The Ascension of the Lord - Year A
Sunday May 24, 2020
THE ASCENSION
As the disciples were watching, Jesus was lifted up. (Acts 8)
God seated Jesus at his right hand in heaven. (Epheians 1)
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
(Matthew 28)
Jesus’ priestly prayer is a prayer not
only for his followers at table with
him then but also for us at this table:
that we may be united and
consecrated in the truth Jesus has
revealed and that we may reveal to the
world the love and care of the Father
for all of the human family.
The Church as a community of
prayer is at the heart of today’s
readings: prayer that is, first and
foremost, an attitude of trust and
acceptance of God's presence in the
community, an attitude that is not occasional but constant
and continuing, an attitude not limited to asking for
something but of thanksgiving for what is and for what has
been. The prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper and the prayer
of the company of disciples seek not God's acquiescence to
their will but that God's will might be done effectively
through them.
In baptism, the Gospel first preached by Jesus and then by
the Eleven is passed on to us – we became witnesses of the
great Easter event and accepted responsibility for telling our
children and people of our time and place the good news of
the empty tomb. Not in words alone but in our attitude of
joy, our work for reconciliation among all, our commitment
to what is right and just, our simplest acts of generosity and
compassion, do we witness the Father's name and presence
to the generations who follow us.
SANCTUARY LAMP ~ Dates available in June
MASS INTENTIONS ~ If you would like to have a
Mass offered for someone, contact the parish office.
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF
MERCY DURING THE
COVID 10 PANDEMIC
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
have long been a part of the
Christian tradition, appearing in
the works of theologians and
spiritual writers throughout
history; just as Jesus attended to
the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these
Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbor in
their spiritual needs” (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults).
COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL • Reassure and support
those who may be especially anxious during this time. If
someone asks you for advice, orient your response to Christ,
who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT • With public
celebration of Masses unavailable, learn and/or teach
someone else how to make a Spiritual Communion.
This week, the Sanctuary Lamp burns in
memory of:
+
The Sanctuary Lamp burns to remind us of Christ’s
presence in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.
If you wish to sponsor the sanctuary lamp for one
week, the stipend is $35.00
Mass Intentions
 May 26 - May 31, 2020
As we gather, let us remember and pray for . . .
th
Tues. ~ …………...St. Philip Neri…………. May 26
+ Maria da Gloria Pereira
(by the Family)
Wed. ~ ………………………………………. May 27th
+ Mary & Michael O’Keefe
(by Margaret Henderson)
Thurs. ~ + Bernard Bonehill May 28th
(by Bonehill Family)
………………………………………. May 29th
Fri. ~ + Giuseppe Tersigni
(by Nancy Winslow)
………………………………………. May 30th
Sat. ~
For the People of St. Helen Parish
Sun. ~ …………Pentecost Sunday……..…. May 31st
In Thanksgiving for 24 years of
Priesthood (by Fr. Chris)
+ Benito Boncori (by Agnino Family)
+ Iannotta Family (by Maria Iannotta)
ADMONISHING THE SINNER • Being confined in close
quarters for long periods of time with families or housemates
can test us in more ways than one, so be supportive in
helping others find their way and correct their mistakes.
COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL • Write a letter or
send a card to someone who is suffering and let them know
you are thinking of them. Remember that a few moments of
your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone who
is going through a difficult time.
FORGIVING INJURIES • For families, this time may
maximize opportunities to exercise forgiveness, so take this
time to model the importance of forgiveness both for this life
and the next.
BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY • Practice developing
and strengthening the virtues of temperance, prudence,
fortitude, and justice. When frustrated with someone, step
away from the situation, take a few deep breaths, and pray
the Our Father, asking God for patience.
PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD • Pray
for all those suffering from the effects of this pandemic.
Keep your own book of prayer intentions, writing down the
names of those who you are keeping in your prayers, and let
people know that you are praying for them. Ask a friend or
family member if there is anything you can pray for them.
 DONATIONS DURING COVID-19
1. Pre-Authorized giving (monthly automatic withdrawal): contact the office

2. E-transfer: use our business email address with your

bank: donations@sthelenscatholic.ca
If you would like to use this convenient method through your bank, please follow these
instructions (some banks charge a fee):
Go online and log into your bank account. Select Interac e-transfer and select a
recipient – the first time you will have to add recipient by putting in
donations@sthelenscatholic.ca (after the first time it will then stay on your list of
recipients). Input amount to send and complete the transaction. Note in the memo area
what your donation is for; Sunday Offertory (SO), Facility Maintenance (FM) and
Building Fund (BF). (Please include your ID# in the memo - contact the office if you
do not have a parish ID.)
Example - SO $20 One transaction can be made for all three if you wish. Such a
notation could look like this: SO $xx, FM $xx, BF $xx. If your transaction does not
work the first time, please try the next day as the Diocese can only receive a set amount
of donations in a 24-hour period. If you have any questions, please email or call the
office.

3. Regular mail: send your weekly offertory envelope or cheque payable to St. Helen
Church to:
St. Helen Church
4106 Mountain St.
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B7

4. Drop off: This option is not encouraged during the COVID 19 pandemic.
If absolutely necessary, you may drop off your envelope by calling the office to arrange a
time.

5. Credit card or Paypal (Canada Helps link): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/49448

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/119109791RR0006-st-helens-parish/
(tax receipt is issued by Canada Helps, they retain a nominal percentage as fee)

COVID 19 pandemic
Thank you for considering the financial needs of our parish during the COVID 19 pandemic. We
understand and appreciate that financial pressure on families is different today than it was even a
few months ago. We are also carefully managing the expenses at the parish and are deeply
grateful for any help you can provide. Thank you and be assured of our continued prayers and
best wishes.