Dear Parishioners, There are two important things we celebrate this weekend: 1) On our Church calendar, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. 2) On our nation’s calendar, we celebrate Memorial Day weekend. As we celebrate the Ascension, we are reminded how the Lord will send His Spirit upon us and on the Church. This is important for all of us to remember for our faith. We hear the readings about the Apostles and how they watched Jesus ascend into Heaven. They wondered what to do. The angels appeared to them and reminded them that they would not be left alone. This feast of the Ascension also reminds our local Church of Kalamazoo that we are bringing to a conclusion this special Jubilee Year of the Holy Spirit. Our 50th celebration as a diocese is drawing to a close next weekend, and we see how the Holy Spirit has helped our diocese during these past 50 years. Let us continue to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Pentecost next weekend, and see the blessings that we have received in our life of faith. As a country, we remember those who have served and protected our nation. Our freedom is a gift, and it would not be possible without the sacrifice of these men and women. Take some time this weekend and offer a prayer, especially on Memorial Day, to remember those in your family and friends who have served, and thank a veteran for what they have done. May all those who died in service to this country rest in peace. Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark