107th Street Fire Relief Fund

Begin the new year with eGiving to help sustain and build ministries throughout 2026 that reflect the steadfast promise of God’s love. The need is great in our community, and your generous online gifts will help people all around us.

We prayerfully request that you consider signing up for eGiving from your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift. Sign up today by visiting faith.direct/NY588, or text ‘Enroll’ to (Text-to-Give Number). Thank you for your continued support of our parish family.

God Bless You,   
Fr. Kearney

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Ascension:

Each year the Church gives us a beautiful and tender moment in the heart of winter: February 11th, the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Providentially, it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, that quiet village in France where Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette and where, ever since, countless pilgrims have brought their illnesses, their fears, and their hopes to the loving care of Mary.
Lourdes has become a sign for the whole Church. Not everyone who goes there experiences physical healing, but everyone is reminded of something just as important: no one who suffers is ever alone. Mary stands close to her children, especially when they are weak, tired, or afraid. She leads them gently to her Son, the Divine Physician, who sees every tear and knows every burden.

The World Day of Prayer for the Sick itself was established by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Having lived through his own suffering and witnessing so much pain throughout the world, he wanted the Church to set aside a day each year to pray intentionally for the sick and for all who care for them. He also hoped to help us rediscover the healing ministry of Christ and the compassionate presence of the Church. By linking the day to Our Lady of Lourdes, he entrusted this prayer in a special way to Mary, who always draws close to her suffering children and points them toward hope.

For that reason, the Church marks this day with special prayers for the sick, for caregivers, and for all who work in healthcare. It is also the time when many parishes, including ours, offer a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is one of the Church’s great treasures.

 It is not only for the last moments of life, but for anyone facing serious illness, chronic conditions, the frailty that comes with age, or an upcoming surgery. Through simple oil and prayer, Christ brings strength, peace, courage, and sometimes even physical healing. Always, He brings His presence.

We had hoped to gather as a community for this celebration on or around February 11th. However, given this year’s bitter cold temperatures and the significant snow still covering our streets and sidewalks, we feel it would be wiser and safer to wait. Many of those who would most benefit from the sacrament—our elderly and those with health concerns—should not have to risk a difficult or hazardous walk to church.

Instead, we plan to celebrate a communal Anointing of the Sick in the Season of Lent, once the temperatures begin to moderate and walking is easier. Lent, with its focus on healing, conversion, and drawing closer to the Lord, will be a fitting time to gather and place our needs into God’s hands. We will share more details once we set a date.

In the meantime, I invite all of us this week to pray in a special way for those who are sick, suffering, or aged, particularly members of our parish community.   Perhaps you might offer a rosary, attend Mass with their intentions, or simply reach out with a phone call or visit to someone who feels alone. Small gestures of love can be powerful medicine.

We ask that Mary, under the titles of Our Lady of Lourdes and Health of the Sick, pray for us. We also ask that Mary intercede on behalf of those living in fear, surrounded by violence or in war zones.  We pray that Mary will help all our vulnerable brothers and sisters with her special care.

Peace, Father Kearney

We are reminded as Christians to pray, fast, and give alms to the less fortunate. St. Paul tells us that we must, “Bear [our] share of hardship for the gospel.” In living a Christian life, we are asked to make sacrifices for the good of others and for the good of the Church. 

Many parishes will experience financial hardship in the near future, and most will struggle to meet critical needs. We understand that the financial circumstances of many of our families are uncertain, but please know of our deep gratitude for whatever you can contribute to support our Church during this challenging time.

If you would like to make a gift to the Cardinal’s Appeal to support the broader needs of our archdiocese, you can do so at

https://cardinalsappeal.org/donate.

We are truly grateful for your generosity. Please know that we will continue to pray for those caring for the sick, and those that are the

most vulnerable among us.