The Ascension Picnic

On June 2, 2019 we celebrate The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord in Canada, which will be the final Sunday of the Easter season. This is one of the most important feasts in the Church and commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. To celebrate Ascension with your family, consider an Ascension picnic on a high place in your area after Mass on the Feast of the Ascension, or on an alternate Sunday in June. Did you know that the highest place in Calgary is the Rocky Ridge in the northwest? However, you may find a place in your area that is somewhat elevated and that will allow you to meet for a picnic. Finding a high place might be a bit of a challenge in some areas because the prairies are mainly flat. In any case, find a place with a free view of the sky where the family can have a picnic.  During the picnic, talk about Jesus’ Ascension. Recall the gospel story of Jesus leading the disciples to Bethany. He lifted his hands and blessed them. Then he vanished into a cloud and out of the sight of the disciples. If you have the text of the gospel with you (Luke 24:46-53) read it out loud. 
 
Suggested family activities:

• After the picnic lunch look for clouds in the sky.
• Watch the clouds and determine their shapes.
• Pick one particular cloud and describe what it looks like.
• Do you see it move and if so, does it change its shape?
• Close with a prayer:

God our Father,
make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ.
May we follow him into the new creation,
for his ascension is our glory and our hope.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Source: New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal)

For more resources to help children understand about the Ascension of the Lord, check out: https://www.pbgrace.com/ascension-for-kids

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Written by: Gabriele Kalincak