence is perhaps two fold. First reverence of that which we speak for it is holy, and of God. Second reverence for the person to whom we speak for they are made in the image and likeness of God.

Jesus offered Himself because He loves them, the same way that he loves us. So our engagement of the person asking the question will require not only respect but also reverence.

Fourth, the final exhortation is to keep a clear conscience. Striving for a clear conscience again entails keeping Christ at the center of our lives. He is the Light that dispels darkness.

Our conscience helps us make decisions, choosing good and avoiding evil. Sometimes those decisions are obvious but challenging. Sometimes they may not be so obvious and may require a lot of deliberation. Regardless, Jesus is present to us in His Spirit, to help form our conscience and to lead us forward.

At the end of this final exhortation Peter speaks of the fortitude it brings so that one can remain faithful in the battles that inevitably occur with evil. He says: For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of god, than for doing evil. In other words, sometimes choosing good over evil will bring on suffering. This is the path to take despite the suffering. The suffering will last only for a time; the good for eternity.

Peter now returns to the reason for our hope. That reason is Christ Jesus. Most specifically Jesus Christ, put to death in the fleshbrought to life in the Spirit. Jesus, risen from the dead, is the reason for our hope. He is alive. There is no force, no power, nothing whatsoever can take away life from Him who is the Lord of Life. He is risen and He is our hope. Saint Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, says it eloquently in these words:

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against Gods chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,*nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-35,37-39)

Jesus promises I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. He comes to us in the Spirit and abides with us in love. We live in Him in love and he fills us with hope. This is indeed good news worthy of sharing.

***

Msgr.Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

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Jesus Is Still With Us Even After His Ascension To Heaven - CatholicPhilly.com

Published 6:53 am Tuesday, May 16, 2023

During the week of May 8 May 12, 2023, the following defendants pled guilty to various charges and were sentenced in the 23rd Judicial District Court, parishes of Ascension, Assumption, and St. James.

Ascension Parish:

The above-mentioned cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leila Braswell, and presiding over these matters was the Honorable Judge Jason Verdigets.

Assumption Parish:

The above cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lana Chaney, and presiding over these matters was the Honorable Judge Tess Stromberg.

St. James Parish:

The above cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Koenig, and presiding over these matters was the Honorable Judge Steven Tureau.

Submitted by Public Information Officer Tyler Cavalier for 23rd Judicial District Attorney Ricky L. Babin.

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Ascension, Assumption & St. James guilty pleas 5/8 to 5/12 - L ... - L'Observateur

In this article, players can find an overview of the Yae Miko ascension materials required to level her up to the maximum level, as well as a detailed guide on how to obtain them.

The second rerun of Yae Miko, an Electro catalyst user from Inazuma, is expected to be a key feature of the first phase of Genshin Impacts version 3.7. Since Dendro was introduced in the game, Yaes abilities have been improved.

Adding Yae Miko to the character roster is a smart choice, as she brings a unique gameplay style for a catalyst user. She excels as an off-field DPS character and can deal massive amounts of damage. The following section will provide an overview of the ascension materials used by Yae Miko to level up to the highest level as well as a comprehensive guide on obtaining them.

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Besides Mora and EXP books, the following are the ascension materials required by Yae Miko to level up to 90:

For talent materials, Yae Miko needs books of Light along with Handguards and drops from the Shogun weekly boss.

Vajrada Amethyst is an Electro type of ascension gem that can be found in various rarity levels as slivers, fragments, chunks, or gemstones in increasing order.

Players can obtain the Vajrada Amethyst Group from normal bosses as well as weekly bosses. The bosses who solely drop the electro gemstones are:

The other bosses which might also drop these crystals might drop other types as well, thus reducing the chances of obtaining Vajrada Amethyst. These bosses are:

The Dragonheirs False Fins can be obtained by defeating the Coral Defenders, the Bathysmal Vishap boss in Enkanomiya.

Handguards can be Old, Kageuchi, or Famed, depending on their level. They can be obtained by defeating Nobushi and Kairagi. Players can find the locations of these enemies by using the Handbook feature in the game from where they can locate enemy hideouts. The following locations in Inazuma provide some of the best farming routes for Handguards:

Alternatively, players can also use the Tevyat Interactive Map feature of HoYoLAB to find the Nobushi.

The interactive map can also be used to locate Sea Ganoderma on all the islands in Inazuma. The plant is abundant and bright, hence easy to spot. Players should keep an eye out while exploring the islands to gather the plant quickly.

In conclusion, leveling up Yae Miko to her maximum potential requires specific ascension materials. With these resources in hand, players can enhance their gaming experience and continue to explore the world of Genshin Impact with Yae Miko by their side.

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Yae Miko ascension materials and where to find them - The Sportsrush

Church leaders on Sunday rededicated a newly repainted mural depicting Jesus Christs ascension at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Apollo.

Jeph Gurecka, an artist whose work has been shown internationally, painted the mural above the churchs alter. It portrays Jesus ascending amid clouds.

His work enhanced a painting that had been at the site since a 1946 sanctuary redecoration, church officials said. Gurecka said he reimagined the Jesus figure in the painting and added clouds, which werent there before.

I was trying to evoke overall a very airy, light perspective, he said. Its tumultuous because its such a grand example of Christ ascending.

Gurecka said he wants people looking at the artwork to feel like youre being pulled up with Christ.

He took what was there and really made something great, Pastor Philip Ramstad said ahead of Sundays service, which was presided over by Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.

More than 90 people attended Sundays service.

Elinor Moody, who has been part of the congregation for about 20 years, said the mural reminded her of similar artwork she had enjoyed at a Lutheran church she attended during her childhood.

Its beautiful, she said. I love art. Its very lovely, very pretty.

The artist said he watched and photographed clouds for inspiration and spent a couple of weeks preparing the wall he was to decorate before painting the mural over a three-week span.

Its a lot to take in when its the primary religious iconography of the chapel, he said. Its daunting.

Gurecka, who was born in Pittsburgh and recently moved back to the area after living since 1993 in New York, graduated from the Pratt Institute of Art and Design in New York City. Hes been awarded various fellowships and residencies and had a photo expose of his work shot for Esquire magazine.

He recently has been involved in restoring religious iconography and crafting original pieces for various churches in the area, including St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church in Vandergrift and St. Mary of Czestochowa in New Kensington.

Growing up Catholic, Gurecka said, he was inspired by religious artwork at a young age.

The iconography always stood out to me, he said. It was an important part of my early art education.

Dorothy Doty, president of the churchs congregational council, chaired a fundraising committee to raise the $12,500 the church needed to fund the artwork.

The church last year completed a $54,700 project that repaired plaster and upgraded paint throughout the church, church officials said.

Julia Felton is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia by email at jfelton@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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Repainted mural portrays ascension of Jesus at First Evangelical ... - TribLIVE

Constitutional attorney to address May roundtable

Royal Alexander, writer, lecturer and Louisiana criminal and civil attorney, will be the featured speaker at the May 18 Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women.

The Roundtable starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W. La. 30 in Gonzales.

Royal Alexander, of Shreveport, describes himself as a "full spectrum" conservative. A licensed Louisiana attorney, he has maintained criminal and civil practice in the Shreveport-Bossier area for 24 years.

Lunch costs $30 and will collected at the door. Reservations are requested. A $5 room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP: (225) 921-5187 or email: ARWrUS@aol.com.

The Krewe Ascension Mambo is accepting applications for new members. Visit https://form.jotform.com/230995075286164.

As the temperatures rise we're all looking for a place to cool off. Visit the splash pads at Oak Grove Community Center in Prairieville and South Louisiana Fairgrounds in Donaldsonville from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Donaldsonville Festa Italiana is set for May 19-20 at Louisiana Square.

Celebrate all thing Italian at the two-day event. The May 19 schedule from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. includes music by DJ Up All Night.

On May 20, the event is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., kicking off with a cook-off competition and car show.

Music for May 20 will begin at noon with the Justin Cornett Band. After awards at 2 p.m., Michela Musolino will play from 3 to 5 p.m.

Explore the world through the Ascension Parish Library Summer Reading Program, Have Book, Will Travel. Lots of programs, with crafts and performers, are planned to help reader learn about different countries and customs.

Start your travels by reading or listening to books, audiobooks, or magazines, and track your reading at myAPL.beanstack.org or the Beanstack app. You may also use a print log available at all library locations. Participants earn rewards and prizes for signing up and reading throughout the summer. Earn up to 25 chances to win one of our Grand Prize drawings at the end of the summer.

Book an appointment at the Ascension Parish Library spa to make a luxurious bath bomb and perfume. Youll learn how to destress through guided relaxation techniques. Spots are limited. To register for the spa day at 10 a.m. on Saturday, call the Galvez library at (225) 622-3339.

Learn how to draw cartoony, manga-inspired faces Saturday at the Ascension Parish Library's Galvez location for Manga Madness program for tweens and teens. The class includes tips on drawing eyes, mouths and noses to take their comic skills to a new level from professional comic artist Becca Hillburn.

Hillburn is the creator of 7" Kara and mini-comics such as Ahoy!, Momotaro, Foiled, From Earth to Saturn, and In the Dark. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in sequential art from SCAD: The University of Creative Careers and a bachelors in fine art from the University of New Orleans.

The library will provide all needed art supplies. Registration is required. Call (225) 622-3339 to sign up.

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Around Ascension for May 17, 2023 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate