Catechism Themes

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

CCC 659-672, 697, 792, 965, 2795: the Ascension

Seventh Sunday of Easter: prayer and the spiritual life

CCC 2746-2751: Christ’s prayer at the Last Supper
CCC 312, 434, 648, 664: the Father glorifies Christ
CCC 2614, 2741: Jesus prays for us
CCC 726, 2617-2619, 2673-2679: at prayer with Mary

Christ already reigns through his Church… (CCC 668-670)

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Doctrine or Dogma?

Lesson Plans

Primary Session
Intermediate Session
Junior High Session

“He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” (Nicene Creed)

Our Catholic belief in the ascension could appear as nothing more than a historical remembrance of Jesus’ final departure from this earthly existence. As such, its relevance to our lives today might seem marginal at best. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the ascension is a crucial dimension of the saving plan of God which we refer to as the paschal mystery. Theologically, the ascension is expressive of our conviction that Christ’s death has saving ramifications for us. Moreover, it explains how it is that we can and must experience Christ’s presence to and in the Church in a totally new way in the post-resurrection era.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

• What is the Ascension of Jesus?
• How is the Ascension part of God’s saving plan?
• Why is our belief in the Ascension of Jesus a source of hope?

CATECHIST BACKGROUND / PREP

PART ONE
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

SECTION TWO
THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

CHAPTER TWO
I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD

ARTICLE 6
“HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER”

FEATURED LESSON (PDF):

Lesson Six. Jesus (Part Two): Salvation in Christ, His Death, Resurrection and Ascension. 

Was it God’s will that Jesus die a cruel death for us? If so, what does that say about God? Why do we proclaim in the Apostles’ Creed that “[Jesus] descended into hell”? What is the meaning of the cross for our lives? What is the significance of the Resurrection and Ascension? What does it mean to be “saved?” 

This article discusses the significance of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, which marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his heavenly reign. It also highlights the importance of the Church’s first novena, a nine-day period of prayer and preparation between the Ascension and Pentecost, during which the apostles and early Christians gathered to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The novena serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.

This article addresses the question of whether the Ascension of Jesus Christ is a historical event or a mere legend. It argues that there is strong evidence to support the historical reality of the Ascension, including the testimony of the Gospels, the writings of the early Church Fathers, and the liturgical traditions of the Church. It also refutes various arguments against the historicity of the Ascension, such as claims that it was a later addition to the Gospel narrative or a symbolic rather than a literal event. Ultimately, the article concludes that the Ascension is a foundational event in Christian history and belief, and that its historical reality is essential to the Christian faith.

The article discusses the significance of the celebration of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, which marks his return to the Father in heaven after completing his earthly mission. It argues that the Ascension is a crucial event in the Christian faith, as it demonstrates Christ’s divine nature and his authority over all creation. It also highlights the practical implications of the Ascension for the life of the Church, such as the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of Christ’s continued presence with his followers. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of celebrating the Ascension as a way to deepen one’s faith and to reflect on the ultimate destiny of all believers.

In the podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of the events of the Ascension and Pentecost in the Christian faith. The speaker argues that the Ascension is essential because it confirms Christ’s divine nature and his authority over all creation, as well as providing a clear goal for believers to strive for. The Pentecost event, on the other hand, is essential because it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to carry out Christ’s mission on earth and to spread the message of the Gospel. The speaker also emphasizes the practical implications of the Ascension and Pentecost for the life of the Church, such as the importance of prayer, evangelization, and unity among believers. Ultimately, the podcast highlights the significance of these events in shaping the Christian faith and in providing a framework for the ongoing mission of the Church.