Saint Michael the Archangel Parish

21 Manning St

Hudson, MA 01749

Ascension of the Lord

 When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
Acts of the Apostles 1: 8-9

The Ascension of the Lord is Thursday, May 9th, 2024. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.


What does the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord celebrate?

Forty days after Jesus’ Glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday, our Lord Jesus Christ ascended Body and Soul into heaven (Luke 24: 50-53; Acts of the Apostles 1:9-11). 

Christ’s Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain, whence he will come again (cf. Acts of the Apostles 1:11); this humanity in the meantime hides him from the eyes of men (cf. Col 3:3).
Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever.


Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.


-Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 665-667

When is the Ascension of the Lord celebrated?


The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is traditionally celebrated on Ascension Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter.

The Ascension of the Lord is a Holy Day of Obligation according to the Precepts of the Church. 


View the bulletin for Mass Times.

"...you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

Acts of the Apostles 1: 8-9

What happened at the Ascension of Jesus?


  • Christ's ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus' humanity into God's heavenly domain, whence he will come again (cf. Acts of the Apostles 1:11); this humanity in the meantime hides him from the eyes of men (cf. Colossians 3:3). 


  • Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him for ever.


  • Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.


-Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 665-667

Who has ascended to Heaven?


Only Christ has ascended to Heaven. In the Gospel of Saint John, Jesus told Nicodemus, "No one has ascended into Heaven but he who descended from Heaven, the Son of man” 

(John 3:13).

Who was present and where?


The Ascension took place in broad daylight on the Mount of Olives, in the presence of His Apostles and disciples.

What’s the difference between Ascension and Assumption?


The Ascension of Christ took place by His own power. The Glorification of Mary’s Body and her Assumption was not, but was the decision and act of God.

Who has Christ commanded to continue His ministry?


Before ascending in the presence of His Apostles, Jesus commissioned them to continue His ministry of redemption, by saying:

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28: 18-20

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