Welcome to the Church of the Ascension website! This site is intended to spread the good news of all the vitality and spirit of this wonderful place. I hope that the information here serves several purposes: demonstrates how Ascension lives out her mission and vision, celebrates the richness and diversity of our parish and school, keeps you informed of ministries and activities, and encourages you to connect and become involved yourself.
As we all know, Ascension is not an ordinary parish community. My first memories of Ascension go back to the fall of 1955. I was in eighth grade and had dreams of playing quarterback for the Twin Cities Catholic grade school football championship. My dreams were exactly that—dreams—because Ascension was the athletic powerhouse in those days.
Eleven years later, during the pastoral internship before my ordination as a priest, I came to Ascension as a deacon and reported to Monsignor William Coates. In two and one-half short months during the summer of 1966, I saw children with malnutrition and witnessed the first urban riots in the Twin Cities. So much of what I learned that summer shaped my ministry as a priest.
In May 1999, I went back to Ascension after 33 years, this time as the pastor in a new partnership between the Basilica of Saint Mary (where I am also the Rector) and the Church of the Ascension. Since that time, Ascension has continued to captivate me with the beauty, warmth and appeal that hopefully are very familiar to you as well.
There is so much at Ascension to celebrate. A rich and unique history filled with strength, honor, and dedication to God and community. An exciting multi-cultural community today enhanced by people of a variety of races, cultures, socio-economic levels and backgrounds. And a future filled with the bright hope of God’s love and commitment to us all. I am honored to lead this parish community and invite you to share in the beauty and sacredness of Ascension.
Rev. Michael J. O’Connell
Pastor